Sanaka and the other rishis were meditating in the forests of Naimisha. For twelve years they meditated there. Sauti, son of sage Lomaharshana, also called Suta, came to the forest.
Seeing Sauti, the other sages welcomed him and gave him a place to sit. They said we have heard wonderful things from your father, who is Suta, son of Vyasa. You, as his son, would know a lot more. Please do share with us some of your learning, so we can also be enlightened. We would like to know of the dynasty of Brighu, so please do tell us about that.
Sauti said,
Vyasa composed the epic poem but he had it in his head. He was wondering how to get it written when Brahma appeared before him. Vyasa told Brahma about the poem and said it contained the essence of the Vedas in it. Brahma suggested to have Ganesha as the scribe. When Ganesha appeared before Vyasa, the sage asked the God to help him be the scribe. Ganesha said he was willing to do so , if his pen flowed continuously. Vyasa, cunningly said, he was fine as long Ganesha first understood what Vyasa said, and then wrote it. Writing OM, Ganesha started. Vyasa started reciting the poem in complex shlokas, which Ganesha took time to understand and then write.
The epic was published after the characters of the poem were born and then passed away. At the fire sacrifice of Janmajeya, the epic was recited by Vaishampayana, to the king.
Listen while I tell you a wonderful story that I heard from my father.
Brighu was the son of Brahma. His wife was Puloma. One day, Brighu went to have a bath in the river, leaving his pregnant wife at home.
Seeing Brighu leave, a demon came there with the intent of carrying away Puloma. Not knowing the demon's intentions, Puloma welcomed the demon as a guest and offered him fruits, which the demon refused. He just had carnal thoughts. Seeing the fire burning in the house, he addressed the fire and said Puloma's father had once promised me her hand in marriage. He broke his promise and gave her over to Brighu. Brighu did not try to find out the history behind this, and he brought her as his wedded wife. Tell me o Agni (fire) if I am lying or telling the truth.
Agni did not know what to say. Slowly he said, her father may have said that once, but by reciting vedic mantras Puloma was given away to Brighu, who wed her by going around the fire, so she is Brighu's wife.
Angry at Agni's reply, the demon tried to pull Puloma away forcibly. Puloma starting shaking in fear, and gave birth to a son. As soon as the child was born, he looked with anger at the demon, and the demon was burnt to ashes. This child was named Chyavan.
Brahma came there and consoled the angry child. Seeing her father in law, Puloma could not control her tears. Her tears kept flowing and soon formed a river, which was named Badhumati (Badhu meaning daughter in law). Leaving his daughter in law and grandson , Brahma left.
Brighu then arrived and wanted to know what had happened. Puloma told him about the demon and the birth of their son, who saved his mother. Puloma also told Brighu, that Agni was not sure and kept quiet before giving a diplomatic answer. Angry, Brighu cursed Agni, that from now on Agni will consume anything that comes its way - be it something pure or impure.
Agni was hurt. Why did you curse me, I did not do or say anything wrong.
The Gods approached Brahma with Agni's plight. Brahma asked Agni not to worry. Anything that Agni touched, would hence forth become pure. All impurities would burn away on the touch of fire.
Seeing Sauti, the other sages welcomed him and gave him a place to sit. They said we have heard wonderful things from your father, who is Suta, son of Vyasa. You, as his son, would know a lot more. Please do share with us some of your learning, so we can also be enlightened. We would like to know of the dynasty of Brighu, so please do tell us about that.
Sauti said,
Vyasa composed the epic poem but he had it in his head. He was wondering how to get it written when Brahma appeared before him. Vyasa told Brahma about the poem and said it contained the essence of the Vedas in it. Brahma suggested to have Ganesha as the scribe. When Ganesha appeared before Vyasa, the sage asked the God to help him be the scribe. Ganesha said he was willing to do so , if his pen flowed continuously. Vyasa, cunningly said, he was fine as long Ganesha first understood what Vyasa said, and then wrote it. Writing OM, Ganesha started. Vyasa started reciting the poem in complex shlokas, which Ganesha took time to understand and then write.
The epic was published after the characters of the poem were born and then passed away. At the fire sacrifice of Janmajeya, the epic was recited by Vaishampayana, to the king.
Listen while I tell you a wonderful story that I heard from my father.
Brighu was the son of Brahma. His wife was Puloma. One day, Brighu went to have a bath in the river, leaving his pregnant wife at home.
Seeing Brighu leave, a demon came there with the intent of carrying away Puloma. Not knowing the demon's intentions, Puloma welcomed the demon as a guest and offered him fruits, which the demon refused. He just had carnal thoughts. Seeing the fire burning in the house, he addressed the fire and said Puloma's father had once promised me her hand in marriage. He broke his promise and gave her over to Brighu. Brighu did not try to find out the history behind this, and he brought her as his wedded wife. Tell me o Agni (fire) if I am lying or telling the truth.
Agni did not know what to say. Slowly he said, her father may have said that once, but by reciting vedic mantras Puloma was given away to Brighu, who wed her by going around the fire, so she is Brighu's wife.
Angry at Agni's reply, the demon tried to pull Puloma away forcibly. Puloma starting shaking in fear, and gave birth to a son. As soon as the child was born, he looked with anger at the demon, and the demon was burnt to ashes. This child was named Chyavan.
Brahma came there and consoled the angry child. Seeing her father in law, Puloma could not control her tears. Her tears kept flowing and soon formed a river, which was named Badhumati (Badhu meaning daughter in law). Leaving his daughter in law and grandson , Brahma left.
Brighu then arrived and wanted to know what had happened. Puloma told him about the demon and the birth of their son, who saved his mother. Puloma also told Brighu, that Agni was not sure and kept quiet before giving a diplomatic answer. Angry, Brighu cursed Agni, that from now on Agni will consume anything that comes its way - be it something pure or impure.
Agni was hurt. Why did you curse me, I did not do or say anything wrong.
The Gods approached Brahma with Agni's plight. Brahma asked Agni not to worry. Anything that Agni touched, would hence forth become pure. All impurities would burn away on the touch of fire.
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