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{{Short description|Ancient Hindu sage}}
{{Short description|Ancient Hindu sage}}
{{for|the concept in Jainism|Panch Kalyanaka}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
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| religion = [[Hinduism]]
| religion = [[Hinduism]]
}}
}}
[[File:The Goddess Worshiped by Rishi Chyavana.jpeg|thumb|''The Goddess worshipped by the sage Chyavana'' from a [[Tantra|Tantric]] [[Devi]] series attributed to [[Kripal of Nurpur]] (active c. 1660 - c. 1690). [[Freer Gallery of Art]]]]
'''Chyavana''' ({{Lang-sa|च्यवन}}, ''Cyavana'') was a [[rishi|sage (ṛṣi)]] in [[Hinduism]]. He was a son of [[Bhrigu]] also known as Bhrigu Varuni in [[Upanishads]], and is known for his rejuvenation through a special herbal paste known as ''[[chyawanprash]]'', which was prepared by Ashwinikumars.<ref>Mahabharat</ref> According to the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', he was powerful enough to oppose the thunderbolt (''[[vajra]]'') of [[Indra]] and was responsible for the [[Ashvins]] getting their share of the sacrificial offerings. He created a demon, [[Mada]], to achieve it.<ref name="dowson">{{cite book|last=Dowson|first=John|title=A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology, and religion, geography, history|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=Delhi|year=2004|pages= 73–5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ejh82j8G_CYC&pg=PA73 | isbn=978-81-206-1786-5}}</ref>
'''Chyavana''' ({{Langx|sa|च्यवन|translit=Cyavana}}) was a [[rishi|sage (rishi)]] in [[Hinduism]]. He was a son of [[Bhrigu]], also known as Bhrigu Varuni in the [[Upanishads]], and is known for his rejuvenation through a special herbal paste (ayurvedic jam) or tonic known as ''[[chyawanprash|chyavanaprasham]]'',<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Sivarajan |first1=V. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jCMNAQAAMAAJ&q=Cyavanapr%C4%81%C5%9Bam |title=Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources |last2=Balachandran |first2=Indira |date=1994 |publisher=International Science Publisher |isbn=978-1-881570-21-9 |pages=28 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-04-06 |title=Cyavanaprasha, Cyavanaprāśa, Cyavana-prasha: 5 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/cyavanaprasha |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> which was prepared by the [[Ashvins]].<ref>Mahabharat</ref> According to the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', he was powerful enough to oppose the celestial thunderbolt (''[[vajra]]'') of [[Indra]], and was responsible for the [[Ashvins]] getting their share of the sacrificial offerings. He created an [[asura]], [[Mada]], to achieve it.<ref name="dowson">{{cite book|last=Dowson|first=John|title=A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology, and religion, geography, history|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=Delhi|year=2004|pages= 73–5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ejh82j8G_CYC&pg=PA73 | isbn=978-81-206-1786-5}}</ref>


Chyavana (with a different spelling: च्यवान Cyavāna) is also mentioned in the ''[[Rigveda]]'', where he is described as an aged and feeble person whose youth and strength was restored by the twin Aśvins (RV VII.68:6).<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India|others=Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-|year=2014|isbn=9780199370184|location=New York|pages=968|oclc=849801119}}</ref> According to Rigveda X.61:1-3,<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India|others=Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-|year=2014|isbn=9780199370184|location=New York|pages=1475|oclc=849801119}}</ref> Cyavāna is a weak opponent of Tūrvayāṇa, an Indra worshipper [[Pakthas|Paktha]] king, as the latter was closer to the Ashvins.<ref name=vi>{{cite book|last1=Macdonnel|first1=Arthur Anthony |last2=Keith|first2=Arthur Berriedale |title=Vedic Index of Names and Subjects|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6TVLlPvuMAC&pg=PA264 |volume=Vol. 1|orig-year=1912|year=1985|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|isbn=81-208-1332-4|pages=264–5}}</ref>
Chyavana (with a different spelling: च्यवान Cyavāna) is also mentioned in the ''[[Rigveda]]'', where he is described as an aged and feeble person whose youth and strength was restored by the twin Aśvins (RV VII.68:6).<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India|others=Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-|year=2014|isbn=9780199370184|location=New York|pages=968|oclc=849801119}}</ref> According to Rigveda X.61:1-3,<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India|others=Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-|year=2014|isbn=9780199370184|location=New York|pages=1475|oclc=849801119}}</ref> Cyavāna is a weak opponent of Tūrvayāṇa, an Indra worshipper and a [[Pakthas|Paktha]] king, as the former was closer to the Ashvins.<ref name=vi>{{cite book|last1=Macdonnel|first1=Arthur Anthony |last2=Keith|first2=Arthur Berriedale |title=Vedic Index of Names and Subjects|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6TVLlPvuMAC&pg=PA264 |volume=1|orig-year=1912|year=1985|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|isbn=81-208-1332-4|pages=264–5}}</ref>


