Sage · All traditions · Pan-India

Chyavana

Also called: Cyavana, Chyavana Bhargava, Kyavana

A sage of the Bhrigu family (the Shatapatha Brahmana also allows 'or of the Angirases'), left behind on earth decrepit and ghostlike, whom the Ashvins made young again. The Rigveda already knows the deed. In the Mahabharata he sits so long in penance that an anthill covers him; afterwards he forces Indra to grant the Ashvins their Soma.

Sources: Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer; The Satapatha-Brahmana, tr. Julius Eggeling (Sacred Books of the East 12, 41); The Mahabharata, tr. K. M. Ganguli (1883-96), sections read for the Vedic layer · see Chyavana's web

Relations 7

Chyavana blessed by

The Ashvins (God) · Chyavana made young again
They make the aged sage young again.

Chyavana child of

Puloma (Mortal) · Bhrigu curses Agni to eat everything
Chyavana drops from her womb during the abduction.

Chyavana consort of

Sukanya (Mortal) · Chyavana made young again
Sharyati gives his daughter to the sage.

Chyavana dwells at

Dhosi Hill (Place)
Local tradition places his hermitage here.

Chyavana granted a boon to

The Ashvins (God) · The Ashvins win their share of Soma
In return for youth he wins them the right to drink Soma.

Chyavana rival of

Indra (God) · The Ashvins win their share of Soma
Paralyses Indra's arm and raises Mada against him at Sharyati's sacrifice.

Chyavana slew

Puloman the rakshasa (Asura) · Bhrigu curses Agni to eat everything
The rakshasa turns to ashes at the sight of the new-born child.

Stories 3

Bhrigu curses Agni to eat everything
From the epics · as the child whose birth destroys the rakshasa · 3 tellings
Chyavana made young again
Legend · as the decrepit sage · 7 tellings
The Ashvins win their share of Soma
Legend · as their champion (epic) · 5 tellings

Cited

Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 1.116.10 Primary text (translation)
The Satapatha-Brahmana, tr. Julius Eggeling (Sacred Books of the East 12, 41) § 4.1.5 Primary text (translation)
The Mahabharata, tr. K. M. Ganguli (1883-96), sections read for the Vedic layer § vana.122-125 Primary text (translation)