welcome sir KR On Fri, 20 Feb 2026 at 14:42, APS Mani <[email protected]> wrote:
> Though a long post, it is brilliant! Mani > > On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 1:24 PM Rajaram Krishnamurthy < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> The meaning of the name Vasiṣṭha is given by Vasiṣṭha himself as >> follows:— >> >> I am known as Vasiṣṭha for two reasons. I am 'Vasumān >> <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vasuman#purana>'. The Śrutis >> <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shruti#purana> say that Air, Earth >> etc. are Vasus <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vasu#purana>. I >> have become Vasiṣṭha because I have brought under control the Vasus >> beginning with Aṇimā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/anima#purana> (the >> power of reducing the body to an atom). See what Arundhatī herself says, >> about the meaning of the name Arundhatī. >> >> "I consider mountains, earth and heaven as elements in which I live, only >> after considering my husband as the element in which I live. My husband is >> the first and foremost element in my life. Moreover I conform (anurodha) >> with the mind of my husband. So know me as Arundhatī." >> >> Arundhati, wife of Sage Vasishta, is famous for her chastity, piety and >> single-minded devotion for her husband. Due to her devoutness and >> faithfulness, she became a star in the sky known as Arundhati Nakshatra. >> Arundhati was the daughter of Kardama Prajapati and Devahuti. >> >> Arundhati’s birth and life are mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. The >> birth of Arundhati is found in the Shiva Purana and Bhagavata PuranaThe >> rivalry between Vishvamitra and Vasishtha which leads to the death of her >> hundred sons is described in the Balakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana. The >> Mahabharata and several Brahmana works describe her sons, including Shakti, >> and grandson Parashara. Her role in pleading Shiva to marry Parvati is >> described in the sixth canto of Kumarasambhava of Kalidasa. >> As per the Bhagavata Purana, Arundhati is the eighth among the nine >> daughters of Kardama and Devahuti. She is the grandmother of Parashara >> and the great-grandmother of Vyasa. The Shiva Purana describes her as >> being Sandhya, the mind-born daughter of Brahma, in a previous birth. On >> instruction of Vasishtha, Sandhya pleased Shiva by penance in order to >> purify herself from passion, and Shiva asked her to jump into Medhatithi’s >> fire. She was then born as Medhatithi’s daughter and married Vasishtha. Some >> other Puranas describe her as the daughter of Kashyapa and sister of Narada >> and Parvata, and she was offered in marriage to Vasishtha by Narada. >> The Mahabharata describes Arundhati as an ascetic who used to give >> discourses to even the seven sages. The wife of Agni, Svaha, could >> therefore assume the form of the wives of the other six seers amongst >> Saptarshi but not that of Arundhati. The epic also narrates how once she >> pleased Shiva when it did not rain for 12 years and the seven seers were >> suffering without roots and fruits. Her chastity and service to her husband >> is mentioned as unparalleled in the Mahabharata. >> As per the Valmiki Ramayana, she bore a hundred sons, who were all cursed >> to die by Vishvamitra. She then bore a son named Shakti and later another >> one named Suyagya, who studied with Rama at Vasishtha’s hermitage. Some >> sources say she had eight sons including Shakti and Chitraketu. >> In traditional Indian astronomy, pair of Mizar and Alcor in constellation >> Ursa Major is known as Vasishtha and Arundhati >> Arundhati is identified with the morning star and with the star Alcor, >> which forms a double star with Mizar (identified as Vasishtha Maharshi) in >> Ursa Major. Arundhati, though the wife of one of the seven seers, is >> accorded the same status as the seven seers and is worshipped with them as >> such. In Vedic and Puranic literature, she is regarded as the epitome of >> chastity, conjugal bliss and wifely devotion. In post-Puranic epic poems >> , she has been described as “chaste and revered” and with a character that >> is “unblemished, inspiring and worthy of imitation”. In the Hindu culture, >> there are several