Know Your Sages Book Final
Know Your Sages Book Final
CHAPTER 1
Dear friends
Sincerely
Chinu
Retired Bank Unionst
1.SAGE VASISTHA
Sage Vasistha was one of the mind born sons of Lord Brahma. Brahma
created seven sons from his mind. So Vasistha was having six brothers.
These six brothers were Marichi, Athri, Angeersa, Pulasthia Pulaha and
Krathu. These seven sages together are called Saptharshies.
Vasistha was the Royal priest of Dasaratha. Dasaratha was not having
children through the Queens. (Note- This has been specified here
because it will be referred later) Dasaratha was advised by his family
priest Vasistha o perform a fire sacrifice ceremony to seek the blessings
of God for children. This sacrifice was Puthra Kama Ishti yagam. The
Gheer from the yaga was taken by the Queens and subsequently children
born were Sri Rama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Satrugna. The yaga was
not performed by Vasistha.
On those days it was customary to say the Gothra for Kshathrias as that
of their priest. As such during the time of marriage of Sree Rama with
Sita Purohitas recited mantras stating Sree Rama from Soorya vamsam,
son of King Dasaratha, Vasistha Gothra, born in Punartham star and
thithi Navami.
2.SAGE VISWAMITHRA
Viswamithra led family life leaving all penance with Menaka. The story
of Viswamithra is narrated in the Balakanda of Valmiki Ramayana. The
Mahabharata adds that Viswamithra's relationship with Menaka resulted
in a daughter, SHAKUNTHALA whose story is narrated in the Adi
Parva of the Mahabharata.
King Trisanku then asked Vasistha's seven sons to send him to heaven .
The sons, outraged that Trisanku should not come to them when their
father had refused and cursed king Trisanku to be a chandala, or
untouchable.
Viswamithra took pity on wandering Trisanku as Chandala. He listened
to the incidents made a king to a chandala. Viswamithra with his
tapaswic power send Trisanku up and when Indra objected to his entry
to Heaven.
In this write up, a compilation I have mentioned about three more sages
GAUTAMA, BHARADWAJA, CHANDILYA who will be dealt with
in the continuing postings.
CHAPTER 2
KNOW ABOUT SAGES 2
1.INTRODUCTION
2.SAGE ATRI
Once sage NARADA went to Devaloka and told about the chastity of
Devi Anasuya to Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathy wives of
Trimoorthies. They persuaded their husbands to test her chastity.
Having no alternate, Brahma, Vishnu and Siva appeared before the
Ashram of sage Atri some where in a forest near todays
SUCHEENDRAM taking the form of three Brahmins.
At that time Sage Atri was away for a penance in Himalayas. Before
proceeding
to
Himalayas
Anasuya
prepared
the
CHARANAMRITAM of sage Atri and she kept it sacred in the
Ashram. She felt the charanamritam will help her in all situations.
Devi Anasuya welcomed the three Brahmins on their visit and she
politely requested the purpose of their visit to Ashram. The
Brahmins desired food from the Ashrama. She happily said food is
readily available and requested them to take their seats. The
Brahmins now expressed their condition that THEY WILL TAKE
FOOD ONLY IF SHE SERVED FOOD WITH OUT DRESS.
The wives of Trinities were alarmed for not seeing their husbands
back even after a long period. After waiting for some more time they
reached Atris Ashram. They found their husbands in the form of
small babies sleeping in the Ashram. They identified themselves
with Sati Anasuya and identified the Brahmins are nobody but
Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
children,
from the
of Lord
will read
Sri Rama, the son of Dasaratha, visited Atri Maharishi's Ashram during
his fourteen years of stay in the forest. It was sage Atri who showed the
way to DANDAKARANYA forest to Sri Rama, after showering his
hospitality on him.
3,SAGE GAUTHAMA
Sage Gauthama was the son of Sage Rahugana, and belonging to the
lineage from Sage ANGIRASA. Sage Gauthama was present during
Palazhimanthan and he was an onlooker.
Indra either could express his desire to have her or could oppose
giving her to Gauthama at appropriate time . However Indra could
not forget Ahalya.
married and lived very happy with sage Gauthama, she had some liking
for Indra and his position.
Now comes the interesting story. INDRA took the help of MOON GOD
and came to ashram of sage Gowthama one midnight night. Moon took
the form of cock and crawled as if it was getting morning. Gouthama
woke up and started to near river for morning bath. Indra did not wait
even a minute. He disguised in the form of Gauthama himself and
approached Ahalya. It is told Ahalya did not object Indras advances.
Sage Gauthama returned a little earlier and found Indra with Ahalya and
Indra in his form. Gauthama cursed Indra to have through out his body
that he will have marks of private organs of women. She was cursed to
be a stone.
The Narada purana describes the story of the 12-year famine during
which Gautama fed all the Rishis and saved them
Sage Gautama was the most ancient sage of all Brahmin lawgivers. He
was quoted by Baudhayana and belonged to Samaveda School.
Gautamas teachings are called Gautamasutra or Gautamasmriti.
We have introduced the name of a new sage Durvasa- son of sage Atri.
We have again remembered of sage Bharadwaja and sage Sandilya as
his students. I will be posting their stories in subsequent postings
CHAPTER 3
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-3
1. SAGE RISHIASHRINGA
I am choosing sage Rishia shringa as next sage. I did not mention
his name but an occasion to related to him was told in my Know
sages1. Yes. He performed Puthra Kama Ishti yaga for begetting
MALE CHILDREN FOR KING DASARATHA
One Malayalam film VAISALI came about 20 years back directed
by Bharathan will be recollecting the story of sage Rishiashringa.
The film as well as its beautiful songs appear in TV channels now a
day.
1a.1Who was the sage Rishia shringa? Who were his parents?
Sage Kashyapa created sage Vibondaka using his mental prowess
while he was meditating. As soon as Vibondaka came out of
burning; Rishia shringa could not answer the queries of father etc.
in the film Vaisali. He stormed to Anga intending to put a curse on
the king. But he was convinced by one and all that what had
happened was destined to be.
Shanti had already become pregnant and Vibondaka instructed
Rishyashringa that as soon as his child was born he must return to
the hermitage On Rishia shringa reaching Anga it poured cats and
dogs there.
1.e Puthra Kama Ishti yaga
Dasharatha was desperate for a heir. Sage Vasishtha told
Dasharatha that if Rishyashringa performed the putra-kamesti
(desire for a son) sacrifice he was sure to beget sons. Dasharatha
personally went to Anga and begged Rishyashringa to perform the
sacrifice.
CHAPTER 4
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-4
1. SAGE DURVASA
DUR-VASA means `Ill-clothed. We have already seen while telling
the story of sage Atri and Anasuya, a son was born to them as
emanation of Siva. This son was Durvasa.
1.1
We have read in these postings about sage Viswamithra who left his
ascetic life and spent 10 years with apsaras MENAKA. They lived
with great love and affection. Sage Viswamithra again went to ascetic
life after the birth of a daughter. Menaka too left back to Heavens
leaving the child near the hermit of SAGE KANva. Sage Kanva
brought up the child and she was named SAKUNTHALA.
Sakunthala grew up in the Ashram of sage Kanva. Born to apsaras
Menaka, nothing specially to say, when grown up she was extremely
beautiful.
Sage Durvasa was noted for his irascible temper, and many fell under
his curse. Once sage Kanva had gone out of hermit for some works
and Sakunthala was alone in the hermit. Sage Durvasa came by the
hermit at that time. He called sage Kanva waiting in the door. He saw
Sakunthala in the hermitage. Sakunthala was deeply immersed in the
thought of King Dushyanta and their happy moments. So immediately
she was not alerted on first call. Sakunthala invited sage Durvasa to
come inside on his second calling.
Enraged Durvasa cursed Sakunthala for keeping him waiting at the
door and cursed the person whom she was in her mind will forget her.
On regretting for the incidents telling her actual condition sage
Durvasa got pitied for his curse and altered it that the King will
recollect her on producing evidence.
Remaining story of Sakunthala and birth of king Bharatha we will be
reading with sage BHARADWAJA.
1.3
Sage Durvasa not only cursed but blessed also. Once Durvasa went to
the palace of KUNTIBHOJA. Princess Kunti was specially assigned
to serve the sage. Pleased at her serving sage Durvasa blessed Kunti
that she can become mother by praying to five Gods SOORYA,
DHARMA, VAYU, INDRA AND ASWINI devas.
To test the efficacy of the sages blessing Princess Kunti called the
Sun God Soorya with out thinking of its effects on her. .Sun couldnt
leave with out giving her a Sun as per the blessing. So KARNA was
born to her. Story of Karna we will be discussing in the story about
SAGE PARASURAMA.
1.6
The Vishnu Purana states that Krishna fell according to the imprecation
of Durvasa and in the same work Durvasa is made to describe himself
as one whose nature is stranger to remorse.
1.8 SUMMARY
Brahmas manasaputra was Atri. Atris son was sage Durvasa. His story
is told in epic Mahabharata.
CHAPTER 5
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-5
Bharadwaja-
Great
Grandson
of
sage
King Bharatha had no children for a long time. One day he was
strolling through the banks of river Ganga. He found a boy being
brought up by MARUT DEVATAS taught with all Vedic
knowledge. The king learnt from Marut Devatas that they had
actually found the child near river Ganga and they raised him and
taught him about the Vedas and named him Bharadwaja. Suddenly
a thought came to King Bharathas mind to adopt the child and
make him heir of the kingdom. Bharatha did so, but Bharadwaja
had NOT MUCH INTEREST in kingship. (Please note my wordingnot much. It has reference in this posting itself)
1.3
1.4
Vaarshikas but the demons had the upper hand. Abhyavarti and
Divodasha fled from the battlefield and arrived at Sage
Bharadwajas ashram.
Bharadwaja had a debate with Bhrugu about the caste system and
he said that physiologically there was no difference between
members of any caste. He performed the Putrakameshti yajnam for
Divodasa, so that he could get a son.
The legend is that he was born as the son of Brihaspati His mother
was the wife of Utathya. She became pregnant by her husband and
by Brihaspati, it is told. Dirgha-tamas, the son by Uthathya, kicked
his half-brother out of the womb before his birth in anger. At that
time Brihaspati said to his mother, `Bhara-dwa-jam, `Cherish this
child of two fathers.
1.14 SUMMARY
CHAPTER 6
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-6
I have posted in the earlier FIVE PARTS of of this series about the
following sages: 1.Sage Vasistha- Son of Brahma
2 Sage Atri-Another son of Brahma
3 Sage Viswamithra- A contemporary of sage Vasistha
4 Sage Gowthama -A sage present during Palazhi manthan
5 Sage Rishiasringa- The sage who performed the Puthra kama Ishti
Yaga for Dasaratha
6 Sage Durvasa- son of sage Atri.
7 Sage Bharadwaja Son of Brihaspathi and adopted son of King
Bharatha.
already, were as such his brothers. Sage Angirasa would have been
the CHITHAPPA TO SAGE DURVASA if the order of sages
Mareechi, Atri, Angeerasa, Pulasthia, Pulaha is the order from elder
to younger.
1.1
Sage Angirasa had two more sons other than Brihaspathi. They
were UTATHYA AND SAMVARTANA.
He had other daughters who were the Richas or Vaidik hymns, and
sons who were the Manes called Havishmats.
