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Qissa Pooran Bhagat (ਕਿੱਸਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਭਗਤ) is a Pujabi folktale. It tells the story of a prince turned ascetic Puran Bhagat. The tale is often considered to have been inspired from the tale of Oedipus. Although the tale doesn't find mention in any of the Indian ancient text, it is considered part of the folk culture. It is believed to be first written by writer Qadaryar in his book "Qissa Pooran Bhagat" and later in book Kalian Pooran Bhagat. Although the story in the two books is slightly different. Later many poets have re-written the tale. The most notable among the modern versions is Shiv Kumar Batalvi's book Loona.

Popular folktale
Pooran was the son of Salvaan and Ichhran the king and queen of Sialkot. The astrologers forbade the kind from seeing his son for 12 years and thus Pooran was confined into an underground room for that period along with his servants. He was provided with education in the confinement. In the meantime, King Salvaan had a second marriage with Loona, a beautiful but low caste young girl. On the age of 12, Pooran came out of the cell and met his father. Salvaan was very pleased to meet his son and proposed his marriage. Pooran however declared no interests in marrying and expressed his will to only spend his time in worship. Salvaan intially got angry but was later pacified by his minister who argued that Pooran is was only a child at that time and on coming to age will himself be willing to get married. Salvaan then asks Pooran to go and meet his mothers Ichraan and Loona. Pooran first went to meet Loona. Loona who was not satisfied with the Salvaan due to his old age, got smitten by the beauty and youth-fullness of Pooran. She proposed a romantic alliance between the two arguing that she is not his actual mother and is of nearly same age as him. However, her romantic advanced were rejected by Pooran who see Loona as his mother. A hurt Loona decided to avenge her disrespect and accused Pooran of violating her honor. Pooran pleaded his innocence but Salvaan didn't believe him and sentenced him to death. Loona secertly sent Pooran a letter to agree to her proposal and she could save him from the execution. Pooran again refused her offer. Ichhraan became blind due to sorrow. Executioners cut Pooran's hand and arms and threw him inside a well. After 12 years, a yogi named Gorakhnath visited that area and camped near that well. He spotted Pooran inside the well and took him out. Gorakhnath took Pooran to his dera|. Pooran told his story and how he ended up in the well to Gorakhnath. Gorakhnath took care of Pooran and in another 12 years restored his health. Pooran also turned ascetic and became Gorakhnath's pupil. Gorakhnath sent him to beg for alms. Pooran went to the palace of a beautiful queen named Sundra, who also got attracted toward Pooran. She went to Gorakhnath and for Pooran's hand in exchange for her services to Gorkhanath. In the order of his master, Pooran went with Sundra but left her next day and went to forests. Sundra in committed suicide on hearing this. Pooran went back to Gorakhnath's dera who ordered him to go back to Sialkot. Pooran went back and took Samadhi in a withered graden which started flourishing on Pooran's arrival. Citizens started visiting Pooran and he became very famous. Salvaan and Loona went to see Pooran, unaware about who he actually was. Seeing his parents, Pooran touched their feet. Salvaan and Loona wished for a son as a boon. Pooran reminded the king about his son who he had got him killed. On Pooran's persistency, Loona admitted her fault. Salveen became angry but Pooran asked him to forgive Loona. He gave Loona a rice grain and predicted that they will have a son. Later, Ichhran also arrived to see Pooran. She recognized his voice and asked him his true identity. Pooran admitted that he is his son, hearing which Ichhran got her eye sight back. Salvaan felt very ashamed and requested Pooran to come home and become king. Pooran refused this offer and left.

History
Punjabi poet Qadaryar or Kadaryar is believed to have this folktale first sometime in 19th century. His story was in a form of siharfi poetry. In his style every stanza contains four couplets and each second, fourth, sixth and eighth lines rhyme similarly. Later in 1983, Pakistani English poet Taufiq Rafat translated Qadaryar's version into English making very small changes. Many other poets and authors have retold the story. Some of the notable versions are the ones by Sardar Pooran Singh titled "Pooran Nath Yogi" and Shiv Kumar Batalvi titled Loona published in 1965. While the original tale has focused on Pooran, the versions by Singh and Batalvi has focused on Icchraan and Loona respectively. Many possible origins of the folktale are believed to be existing. One of the predominant view is that the tale is inspired by the greek story of Oedipus but with local flavor of its own. Another point of view describes this tale being Brahmanical and originated in time before the invasions of India. One more view portrays the tale as a reflection of Sikh politics of 19th century.

In popular culture
The story is often portrayed in stage plays across north India and Pakistan. 1933 film Puran Bhagat was based on this folktale.