beliefs, practices and traditions centred on Arundhati >> including a ritual in the marriage ceremony after the Saptapadi, a fast, a >> belief about imminent death, and a maxim. >> Since the Arundhati star is faintly visible, there is a belief that when >> someone is near death, they can not see the Arundhati star Due to its >> faintness, the Arundhati used to be shown in steps, first showing the >> brighter stars, and then relative to that the faint Arundhati star is >> directed. The maxim in Sanskrit called the Arundhatī darśananyāyaḥ >> (IAST:), used in the meaning of inferring the unknown from that which is >> known, is named after Arundhati. >> >> Arundhati. >> She was one of the nine daughters of Kardama Prajapati and his wife >> Devahuti. Arundhati is the wife of the sage Vashistha, one of the seven >> sages (Saptarshi) who are identified with the Ursa Major. She is identified >> with the morning star and also with the star Alcor which forms a double >> star with Mizar (identified as Vashista Maharshi) in Ursa Major. Arundhati, >> though the wife of one of the seven seers, is accorded the same status as >> the seven seers and is worshipped with them as such. In the Vedic and >> Puranic literature, she is regarded as the epitome of chastity, conjugal >> bliss and wifely devotion. In post-Puranic epic poems in Sanskrit and >> Hindi, she has been described as “chaste and revered” and with a character >> that is “unblemished, inspiring and worthy of imitation”. In the Hindu >> culture, there are several beliefs, practices and traditions centred on >> Arundhati including a ritual in the marriage ceremony after the Saptapadi, >> a fast, a belief about imminent death, and a maxim. >> During the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2016/12/02/brahma/> created various beings >> to assist him with his creation and to populate the universe. Brahma >> created ten Manasputras (mind-born sons): Marichi, Atri >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2017/07/06/atri/>, Pulahu, Pulastya, >> Angiras, Kratu, Narada, Daksha >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2019/01/03/daksha/>, Bhrigu >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2019/07/01/bhrigu/>, and Vashishta. Each >> of these sons was born from a different part of Brahma’s body. Vashishta >> was created from the *prana* (breath) of Lord Brahma. After that, a >> beautiful lady sprung from Brahma’s mind. On seeing her, Vashishta, his 9 >> brothers, and his father all got up, enamored by the angelic woman. >> However, at that moment, another man sprung from Brahma’s mind. Vashishta >> and the other Manasputras named the man as Kama, the god of love >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2019/01/02/kama/>, and the woman was named >> Sandhya. >> >> After Brahma had finished his creation, Kama decided to test his powers >> of love. He shot his arrows of love at Brahma, the Manasputras, and >> Sandhya. Soon, they started frequently staring at Sandhya. Brahma, >> Vashishta, and his nine brothers were completely overpowered by lust. >> Sandhya too started indicating her feelings from them with occasional >> glances. On seeing his brothers and father attracted to Sandhya, Dharma >> (another son of Brahma) prayed to Lord Shiva >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2016/08/17/shiva/> for help. Shiva >> appeared there and scolded Brahma and his sons for their indecent behavior. >> Out of embarrassment for their actions, Vashishta and the others began >> sweating. From their sweat, different Pitrs (ancestors) were born. From >> Vashishta’s sweat, the Kalin class of Pitrs were born. Brahma was enraged >> at Kama and cursed him, but then blessed him. After this incident, >> Vashishta and the others went to their respective abodes. >> >> *The Story of Vashishta and Sandhya* >> >> *This story is in the Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Sati Khanda, Chapters >> 5-7* >> >> Meanwhile, Sandhya too came out her trance and felt severely guilty for >> her actions. She decided that she would engage in penance to atone for her >> sins, and then she would kill herself. Sandhya went to the Chandrabhaga >> Mountain and began austere penance. Soon, Brahma came to know of Sandhya’s >> plan to end her life. Brahma approached Vashishta and said, “My