CYAVANA THE CELEBRATED SAGE

 

Genealogy

Cyavana was a great sage from the Bhargava dynasty. His lineage traces back to Brahma, followed by Bhrgu, and then Cyavana.

Birth

Bhrgu, the son of Brahma, was born from Agni during a yajna conducted by Varuna. He married Puloma, a beautiful and virtuous woman. However, a demon named Puloma was also in love with her. One day, while Bhrgu was away, Puloma abducted her in the form of a boar. At that time, Puloma was pregnant, and due to the shock, she gave birth prematurely. The baby fell to the ground, which is why he was named Cyavana (meaning "fall"). The newborn's radiance burned the demon to ashes. Puloma, filled with sorrow, returned to the ashram, and her tears formed the river Vadhusara. When Bhrgu learned of the incident, he cursed Agni to consume everything indiscriminately.

Penance and Marriage

As a child, Cyavana began intense penance. Over time, he became covered with earth, and creepers grew over him. One day, King Saryati and his family visited the forest. His daughter, Sukanya, curious about a glowing heap of earth, pricked two shining spots, unknowingly hurting Cyavana’s eyes. As a result, the entire kingdom suffered, as people could not relieve themselves. Realizing Sukanya's mistake, the king sought forgiveness from Cyavana. The sage agreed to forgive them on the condition that Sukanya be given to him in marriage. Though initially reluctant, the princess accepted, and they were married.

Cyavana Attains Eternal Youth

Sukanya devotedly served her husband despite his old age and blindness. One day, the celestial physicians, the Asvinidevas, met Sukanya and offered to restore Cyavana’s youth and eyesight. They proposed a test where Cyavana, now transformed into a young man, would appear identical to them. Sukanya, with divine help, correctly identified her husband. As a token of gratitude, Cyavana helped the Asvinidevas secure the right to drink soma (divine nectar), which had been denied by Indra.

Cyavana Defeats Indra

Cyavana conducted a yajna and invited all gods, including the Asvinidevas. When Indra objected to their participation, a conflict ensued. Cyavana created a terrifying demon named Mada, who frightened the gods. Indra, unable to move, sought the help of his guru, Brhaspati. Following Brhaspati’s advice, Indra surrendered to Cyavana, who then spared him. The Asvinidevas were granted permission to partake in the soma ritual.

Other Notable Incidents

Parasurama once visited Cyavana’s ashram, where he received blessings to perform penance at Kailasa.

Cyavana had a son named Pramati, who fathered Ruru and grandfathered Sunaka.

He married Arusi, and their son Aurva continued the lineage leading to Parasurama.

Astika studied the Sama Veda in Cyavana’s ashram.

Cyavana was the guru of Bhishma.

King Yuvanasva, unable to conceive a child, drank sacred water blessed by Cyavana and miraculously gave birth to Mandhata.

Cyavana was a prominent member of Brahma’s court and once traveled to Patala (the netherworld).

He blessed Vedasarma of the Kaushika lineage with a son.

Cyavana had a daughter named Sumanas, who married Sage Somasarma.

Sage Cyavana’s life reflects devotion, power, and divine blessings, making him an important figure in Hindu Puranas.