1.2
1.3
The lower bird sees the higher bird which is calm, unattached and
at peace. The lower bird hops towards the higher one. It suddenly
realizes that the upper bird is also just himself, his true Self.
Knowing this his grief disappears. He realizes that the Ego was not
real, the Self was real.
1.4
In later times Angiras was one of the inspired lawgivers and also a
writer on astronomy. As an astronomical personification he is
Brihaspati, the regent of the planet Jupiter, or the planet itself. He
was also called " the priest of the gods," and "the lord of sacrifice."
1.5
1.7
1.8
In the Rig Veda, Indra drives out cows from where they had been
imprisoned by either a demon (Vala) or multiple demons (the Panis)
and gifts them to the Angirasas (RV 3.31, 10.108 and a reference in
8.14). Mandala 6 of the Rig Veda is attributed to a family of
Angirasas.
1.9 SUMMARY
CHAPTER 7
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-7
Respected friends
I have already posted SIX PARTS of my postings under the above title
and the following sages are covered in them: -
I think this type of introduction and end summary could help those
interested to know about sages in nutshell
In this posting the stories and incidents about three sages 1. Sage
Sandilya 2. Sage Pulasthia 3. Sage Pulaha are told.
1.SAGE SANDILYA
1.1
Sage Sandilya was the descendant of sage Kashyapa and his father's
name was 'DEVALA' He was the royal priest of king Dileep who
belonged to Soorya vamsa.
'We have already seen sage SANDILYA WAS THE CHIEF HOTA
TO SAGE VISWAMITHRA IN CREATING THE TRISANKU
SWARGA YAGYA.
1.2
Sandilya was one of the great sages of ancient India and a Vedic
scholar. Among Brahmins there is a gothram named after him,
specifying that the generations of people belonged to Sandilya as the
paternal root.
1.3
1.4
Once a Brahmin lady came to sage Sandilya telling her pities. She
came with two boys, her son Suchivrata and an orphan prince
named Dharmagupta whose father was slain in battle and the
kingdom was conquered by enemies. Sage Sandilya asked them to
observe Pradosha vratha.
Acting upon the sage's advice, the woman and the boys performed
the Vrata with great devotion. After four months, i.e. DURING
THE EIGHTH PRADOSHA, SUCHIVRATA OBTAINED THE
NECTAR POT AND DRANK THE AMBROSIA.
1.5
Chandrodaya Upanishath
Sage Pulaha was a great sage. His wife was KSHAMA, and he had
three sons, Kardama, Arva-rivat, and Sahishnu. We have already
read about sage kardamas daughter Sraddha wife od sage
Angeerasa. This mean Sraddaha was the grand daughter of sage
Pulaha.
He was not only a just king loved by his subjects but was also
spiritually inclined. Bharata performed many sacrifices and his
devotion to God grew day by day. He retired to the hermitage of
Sage Pulaha on the bank of the Gandaki river (Salagramakshetra in
Nepal) after dividing the kingdom between his sons, to devote his life
to worshipping God.
3. SAGE PULASTYA
Preeti, wife of Sage Pulasthya had two sons named Dattarnavr and
Dahvahu. She also had a daughter named Dwashdwati.
Sage Pulasthya has described how to start Vedic rituals as follows: Take bath, do sandhya vandanam, and collect enough water to
sprinkle over the homa articles and the house. Do
achamana and start the Vedic rituals. (MY NOTE- I HAVE
SPECIFICALLY TO MAKE A NOTE HERE ABOUT SANDHYA
VANDANAM. IT WAS FROM PULASTHIA TIMES)
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 8
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-8
I have already posted seven parts of this series and the following sages
are covered in them: -
05 Sage Rishiasringa- The sage who performed the Puthra kama Ishti
Yaga for Dasaratha
Today my posting is about the stories and incidents about two sages 1.
Sage Mareechi 2. Sage Kratu Also I am writing about the Sage
Vasisthas sons-their names.
1. SAGE MAREECHI
Sage Marichi and his six brothers married the seven daughters of Sage
Kardam and Devahuti in a similar way like Sree Rama for easy re-
The marriage of Devahuti and Kardam was an ideal one. Devahuti first
gave birth to nine daughters and then to one son Kapila, who was a
manifestation of Vishnu. So sage Kapila was the brother in- law
(Machinan) for all the saptharshies.
Purnima had two sons Viraja and Vishvaga and a daughter Devakulya.
TODAY WE KNOW DEVAKULYA AS THE RIVER GANGA.
Should she complete washing her husbands feet or should she first
attend to Brahma, since Brahma was Mareechi's father? She
decided to attend to Brahma first.
2.SAGE KRATU
It was KRIYA, sage Kardam's daughter who was married to sage Kratu.
The Vishnu Purana says that sage Kratu had another wife SAMNATI.
Kratu had 60,000 sons called as VALIKHILYAS. They were no bigger
than a joint of the thumb.
SUMMARY
Sage Kratu had given birth to small beings, of the size of the thumb.
CHAPTER 9
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-9
Respected friends
I have already posted EIGHT parts of this series and the following
sages are covered in them: -
05 Sage Rishiasringa- The sage who performed the Puthra kama Ishti
Yaga for Dasaratha
SAGE KASHYAPA
1.1.
All these women gave birth to so many children that the whole
world was filled up with their progenies and off springs.
Note-2 Many a time when I see the idol of Rohini in temples along
with Chandra I used to recollect the favoritism story of Chandra
and if some body along with me may desire to know and I used to
talk of it)
Aditi was the mother of all the Devatas and the twelve Aaditya
(suns).
Diti gave birth to the 'Daitya', Danu was the mother of the
'Danavas' (demons), 'Kala' and 'Danayu' also gave birth to the
Danavas (demons).
'Sinhika' gave birth to lions and tigers, 'Krodha' was the mother of
the demons who had great anger.
'Vinata' gave birth to 'Garuda', 'Arun' etc. Kadru was the mother
of snakes and cobras and 'Manu' was the mother of all human
beings.
We are the offspring of Maharshi Kashyapa and so are the trees, the
animals, the birds etc. Many puranas have the creation story told in
detail.
Out of these 13 daughters, Aditi was the senior most loving wife of
the sage Kashyapa. She was the mother of all the deities including
'INDRA'. Even Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana in this family.
Lord Vishnu loved both Kashyapa and Aditi very much as the sage
was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Sage Shandilya was the descendant of sage Kashyapa and his father's
name was 'Devala'. He was the royal priest of king Dileep who belonged
to Raghuvansha. Trisanku was a king of Raghu vamsa and hence the
Sandilya the Hota.
Aditi he begat the Adityas, headed by Indra, and also Vivaswat, and
"to Vivaswat was born the wise and mighty Manu."
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 10
KNOW ABOUT SAGES 10
Respected friends
They are
1.1
1.2
1.3
Sage Angeerasa- His Prominent sage son was Braha
spathi(Guru).Another prominent son was Agni
1.4
Sage Pulasthia He had two prominent sage sons . Sage
Visravas, father of Kubera and Ravana through a demon woman,
was one of the prominent sons of sage Pulasthia. Another
prominent sage son wassage Kardam
2
GRAND
SAPTHARSHIES
SONS
AND
OTHER
RELATIONS
OF
2.1 We have seen sage Kashyapa was the son of sage Mareechi. He
married Kala, daughter of sage Kardam and Princess Devahuti. Sage
Kardams only son was sage Kapila. So we have two new sages- Father
in Law of Kashyapa- sage Kardam and brother in Law of sage
Kashyapa- sage Kapila.
In fact sage Kardam was the father in Law of all the saptharshies and
sage Kabila was the Machinan to all the saptharshies.
2.2 We have seen Sage Durvasa was the son of sage Atri- I presume he
remained as bachelor. Any reading member can throw some light about
his progeny if it was there.
2.3 We have seen sage Angeerasa has his prominent son Brihsapathi. He
became Deva guru and most prominent Planet. His very prominent sage
son was Bharadwaja. Another prominent son was Kachha.
3
HOW
DAUGHTER
PULAHA
MARRY
SAGE
KARDAMS
Sage Pulahas wife was Kshama, and he had three sons, Kardama,
Arva-rivat, and Sahishnu. We have already read about sage
kardamas daughter Sraddha was married to sage Pulaha. This
mean Sraddaha was the grand daughter of sage Pulaha.
3.1
"Perhaps," replied Vishnu, "but it is not for humans to judge the actions
of the gods. How could creation proceed if Brahma did not marry
Shatarupa
4. SAGE KAPILA
Now we will see the story of Machinan of all the sapatharshies- sage
Kapila. (Recollect sage Kardam had seven daughters and last one son Kabila. The seven daughters were married to Saptharshies)
An ignorant man makes his life miserable being attached with his
body. He has to face torture for his crimes and sins in hell after he
dies and has to remain there for thousands of years until by the
grace of the Almighty, he again takes birth as a human being. He is
not spared even after his rebirth, as the life in the mother's womb is
full of miseries and hardships. Even the childhood is miserable due
to the dependency, helplessness and the youth is miserable due to
the desires for lust and the defects like anger, tensions etc. The old
age is naturally the most miserable phase in man's life.
Summary
NEXT POSTING
CHAPTER 11
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-13
Respected friends
In the last Posting I had the stories about sage Brighu another mind
born son of Brahma. This posting is the story about Devayani
daughter of Sukracharya.
Recollecting the story already told about Devayani, which was left
in middle.
The two friends had gone to bathe in a pond and had left their
clothes on the bank. Indra adopted the form of a breeze and mixed
up the clothes. When Sharmishtha donned her clothes after her
bath, she put on Devayanis clothes by mistake.
Yayati also fell in love with Devayani. Devayani too liked Yayati
and the two got married.
Devayani.
UNDER
NO
CIRCUMSTANCES
MARRY
SHARMISHTHA, otherwise I am going to curse. In due course,
Devayani gave birth to YADU AND TURVASU.
Sharmishtha had secretly married Yayati and she too gave birth to
DRUHYA, ANU AND PURU. Puru was one of the best kings later.
"You have insulted me," Devayani told Yayati. "I will remain your
wife no longer. You have married my servant." Shukracharya was
also furious. Yayati had gone against his wishes and had married
Sharmishtha.
The Hari-vansa relates that he went to Siva and asked for means of
protecting the Asuras against the gods, and for obtaining his object
he performed a painful rite, imbibing the smoke of chaff with his
head downwards for a thousand years.
In his absence the gods attacked the Asuras and Vishnu killed his
mother, for which deed Sukra cursed him to be born seven times in
the world of men. This give rise to incarnations of Vishnu.
Sukra restored his mother to life, and the gods being alarmed lest
Sukra's penance should be accomplished,
Indra sent his daughter JAYANTI to lure him from it. She waited
upon him and soothed him, but he accomplished his penance and
afterwards married her. The story of Jayanti is told in Matsya
purana
Sukra was the priest to king Mahabali who every year visit Kerala
during onam festival. While Vamana approached Mahabali for 3
earth Sukracharya felt some thing rotten in the affairs. He warned
Mahabali not to comply with the request of Vamana. In spite
Mahabali did not want to with draw the promise.
With all these, for seeing the downfall as royal priest Sukra entered
in to the KINDI VAL OBSTRUCTING THE FALL OF WATER
during offering by Mahabali in the kindi through which water is
offered. His eye was pierced by VAMANA with Durbha for flow of
water and later restored.