son, >> Sandhya is currently performing penance at Chandrabhaga. She wishes to >> atone for her sins after what happened with Kama. Please go and teach her >> how to properly perform penance.” >> >> Vashishta obeyed his father and journeyed to the Chandrabhaga Mountain. >> He assumed a disguise and respectfully approached Sandhya, who was immersed >> in penance. Sandhya opened her eyes and addressed the sage, asking for >> instruction on how to please Shiva. Vashishta taught her the mantra to >> propitiate Shiva, demonstrated the various rites of penance, and then >> vanished from the spot. Thus, Sandhya began her penance and it continued >> for four Yugas. Finally, Shiva appeared before her, saying, “I am very >> pleased with your penance. You can chose whichever boon you desire.” >> >> *Sandhya’s Boons* >> >> Sandhya said, “For my first boon, I desire that no living being is born >> with lust. This is what happened to me, and I don’t want that to happen >> again. For my second boon, I desire that no woman becomes more famous than >> me! Let me have the greatest husband, and any other man that looks at me >> lustfully will become weak” >> >> “From now on, there will be four stages of life: infancy, childhood, >> youth, and old age. Humans can only become lustful after the childhood >> stage. They cannot be lustful at birth. As per your second wish, you will >> have a famous husband who will live for seven Kalpas. I know that you want >> to kill yourself after obtaining these boons. You must enter the fire at >> the *yagna* of Medhatithi Rishi. That way, you will become his daughter >> in your next birth. If you have chosen your husband for your next birth, >> make sure to remember him before you enter the fire,” Shiva said and then >> vanished. As per Shiva’s instructions, Sandhya reached Medhatithi’s >> *yagna* and entered the fire. As she immolated herself, *she remembered >> Vashishta and wished that he become her husband*. >> >> *Vashishta Marries Arundhati* >> >> When Medhatithi’s long sacrifice finally concluded, an infant girl >> emerged from the sacrificial fire. Medhatithi was overjoyed and adopted the >> girl as his daughter, naming her *Arundhati*, which means “one who does >> not hinder sacred rites”. >> >> The years passed, and Arundhati grew up under her father’s care to become >> a beautiful young woman. One day, Vashishta encountered Arundhati in the >> forest. He instantly fell in love with her, and she fell for him as well. >> They expressed their feelings for each other, and they were married in a >> grand ceremony. Vashishta and Arundhati had seven sons named Chitraketu, >> Purochis, Viracha, Mitra, Ulbana, Vasubhrdyana, and Dyumana. >> >> *Daksha Yagna* >> >> Daksha <https://glorioushinduism.com/2019/01/03/daksha/> conducted a >> grand yagna and invited all of the devas, rishis, and other important >> people in the Universe. Among the guests were Vashishta and Arundhati. >> However, because of Daksha and Shiva’s enmity, Shiva and Sati >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2018/05/25/sati/> were not invited to the >> yagna. Sati was enraged and she went to the yagna site, committing suicide >> in the sacrificial fire. Hearing about this, a furious Shiva created the >> monster spirits Virabhadra and Mahakali from his matted hair. Virabhadra >> and Kali ravaged the yagna and killed many of its guests. However, >> Vashishta and Arundhati were spared from the wrath of the spirits. Later, >> after the yagna was destroyed, Shiva appeared and said that Vashishta, >> Atri, Pulastya, Angiras, Pulahu, Kratu, Bhrigu, and Marichi would be reborn >> in Chakshusha Manvatara. >> >> *Brahmayagna: Vashishta Reborn* >> >> *This story is in the Brahmanda Purana, Section 3, Chapter 1* >> >> At the end of the first Manvantara (Swayambhava Manvantara), Vashishta, >> Atri, Pulastya, Angiras, Pulahu, Kratu, Bhrigu, and Marichi passed away. >> They were transported to Janaloka >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2016/10/10/janaloka/>, the heavenly realm >> of sages. Vashishta and the others remained at Janaloka for many >> Manvataras. Finally, at the end of the Chakshusha Manvantara, Varuna >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2015/09/20/varuna/> performed a massive >> “Brahmayagna”. He invited all of the eminent