Ekata was an ancient sage, the son of Maharishi Gautama. He had two brothers, Dvita and Trita. After their father passed away, Trita became the leader of the three, which displeased Ekata and Dvita.
Ekata and the Curse of the Wolf
One day,
the three brothers were traveling through a forest with a herd of cows for a
sacred ritual (yaga). Trita walked ahead while Ekata and Dvita followed with
the cows. Seizing an opportunity, the two brothers secretly led the cows away
on a different path, abandoning Trita without his knowledge.
When
Trita realized what had happened, he was devastated. As he continued his
journey, he reached the banks of the Sarasvati River. There, a wolf frightened
him, and in his attempt to escape, he fell into an old, dry well. Stranded, he
decided to perform a yaga from within the well. Mistaking a vine inside for the
sacred Somalata plant, he recited Rk hymns, calling upon the
gods.
Hearing
his prayers, divine beings, including Brihaspati, appeared and granted him a
boon. Trita wished to worship the gods while standing on the waves of the
Sarasvati River. The river miraculously changed course, allowing him to fulfill
his wish. After completing his prayers, Trita returned home and cursed his
deceitful brothers, transforming Ekata and Dvita into wolves.
Ekata’s Other Mentions
- People of western Bharata
revered Ekata as a great sage.
- He attended a yajna
performed by King Uparicharavasu.
- Along with his brothers, he
once traveled to Svetadwipa to meet Narayana.
- The three brothers were
among the sages who visited Bhishma on his bed of arrows.
- They lived on the west coast
and served as priests (Rtviks) of Varuna.
Rigveda (Mandala 1, Sukta 150) contains hymns praising Trita, one of the trio.
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