SUMMARY
Sukracharya was the Asura Guru. He was the son of sage Brighu.
His daughter was Devayani. One of his wives was Jayanti- daughter
of Indra. Sukra is the best of the planets in the astral charts.
Keeping Indra as his God Sukracharya respect his mamanar very
much.
Next Posting
CHAPTER 12
Respected friends
In the last Posting I had the stories about sage Brighu another mind
born son of Brahma. This posting is the story about Devayani
daughter of Sukracharya.
Recollecting the story already told about Devayani, which was left
in middle.
The two friends had gone to bathe in a pond and had left their
clothes on the bank. Indra adopted the form of a breeze and mixed
up the clothes. When Sharmishtha donned her clothes after her
bath, she put on Devayanis clothes by mistake.
Yayati also fell in love with Devayani. Devayani too liked Yayati
and the two got married.
one thousand other demon women since the king and demons
wanted Sukracharya.
Sharmishtha had secretly married Yayati and she too gave birth to
DRUHYA, ANU AND PURU. Puru was one of the best kings later.
secretly
their father, the truth came out. They told her that they were King
Yayatis sons.
"You have insulted me," Devayani told Yayati. "I will remain your
wife no longer. You have married my servant." Shukracharya was
also furious. Yayati had gone against his wishes and had married
Sharmishtha.
The Hari-vansa relates that he went to Siva and asked for means of
protecting the Asuras against the gods, and for obtaining his object
he performed a painful rite, imbibing the smoke of chaff with his
head downwards for a thousand years.
In his absence the gods attacked the Asuras and Vishnu killed his
mother, for which deed Sukra cursed him to be born seven times in
the world of men. This give rise to incarnations of Vishnu.
Sukra restored his mother to life, and the gods being alarmed lest
Sukra's penance should be accomplished,
Indra sent his daughter JAYANTI to lure him from it. She waited
upon him and soothed him, but he accomplished his penance and
afterwards married her. The story of Jayanti is told in Matsya
purana
Sukra was the priest to king Mahabali who every year visit Kerala
during onam festival. While Vamana approached Mahabali for 3
earth Sukracharya felt some thing rotten in the affairs. He warned
Mahabali not to comply with the request of Vamana. In spite
Mahabali did not want to with draw the promise.
With all these, for seeing the downfall as royal priest Sukra entered
in to the KINDI VAL OBSTRUCTING THE FALL OF WATER
during offering by Mahabali in the kindi through which water is
offered. His eye was pierced by VAMANA with Durbha for flow of
water and later restored.
SUMMARY
Sukracharya was the Asura Guru. He was the son of sage Brighu.
His daughter was Devayani. One of his wives was Jayanti- daughter
of Indra. Sukra is the best of the planets in the astral charts.
Keeping Indra as his God Sukracharya respect his mamanar very
much.
Next Posting
CHAPTER 13
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-13
Respected friends
In the last Posting I had the stories about sage Brighu another mind
born son of Brahma. This posting is the story about Devayani
daughter of Sukracharya.
Recollecting the story already told about Devayani, which was left
in middle.
The two friends had gone to bathe in a pond and had left their
clothes on the bank. Indra adopted the form of a breeze and mixed
up the clothes. When Sharmishtha donned her clothes after her
bath, she put on Devayanis clothes by mistake.
Yayati also fell in love with Devayani. Devayani too liked Yayati
and the two got married.
Sharmishtha had secretly married Yayati and she too gave birth to
DRUHYA, ANU AND PURU. Puru was one of the best kings later.
"You have insulted me," Devayani told Yayati. "I will remain your
wife no longer. You have married my servant." Shukracharya was
also furious. Yayati had gone against his wishes and had married
Sharmishtha.
The Hari-vansa relates that he went to Siva and asked for means of
protecting the Asuras against the gods, and for obtaining his object
In his absence the gods attacked the Asuras and Vishnu killed his
mother, for which deed Sukra cursed him to be born seven times in
the world of men. This give rise to incarnations of Vishnu.
Sukra restored his mother to life, and the gods being alarmed lest
Sukra's penance should be accomplished,
Indra sent his daughter JAYANTI to lure him from it. She waited
upon him and soothed him, but he accomplished his penance and
afterwards married her. The story of Jayanti is told in Matsya
purana
Sukra was the priest to king Mahabali who every year visit Kerala
during onam festival. While Vamana approached Mahabali for 3
earth Sukracharya felt some thing rotten in the affairs. He warned
Mahabali not to comply with the request of Vamana. In spite
Mahabali did not want to with draw the promise.
With all these, for seeing the downfall as royal priest Sukra entered
in to the KINDI VAL OBSTRUCTING THE FALL OF WATER
during offering by Mahabali in the kindi through which water is
offered. His eye was pierced by VAMANA with Durbha for flow of
water and later restored.
SUMMARY
Sukracharya was the Asura Guru. He was the son of sage Brighu.
His daughter was Devayani. One of his wives was Jayanti- daughter
of Indra. Sukra is the best of the planets in the astral charts.
Keeping Indra as his God Sukracharya respect his mamanar very
much.
Next Posting
CHAPTER 14
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-14
Respected friends
1.SAGE CHYAVANA
Sage Chyavana story is told in Satapatha Brahmana and very
briefly is in Rigveda. His story is told in Mahabharartha in detail.
Sage Chyavana is the author of many Hymns in Rigveda. He was
the grand son of Brahma. He was half brother to sage Sukracharya.
1.1 Princess Sukanya poke sage Chyavanass eyes in play
The version of this story as told in the Maha bharata and Puranas
is as follows: Once Sage Chyavana was taking a penance on the banks of the river
NARMADA. Chyavana was so absorbed in penance that white ants
constructed their nests round his body and left only his eyes visible.
SUKANYA, DAUGHTER OF KING SARYATA, seeing two bright
eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick as
child play and he became blind. The sage visited King Saryata, and
wanted the promise of the king to give him Sukanya in marriage for
the offence made by her.
Since his daughter was at fault for the blindness the King was ready
to give Sukanya to the sage in marriage. Sukanya too accepted her
folly and expressed readiness to marry the blind sage in spite sage
Chyavana was looking old and weak.
1.2 Princess Sukanya left the royal Palace and enjoyments and took
a life with sage Chyavana in his hermitage.
One day the Aswini Kumars (They are sons of Lord Soorya) came
by the hermitage. They were attracted to the beauty of Sukanya.
Subsequently the Aswins, compassionated her union with so old and
ugly a husband as Chyavana, and tried to induce her to take one of
them in his place as her husband. But Sukanya was a woman who
was very loyal and devoted and chaste.
When their persuasions failed, they told her they were the
physicians of the gods, and would restore her husband sage
Chyavana to youth and beauty by taking a bath along with them,
when she could make her choice between him and one of them.
The idea of Aswins was that ALL THE THREE WILL LOOK
IDENTICAL after bath and she may get confused and one of them
could get her.
1.3
1.4
1.5
sage Chyvana who looked very old came young by taking bath in a
pond as directed by Aswin kumars.
1.12 Chyavana pravara sage of Srivatsa Gothra
I am born in Srivatsa Gothra. Chyvana and Avurva appear as the
2nd and 4th sage in the pravara of Srivatsa Gothra. The pravara
sages are as follows in Srivatsa Gothra. Bhargava, CHYVANA,
Aplavana, AURVA, Jamadagniya-Pancharisheya..
SUMMARY
Sage Chyavana was the son of sage Brighu. His wife was Sukanya.
His sons were Harita and Aurva. Sukracharya was his half brother.
Chyavana was associated with king Kusika and created a magical
golden palace to him. Sage Parasurama was king Kusikas
grandson.
NEXT POSTING
Next posting we will see the stories of sages JAMADAGNI AND
SAGE PARASURAMA
To be continued in part 15
CHAPTER 15
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-15
Respected friends
The last Posting was the stories about sage Chyavana son of sage
Bhrighu, through his wife Pouloma. This posting is the story of sage
JAMADAGNI AND HIS SON SAGE PARASURAMA.
SAGE JAMADAGNI
1.1
1.2
Jamadagnis birth
1.3
1.4
Reference in Mahabharata
1.5
Sage Jamadagni went to King Renu or Prasena jit of the Solar race
and demanded his daughter Renuka in marriage to him. The king
gave her to him, and Jamadagni retired with Renuka to his
hermitage, where the princess shared in his ascetic life.
1.6
It was the practice for her to bring water from river after making a
mud pot daily. Because of her purity with in minutes the handmade
pots used to get dried up and she used to carry water in the mud
pots made from river clay
One day she went out to bathe and got struck up seeing a sporting
Gandharva with his wife in the water. Their pleasure made her feel
envious so she was defiled by unworthy thoughts.
On that day with repeated trials the mud pot she was trying to make
with new clay did not got shape and did not got dried up. She could
not carry the water. After repeated trials, having no alternative
SHE RETURNED AFTER BATH WITHOUT WATER. Her
husband beheld her fallen from perfection and shorn of the lustre
of her sanctity. So he reproved her and was exceeding wroth.
1.7
His sons came into the hermitage in the order of their birth, and he
commanded each of them in succession to kill his mother. Influenced
by natural affection, four of them held their peace and did nothing.
Their father cursed them and they became idiots bereft of all
understanding.
When Parasu-rama entered, he obeyed his fathers order and struck
off his mothers head with his axe. The deed assuaged the fathers
anger, and he desired his son to make a request.
1.8
1.9
Cow Nandini get forcibly carried from sage
Jamadagnis hermitage by king Kartavirya
The sons of Karta-virya went in revenge to the hermitage of Jamadagni, and in the absence of Parasu-rama slew the pious sage without
pity. When Parasu-rama found the lifeless body of his father, he laid
it on a funeral pile and vowed that he would EXTIRPATE THE
2. SAGE PARASURAMA
SUMMARY
Sage Jamadagni was a sage in the lineage of sage Bhrighu. His wife
was Renuka, the princess. His foremost son was sage Parasurama.
Parasurama created Bhargava Kshethra and did penance. Later
went to Mahendra Mountains and still in penance.
NEXT POSTING
In the next posting we will be seeing the stories about sage Aurva in
the lineage of Bhrighu and abut sage Parasara disciple of sage
Kapila
End of Know sages15. To be continued Know sages16
CHAPTER 16
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-16
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 15) the stories sage Jamadagni
and his son sage Parasurama were told. This posting is the story of
sage Parasara and sage Aurva.
SAGE PARASARA
Parasara was a Rigvedic sage and author of many ancient Indian
texts. Sage Parasara was the GRANDSON OF VASISHTHA, THE
SON OF SAGE SHAKTI, AND THE FATHER OF VEDA VYASA.
There are several texts, which give reference to Parara as the
author/speaker.
Modern scholars believe that there were many individuals who used
this name throughout time. Hindus believe that the same Parasara
taught these various texts and the time of writing them varied. The
actual sage himself never wrote the texts, he was known as a
traveling teacher, and the various texts attributed to him are given
in reference to Parasara being the speaker to his student.
1.1 Genealogy
We already know Vasishtha was the mind born son of Brahma. And
his wife was chaste Arundhati. They had a son named sage Shakti.
