Usha

Usha is the central heroine of Premanand's *Okhaharan*, one of the most celebrated Akhyans in classical Gujarati literature. She is the daughter of the demon king Banasura and a devotee of the goddess Parvati, whose blessings set the entire narrative in motion. When Usha dreams of a handsome young man and wakes consumed by longing for him, her anguish and determination drive the story forward with remarkable emotional force. Premanand portrays her not merely as a lovesick maiden but as a woman of spirit and agency, willing to pursue what her heart desires even within the constraints of her father's formidable household.

Her companion Chitralekha identifies the mysterious dream figure as Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna, and secretly brings him to Usha through her magical powers. The cantos featuring Usha trace her journey from yearning and secret joy to crisis and eventual resolution, capturing the full arc of romantic love as understood in the Bhakti tradition. Premanand's tender and vivid characterization of Usha has made her one of the most beloved heroines in all of Gujarati poetry.