devas and rishis. During the >> yagna, Brahma fell in love with some damsels, causing his semen to be >> discharged. Brahma put it in the sacrificial fire, and one by one, the >> eight sages were reborn from the fire. Lord Shiva’s words had come true! >> >> *Vashishta and Nimi* >> >> *This story is in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Book 6, Chapter 14* >> >> Vashishta again grew up and became a renowned sage across Bharatvarsha. >> He married Aksamala, an incarnation of Arundhati. King Nimi, the ruler of >> Videha, appointed Vashishta as his Guru and royal priest. Nimi was a >> prosperous king loved by his subjects. One day, Nimi decided to perform a >> 5000-year long yagna to increase his fame. He invited all of the famous >> Brahmins and sages. Nimi then approached Vashishta and said, “I am >> performing a yagna, Guru. Since you are my Guru, please perform this yagna >> me. It will last five thousand years, and I will please Ambika Devi!” >> However, Vashishta responded, “Indra >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2015/09/19/indra/> is also performing a >> yagna right now for five hundred years. He has already asked me to perform >> his yagna. You will have to wait until I finish Indra’s yagna. Wait until >> then. After I finish, I will come here.” >> >> King Nimi grew agitated. He had already invited all of the guests, and he >> made all of the preparations and arrangements. How could he delay the yagna >> by 500 years! He implored Vashishta to forget about Indra’s yagna and do >> his yagna instead. However, Vashishta refused and left the palace. He >> journeyed to Swarga <https://glorioushinduism.com/2016/10/15/swargaloka/> and >> began Indra’s yagna. Meanwhile, instead of waiting, Nimi decided to start >> the yagna with Gautama Rishi instead of Vashishta. >> >> *Vashishta Loses his Body* >> >> After five hundred years, Vashishta completed Indra’s yagna and >> immediately went to Nimi’s palace. However, when he entered the palace >> grounds, he saw the yagna being performed by someone else. Vashishta was >> enraged by the king’s behavior. He confronted Nimi and cursed, “Even though >> I am your Guru, you abandoned me and appointed somebody else for your >> yagna! I curse you that your body will be destroyed today!” >> >> Hearing Vashishta’s words, Nimi stated, “You are my Yajamana, and it is >> your duty as a Brahmin to perform my yagna for me. Yet, you chose somebody >> else over me. And now you are blaming me for your sins. You are cursing me >> when I have done nothing wrong. Since you have cursed me for nothing, I >> curse you that your body will be destroyed!” >> >> Vashishta didn’t know what to do. In a couple of hours, he would become >> bodiless. Only his soul would remain. A desperate Vashishta approached his >> father Brahma for help. He narrated what had happened between him and King >> Nimi, and asked for help. Brahma responded, “Go enter the bodies of Mitra >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2016/07/16/mitra/> and Varuna >> <https://glorioushinduism.com/2015/09/20/varuna/>. Stay there, and soon, >> you will be reborn.” Vashishta bowed down and went to Varunaloka. His body >> soon left him and his soul entered the bodies of Mitra and Varuna. >> >> *Vashishta’s Third Birth* >> >> Once, the heavenly Apsara Urvashi went to Varunaloka with her friends. >> When Mitra and Varuna saw Urvashi, they immediately fell for her. They >> requested, “Seeing your beauty and grace, we have fallen in love with you. >> Please stay here with us.” Urvashi agreed to live with them. As Urvashi >> stayed with Mitra and Varuna, they became excited and their semen dropped >> in an uncovered jar. Because of this, two children were born. >> >> The first was Agastya, who became a famous ascetic and devoted his life >> to penance. The second was Vashishta, who was adopted by King Ikshvaku. >> King Ikshvaku knew that the child was none other than Vashishta, so he >> raised him with love and care. Vashishta grew up for the third >> and final time. He once again became very learned and became the family >> priest of the solar dynasty. He again married Arundhati, who had been >> reborn as the daughter of Kashyapa Rishi and the sister of Narada and >> Parvata. They had one hundred sons, the oldest of whom was Shakti