Parasara was the son of sage Sakthi
1.2 Parasara brought up by sage Vasistha
Sage Parasara was raised by his grand father, Vasishtha, because he
lost his father at an early age. His father, sage Shakti, was on a
journey and came across an angry Rakshasa (demon) who had once
been a king but was turned into a demon feeding on human flesh as
a curse from VISHWAMITRA. The demon devoured Parasaras
father. In the Visnu Purana, Parasara speaks about his anger as
follows: "I had heard that my father had been devoured by a Rakshasa
employed by Vishwamitra: violent anger seized me, and I
commenced a sacrifice for the destruction of the Rakshasas:
hundreds of them were reduced to ashes by the rite, when, as they
were about to be entirely exterminated, my grandfather Vasishtha
said to me: Enough, my child; let thy wrath be appeased: the
RAKSHASAS ARE NOT CULPABLE: THY FATHER'S DEATH
WAS THE WORK OF DESTINY. Anger is the passion of fools; it
becometh not a wise man. By whom, it may be asked, is any one
killed? Every man reaps the consequences of his own acts. Anger,
my son, is the destruction of all that man obtains by arduous
exertions, of fame, and of devout austerities; and prevents the
attainment of heaven or of emancipation.
The chief sages always shun wrath: be not subject to its influence,
my child. Let no more of these unoffending spirits of darkness be
consumed. Mercy is the might of the righteous.
1.3 Birth of Sathyavathi
UPARICHARA was the king of CHEDI AND GIRIKA was his wife.
Once bursting with youthful affection Girika desired to bear an heir
to the throne. The king too wanted an heir, but had to leave for a
remote forested district of his kingdom for an urgent task. He
promised Girika that she would get her wish on his return. In the
lovely woods he saw natural life being reproduced all around him
and dreaming of his vivacious wife, he could not contain himself.
However he did not want to waste his seed of life so he asked a bird
to carry it immediately to the queen. In mid-flight this bird was
attacked by another and the semen fell into a river where it was
swallowed by a fish.
The fish in reality was an apsara (divine maiden) by the name of
ADRIKA. She had been cursed by Brahma to live as a fish till she
gave birth to HUMAN TWINS.
On swallowing the semen Adrika conceived and during the coming
months human life developed inside her body. Just as she was due to
give birth, she was caught in the nets of FISHERMEN LED BY
DASHRAJA. When the fish was cut open a boy and a girl were
found inside. The boy was MATSYA AND THE GIRL MATSYAA.
Adrikas curse was now fulfilled and she regained her womanly
form and returned to heaven. The children were brought up by
Dashraja. The later girl came to be known as SATYAVATI.
MY NOTE- To summarise SATYAVATHI was born from the
semen of KING UPARICHARA born by DIVINE FISH ADRIKA
and brought by DASHRAJA CHIEF OF FISHERMEN.
1.4 Parasara meets Sathyavathi and sage Vyasa born
When she became young , Satyavati took to ferrying pilgrims across
the river Yamuna. Once she was taking the Sage Parashara in her
boat. Smitten by her charm he wanted to make love to her.
Parashara told her that she was destined to give birth to a very great
person from this liaison.
Satyavathi placed three conditions before him. The first was that no
one on shore should see what they were doing, so Parashara created
an artificial mist around them. The second was that she should
retain her virginity. Parashara assured her that after she gave birth
she would again become a virgin and when she got married her
husband would not know. Being born from a fish, she had retained a
fishy smell. Hence she was sometimes called by the derogatory name
MATSYAGANDHI or the one who smells like a fish. She wanted
of
CHAPTER 17
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-17
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 16) I had the stories sage Parasara
and sage Aurva. This posting is the story of sage Vedavyasa and his sage
son Sugan.
1.SAGE VEDAVYASA
generations of the high and the humble looked up in hours of sorrow and
darkness.
During the end of Dwapara Yuga period there were about 1180
Vedic Shakhas. Most recessions are in Sama Veda. In that time
people used to memorize all the 1180 shakhas.
His works were - Compiling the Vedas and 18 Major Puranas, Lord
also narrated Mahabharata containing 1,00,000 slokas. Since he
was an avatar , he could write in many styles. (Ref:- "The Vedas"
by Kanchi Mahaperiava.)
1.2
Sage Vedavyasas father was sage Parashara. Sage Parasara was the
grand son of sage Vasistha. Vasistha was the author of Vishnu Purana .
Sage Veda vyasa had 4 sons. Upon the request of his mother Satyavati
through Ambika he had the son King Pandu, through Ambalika he had
the son King Dhritarashtra, through a Palace maid son Vidurar .Ambika
and Ambalika were Princess who were the widowed wives of
Chitrangadan and Vichithra Veeryan. VYASAS FOURTH SON WAS
SAGE SUGAN
1.3
Vyasa grew into manhood shortly after his birth. He was already
well versed in the Vedas, the Shastras, the Purans, Poetry, History
and other branches learning. He was ripe with wisdom.
Vyasa bowed to his mother, touching her feet with his head.
Satyavati touch his head lovingly. Vyasa stood up with folded hands
and said: "Mother, if ever you wish to see me, please think of me in
your mind and I shall come, no matter where I am."
I shall do so, my child," she said. Veda vyasa took leave of her and left
for BADARI FOR HIS 'TAPAS'.
1.5
AMBIKA
AND
After many years king Pandu died. Once again Satyavati thought of
the great Vyasa. He came and consoled every one. He told them not
to lose courage. By that time, Satyavati had grew very old and
weak. She had suffered many misfortunes. Vyasa sympathised with
her and said:
Vyasa and the old women kept walking for many days. They entered
a thick forest. They stopped at the foot of a hill. There were huge
trees around, nearby flowed a gurgling stream, thickly dotted with
flowers. It was a well-shaded place. There was ample drinking
water. Vyasa collected leaves and branches of trees and erected a
neat cottage for his mother. He taught her how to make a cup out of
the lotus leaves. He showed her how to fetch water when she was
thirsty. She learnt from him, also, how to collect wild roots and
berries for food. He stayed there for four days, looking after the
comforts of hi mother.
The time for parting was drawing, closer. That day came. He bowed
down at her feet and begged her permission to leave them. He knew
he would not be able to see her again. He was a 'rishi', no doubt, and
he was calm. But even he could not contain his sorrow.
Satyavati lifted up his head lovingly and embraced him there were
tears in her eyes, too. "Good bye, I wish that you live for a thousand
years, happy and renowned" she blessed him.
Vyasa told him: "Dritarashtra, you are the head the family. Do you
think you have treated the Pandavas fairly? They have been ousted
from their home and hearth. Could you not have stopped it? Why
did not you advise your sons against such an action'
did you not advise the foolish Kauravas? How could you let these
things to happen?" Vyasa asked.
Vidura too felt ashamed. There were tears in his eyes. He was very
fond of the Pandavas. He sadly confessed: "Yes. 'Dhritarashtra tried
to dissuade his sons. So did 1. But the wicked Kauravas did not
listen to us."
CHAPTER 18
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-18
In the last Posting (know about sages 17) I had the stories sage
Vedavyasa. This posting is continuation of the story of sage Vedavyasa.
SAGE VEDAVYASA
Remember my words -Your sons have to pay heavily for their sins."
So saying, Veda Vyasa left the Hastinavati palace. Dhritarashtra
trembled. He knew that the words of his 'rishi' father would never
prove false. Read further..
Vyasa then went into the forest looking for the Pandavas. After a
few days he came to the place where they were living. Pandavas
were delighted to see their RISHI THATHA. The Pandavas bowed
down to the 'rishi'. They had prepared some gruel for their meal.
They offered it to the 'rishi thatha . Vyasa was overjoyed their
warmth and hospitality.
When they began to talk of their life in the forest DROUPADI could
not hold back her tears. Vyasa was deeply touched. He said,
"Daughter, don't grieve. These hardships won't last long. By and by,
Dharma will triumph and Adharma (evil) will fall. For the present,
you have to put up with these sorrows. The Pandavas are pious and
heroic. The very purpose of their birth is to uproot the Kauravas.
Do not weep."
Vyasa was there at hand. He could foresee that delay would prove
fatal. He put his hand gently on her head and said: "LOOK HERE,
CHILD! I AM VYASA. I AM HERE. GANDHARI FEARED HIM
AND HELD BACK THE CURSE.
Then the sage turned to UTTARA. He said, "My child, you will give
birth to a son who will become a great emperor (King
PARIKSHITH). Through him the dynasty of the Pandavas survive.
So why do you grieve? Take courage, daughter. Every body
touched Vyasa's feet. After blessing every body Vedavyasa then
returned to his hermitage.
One day, Lord Krishna gave up his mortal body. Arjuna was
miserable and he could not bear the pain of separation. He went to
Vyasa and expressed his deep grief. Vyasa spoke to him. "You are
lamenting in vain, Arjuna- Krishna came to this world on some
mission. He fulfilled the mission, and left this world. Let us cherish
his memory. You have also ruled for a number of years. The
Dwapara Yuga is almost over. It is better for you all, too, to go to
heaven. Give this message to Yudhishtira." Arjuna carried Vyasa's
message to Yudhishtira.
CHAPTER 19
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 18) I had the continuation of
stories sage Vedavyasa. This posting is is the concluding part
about he stories of sage Vedavyasa
SAGE VEDAVYASA
Many years after the Mahabharata War, one day Lord Brahma
came to Badarikashrama. Vyasa received him with due regard.
Then Vyasa said, "What brings you all the way to my hermitage?"
Sage Vyasa need somebody who can take down the story and
accordingly Brahama arranged LORD GANESHA. Ganesha was a
boy then. Lord Ganesha put forth a condition
"My Lord, you should not stop the narration at any point, the story
must flow without pause. I shall write it down as Smoothly as one
gulps down a cup of water. If you stop at any point, I will give up my
job and go away" - Lord Ganesha spoke quietly. Vyasa nodded his
head in admiration. He said
honoured all over the world as a book of wisdom forms a part of the
Mahabharata. Thus sage Vyasa has left a rich legacy of knowledge
to our country.
It was sage Vyasa who classified the Vedas into four branches - Rig,
Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas. Formerly, it formed a single body
of knowledge. Hence name for him Vedavyasa.
The Itihasas and Puranas are called the fifth Veda. Seeing that the
women, the Sudras and the fallen Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and
Vaisyas were debarred even from hearing the Vedas, and did not
know how to perform acts that are conductive to good, the sage was
good enough to compose the Mahabharata in order that women and
others too might attain blessedness through the same.
Out of compassion the great sage Vedavyasa thought it wise that all
mankind achieve the ultimate goal of life. Thus he compiled the
historical treatise known as the Mahabharata for the women,
laborers and friends of the brahmanas.
About two kilometers off the main road connecting Rourkela and
Sambalpur is Vedavyasa hill , believed to be the hermitage of sage
Vyasa.
"To the west of the river Brahmi, in the midst of a deep jungle was
the `ashram' of Vyasa. Every morning the saint took bath in the
waters of the river Saraswati and offering paeans to Lord Vishnu,
sat in meditation." Thus goes a `sloka' in `Srimad Bhagavatam'.
Indicating where the poet lived.
Legend has it that the great saint PARASARA lived near this place
in a village known as `Parasharamunda.'
Vyasa Purnima (The full moon day of the Asadha) is celebrated with
much pomp everywhere. It is commonly believed that Vyasa completed
the epic `Mahabharata' on this day.