According to one tradition, he married [[Vaivasvata Manu]]'s daughter Arushi and their son was Aurva. According to another tradition, he married [[Sukanya|Sukanyā]], daughter of Vedic king Sharyati and granddaughter of Vaivasvata Manu. They had two sons: Apnavana and Dadhicha.<ref>Pargiter, F.E. (1922, reprint 1972). ''Ancient Indian Historical Tradition'', Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, pp.193-7</ref> He is also considered as the father of Harita and Uddalaka Varuni.<ref name="dowson"/>
According to one tradition, he married [[Vaivasvata Manu]]'s daughter Arushi. Their son was [[Aurva]]. According to another tradition, he married [[Sukanya|Sukanyā]], daughter of Vedic king Sharyati and granddaughter of Vaivasvata Manu. They had two sons: Apnavana and Dadhicha.<ref>Pargiter, F.E. (1922, reprint 1972). ''Ancient Indian Historical Tradition'', Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, pp.193-7</ref> He is also considered as the father of Harita and Uddalaka Varuni.<ref name="dowson"/>


==Legend==
==Birth/People Associated with Chyavana==
⚫
According to an account found in the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' (''[[Adi Parva]]'', Ch.5-6), when Bhrigu's wife Puloma was pregnant and lived in her hermitage, a ''[[rakshasa]]'' harassed her. Puloma's child slipped from her womb, called a 'chyuta' child in Sanskrit ("early delivery") and thus received his name '''Chyavana'''. The ''rakshasa'' released the mother after seeing the child drop,<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Flaherty|first=Wendy Doniger|title=The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology|url=https://books.google.com/?id=sktbYRG_LO8C&pg=PA304&dq=Bhrgu+Puloma+Cyavana#v=onepage|year=1988|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|isbn=81-208-0386-8|page=304}}</ref> but immediately converted into ashes.


=== Birth ===
⚫
Chyavana studied the ''Vedas'' from his father and later acquired the knowledge of ''Vedas'' from [[Brahma]]. He subsequently became a ''Brahmarshi''.
⚫
According to an account found in the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' (''[[Adi Parva]]'', Ch.5-6), when Bhrigu's wife Puloma was pregnant and lived in her hermitage, a ''[[rakshasa]]'' harassed her. Puloma's child slipped from her womb, called a 'chyuta' child in Sanskrit ("early delivery") and thus received his name '''Chyavana'''. The ''rakshasa'' released the mother after seeing the child drop,<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Flaherty|first=Wendy Doniger|title=The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sktbYRG_LO8C&dq=Bhrgu+Puloma+Cyavana&pg=PA304|year=1988|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|location=Delhi|isbn=81-208-0386-8|page=304}}</ref> but immediately got converted into ashes.


⚫
Chyavana studied the ''Vedas'' from his father and later acquired the knowledge of ''Vedas'' from [[Brahma]]. He subsequently became a ''Brahmarshi''.
The Sampangirama family is one of the many families that contains the decedents of Chyavana. The Sampangirama family goes by many last names, the most notable being Sampangirama, Nagar, and Rao. The Sampangirama family follows the pravara (bloodline): Bhargava, Chyavana, Apnavana, Aurva, Jamadagni, Parashurama.


==Penance and rejuvenation==
=== Austerities and rejuvenation ===
The earliest version of the narrative of Chyavana's practice of austerities and subsequent restoration of youth is found in the ''[[Brahmanas]]''. A later version of this narrative is found in the ''Mahabharata''. More later versions are found in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' and the ''[[Padma Purana]]''.<ref name="wilson">{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Horace Hayman (tr.)|title=The Vishnu Purana|year=1840|publisher=John Murray|page=354fn29|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp093.htm|location=London}}</ref>
The earliest version of the narrative of Chyavana's practice of austerities and subsequent restoration of youth is found in the ''[[Brahmanas]]''. A later version of this narrative is found in the ''Mahabharata''. More later versions are found in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' and the ''[[Padma Purana]]''.<ref name="wilson">{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Horace Hayman (tr.)|title=The Vishnu Purana|year=1840|publisher=John Murray|page=354fn29|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp093.htm|location=London}}</ref>