Rishi. >> >> In Hindu tradition, *Vasistha and Arundhati* are the ultimate symbols of >> *marital >> harmony, equality, and spiritual partnership*. Their symbolism is rooted >> in both mythology and unique astronomical observations. >> >> [image: Vashishtha & Arundhati: The Twin Stars That Teach Us More ...] >> >> *1. Marital Equality (The Binary Star System)* >> >> Unlike most binary star systems where one star remains stationary while >> the other revolves around it, *Mizar (Vasistha)* and *Alcor (Arundhati)* >> revolve >> around each other in synchrony. >> >> - *Symbolism*: This represents a marriage where neither partner >> dominates the other. It signifies that husband and wife are equal partners >> who support and move in sync with one another to reach a common goal. >> >> *2. The Marriage Ritual (Arundhati Darshana)* >> >> During many Hindu wedding ceremonies, particularly in South Indian >> traditions, the groom shows the bride these stars in the northern sky. >> >> - *Significance*: The couple prays to be as steady, loyal, and >> inseparable as the twin stars. >> - *Arundhati-darshana-nyaya*: This is also a famous Sanskrit maxim >> (the "Method of pointing out Arundhati") used to explain a complex or >> unknown concept by first pointing out something visible and known (the >> brighter star, Vasistha) before guiding the observer to the subtler, >> fainter truth (the smaller star, Arundhati). >> >> *3. Virtue and Fidelity* >> >> Arundhati is revered as the epitome of *chastity (Pativratatva)* and >> devotion. >> >> - *Asceticism*: Legend says she performed severe penances and was the >> only one among the wives of the Saptarishis whose devotion was so pure >> that >> she remained by her husband's side, eventually becoming a star alongside >> him. >> - *Spiritual Strength*: Her name itself implies "one who does not >> obstruct," symbolising her role in supporting her husband’s *Dharma* >> (duty) >> without losing her own spiritual identity. >> >> *4. Astronomy Meets Spirituality * >> >> - *Ursa Major*: The stars are located in the *Saptarshi Mandala* (Big >> Dipper). >> - *Physical Distance*: Interestingly, Vasistha is approximately 78 >> light-years away, while Arundhati is about 81 light-years away. Despite >> this distance, they are perceived as an inseparable pair, reflecting how >> physical proximity matters less than spiritual alignment. >> >> (i) Vasiṣṭha changed Ilā a woman, into a man. (For details see under Ilā >> I). >> >> (ii) Wives and children. Seven sons Rajas, Gotra, Ūrdhvabāhu, Savana, >> Anagha, Sutapas and Śukra, were born to Vasiṣṭha by his wife Ūrjā. These >> seven pure and just persons were the Saptarṣis (seven hermits) in the first >> Manvantara. (Viṣṇu Purāṇa, Aṃśa I, Chapter 10). >> >> (Rāja, Gātra, Ūrdhvabāhu Savana, Alaghu, Śukra (and Sutapas are the names >> given in Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 20, of the sons of Vasiṣṭha born by his wife >> Ūrjā). >> >> (iii) Vasiṣṭha and emperor Nimi. (See under Nimi) >> >> (iv) The Ṛgveda of Vasiṣṭha. There are ten Maṇḍalas in Ṛgveda, of which >> the seventh Maṇḍala was composed by the sages of Vasiṣṭha’s hermitage. >> >> (v) Cursing Rāvaṇa. Once Rāvaṇa asked Vasiṣṭha to come as his teacher and >> teach him the Vedas and the other scriptures. Vasiṣṭha did not comply with >> his request. The angry Rāvaṇa got Vasiṣṭha a captive. But the King >> Kuvalayāśva of the Solar dynasty, liberated Vasiṣṭha from captivity. The >> rescued Vasiṣṭha cursed Rāvaṇa. You and your family will be exterminated by >> those born of the Solar dynasty." (Kamba Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa). >> >> (vi) Vasiṣṭha jumped into the river. See under Adṛśyantī. >> >> (vii) In uniting Tapatī and Saṃvaraṇa Vasiṣṭha played a very prominent >> part. (See under Tapatī). >> >> (viii) It was Vasiṣṭha who put a stop to the sacrifice for the >> extermination of the Rākṣasas (giants) performed by Parāśara. (See under >> Parāśara). >> >> (ix) Vasiṣṭha and Mucukunda. See under Mucukunda. >> >> (x) Vasiṣṭha told Śrī Rāma the history of the dynasty of Ikṣvāku. >> (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa Bāla Kāṇḍa, Sarga 73). >> >> (xi) The hermitage of Vasiṣṭha was situated in the valley of mount >> Mahāmeru. (Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 29, Stanza 6). >> >> (xii) The cow of Vasiṣṭha was stolen by the eight Vasus See under >> Aṣṭavasus. >> >> (xiii) Vasiṣṭha was the teacher of Bhīṣma. