Brahmamitra, An Āyurveda Expert

Brahmamitra was a very wise and powerful teacher who lived a life of great study. He was an expert in the thirteenth part of the Atharva Veda. He also mastered the complete Āyurveda, which was divided into eight important sections. Many students came to him to learn these sacred sciences because he was known for his deep knowledge.

The Prince Who Listened in Secret

A Gandharva prince named Indīvarākṣa once visited him and begged to learn the secrets of healing. Brahmamitra noticed that the prince was not ready and refused to teach him despite his many requests. Unwilling to give up, the prince hid in a secret spot and listened while Brahmamitra taught his other disciples. For eight months, the Rishi spoke the ancient words while the prince memorized everything in silence.

A Lesson in Respect and the Curse

When the prince finally learned all the lessons, he laughed out loud in pride, which revealed his hiding place. Brahmamitra became furious as he felt the prince had disrespected the rules of a student. He told the prince that by stealing knowledge like a thief, he had acted like a raksasa. As a punishment, the Rishi placed a heavy curse on him, saying he would turn into a terrifying monster within seven days.

The Mercy of a Wise Teacher

The prince was terrified and bowed down at the feet of the muni to ask for mercy. Brahmamitra saw the prince’s regret and decided to help him find a way back to his true self. He told the prince that he would regain his memory and his old body after facing a powerful astra. This act of kindness showed that even though Brahmamitra was strict about his dharma, he still had a heart full of mercy for those who were truly sorry.