===In the ''Brahmanas''===
==== ''Brahmanas'' ====
In a narrative found in the ''[[Satapatha Brahmana]]'' (IV.1.5.1-13), Chyavana is mentioned as a descendant of Bhrigu. While all the Bhrigus, the descendants of the Angirasas, were away, Chyavana with senile body was living in his Ashram. Once, King Sharyati, son of Manu came for hunting near Chyavana's Ashram (hermitage) with his army. Sharyati's children was also with him. They went to Chyavana Rishi's Ashram, where the Rishi was in meditation. While white-ants had covered his body and only his eyes were visible. They humiliated Chyavana and he became furious and his curse created discord amongst Sharyati's family. When Sharyati found the cause of his misfortune, he offered his daughter Sukanya for marriage to Chayavana, so that she could take care of revered saint.
In a narrative found in the ''[[Satapatha Brahmana]]'' (IV.1.5.1-13), Chyavana is mentioned as a descendant of Bhrigu. While the other [[Bhargava|Bhrigus]] were away, Chyavana, with a senile body, was living in his [[Ashram|ashrama]]. Once, King Sharyati, son of Manu, came for hunting near Chyavana's ashrama (hermitage) with his army. Sharyati's children were also with him. They went to Chyavana Rishi's ashrama, where the rishi was in meditation. While white-ants had covered his body, only his eyes were visible. They humiliated Chyavana, and in his fury, the sage cursed them. His curse created discord amongst Sharyati's family. When Sharyati found the cause of his misfortune, he offered his daughter Sukanya in marriage to Chayavana, so that she could take care the revered saint.


Later, the Ashvins came to his Ashram and tried to seduce Sukanya. Sukanya who refused to leave her husband, instead asked the Ashvins to restore Chyavana's youth. Following their advice, Chyavana's youth was restored by a combination of three treatments. Certain herbs were put into a pond and the Rishi was asked to have a dip in the pond.<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Flaherty|first=Wendy Doniger|title=Śiva, the Erotic Ascetic |url=https://books.google.com/?id=dnfZ_MBErlQC&pg=PA57&dq=Cyavana+rejuvenation#v=onepage|year=1981|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=London|isbn=0-19-520250-3|pages=57–61}}</ref> A herbal paste was prepared for application on the body of Rishi, which was part of 'Kayakalp'. And a special herbal paste, [[Chyawanprash]] was prepared for Rishi to take as medicine.
Later, the Ashvins came to his ashrama, and tried to seduce Sukanya. Sukanya, who refused to leave her husband, instead asked the Ashvins to restore Chyavana's youth. Following their advice, Chyavana's youth was restored by a combination of three treatments. Certain herbs were put into a pond and the rishi was asked to have a dip in the pond.<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Flaherty|first=Wendy Doniger|title=Śiva, the Erotic Ascetic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dnfZ_MBErlQC&dq=Cyavana+rejuvenation&pg=PA57|year=1981|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=London|isbn=0-19-520250-3|pages=57–61}}</ref> A herbal paste was prepared for application on the body of the rishi, which was part of '[[Kayakalpa]]'. A special herbal paste, [[Chyawanprash|chyavanaprasham]], was prepared for the rishi to take as a medicine.


In return, the Ashvins obtained a share in the sacrificial offerings in [[Kurukshetra]] on her suggestion. In the [[Aitareya Brahmana]] (VIII.21.4), the inauguration of Sharyata by him is compared with the [[Indra]]'s coronation.<ref name=vi/>
In return, the Ashvins obtained a share in the sacrificial offerings in [[Kurukshetra]] on her suggestion. In the [[Aitareya Brahmana]] (VIII.21.4), the inauguration of Sharyata by him is compared with [[Indra]]'s coronation.<ref name=vi/>