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, >> Chapter 103, Stanza 45). >> >> (xiv) Vasiṣṭha participated in the Birth festival of Arjuna. (Mahābhārata >> Ādi Parva, Chapter 122, Stanza 51). >> >> (xv) Vasiṣṭha tried to commit suicide. (See under Adṛśyantī). >> >> (xvi) Vasiṣṭha shone in the assembly of Brahmā. (M.B Sabhā Parva, Chapter >> 11, Stanza 19). >> >> (xvii) In the Bhārata-battle an effort was made by Vasiṣṭha to dissuade >> Droṇa from the battle But it was in vain. (Mahābhārata Droṇa Parva, Chapter >> 190, Stanza 33). >> >> (xviii) Vasiṣṭha was one of the hermits who came to visit Bhīṣma on his >> bed of arrows. (Śānti Parva, Chapter 47, Stanza 7). >> >> (xix)Once rain failed in the world and creatures became miserable. At >> that time Vasiṣṭha fed the creatures. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter >> 137). >> >> (xx) Once Indra lost the Devaloka (the world of the Devas) and he became >> gloomy and miserable. Vasiṣṭha went to him and consoled him. (Mahābhārata >> Śānti Parva, Chapter 291, Stanza 91). >> >> (xxi) Vasiṣṭha was one of the hermits who were Brahmin tribal workers. >> (Mahābhārata Śānti Parva, Chapter 296, Stanza 17). >> >> (xxii) Once Vasiṣṭha imparted knowledge to King Janaka. This exhortation >> is given in Mahābhārata, (Śāntī Parva, six chapters from 302). >> >> (xxiii) Vasiṣṭha was one of the twentyone Prajāpatis. (Mahābhārata Śānti >> Parva, Chapter 334, Stanza 36). >> >> (xxiv) Vasiṣṭha is considered to be one of the Citraśikhaṇḍīs >> (Saptarṣis—seven hermits) (See under Citraśikhaṇḍīs). >> >> (xxv) Once Vasiṣṭha talked about Puruṣārthas (the objects of life) to >> Brahmā. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 6). >> >> (xxvi) Vasiṣṭha talked to Saudāsa about giving cows as alms. (Mahābhārata >> Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 78, Stanza 5). >> >> (xxvii) On another occasion Vasiṣṭha gave advice to Paraśurāma and talked >> about the origin of Gold. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 84, Stanza >> 44). >> >> (xxviii) Vasiṣṭha once told Arundhatī how weakness was caused. >> (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 93, Stanza 31). >> >> (xxix) Vasiṣṭha avowed that he was not one of them who had stolen the >> lotus flowers of Agastya. (Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 23, Stanza 114). >> >> (xxx) Āpava, Arundhatīpati, Brahmarṣi, Devarṣi, Hairaṇyagarbha, >> Maitrāvaruṇi, Vāruṇi, and such other words are used as synonyms of >> Vasiṣṭha, in the Mahābhārata. >> >> K RAJARAM IRS 20226 >> >> On Fri, 20 Feb 2026 at 10:32, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> *SAGE VASISTHA-Part 5** –Final part* >>> >>> Dear friends, >>> >>> This posting about sage VASISTHA is compiled from Google search by >>> asking many questions curious to me and posted in my style which is desired >>> by a few members *than as QA posting.* Information relevant from >>> Wikipedia is also included. >>> >>> *This posting is least intended to all knowing and criticizing and fault >>> finding members.* >>> >>> Hope the postings will be interesting and informative to many of my >>> friends. Since the information is more it is posted in parts. >>> >>> I have covered most of the incidents related to sage Vasistha, except >>> about his 100 sons death, failing of his attempts to commit suicide, his >>> lineage, his immortality and some smaller points. >>> >>> *This is FIFTH AND final part of the posting about Sage Vasistha. * >>> >>> Gopalakrishnan 20-02-2026 >>> >>> Death of sons >>> >>> According to Hindu mythology, specifically in the Mahabharata and >>> Purāṇas, Sage Vasishta attempted suicide due to overwhelming, unbearable >>> grief after all his sons were killed by King *Kalmashapada,* who was *under >>> the influence of a demon instigated by Sage Vishwamitra. * >>> >>> Even as a great sage who had mastered his senses, the utter destruction >>> of his entire lineage left him feeling that his life had lost all purpose, >>> driving him to despair. >>> >>> Key Reasons for the Suicide Attempt: >>> >>> Destruction of His Sons: Vishwamitra, in his extreme jealousy, >>> instigated a demon to possess King Kalmashapada, *causing him to kill >>> and devour all one hundred of Vasishta's sons, including his eldest son, >>> Shakti.