19 - The narrative of the dynasties of sages

Although there are some differences about names, etc. in the descendants of sages in different Puranas, the KP. seems closer to the Vayu P. 70.22ff. The sages, the patriarchs—are the Saptarshis of the present Manvantara viz. Marichi, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya Vasistha, Pulaha and Kratu. These are regarded as the ‘mental sons’ of god Brahma.

Suta said:

1. After begetting these sons, Kashyapa desirous of (more) sons, performed an austere penance for the continuity of progeny.

2. Even as he was performing the penance energetically, these two sons were born viz. Vatsara and Asita. Both of them were expounders of Brahman.

3. From Vatsara were born Naidhruva and Raibhya of very great fame. The sons born of Raibhya were Shudras (?) (v.l. Vaidyas) * who were the most excellent among the learned ones (or knowers of Veda).

*Naibhyas as it is supported in the Vayu P. 70.26.

4. The daughter of Chyavana named Sumedha was the wife of the noble-souled Naidhruva. She gave birth to the sons called Kundapayins.

5. A son called Devala who was devoted to the Brahman (or expert in the Vedas) was born of Asita and Ekaparna. He was a preceptor of Yoga and performed great penance.

6. Shandilya was extremely glorious, pure and a knower of the true principles. By the grace of the Lord of Parvati, he attained the Yogic liberation (v.l. attained excellent Yoga).

7. O Brahmanas, the three sons, viz. Shandilya, Naidhruva and Raibhya of the family of Kashyapa had human temperament (or are the sources or patriarchs of human beings). I shall now mention the children of Pulastya.

8. O Brahmanas, the daughter of Trunabindu was named Ailavila. The royal sage gave that daughter in marriage to sage Pulastya.

9. The son of Ailavila was the sage Vishravas. He had four wives who made the family of Pulastya flourish.

10. They were Pushpotkata, Vaka, Kaikasi and Devavarnini. Listen to the progeny of these who were richly endowed with comely features and beauty.

11-12. Devavarnini gave birth to the eldest of the sons viz. Vaishravana; Kaikasi gave birth to the son Ravana, the king of Rakshasas and Kumbhakarna, daughter Shurpanakha and (son) Vibhishana.

13. The children begot of Vaka were Mahodara, Prahasta, Mahaparshva, Khara and the daughter Kumbhinasi.

14. Trishiras, Dushana and Vidyujjihva of great strength were also his sons. Thus, there were these ten Rakshasas of cruel actions in the family of Pulastya. All of them were endowed with the power of penance and physical strength. They were the devotees of Rudra and were extremely terrible.

15. Pulaha’s sons were the deer, serpent, fanged beasts, Bhutas (goblins), Pishachas, bears, boars and elephants.

16. In the Vaivasvata Manvantara, Kratu was childless. Kashyapa who himself was a Prajapati, was the son of Marichi.

17. Shukra the preceptor of the Daityas and a sage of great penance was born of Bhrugu. He was engaged in self-study of Vedas and the practice of Yoga. He was a devotee of Hara and was excessively brilliant.

18. Atri’s son was Vahni and his uterine-brother was Naidhruva. It is heard by us that sons were born of Ghrutachi from Krushashva, the Brahmana sage.

19. He begot of her Svastyatreyas1 of great prowess. They were devoted to Vedas and Vedangas and had destroyed their sins through penance.

1. Svastyatreya is the seer of two suktas of the RV—V. 50, 51. It is reasonable to assume that he was the son of Atri and Svastyatreyas are his descendants.

20. Narada gave the gentle lady Arundhati to Vasishtha. As a result of the curse of Daksha, Narada led a celibate life.

21. When Haryashvas (the sons of Daksha) were lost due to the Maya (delusive advice) of Narada, Daksha with eyes red shot with anger cursed Narada.

22. O Brahmana, since all my sons were destroyed by you through deceitfulness, you will be devoid of issues.”

23. Vasishtha begot of Arundhati the son Shakti. From Shakti was born the glorious Parashara, the omniscient and the most excellent among the performers of penance.

24. After propitiating the Lord of the chief of Devas, Ishana, the slayer of the Tripuras, he obtained the unrivalled son-holy Lord Krishnadvaipayana.

25. Shuka was born of Dvaipayana. It was Lord Shankara himself who incarnated on the Earth with a part of his personality and then attained his own great region. This Shuka had five sons who were great ascetics. They were Bhurishravas, Prabhu, Shambhu, Krishna and Gaura, the fifth.2

2. Shuka is a celibate recluse in the Bh. P. The Devi Bhagavata (Skandha I) credits him with a wife, Pivari, daughter of Pitrus and four sons Krishna, Gauraprabha, Bhuri, Devashruta and a daughter, Kirti who was given in marriage to Anu, the son of King Vibhraja. The information in KP. about the sons and daughters of Shuka is different though both agree that Shuka raised a family.

26. He had daughters also viz. Kirtimati, Yogamata and Dhrutavrata. These persons of the family of Atri, the expounders of Brahman, have been narrated by Brahma. Henceforth (listen to) and understand the royal progeny (born) from Kashyapa.