CHAPTER 19A
KNOW ABOUT SAGES 19A
Dear friends
1. SAGE SUGA
With time, his wife Vatika became pregnant and a foetus began to
grow in her womb. That foetus continued to grow for 12 years but
no child was born.
Since the foetus had grown extraordinarily large, so the mother was
experiencing a lot of pain. One day Vyasa angrily asked the foetus:
"Who are you in the womb of my wife? Why don't you come out?
Do you want to kill the pregnant lady?"
The foetus replied: " I can become anything, devil, god, human,
animal etc. because I have come here after wandering through 84
lakh births. So how can I tell you about my identity? I can know
that presently I have come in human form in the womb of your wife.
I want to stay in the womb in the same form. Presently, I am
practicing Yoga here and I know for certain that I will receive
Moksha (salvation) right from here.
Sage Vyasa asked the foetus to come out and free him from the
obligation of being a father."
The foetus desired an assurance from Lord Krishna that the worldly
illusions will not affect him. On account of this sage Vyasa went to
Dwaraka and related the condition of the foetus to Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna at once arrived at Vyasa's hermitage and said to the
foetus: " O child, as soon as you come out of the womb, I will
destroy your illusions. Hence, you come out soon and the path for
your well being."
Thus assured by Lord Krishna, the foetus came out of the womb
After coming out of the womb he greeted his mother and father and
lord Krishna began to go to the forests at once. HE HAD
ALREADY REACHED THE AGE OF 12 AT THE TIME OF
COMING OUT FROM HIS MOTHER'S WOMB.
Seeing him walk towards the forests, Vyasa said: " Son, please stay
at home, so that I can carry out the necessary rituals for you." But
the boy replied: " O great among the sages, thousands of rituals
were carried out in many of my births. These bondages of rituals
have submerged me in the illusions of the world."
Hearing the boy's words, Lord Krishna said to Vyasa: " O sage,
your son is talking like a Shukha (parrot). Hence name this boy as
SHUKHDEV. This boy, proficient in Yoga Vidya will not stay in
your home because he is free from every passion and illusion. Let
him go as per his wishes but bestow your love on him, for NOW
HAVING SEEN HIS FACE, YOU ARE FREE FROM THE
OBLIGATIONS OF A FATHER." Saying these words, Lord
Krishna returned to Dwaraka.
After Lord Krishna had left, Vyasa tried to coax the boy again but
he did not stop and continued his departure to the forests. Seeing
him go like that and disturbed by anxiety, Vyasa also followed him
and called out to him saying: " O son, O son." But since Shukhdev
did not have a differentiating mind, he used to see all the living and
non-living things of the world alike.
The women replied politely: " Forgive us O sage. You know the
difference between a man and a woman. But YOUR SON IS FREE
When Takshaka, the Naga had bitten the king Parikshit, he decided
to crown his only son Janamejaya and did a fast called Nirjula
Vrata in the banks of river Ganges. Nirjula Vrata is a fast in which
even water is forbidden.
Many sages arrived there. Sage Shukhdev too arrived there. All of
them worshipped sage Sukhdev. At the behest of the king, Shukhdev
preached Shrimad Bhagwat to him for 7 days continuously. Sage
Ugrava present there repeated it to sage Suta.
Sage Vedavyasa did not feel contended even after writing the
Mahabharata. He felt that there is something, which he did not
deliver to his devotees.
Sri Suka, in turn discoursed this text to King Parikshit for 7 days.
Several rishis and sages arrived from all parts of the country to
listen to the discourse by Sage Suka. Today, we hear about the
Bhagavatam due to the conversation between Shaunaka and Suta.
Suta retold the Bhagavatam to Shaunaka and other sages. The
tradition continued and we have the Bhagavatam in the present
form.
(End of Part 19 A.
To be continued as part 20)
CHAPTER 20
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-20
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 19A) I had the compelation of
stories about sage Suga son of Vedavyasa. This posting is about
the stories of sage Ashtavakra
1SAGE ASHTAVAKRA
1.1
Uddalaka was a renowned sage and scholar well versed in the Vedas
and the Vedanta. He had several disciples. One among them was
Kahoda. What Kahoda lacked in knowledge, he made up with his
devotion and virtuous life. Impressed by these qualities Uddalaka
married his daughter SUJATA TO KAHODA
Sujata in due course got pregnant and wanted her child to surpass all the
sages of his time. So, she began to sit in the classes taught by Uddalaka
and Kahoda, listening to their chanting with the unborn baby.
It was one day, in a class taught by Kahoda, the unborn baby spoke up
from inside the womb, and This is not the way to chant the verse,
father." Kahoda felt insulted in front of the class and cursed, "YOU
WILL BE BORN DEFORMED."
Sujata did not take the instance too seriously and was ambitious. She
wanted more money to raise her child the best. So she asked her husband
to go to king Janaka of Mithila (Sitas foster father) who was then
preparing for a Yajna hoping that the ceremony will bring money to the
family.
1.2
1.3
The widowed Sujata heard the news and repented her actions. A few
months later she gave birth to a boy who was deformed at eight joints
and so named ASHTAVAKRA.
1.4
On their way to Mithila they met Mithilas king and his entourage.
Ashtavakra was asked to give way to the King. However, he replied,
" Does not your ruler know that the blind, the deformed, the fair
sex, Brahmins and people bearing load have to be given the right to
passage first".
The king was surprised to hear such wisdom from the mouth of
some one so young. He let Ashtravakra go first.
At Mithila the gatekeeper would not let Ashtravakra enter the
competition hall. The boy seemed too young to him. Ashtavakra got
irritated. He said " I may seem young to you but I have mastered
the Vedas. Age or appearance can not bar me from taking part in
the competition". The gatekeeper did not believe him and asked him
to go away.
Ashtravakra said, " old age is not an indicator of a man's bounty of
knowledge or maturity. Go and inform the king that I wish to
Ashtavakra replied " O king! Your scholar has been basking in past
glory. He is not as learned as you assumed him to be. Let me
compete with him and avenge my father's insult."
The king was astounded by such determination. He was compelled
to consent to this competition. Then started arguments, counter
arguments on various debatable topics from the scriptures between
Bandhi and Ashtavakra. This boy of only twelve years of age proved
to be far superior to Bandhi. The shamed Bandhi had to accept
defeat and in accordance to the rule drowned himself in the sea.
Then the spirit of Kahoda was free and gained peace in heaven.
1.6 Ashtavakra Geetha
The Ashtavakra Geetha, or the Ashtavakra Samhita as it is sometimes
called, is a very ancient Sanskrit text.
1.7
describe
sage
Ashtavakra's
He rested for some more time by the side of that lake in the course
of the Vahuda whose shores he had reached. Refreshed and then
proceeded towards Kailasa. He saw also the Mandakini and the
Nalini of the high-souled Kubera, the Lord of Treasures. Beholding
the Rishi arrived there, all the Rakshasas having Manibhadra for
their head, came out in a body for welcoming and honoring the
illustrious traveler. ON BATHING HIS BENDS WERE
DISAPPEARED AND HE BECAME PERFECT. (This story of
Ashtavakra was told by Srikrishna to Rugmini too in an occasion.-I
read some where from the internet long back)
1.9 Sage Ashtavakra ask king Chitrabhanu the reason for observing
Sivarathri fast
The sage Ashtavakra asked, "O king! Why are you observing a fast
today?" King Chitrabhanu explained the reason to the sage. He had
the gift of remembering the incidents of his previous birth.
"The day dawned. I returned home and sold the deer. I bought some
food for myself and for my family. I was about to break my fast
when a stranger came to me, begging for food. I served him first and
then took my food. "
SUMMARY
NEXT POSTING
CHAPTER 21
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-21
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 20) I had the stories of sage
Ashtavakra. This posting is about the stories of sage Dadichiand his
son Saraswath.
1.SAGE DADICHI
1.1
Sage Chyavana was highly pleased with his wife Sukanya and one
day he told her that he was pleased with her devotion and he would
bless her with three sons. They would be named as Dadeechi,
Pramathi and Aplavan.
After a few years after their birth Sage Chyavana left the house for
Teertha Yatra. There is also another version that sage Dadichi was
the son of sage Atharva
According to the Rig Veda, Vritra kept the waters of the world
captive until Indra killed him before liberating the imprisoned
rivers
1.3
Taking holy dips in all those holy places, sage Dadichi took a
meditating position on his seat. Thus, the sage did not feel any hitch
to give up his life for Indra who had once wished to behead him for
a petty reason.
The sage had no attachment for his ephemeral body. He felt that
one day it has to be left. Hence nothing would be more fruitful if
that body is given up for a pious cause, benefiting someone. Thus,
the sage concentrated his mind in God. Slowly, he began to
concentrate on his breath and finally he annihilated into the
1.4
Brhmanahatya chased Indra and forced him into hiding for his sin,
and Nahusha was invited to take his place. In another version of the
story, three Asuras - Varuna, Soma and Agni were also coaxed by
Indra into aiding him in the fight against Vritra.
1.5
Indra had enmity with Aswini kumars. He had sworn that he would
behead anybody who dared to preach Brahmavidya to Ashwinikumaras.
Ashwinikumaras were the physicians hence; Indra used to see them with
humiliation and regarded them as inferior.
1.8
When Indra came to know about it, he beheaded Dadichi with his
sword. Ashwinikumaras then refixed Dadichi's original head on his
torso. Having preached Ashwinikumaras with a horse's head, the
sage is also known as ASHVASHIRA (ONE HAVING A HORSE'S
HEAD).
here is that of
days.
SUMMARY
NEXT POSTING
CHAPTER 22
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-22
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 21) I had the stories of sage
Dadichi. This posting is the stories of sage Yajnavalkya.
1YAJNAVALKYA
1.1Introduction
Sage Yanjavalkya was a Brahmarshi. It was this revered maharshi
who, being blessed by Bhagavan Suryanarayana became a seer of
Yajurvedic mantras and gave them to the world in the form of
Shukla Yajurveda.Even as a student in the Gurukula, Yanjavalkya
firmly stuck to the path he considered as the right one. He was the
master who guided thousands of persons, from KING JANAKA to
the commonest students, on the path of Enlightenment. He
vanquished all the scholars of his times in argument, won the title of
Sarvajna and was elevated to the high seat of learning.
1.2 Parents of sage Yanjavalkya
Sometimes he would ask his mother, "Amma, I wish to see the Gods.
Is it possible for me to see them?" The mother would say
"Yajnavalkya, dear, perhaps anything is possible for you. May it be
so. I wish that and bless you."
Sometimes the boy used to put questions to his father also enquiring
about Homa and the Gods. The parents were happy about the
child's development and divine thinking .
The
boy
was
initiated
into
Brahmin
hood
at
the appropriate age . Yajnavalkya received the great Gayatri
Mantra from his father. He was to be sent to a Gurukula run by his
uncle for further education.
Maharshi Vaishampayana was the disciple of the great sage
Vedavyasa. He was a renowned Vedic scholar and an authority on
Yajurveda. The uncle and the nephew were very fond and proud of
each other. Yajnavalkya was sent to the Gurukula run by this
mama for his education after Brahmopadesam.
1.4 In the Gurukula
Yajnavalkya was very sharp and learnt the lessons rapidly. He won
the love and admiration of everybody in the Ashram, within a few
days. He became the favourite of his mama at the Gurukula by his
learning .