* >>> >>> Intense Personal Grief: The profound emotional pain caused by the loss >>> of his family pushed the saint beyond his limit of endurance. >>> >>> Refusal to Use Powers for Revenge: While Vasishta had the immense >>> spiritual power (Brahmatejas) *to kill Vishwamitra or the king, he had >>> taken a vow of non-violence (Ahimsa) and non-retaliation*, leaving him >>> with no way to channel his anger, which turned inward as despair. >>> >>> *Why He Failed (The Turning Point):* >>> >>> Vasishta tried to end his life by throwing himself into a fire, jumping >>> off a cliff, and tying himself with heavy rocks to drown in the river >>> (later known as the Beas or Vipasha). However, nature protected him: >>> >>> The fire would not burn him.The river recognized his holiness and broke >>> into hundreds of shallow channels to avoid drowning him. >>> >>> *He finally stopped his attempts when he heard the voice of his >>> daughter-in-law, Adrisyanti, reciting the Vedas.* >>> >>> He learned she was pregnant with his grandson, *Parashara*, who was >>> reciting the Vedas from the womb. Realizing there was still a descendant to >>> carry on his line, he found the strength to live again. >>> >>> Sage Vasistha immortal >>> >>> Here is how and when the key, often-cited death experiences of Sage >>> Vasistha occurred: >>> >>> 1. The Episode of Suicide Attempts (Post-Death of His Children) >>> >>> The most commonly cited "death" story involves profound grief when Sage >>> Vishwamitra, out of jealousy, caused a demon to kill all 100 of Vasistha’s >>> sons. >>> >>> How: Overcome by grief, Vasistha tried to commit suicide multiple times: >>> >>> He jumped from a high mountain peak, but the rocks became as soft as >>> cotton. >>> >>> He threw himself into a raging river (identified as the River >>> Vipasha/Beas), but the river refused to drown him and instead washed him >>> ashore, untying the ropes with which he had bound himself. >>> >>> Result: All his attempts to kill himself were unsuccessful, and he >>> eventually accepted his sorrow and continued his life as a sage. >>> >>> 2. Death by Curse Exchange with King Nimi >>> >>> In another account, Vasistha died due to a mutual curse between him and >>> his disciple, King Nimi. >>> >>> How: Vasistha went to perform a sacrifice for King Indra, causing a >>> delay in his duty to King Nimi. *Nimi appointed another priest.* >>> Enraged, Vasistha cursed Nimi to lose his body (die). Nimi, in turn, cursed >>> Vasistha with the same fate. >>> >>> Result: Vasistha’s soul departed his body and merged into the elements >>> (Varuna and Mitra). He was later reborn from them when they saw the apsara >>> Urvashi. >>> >>> *End of the First Manvantara* >>> >>> The Puranas state that at the end of the first Manvantara (Swayambhava >>> Manvantara), Vasistha, along with other Saptarishis (Atri, Pulastya, etc.), >>> passed away and was transported to a higher realm (Janaloka). >>> >>> *Key Context on Vasistha’s "Death"* >>> >>> Immortal Status: Despite these incidents, Vasistha is considered a >>> Saptarishi (one of the seven great sages) and *an immortal who appears >>> in different eras, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata.* >>> >>> The Yoga Vasistha: The text Yoga Vasistha portrays him as an enlightened >>> master who guides Lord Rama, often speaking on the transient nature of >>> life, death, and the body. >>> >>> Based on the narratives in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the statement >>> that Vasistha’s sons were not up to his expectations is generally >>> considered incorrect in terms of their character or ability. Instead, >>> they were considered noble, virtuous, and capable—often described as equal >>> to Vasistha himself in energy. >>> >>> However, the misconception may arise from the tragic circumstances >>> surrounding their death, where they succumbed to anger, leading to >>> their demise. >>> >>> Key Aspects of Vasistha’s Sons >>> >>> Virtuous and Capable: Vasistha took great pride in his sons, considering >>> them capable, wise, and helpful in his duties. >>> >>> Their Death: The hundred sons of Vasistha (with Shakti being the >>> eldest) did not die because they failed to meet his