===In the Mahabharata===
==== Mahabharata ====
⚫
According to the narrative found in the [[Vana Parva]] (Ch.122-5) of the Mahabharata, Chyavana was so absorbed in practising austerities on the side of a lake that termites built up their mound all over his body and only his eyes were left. Once, Sharyati, along with his army and household, came to visit the place. [[Sukanya]], daughter of king Sharyati, seeing only two bright eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick. Chyavana felt excessive pain and became furious. He obstructed the calls of nature of Sharyati's army. He was pleased only after the king gave him his daughter in marriage.<ref name="ganguli1">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03122.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXII}}</ref> Subsequently, the Ashvins came to the hermitage of Chyavana. They saw Sukanya while she was bathing, and tried to convince Sukanya to reject old and ugly Chyavana and accept one of them as her husband. They also promised to restore the youth of Chyavana first so that she could make an unbiased choice amongst Chyavana and one of them. Sukanya rejected their proposal and informed Chyavana. Later, at the behest of Chyavana, Sukanya requested the Ashvins to do so. All three took bath in the lake and came out with the same youthful divine look. Each of them requested Sukanya to be his bride, but she identified Chyavana and selected him. In gratitude, Chyavana assured the Ashvins that he would ensure that the Ashvins get their share of the sacrificial offerings.<ref name="ganguli2">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03123.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXIII}}</ref> Accordingly, Chyavana, while officiating as a priest of Sharyati in a [[soma sacrifice]], offered the share of the sacrifice to the Ashvins. [[Indra]] objected to this, stating that as mere servants of the devas, they have no right to receive offering of Soma juice. When the sage ignored his opinion, he tried to hurl his [[vajra]] (thunderbolt) towards Chyavana, but his arms were paralysed by Chyavana before he could do so. Chyavana, by virtue of his ascetic energy, created a huge asura, Mada, with four fangs.<ref name="ganguli3">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03124.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXIV}}</ref> Mada was on the point of devouring Indra, when he became afraid, and finally accepted the right of the Ashvins to have a share of the offerings.<ref name="ganguli4">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03125.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXV}}</ref>
[[File:Sage chyavana blesses raja kushika and his wife.jpg|thumb|left|Sage chyavana blesses raja kushika and his wife]]
[[File:Sukanya praying to Aswini kumaras to reveal her husband's identity.jpg|thumb|[[Sukanya]] praying to Aswini to reveal her husband's identity]]
⚫
According to the narrative found in the [[Vana Parva]] (Ch.122-5) of the Mahabharata, Chyavana was so absorbed in practising austerities on the side of a lake that termites built up their mound all over his body and only his eyes were left. Once, Sharyati along with his army and the [[harem]] came to visit the place. [[Sukanya]], daughter of king Sharyati, seeing only two bright eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick. Chyavana felt excessive pain and became furious. He obstructed the calls of nature of Sharyati's army. He was pleased only after the king gave him his daughter in marriage.<ref name = "ganguli1">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03122.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXII}}</ref> Subsequently, the Ashvins came to the hermitage of Chyavana. They saw Sukanya while she was bathing and tried to convince Sukanya to reject old and ugly Chyavana and accept one of them as her husband. They also promised to restore the youth of Chyavana first so that she could make an unbiased choice amongst Chyavana and one of them. Sukanya rejected their proposal and informed Chyavana. Later, at the behest of Chyavana, Sukanya requested the Ashvins to do so. All three took bath in the lake and came out with the same youthful divine look. Each of them requested Sukanya to be his bride, but she identified Chyavana and selected him only. In gratitude, Chyavana assured the Ashvins that he will ensure that the Ashvins get shares of the sacrificial offerings.<ref name = "ganguli2">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03123.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXIII}}</ref> Accordingly, Chyavana, while officiating as a priest of Sharyati in a [[soma sacrifice]], offered the share of the sacrifice to the Ashvins. [[Indra]] objected it saying Ashvins are physicians of celestials, and are servants to them, so they have no right to receive offering of Soma juice. When Rishi ignored his opinion, he tried to hurl his [[vajra]] (thunderbolt) towards Chyavana, but his arms were paralysed by Chyavana, before he could do so. Chyavana by virtue of his ascetic energy, created a huge demon, Mada, with four fangs.<ref name = "ganguli3">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03124.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXIV}}</ref> Mada was on the point of devouring Indra, when he became afraid and finally accepted the right of the Ashvins to have share of the offerings.<ref name = "ganguli4">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03125.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.CXXV}}</ref>


==Chyavana and Kushika==
=== Chyavana and Kushika ===
[[File:King kushik with sage Chyavan.jpg |thumb|King kushik with sage Chyavan.]]
[[File:King kushik with sage Chyavan.jpg |thumb|King Kushika with the sage Chyavana.]]
⚫
In a narrative found in the ''Anushasana Parva'' (Ch.52-56) of the Mahabharata, Chayvana exacted many menial offices from king Kushika and his queen for 21 days. Later, he was pleased by their devotion and rewarded them by creating a magical palace of gold and predicting the birth of their grandson endued with great energy, [[Vishvamitra]], who would attain the status of a [[Brahmana]].<ref name="dowson"/><ref name = "ganguli5">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 13: Anusasana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b020.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.LV}}</ref>
[[File:Kushika nd his wife in ashrama of chyavana.jpg|thumb|Kushika nd his wife in ashrama of chyavana|left]]
⚫
In a narrative found in the ''Anushasana Parva'' (Ch.52-56) of the Mahabharata, Chayvana exacted many menial offices from king Kushika and his queen for 21 days. Later, he was pleased by their devotion and rewarded them by creating a magical palace of gold and predicting the birth of their grandson endued with great energy, [[Vishvamitra]], who would attain to the status of a [[Brahmana]].<ref name="dowson"/><ref name = "ganguli5">{{cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Kisari Mohan |title=The Mahabharata: Book 13: Anusasana Parva|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b020.htm|date=1883–1896|publisher=Sacred texts archive|chapter=Ch.LV}}</ref>