Once Brahma arranged the meeting of all sages. It was ordered all
sages should attend the meeting positively .It was similar to the
present day NCC commanders order to the cadets. Unfortunately
sage Vaisampayana could not attend it due to some urgency. On this
thought the sage Vaishampayana fell seriously ill.
Every day after these rituals Tirtha (holy water) was sent to the
king. Thus a few days passed. There was some improvement in the
condition of the king. Yet the king did not seem to have faith in the
efficacy of Tirtha sent by the Guru. So he was taking it halfheartedly.
One day it was Yajnavalkya's turn to go to the palace. He went to
the palace and very eagerly and earnestly walked up to the king to
give him Tirtha and Prasada. But then the king treated him with
indifference. He showed no enthusiasm to receive the Theertham.
Yajnavalkya felt very much offended. "O King," said he, "if you
have no faith in these holy things, why should we come all the way
from our ashram to give them to you every day? It can better
dispensed"
"If you think that the tirtha and prasada have such potency, you
may show it to me ," said the king arrogantly. Yajnavalkya, without
" By refusing to obey me you have insulted me. You are no longer fit
to be my pupil. Go away from here this moment. But mark this,
before leaving the ashram you should give back all the Vedic
knowledge I have imparted to you so far," ordered the master
harshly.
1.9 Yanjavalkya vomits the mantras
CHAPTER 22A
KNOW ABOUT SAGES 22A
Continued from Part 22
SAGE YANJAVALKYA
His parents began to worry and think about the future plans of their
son's education. They decided to sent their son to the ashram of
Bashkala, the disciple of sage Paila, to join there as a student.
Yajnavalkya learnt Rig Veda from his master there.
The special vow that Yajnavalkya had been observing to earn the
Grace of Gayatri was fruitful. Goddess Gayatri appeared before
him. Yajnavalkya prayed, "O Mother, kindly grant me the
knowledge of Yajurveda to complete my Vedic studies.
Uddalaka liked Yanjavalkya and desired with him for some time as
his disciple Still he was far-sighted. He realized that it was good for
Yajnavalkya to become a householder at the earliest .
The day when Yajnavalkya was to leave the ashram came. Sage
Uddalaka, his wife and other pupils with great love and good wishes
bade farewell to Yajnavalkya. The acharya advised him "Speak
only the truth. Lead a righteous life. Recollect Matha pitha guru
deivam.
May
the
guest
be
treated
as
God."
1.14 Yanjavalkya marry Katayani
Yajnavalkya and Katyayani would take as their food for the whole
day
Then Surya Deva said,. "Yajnavalkya, your body has not yet got the
purity and strength enough to receive from me and Comprehend
Vedic knowledge. Therefore first I shall make the GODDESS
SARASWATI ENTER YOUR BODY in the form of energy. Open
your mouth."
in his entire body. When he was suffering from this extreme heat
Surya Deva said comfortingly, "Bear this suffering for a short while.
Your body and mind thereby will get purified. Then only you will
have sufficient stamina to grasp and retain Vedic knowledge. In a
few minutes Yajnavalkya's physical suffering subsided. A strange
joy ran through his body. The Sun god blessed him and again
merged into the mass of light.
1.17 Yajurveda mantras appear to Yangavalkya
Yajnavalkya stood gazing at that light. Veda Mantras (Incantations)
SHINING ATTRACTIVELY IN THAT MASS OF LIGHT WERE
VISIBLE TO HIM. He closed his eyes and saw them shining in the
same way in the innermost center of his heart. There was a flood of
light everywhere! In the midst of that light here and there was the
glow of those fine Mantras. This mystical experience of bliss filled
and overflowed the body, mind and soul, nay the entire being of
Yajnavalkya. After this the vision changed. Again the same
luminous horse of red hue stood neighing in front of Yajnavalkya.
As it neighed a divine radiance was emanating from its mouth! In
that radiance the Mantras appeared in shimmering letters for a
moment and merged into that mass of light. Even as Yajnavalkya
stood looking intently at that divine horse, in no time it got merged
in that mass of light.
This magnificent vision enabled Yajnavalkya to attain the
fulfillment of his vow. He became a Seer blessed with the vision of
Mantras, a maharshi and also brahmarshi possessing divine
knowledge.
Yanjavalkya to be continued in Part 23 also
CHAPTER 23
and realize Brahman. But she knew that if she were to live in
companionship with maharshi, people might talk scandalizing them.
SHE REALLY DID NOT WANT TO MARRY. She was not after
the pleasures of having children, property or money. Yajnavalkya
was already married. Some times he may not take another wife.
She arrived at a decision after a good deal of thinking. She went
straight to Katyayani Devi wife of sage Yajnavalkya. "Dear sister, I
have a problem which can be solved only by you," she said. "What
is it Maitreyi, please tell me."
Maitreyi told Katyayani about her wish to live with Yajnavalkya as
his companion to get his help in her intellectual and spiritual
pursuits.
"I shall be your younger sister and stay in your home observing
celibacy. Please do favour me by your consent."
Katyayani gladly gave her consent. Then Maitreyi met Yajnavalkya,
expressed her desire and requested him to take her. He only said,
"Katyayani's decision alone is final." Just at that time Katyayani
walked in. Katyayani and Maitreyi together bowed down to the feet
of Maharshi Yajnavalkya and expressed their reverence by
addressing him 'Bhagavan'. MAITREYI BECAME HIS
SPIRITUAL COMPANION. (My note- In later references she too
is told as sage Yanjavalkyas wife)
may now recollect King Janakas this attitude told by Cho in his
serial Engae brahmanan in Jaya TV before years)
Yajnavalkya led a divine life. He was loved and respected by
everybody from all quarters. He imparted Vedic knowledge to many
students. He preached them some maxims helpful in everyday life so
that their mode of living conformed to the norms of Dharma. In
course of time a collection of these practical hints for religious life
became famous as "Yajnavalkya Smriti" (The Code of
Yajnavalkya).
1.25 Yanjavalkya Departs from the World
Gradually Yajnavalkya began to feel, "Enough of this material life
of the world." He decided to lead the life of a recluse in the woods
spending all his time in the contemplation on Brahman. He confided
this wish to his two wives. ALL HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS
WERE EQUALLY DIVIDED BETWEEN THEM. Katyayani Devi
took her share as her husband's gracious gift and remained in the
ashram as its holy mother.
Maitreyi Devi said, "I don't want any of these things. I want only
self-realization and have no use for these material possessions."
Yajnavalkya got ready to leave for the woods. Katyayani made
obeisance to him and kneeling down with bowed head she prayed to
him to bless her. "May your contemplation on Brahman be fruitful.
May you have salvation soon," said Yajnavalkya blessing her.
CHAPTER 24
Respected friends
In the last three Postings I had covered the stories of sage Yanjavalkya.
This posting is the stories of sage KOUNDINYA. My mother belonged
to Koutinya Gothram.
1.SAGE KOUNDINYA
But she said, ' I want the gold as I desired.' Then God Indra sent her to
God Kubera along with a messenger and ordered him to give her the
gold she desired.
God Kubera placed the Durva on one pan of the balance and a small
piece of gold on the other pan. But to his great surprise, the pan
containing the Durva weighed more. Then God Kubera put some more
gold into the pan, but still the pan of Durva weighed more. Eventually
he put all his gold into the pan but still the weight of the single Durva
was more. Then God Kubera sat along with his wife into the pan of gold,
but still the weight of one Durva is more. By seeing this all the deities
gathered around and eventually they also sat in the pan. But still the
weight of a Durva was more!
They all along with Ashraya went to Sage Koundinya and said,
'Today we came to know the importance of a single Durva offered
to Lord GANESHA with devotion!'
1.4
1.5
Apart from the idol of Satyabhama and Jambavati, the two consorts of
Lord Krishna, the idol of Jambavantha creating the illusion of shedding
tears are bound to amaze the viewers. Legend represents them as
having sprung from Koundinya Rishi.
It is said that the gods and demons were so delighted with the
pleasant beverage, that they conferred upon him the title of 'Gouda'
or 'the head of mankind.'
Sri Krishna who was blamed for having stolen the shyamanthaka
Mani in Dwapara Yuga is also believed to have visited this place. In
later years, the Vijayanagar rulers reinforced the temple.
The royalty of Thailand also claims its origin from Koundinya. They
practice many of the rituals laid down in the sastras like that of Manu till
date
Summary
CHAPTER 25
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-25
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 24) I had the stories of sage
Koundinya. This posting is the stories of sage Kanva.
1.SAGE KANVA
1.1.Introduction
1.2
Once, some young Yadavas played a prank with Sage Kanva. One day,
these grown up children went to the bank of the river Narmada where
sage Kanva was doing penance. SAMBA SON OF LORD KRISHNA
was one among the Yadava children. Samba disguised himself as a
pregnant woman by keeping a pestle under his clothes. All the
children went near Sage Kanva and asked him as to when was the
pregnant woman supposed to deliver a child.
1.3
Sage Kanva got very angry at their action. He cursed them that the
whole clan of Yadavas would be liquidated because of that very
pestle. All the children were scarred and told Sri Krishna about the
mistake they had made. Sri Krishna ordered that the iron pestle be
crushed to powder and be thrown into a pond. A fish swallowed a
small part of that iron pestle and was subsequently caught by a
fowler, who retrieved that iron-piece from the fish and fixed it on
the top of his arrow.
1.4
Once, Sri Krishna was taking rest under the shade of 'Kalpa' tree.
A fowler mistook his PINK FOOT to be that of a deer and pierced it
with his arrow. When the fowler arrived at the spot he found Sri
Krishna in an injured condition. The fowler regretted his action and
begged for Sri Krishna's pardon. Sri Krishna consoled the fowler by
saying that he had committed no crime.
1.5 Srikrisha leaves the mortal body before the arrival of his wives
The eight queen consorts of Krishna gave up their lives and united
with Sri Krishna. The great Yadavas like Vasudev, Ugrasena and
Akrur followed suit. Balarama could not bear the sorrow caused by
Sri Krishna's separation and he gave up his life. His wife Revati
entered the burning pyre with her husband's body. Similarly all the
rest of Sri Krishna's family members like Rukmi's daughter,
Pradyumna, Usha and Aniruddha left for heavenly abode.
Arjuna performed the last rite of all the dead Yadavas. Eventually,
Dwaraka got submerged into the ocean. Thus, Sri Krishna after
having liberated the earth from all the sinners left his mortal body.
1.7 Lord Mahadeva tell the story of Kanvas curse and the end of
Yadavas to Parvathi
Brahma appeared and told Kanva that Sage Kashyapa who was the
disciple of sage Vaikanasa was in Naimisaranya. Kanva may go to
him and take his advice and please Sriman Narayana. According to
the prayer done Lord Veeraraghavan did the samhara of Sumali.
Sumali got the Sapa Vimochana and Sage Kanva Got Annugraha of
Lord.
From sage Viswamitra and Menaka story and the child born was
brought up by sage Kanva we know that they all lived around the
same time. There is a KANVA ASHRAM ON THE BANKS OF
RIVER MALINI, 42 KM FROM HARIDWAR. Probably it may be
his final settlement. We know him through his Vedic Mantras and
through the famous Dushyantha - Sakunthala Bharata story.
Kindly note other than reading from Internet I have not verified the
original episodes as told in epic Mahabharata books.
