Samrudhdi Kerkar
One day, before transforming into Maharshi Valmiki, Valya emerged from meditation and heard the loving chirps of birds. Looking around, he saw a pair of Kraunch Pakshi—Sarus Cranes—deeply engrossed in love. He paused to admire the sight.
But in the blink of an eye, like a sweet dream shattering, a swift and merciless arrow struck the male crane. He fell to the ground, his feathers stained with blood. What was once a song of joy turned into wails of anguish. The female crane mourned with such sorrow that the earth itself seemed to weep. Unable to bear the loss, she soon followed her beloved into the unknown.
Overcome with grief and anger, Valmiki cried out:
“Ma Nishad pratishthatwam agamah, Shashwati samah. Yat kraunchmithunad ekam avadhi kaammohitam.”
“O Nishad (tribal hunter)! You, who have slain an innocent bird lost in love, are cursed. May you never find peace or dignity in this life.”
This curse became the first shloka of Sanskrit poetry—the first recorded conservation message—and marked the beginning of the Ramayana. The devotion of the cranes became an everlasting muse, reflecting Ram and Sita’s unwavering bond.
Sarus Cranes have long symbolised true love across cultures. Known for their elegant courtship rituals, they duet in perfect harmony. In India, they are revered for their lifelong loyalty, believed to pine for lost partners, sometimes even to the point of death. In parts of Gujarat, newlyweds are taken to see a pair of Sarus Cranes, hoping their love will mirror the birds’ steadfast bond.
Recently, on a visit to Chilika Lake in Odisha, I had the privilege of spotting these majestic birds. Though I don’t recall seeing them in person before, their devotion has always fascinated me. How do they nurture such deep, lasting love—something rare even among people today?
Their enduring presence in literature adds to their mystique. Ruskin Bond captures their essence beautifully in his poem:
“For even the Sarus Crane
Will grieve over its lost companion,
And the seal its mate.
Somewhere in life
There must be someone
To take your hand
And share the torrid day.
Without the touch of love
There is no life, and we must fade away.”
Standing over five feet tall, the Sarus Crane is the world’s tallest flying bird, instantly recognisable by its striking red head and greyish-white plumage. The name Sarus comes from the Hindi saras, meaning ‘lake’ or ‘watery area’, reflecting its wetland habitat. An Indian 14-seater propeller aircraft, the Saras, is also named after this bird. Researchers believe Sarus Cranes (Antigone antigone) have existed for 230 million years and can live up to 90—a truly astonishing legacy.
Found in India, Australia, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, these omnivores thrive near agricultural fields, where many farmers protect them due to their religious significance. Their breeding season falls during the monsoon, when they build large nests and lay eggs. Honoured as the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, they even appear on coins and in folklore.
Their loyalty has inspired countless stories. In Uttar Pradesh, a farmer once rescued an injured crane and nursed it back to health. Even after its recovery, the bird refused to leave his side. Sadly, legal regulations led to its relocation to a zoo, and their emotional reunion, captured on video, touched hearts worldwide.
A similar theme appears in the Japanese folktale Tsuruno Ongaeshi (The Crane’s Gratitude), where a man rescues a crane, only to later discover his wife is the bird in human form. She secretly weaves silk brocade from her feathers to support them, but when her secret is revealed, she transforms back into a crane and flies away—a tale of love, sacrifice, and devotion.
Even in Buddhist tradition, a young Siddhartha once saved a wounded crane from his cousin’s arrow, moved by deep compassion—an early sign of his boundless empathy.
Despite their revered status, Sarus Cranes face growing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and urbanisation. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, their survival depends on conserving wetlands, promoting sustainable agriculture, and raising awareness. As symbols of love and resilience, they must not fade into legend—their story deserves to be remembered.