moral or intellectual >>> standards. They were killed as a result of a deep, bitter rivalry >>> between Sage Vasistha and Sage Vishwamitra. >>> >>> The Incident: Vishwamitra, seeking to humiliate Vasistha, instigated a >>> demon to enter the body of King Kalmashapada. In this state, the king >>> killed and ate all of Vasistha's sons. >>> >>> The Role of Anger: While noble, they were not immune to human emotions. The >>> eldest son, Shakti, became furious with King Kalmashapada for obstructing >>> his path and cursed the king to become a demon, which ultimately led to the >>> destruction of all his brothers and himself. >>> >>> The Lineage Continues >>> >>> Despite the destruction of his sons, Vasistha’s lineage did not end. >>> *Vasistha’s >>> daughter-in-law, Adrisyanti (widow of Shakti), was pregnant with Parashara*, >>> who went on to become a great sage and eventually the father of Veda Vyasa. >>> >>> In summary, Vasistha's sons were highly regarded, but they were victims >>> of a tragic, intense conflict between two great sages, rather than being >>> failures in their father's eye >>> >>> Who was sage Parasara? >>> >>> *Sage Parasara was the grand son of sage Vasistha, through his son >>> Sakthi.* >>> >>> *Sage Veda Vyasa* >>> >>> *Sage Veda Vysa was his great grandson of sage Vasistha.* >>> >>> *Vasistha and Arundhati elevated as stars* >>> >>> Based on Hindu mythology and scriptures, Vashisht and Arundhati are >>> considered immortal in spirit and were *elevated to the status of stars >>> in the nigh*t sky. >>> >>> They are not merely considered dead, but are believed to have attained a >>> celestial, eternal status due to their immense virtue and devotion. >>> >>> *Key details regarding their status:* >>> >>> Star Identification: In Indian astronomy and mythology, Sage Vashisht >>> is identified with the star Mizar and his wife Arundhati with the star >>> Alcor, located in the Saptarishi constellation (Ursa Major/Big Dipper). >>> >>> Divine Immortality: >>> >>> Due to Arundhati's exceptional loyalty and purity, the gods blessed them >>> with immortality. Unlike other sages who might only be recognized by a >>> single star, Arundhati is specially accorded the status of being a star >>> alongside her husband, often viewed together by newlyweds to symbolize >>> marital harmony. >>> >>> Symbolism in Marriage: >>> >>> They are considered the "ideal couple" in Hindu tradition, and observing >>> the Arundhati-Vashisht star pair during weddings is a ritual meant to bring >>> fidelity and trust to the new marriage. >>> >>> Inseparable Nature: >>> >>> According to some interpretations, when other, less devoted stars were >>> absorbed, Arundhati remained, symbolizing that she and Vashisht do not >>> get extinguished during the cyclical destruction of the world. >>> >>> >>> >>> *Sage vasistha in Mahabharatha* >>> >>> Philosophical Teachings: >>> >>> Vashistha's teachings on morality, dharma, and the futility of anger >>> are, at times, referred to in the text, *particularly in the Anushasana >>> Parva. * >>> >>> * In the Context of Puranas (Multiple Births)* >>> >>> According to the Puranic Encyclopedia, Sage Vasistha died during the >>> sacrifice of Daksha and was born again from the sacrificial fire of Brahma. >>> His second earthly existence was later terminated due to a curse from King >>> Nimi. >>> >>> Vasistha Ashram at Guwahati >>> >>> There is an Ashram dedicated to Vasishtha in Guwahati, India. This >>> Ashram is situated close to Assam-Meghalaya border to the south of Guwahati >>> city and is a major tourist attraction of Guwahati. >>> >>> Vasistha temple >>> >>> Vasishtha's Temple is situated in Vashisht village, Himachal Pradesh. >>> >>> Vasistha Cave >>> >>> Vashishtha Cave, a cave on the banks of Ganges at Shivpuri, 18 km from >>> Rishikesh is also locally believed to be his winter abode and houses a >>> Shiva temple, also nearby is Arundhati Cave. >>> >>> *End of posting about Sage Vasistha* >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to [email protected]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/835024810.293532.1771563712907%40mail.yahoo.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/835024810.293532.1771563712907%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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