1.12.1 Introduction of Shakuntala to Dushyanta
With her birth both Menaka and Vishvamitra realised that it was
time for them to move on. Menaka had to return to heaven and
Vishvamitra had to begin his meditation a new. Since Viswamithra
was living near the hermitage of Sage Kanva, THEY REQUESTED
SAGE KANVA TO ADOPT SHAKUNTALA AS HIS DAUGHTER
and sage Kanva agreed to it happily.
(My note- I have read in many sites that the relation between
Viswamithra and Menaka was one of love and affection. A child
born out of such love, one cannot normally digest abandoned by
them. Hence I feel this version is more adaptable )
Shakuntala told details of her real birth and sage Kanva is her
foster father to king Dushyanta. The King remarked that she should
marry and enjoy life.
Since sage Kanva was away at this time, the two of them decided to
get married in the Gandharva style. This consisted of exchanging
garlands in a temple with the idol of the deity of the temple as
witness. It originated from a clan of celestial musicians called
Gandharvas, but was popular and accepted by the society of the
time.
1.12.5 Due to customs Shakuntala was not taken along with by king
Dushyanta
Sage Kanva did not returned still after attending his pilgrimage.
Dushyanta promised that once Sage Kanva returned he would come
and formally ask for permission to take Shakuntala with him. He
gave Shakuntala his ring as a token of his love and reluctantly went
to his capital.
1.12.6 Kalidasa has made slight changes to the original story told in
Mahabharata to his play Abhjnana Sakutalam
While Kanva and the other elders of the heritage are away on a
pilgrimage, Dushyanta, king of Hastinapura, comes hunting in the
forest and chances upon the hermitage. He is captivated by
Shakuntala, courts her in royal style, and marries her.
SUMMARY
NEXT POSTING
CHAPTER 26
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-26
SAGES PROGENCY AND INTER RELATION
1.Mareechi
4.Rishiasringa
7 Sandilya
2.Kashyapa
5Kapila
3.Vibhandaka
6.Kardam
8.Atri
9 Durvasa
10 Kanva
11.Angeerasa
14Garga
12.Brihaspathi
15Visravas
13Bharadwaja
16.Drona
17.Gauthama
20 Pulashtia
18.Vamadeva
19.Atharva
21Pulaha
22.Kardam
25 Sakthi
26Parasara
28 Suga
29 Viswamithra
23 Kratu
24 Vasistha
27 Vedavyasa
Respected friends
1.Saptharshies
Saptharshies were the mind born sons of Brahma. They were
advised to perform procreation. Blood relation was not a criterion
for the creation. Similarly age difference too was not seen.
Other than saptharshies Brahma had mind born sons like Daksha,
Manu, Brighu and Narada.
His Mind born daughter was Satrupa. Manu mind born son of
Brahma married Satrupa mind born daughter of Brahma. They
Gave birth to a lot of children and grand children. Many persons
mentioned in the sage stories are as such from the progeny of ManuSatrupa couple.
1.1
1.2
We have said sage Kashyapa was the son of sage Mareechi. Daksha
Prajapati married his thirteen daughters with sage Kashyapa. The
world is mainly the progeny of Kashyapa. Daksha married his 27
daughters to Moon and one daughter Sati to Lord Siva. So
Kashyapa has become co- brother to Lord Siva and Moon God.
Mareechi has also become Sambandhi of Daksha
Ganga is the semi God who appears in Mahabharata story and sage
Bhageeratha story. King Santhanu married Ganga. Bhishma
pithamaha was their son. Bhageeratha was an ancestor to Panadvas
and Kouravas
1.3
So using her divine powers apsara Harsha put the semen in the ovaries
of a deer. The deer soon delivered a baby who had a human form, but
with deer horns. This child was Rishyashringa, meanings A HUMAN
BEING WITH DEER HORNS.
1.5
Sage Kapila was the 8th child after seven daughters for sage kardam
and Devhuti . So sage Kapila was the machinan to all saptharshies
including Mareechi.
1.6
Sage Kardam and his wife Devhuti had seven daughters and one
son. Seven daughters were married to Saptharshies under the
president ship of Brahma. So sage kardam is sambandhi to Lord
Brahma himself and mamanar to all saptharshies.
Sage Atri had a very chaste wife Anasuya and their son sage
Durvasa.
Mamta gave birth to KACCHA. We have read about KachaDevayani story in detail. Devayani was daughter of Asura guruSukra.
Sage Bharadwaja married Suseela and through her a son was born.
He became sage Garga. We will be discussing about sage Garga
later
Sage Bharadwaja saw the Apsara Ghritachi rising from the river
after ablations, His vitality emerged from his body. The Rishi stored
this vitality in a pot. DRONA Was born from this pot. The meaning
of Drona is Pot-born. Bharadwaja trained Drona in use of weapons.
Drona also learnt the use of weapons from sage Parasurama himself.
Dronacharya was the teacher on Arms to Pandavas.
We have read stories of sage Goutama and his wife Ahalya. We have
read about Ahalya- Indra episode and curse of sage Gauthama on
her. Later Ahalya joined with sage Gouthama and three sons were
born to them. They were Vamadeva, Nodhas and Shatanada .
Vamadeva and Shatanda were VIPs among them. The Chief priest
of King Janaka of Mithila, was Shatananda.
Sage Angirasa along with sage Atharvan are said to have composed
most of the Atharvana Veda
We have read in this mail itself -Satrupa was mind born daughter of
Brahma. In the lineage from Satrupa Prasuti Preeti got married to sage
Pulasthia. He also married Sradhha granddaughter of sage Pulaha.
Sage Pulasthya had two sons named Dattarnavr and Dahvahu from
Preeti. She also had a daughter named Dwashdwati.
We have read in this mail itself -Satrupa was mind born daughter of
Brahma. In the lineage from Satrupa Prasuti Kshama got married to
sage Pulaha. She had three sons
Devhuti. They had seven daughters and one son Kapila. They were
married to Saptharshies. So sage Kardam was mamanar to
Saptharshies.
Sage kardamas daughter was Sradhha. This mean Sradhha was the
grand daughter of sage Pulaha. She married sage Pulasthia
Sage Pulaha was also father of sage Visravas, the father of Kubera
and Ravana through demon women, and all the Rakshasas are
supposed to have sprung from him. In simple language sage Pulaha
was thatha of Kubera and Ravana.
Sage Kratu did not produce normal beings. It was Kriya, sage Kardam's
daughter who was married to sage Kratu. Kratu had 60,000 sons called
as Valikhilyas. They were no bigger than a joint of the thumb.
Arundhati married sage Vasishta and produced seven sons who became
great sages themselves. We have read about them in connection with
Viswamithras TRISANKU SWARGAM, they cursed Trisanku to
become chandala.
We have read stories of sge Parasara and Satyavati. Son born to them
was Vedavyasa. Sage Parasara was the son of Sakkthi.
The list of sages told above has been summarised in Table from
below .It will very simple to understand the relation among the
sages by looking in the table after reading the above. Probably the
table may be sufficient for those who have read the stories by lines.
1.Mareechi
4.Rishiasringa
7 Sandilya
2.Kashyapa
5Kapila
3.Vibhandaka
6.Kardam
8.Atri
9 Durvasa
10 Kanva
11.Angeerasa
14Garga
17.Gauthama
12.Brihaspathi
15Visravas
18.Vamadeva
13Bharadwaja
16.Drona
19.Atharva
21Pulaha
22.Kardam
25 Sakthi
26Parasara
28 Suga
29 Viswamithra
20Pulashtia
23Kratu
24 Vasistha
27 Vedavyasa
NEXT POSTING we will have a look of sages came from other mind
born sons and other sages.
CHAPTER 27
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-27
BRIGHU
KOUNDINYA
YANGAVALKYA
VAMADEVA
GARGA
ASHTAVAKRA
VAISAMPAYANA
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 26) I had revised the stories of
sages already posted and an effort was done to establish the relation
among them, concentrating to Saptharshies. This posting is revision of
other sages covered and also about a few sages I had mentioned in
earlier postings. Two missing also have been added.
Sage Bhrighu was one of the mind born sons of Lord Brahma, who
simply wished him into existence, to assist in the process of creation. He
is considered as one of the Prajapatis. (Mahabharata, Pauloma Parva)
Sukracharya was son of sage Bhrigu and he was priest of Mahabali (of
famous Tiruvonam story) and Daitya guru. He has become planet.
His wife's name was Susuma or Sata-parwa. His daughter Devayani was
married to King Yayati of the lunar race.
8.2 Sage Chyavana was half brother to sage Sukracharya.
Sage Chyavana married Princess Sukanya and had two sons Aurva and
Haritha. He was half brother to Sukracharya.
8.3- Sage Dadichi- son of sage Chyavana
Sage Chyavana was highly pleased with his wife Sukanya and one day
he told her that he was pleased with her devotion and he would bless her
with three sons. They would be named as Dadeechi, Pramathi and
Apravan.
8.4 Sage Saraswath- son of sage Dadichi
The Saraswat Brahmins are mentioned in the Vedas, the Ramayana, the
Mahabharata, the Bhagavata and in the Bhavisyottara Purana.They
accepted the Sage Saraswat (son of Rishi Dadichi), living on the banks
of Saraswati as their Guru
Chyavana->Avurva->Richika->Jamadagni->Parasurama
Chyavana->Haritha
9 Sage Vamadeva
Uddalaka was a renowned sage and scholar well versed in the Vedas and
the Vedanta.Kahoda was his disciple. Kahoda lacked slightly in
knowledge, but made up with his devotion and virtuous life. Impressed
by these qualities Uddalaka married his daughter Sujata to kahoda .Son
born to them was Ashtavakra.
The Ashtavakra Geetha, or the Ashtavakra Samhita as it is sometimes
called, is a very ancient Sanskrit text attributed to him. Ashtavakra was
a sage with eight bends in the body.
11 . Sage Koundinya
The statement of the Bhagavata is, From Garga sprang Sina; from them
Gargya, who from a Kshatriya became a Brahman.
There were many Gargyas; one among them was the family priest of the
family of Nanda (the foster-father of Krishna). It was Garga who named
child as "Krishna" after receiving the name by meditation. Garga is the
author of Garga Samhita.
In know sages 26 the following 2 sages were left out to add under
Progeny of sage Veda Vyasa. The same is as under: 7.7. Sage Vaisampayana-deciple of sage Vedavyasa
He was a celebrated sage who was the original teacher of the Black
Yajur-veda. He was a pupil of the great Vyasa, from whom he learned
the Maha-bharata, which he afterwards recited to King Janamejaya at a
festival. The Hari-vansa is also represented as having been
communicated by him. Sage Yanjavalkya was his sisters son. In Vishnu
sahasranama we read- Sree vaisampayana uvacha- Sruta dharmans
seshena
7.8 Sage Yanjavalkya- Maruman of sage Vaisampayana
He got the White Yajurveda from sun god. Sage Brahmaratha and
Sunanda Devi were the parents of Yajnavalkya. Sunandadevi was the
sister of sage Vaisampayana
The Maha-bharata makes him present at the Raja-suya sacrifice
performed by Yudhi-shthira; and according to the Satapatha Brahmana
he flourished at the court of Janaka, king of Videha and father of Sita.
He had two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani, and he instructed the former
in his philosophical doctrine.
To continue as know sages 28
CHAPTER 28
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-28
(To be concluded with Know about sages 30)
Respected friends
In the last Posting (know about sages 27) I had revised the stories of
a few sages other than Saptharshi lineage. This posting is about
sage Agasthia and sage Mudgala through stories.
