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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