GARGA THE CELEBRATED SAGE

 

Genealogy

          Garga was a descendant of Lord Vishnu. His lineage traces back as follows: Brahma - Atri - Gandra - Budha - Pururavas - Ayus - Nahusa - Puru - Janamejaya - Pracinvan - Pravira - Namasyu - Vitabhaya - Sundu - Bahuvidha - Samyati - Rahovadi - Raudrasva - Matinara - Santurodha - Dusyanta - Bharata - Suhotra - Suhota - Gala - Garda - Suketu - Brhatksatra - and finally, Garga.

Birth of Garga
          Garga’s story begins with Brhaspati, a sage, who approached his brother’s wife, Mamata, despite her being pregnant. The unborn child in her womb protested, but Brhaspati cursed the child and forced himself on Mamata. As a result, she carried two babies. After giving birth, Mamata abandoned one of the children. The gods took care of the abandoned baby and named him Bharadvaja. Later, King Bharata, son of Dusyanta, adopted him as his own son since his biological children were immoral and had been killed by their own mothers. Bharadvaja was also called Vitatha. From Vitatha came Manyu, then Brhatksatra, followed by Jaya, and then Garga. Garga’s brother, Nara, had a son named Sankrti, whose own son was the famous Rantideva. Garga had a son named Sani before renouncing worldly life and becoming a monk.

Garga as a Teacher of the Yadavas
          Over time, Garga became the teacher of the Yadava clan. Sri Krishna and his brother Balabhadra (Balarama) returned to Mathura from Ambadi and were sent to study under sage Sandipani on Garga’s advice.

Garga and Mucukunda
          Once, Garga visited King Mucukunda, son of Mandhata, at his palace. Pleased with the king’s hospitality, Garga blessed him, saying that one day he would have the chance to see Lord Krishna in person. Later, while Mucukunda was asleep in a cave, this blessing came true as he had a divine vision of Krishna.

Importance of Garga
          When Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after his exile in the forest, many great sages came to visit him. Among them were Kausika, Yavaknta, Raibhya, Kanva, and Garga, who all arrived with their disciples.

Garga the Astronomer
          Garga was also a great scholar in astronomy. He performed penance on the banks of the river Sarasvati at a place called Gargasrota. During this time, he made several discoveries about the movement of planets and stars. He later became the chief astronomer in the court of Emperor Prthu.

Other Contributions of Garga

1.     During the great war of Kurukshetra, Garga visited the battlefield and advised Dronacharya to stop the war.

2.     He gave guidance to King Visvavasu about eternity.

3.     He explained the greatness of the world to Yudhishthira.

Garga was an important sage in Hindu tradition. He was respected as a teacher, astronomer, and wise advisor, influencing many great kings and warriors.