1.SAGE AGASTYA.
Sage Agasthia was a famous sage and he was a reputed author of
several hymns in the Rig-Veda, and a very celebrated personage in
Hindu story. He was one of the narrators of "the Brahma Purana
and also a writer on medicine.
1.1
Birth of Agasthia
Drinks ocean
Become star
As with all other Hindus, it was necessary for Agastya to marry and sire
a son, in order to fulfil his duties to the Manus. Once he resolved upon
doing this, Agastya pursued an unusual course of action.
The Maha-bharata relates a legend respecting the creation of his wife. It
says that Agastya saw his ancestors suspended by their heels in a pit, and
was told by them that they could be rescued only by his begetting a son.
Thereupon he formed a girl out of the most graceful parts of different
animals. At this time, the noble and virtuous king of Vidarbha was
childless and was undergoing penances and prayers for the gift of a
child. Agastya arranged for the child he had created to be born as the
daughter of that noble king of Vidarbha.
There the child grew up as a daughter of the king, and was
demanded in marriage by Agastya.
Sage Agasthia is referred in the Maha bharata in Sauptikaparva also as
the teacher of Guru Drona.
1.6
Much against his wills the king was constrained to consent, and she
became the wife of the sage. She was named Lopa-mudra, because
the animals had been subjected to loss (lopa) by her engrossing their
distinctive beauties, as the eyes of the deer etc. She was also called
Kausitaki and Vara-prada.
1.7 Change king Nahusha to snake
There is a story exhibiting his superhuman power, by which he
turned King Nahusha into a serpent and afterwards restored him to
his proper form.
1.8
Appearance in Ramayana
Vathapi story
He kept the Rakshasas who infested the south under control, so that
the country was only gazed upon and not possessed by them. His
power over them is illustrated by a legend which represents him as
eating up a Rakshasa named Vatapi who assumed the form of a
ram, and as destroying by a flash of his eye the Rakshasa's brother,
Ilvala, who attempted to avenge him.
1.10 Lopamudra become river Kaveri
THERE IS A STORY HOW LOPAMUDRA BECAME RIVER
Kaveri. Once while travelling sage Agasthia who do not want to
keep Lopamdura alone converted her to water and carried in a
pitcher. Sage Agastia one evening kept the pitcher on a rock and
went for ablutions. Lord Ganesha took the form of a crow and
tilted the pitcher and it got opened. Lopamudra who had already
wished to become a river started to flow and her wish was fulfilled
so. Lopamudra became river Kaveri. We may be recollecting our
Upakarma manthra- Narmada sindhu Kaveri, Godavari
Namosthuthae now (Kochumatathil periappa our local vadhayar
use to recite so ..).
1.11 Sage Agasthia and Tamil literature
The name of Agastya holds a great place also in Tamil literature,
and he is "venerated in the south as the first teacher of science and
literature to the primitive Dravidian tribes according to Dr.
Caldwell.
NALAYANI was the young wife of very old sage, Mudgala, but she
was a great Pativrata. Even when Mudgala Rishi became afflicted
by leprosy and started stinking, she continued to serve him. Once,
when he was consuming food, one of his fingers fell of from his
hands and fell into the food. Nalayani removed it and partook the
remaining food. The sage was extremely pleased.
After thousands of years, he wanted to retire from family life and wanted
to live the life of a sage. But, Nalayani tried to prevent him and keep him
in the material pleasures.
it is told Droupadi was very pride of her chastity. Sree Krishna was not
happy with her extra pride. He created an illusion in her mind to takeout
her pride
The story goes as follows. During exile Pandavas were near the
hermitage of a sage after Droupadi swayamvara. I am not able to
recollect the name of the sage now.
There was a mango tree in the garden of the hermitage. The only food of
the sage was the ripen Mango from the tree after evening bath and
Sandhya . The tree irrespective of seasons used to provide one fully
ripened mango per day.
With out knowing all these, Droupadi desired to have the single mango
fruit one day evening. Sage had gone for his bath and Sandhya. As
expected she requested Arjuna to get her the mango. Arjuna with his
arrow got it down and handed over to Droupadi in seconds.
Before she started a cut and bite of the mango fortunately Sree Krishna
appeared in the site. He told the mango fruit the only food of the sage
and pretended alarmed. All Pandavas got upset and feared a curse of
sage.
expressed what he felt. This way mango was about to touch the clan , it
was the last turn of Droupadi. But what she expressed was not true.
Mango fell down.
All Pandavas got upset. Krishna warned Droupadi to tell the truth.
Having no alternative , she called Krishna inside and told the truth.
Mango went up and added to the clan.
The story goes that she expressed about the set up of kingdom and her
position as royal queen in the open. But actually she thought about
Karna too being among Pandavas.
2.8Mudgala Purana
CHAPTER 29
KUTSA
JHANU
Saptha vadhri
JAIMINI
ATHREYA
MANDAKARNI
RICHIKA
MANDAVYA
NARANARAYANA
SANKRITHI
Respected friends
I hope in the last posting at least a few would have smiled reading
the Droupadi- mango episode.
In this posting also I have two laughing stories about sage Athreya
and sage Richika.
1.SAGE KUTSA
Kutsa was the son of Rajarshi Ruru. Once at the request of Kutsa,
Indra helped in decimating Ruru's enemies and invited Kutsa to
Indraloka to celebrate the victory. It was then that the above
incident happened.
2. SAGE ATHREYA
Sage Atreya had done many yajnas and was able to go to any place
he liked. One day in course of his wanderings he came to the court
of Indra, which fascinated him by its beauty and festivities. He
thought that no other place could be more pleasant and he wanted it
with all his heart. His modest hut could not please him any more.
He called his wife and told, what sort of rubbish are you giving me
to eat? Does it taste good? Your fruits and vegetables cannot come
anywhere near the sweet items I ate at Indras court.
After some time however the demons began to frown at the place
and said, Look, that fellow Indra has left the heaven and built a
home on our earth. Let us go and give him a good thrashing for
killing our Vritra.
Shouting, Kill Indra! Kill Indra! the demons in a body laid that
palace under siege. The sage was happily reclining on his new bed
provided by Viswakarma. But when he heard the shouts of the
demons he became mortally afraid. Within minutes using all kinds
of weapons the demons reduced the place to a heap of rubbles. The
sage himself did not escape some minor injuries. He came out
trembling to the demons and told them with folded hands, I swear,
I am not Indra; I am a sage, a Brahmin and a very poor and
innocent man. Why are you so angry with me?
Then why have you are posing like Indra? Remove your trappings
at once, said the demons.
Athreya thought- at one moment I lost my brain and did all these
foolish things. I shall never do it again. Viswakarma was
summoned again and was told by the sage to replace the palace with
3. SAGE MANDAVYA
Lord Dharma gave him this punishment for having tortured birds
and bees in his childhood. At this Mandavya cursed Dharma to be
born on earth. Mandavya argued with Dharma in what way an
innocent childs actions are taken as sin by him.
The story was quoted by Cho in his serial citing all children
activities are to be considered innocent
4. SAGE JAHNU
The sage was disturbed in his devotions by the passage of the river
Ganga brought by Bhageeratha and consequently he drank up its
waters.
The sage afterwards relented, and allowed the stream to issue from
his ear; hence GANGA IS CALLED JAHNAVI, DAUGHTER OF
JAHNU.
5.SAGE MANDA-KARNI
Manda karni was a sage who dwelt in the Dandaka forest. His story
is told in the Ramayana to have formed a lake, which was known by
his name. His austerities alarmed the gods.
5.1 Indra send five apsarases to Lure Mandakarni
It is told sage Mandakarni was standing in a pool and feeding on
nothing but air for 10,000 years To distract him Indra sent five
Apsarases to beguile him from his penance. Recollect even
distracting Viswamithra and Sukracharya Indra sent only one
apsaras- Menaka and Jayanthi respectively.
5.2 Indra succeeds
They succeeded, and became his wives, and inhabited a house
concealed in the lake, which, from them, was, was called
Panchapsaras.
6. NARA-NARAYANA
They were two ancient Sages, born to Dharma Deva and Ahimsa.
The Vamana Purana has a legend about them, which is alluded to in
the drama of Vikramorvasiyam by Kavi Kalidasa.
6.1 Indra sends apsaras to lure sages Nara-Narayana
Their penances and austerities alarmed the gods, so Indra sent
apsaras to inspire them with passion and disturb their devotions.
6.2 Birth of Urvasi
Aswini devas pleased with his prayer enabled him to get out of his
cage during the night and to return to it at daybreak.
8 SAGE RICHIKA
Sage Richika was a descended from sage Bhrigu. He was the son of
sage Urva. He was father of sage Jamadagni. He was an old sage.
His wife was princess Sathyavati (Not sage Parasara- Satyavati. It is
another Satya vati sister of sage Viswamithra)
presented the horses before king Gadhi. King Gadhi had to consent
now to give princess now.
With the help of God Varuna so sage Richika gained his wife. In due
course the born to them BECAME SAGE JAMADAGNI
9. SAGE SANKRITHI
Sankrithi was the Grandson of Sage Vashishta, and the son of Sage
Shakthi. Sage Shakthi we have already read was the father of Sage
Parasara with Satyavathi/ Matsya Gandhi.
We already read Parasara was the father of Sage Veda Vyasa who
wrote Mahabharatha and father of Pandu and Dhritharashtra.
9.1 Sage Sankrithi half brother to sage Parasara
Nothing much known about Sage Sankrithi except that his name
figures in the Avadhuta Upanishad, where Lord Dattatreya explains
the nature of an Avadhuta to Sage Sankrithi. He is the founder Sage
of the Sankrithi Gotra.
CHAPTER 30
KNOW ABOUT SAGES-30
UPAMANYU
DALABHA
NARADA
MAITREYA
MAITREYI
KATAYANA
SHOUNAKA
Respected friends
This posting is about seven stages told in the above table and LAST
POSTING in this series. Actually these are information.
1SAGE UPAMANYU
Upamanyu was the name of a Vedic sage who finds reference in Rig
Veda, Siva Purana, Linga Purana, Kurma Purana and also in Adi
Parva as well as in Anushasana Parva of epic Mahabharata.
Upamanyu had heard of several forms of Siva from his mother and
afterward, he recited to Krishna the thousand and eight names of
Shiva .
2.SAGE MAITREYA
Sage Maitreya was son of Kusarava, He was a disciple of sage
Parasara. He is one of the interlocutors in the Vishnu and
Bhagavata Puranas.
He also composed one of the later Sulba Sutras, a series of nine texts
on the geometry of altar constructions.
4.SAGE DALABHYA
6. SAGE SHOUNAKA
7. SAGE NARADA
All knows sage Narada. I just quote an incident for his bachelor
hood. The Narada-pancha-ratra relates that Brahma advised his son
Narada to marry, but Narada censured his father as a false teacher,
because devotion to Krishna was the only true means of felicity.
Brahma then cursed Narada to lead a life of sensuality, in subjection
to women, and Narada retorted the curse, condemning Brahma to
lust after his own daughter.
Narada was very pride of his bachelor hood and advocate others
too. An example is Sanatkumara story. Lord Krishna created an
illusion in which Narada lived with family for some time and lost
wife, children and all wealth.