M20. Mahabharata - Story of Yayati, Devayani and Sarmistha

 M20. Mahabharata - Adi Parva - Story of Yayati, Devayani and Sarmistha 



King Yayati, son of Nahusha, was a righteous ruler. Once, during a hunting spree, Yayati felt thirsty and was in search of water. He heard a call for help from Devayani from a dry well. Yayati rescued her and asked the reason for her plight.


Devayani introduced herself as the daughter of Shukracharya and was pushed into a dry well by Sarmistha, daughter of the Asura king Vrushaparva  


The quarrel began between them because of a mix-up of clothes. [This was done at the instance of Indra and facilitated by Vayu.] 


Devayani took the issue to her father. Shukracharya was deeply offended and refused to stay in Vrishaparva’s kingdom unless Devayani gets justice


Devayani demanded that Sarmista become her attendant.  With no option left, Sharmistha accepted and served her in the forest.


Later, Yayati again met Devayani in the same forest . Devayani proposed to Yayati to marry her. Yayati was hesitant as he, a Kshtriya, should restrain from marrying a Brahmin girl.


Devayani narrated a curse she bore from Kucha, son of Brihaspathi, and that she is eligible to marry him. Yayati took the approval 

 of Shukracharya and married her.


Since Sharmista accompanied Devayani,  Shukracharya warned Yayati not to have a relationship with Sarmistha. 


Devayani bore two sons Yadu and Turvasu and a daughter Madavi. Sarmistha, longing for children, met Yayati in private and persuaded him to accept her. She bore three sons, Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. This hidden relationship  led Yayati to bear the wrath of Shukracharya. 


Source: Mahabharatha - Adiparva 


https://www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

M17. Mahabharata - Mandavya Maharishi's Curse and Birth of Vidura

M17 - Mahabharata  - Mandavya Maharishi’s Curse and Birth of Vidura Dritharashtra was born to Ambika. Sage Vyasa said he would have a strength of 1000 elephants but would be blind on account of his mother’s fault. Pandu was born to Ambalika.  Sage Vyasa said he would become a great king, bring good fortune, and extend the kingdom.  He would remain pale (a sort of skin disorder). Vidura was born to the maid of Ambika. The maid took the blessings of the Sage and was blessed with a son. When asked about the traits of the third issue, the Sage said that Vidura will be an expert in Neeti Shastra,  Dharma Shastra, and highly disciplined.   Having completed his obligation towards his mother, Satyavathi,  the Sage disappeared.  Sage Vaishampayana said Yama  was born as Vidura in accordance with the curse of Mandavya Maharishi.   Story of Mandavya Maharishi  The Sage said, “Mandavya Maharishi was a great tapasvi. He does not know anythi...
Read more

M9. Birth of Sage Vyasa and Greatness of Parasara Maharishi

  M9. Mahabharatha  - Birth of Sage Vyasa and Greatness of Parasara Maharishi  Parasara Maharishi is Trikala Vedi (one who knows past, present, and future events). He knew Satyavathi was the daughter of Uparichita Vasu in the present birth, and in her past birth, she was Achodha , the mind born daughter of Pitru devata. She had earned sufficient merit to be the mother of Vyasa. Once, Parasara Maharishi was on a pilgrimage when he met Satyavathi at Yamuna River Bank. He requested her service to cross the river. To grace her and charmed by her beauty, he made a request to fulfill his wish. Satyavathi was in denial mode, stating that she needed her father’s permission and losing her virginity before marriage was not acceptable.  Maharishi assured and blessed that her virginity would be intact and that it is the play of destiny. He knew it was an appropriate time for Narayana to ascend (Vyasa is considered an incarnation of Sriman Narayana).  She was told about her...
Read more

M6. Garuda Ends Slavery of His Mother Vinata

  M6. Mahabharata  - Garuda Ends Slavery of His Mother  Vinata How could Garuda defeat devatas? When Garuda went to heaven, there was uneasiness in the denizens of heaven. Devaguru Brihaspathi said “Garuda is heading towards heaven to take nectar. None can oppose him, yet it is your duty to protect it. Be prepared for the event”. Garuda carried heavy dust that blinded the whole area, and none were able to see. He  defeated Gods and went to heavily guarded nectar. Its outer peripheral is protected by fire. Garuda took the form of 100 faces, collected water from holy rivers, and extinguished the fire.  Going further, he saw lotus shaped iron rods with sharp spokes. Garuda reduced himself to a tiny size and passed through the blockage without getting hurt. Further, two poisonous snakes with sharp eyes were protecting the nectar. Garuda threw dust on its eyes and killed them. He took the nectar and was flying when Maha Vishnu stopped him. Garuda Gets Blessings of Ma...
Read more