Jamadagni, Reṇukā and Sūrya
This narrative tells how a debate between the ṛshi Jamadagni and Bhagavān Sūrya ended in śāpas (curses) on both sides. Brahmā settled the matter. The Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa gives this episode as the origin of the solar eclipse, when Rāhu swallows Sūrya. It also gives it as the origin of the rule against looking at the Caturdaśī Moon.
How the account begins
Nanda asked Bhagavān Kṛshṇa about the origin of Rāhu and the eclipse of the Sun. In reply Bhagavān Kṛshṇa told this ākhyāna (narrative).
Jamadagni was a great ṛshi of the Bhārgava line, rich in tapas (austerity). With his devoted wife Reṇukā he lived in an āśrama (hermitage) on the bank of the holy river Narmadā. The Narmadā is one of the holiest rivers of Bhāratavarsha. The Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa gives this in the Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapter 79.
Sūrya’s visit and teaching
Bhagavān Sūrya came down to the āśrama and gave Jamadagni a teaching on dharma. Bhagavān Sūrya has long been linked with dharma, as its witness (sākshī) and its upholder.
The debate and the two śāpas
Jamadagni did not simply listen to the teaching. He argued and answered back. The talk grew into a full debate (vādavivāda). The fiery ṛshi of the Bhārgava line and Bhagavān Sūrya, the sun of the whole world, could not agree. The debate grew so heated that each gave a śāpa to the other, mutual śāpas.
Brahmā’s settlement
Brahmā saw how serious it was for a great ṛshi and Bhagavān Sūrya to curse each other. He came down himself and stood between the two. He made a settlement that honoured both śāpas and softened their full harm. His settlement set two lasting rules:
- Rāhu swallows Sūrya. Because of this episode, Rāhu swallows Sūrya from time to time. Rāhu is the shadow planet who lives to swallow the Sun and the Moon. This is the origin of the solar eclipse.
- The Caturdaśī Moon is not to be seen. The rule against looking at the Moon of the fourteenth tithi (lunar day) also comes from this episode.
Sources
- Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapter 79