==Hermitage==
==Hermitage==
According to the [[Padma Purana]] (Patala Khanda, Ch.8), his hermitage was on the [[Satpura Range]], near the river ''[[Purna River (tributary of Tapti)|Payoshni]]''. According to another tradition, his hermitage was in [[Dhosi Hill]] in the Vedic State of [[Brahmavarta]], near [[Narnaul]] in [[Mahendragarh district]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kapoor|first=Subodh (ed.)|title=Indian Encyclopaedia. Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial And Scientific|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=81-7755-257-0|volume=Vol.V|page=1539|url=https://books.google.com/?id=72BjBPBRb6MC&pg=PA1539&dq=Chyavana+hermitage#v=onepage|location=New Delhi}}</ref> Another place claimed to be the location of Chyavana's hermitage (ashram) is Chaunsa in Buxar district of [[Bihar]].<ref>History of Pilgrimage in Ancient India AD 300-1200 by Samarendra Narayan Arya {{ISBN|81-215-1124-0}} Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers 2004 page 19</ref>
According to the [[Padma Purana]] (Patala Khanda, Ch.8), his hermitage was on the [[Satpura Range]], near the river ''[[Purna River (tributary of Tapti)|Payoshni]]''. According to another tradition, his hermitage was in [[Dhosi Hill]] in the Vedic State of [[Brahmavarta]], near [[Narnaul]] in [[Mahendragarh district]].<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Kapoor|editor-first=Subodh |title=Indian Encyclopaedia. Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial And Scientific|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=81-7755-257-0|volume=V|page=1539|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=72BjBPBRb6MC&dq=Chyavana+hermitage&pg=PA1539|location=New Delhi}}</ref> Another place claimed to be the location of Chyavana's hermitage (ashram) is Chaunsa in the Buxar district of [[Bihar]].<ref>History of Pilgrimage in Ancient India AD 300-1200 by Samarendra Narayan Arya {{ISBN|81-215-1124-0}} Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers 2004 page 19</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Ashvins]]
* [[Ashvins]]
* [[Chyawanprash]]
* [[Shaunaka]]
* [[Sukanya]]
* [[Sukanya]]


Latest revision as of 05:58, 7 November 2024

Chyavana
Chyavana
17th century artist's imagination of Chyavāna
Personal
ReligionHinduism
SpouseSukanya
ChildrenAurava, Apnavana, Dadhicha, Pramati, Sumana and Harita
Parents
The Goddess worshipped by the sage Chyavana from a Tantric Devi series attributed to Kripal of Nurpur (active c. 1660 - c. 1690). Freer Gallery of Art

Chyavana (Sanskrit: च्यवन, romanized: Cyavana) was a sage (rishi) in Hinduism. He was a son of Bhrigu, also known as Bhrigu Varuni in the Upanishads, and is known for his rejuvenation through a special herbal paste (ayurvedic jam) or tonic known as chyavanaprasham,[1][2] which was prepared by the Ashvins.[3] According to the Mahabharata, he was powerful enough to oppose the celestial thunderbolt (vajra) of Indra, and was responsible for the Ashvins getting their share of the sacrificial offerings. He created an asura, Mada, to achieve it.[4]

Chyavana (with a different spelling: च्यवान Cyavāna) is also mentioned in the Rigveda, where he is described as an aged and feeble person whose youth and strength was restored by the twin Aśvins (RV VII.68:6).[5] According to Rigveda X.61:1-3,[6] Cyavāna is a weak opponent of Tūrvayāṇa, an Indra worshipper and a Paktha king, as the former was closer to the Ashvins.[7]

According to one tradition, he married Vaivasvata Manu's daughter Arushi. Their son was Aurva. According to another tradition, he married Sukanyā, daughter of Vedic king Sharyati and granddaughter of Vaivasvata Manu. They had two sons: Apnavana and Dadhicha.[8] He is also considered as the father of Harita and Uddalaka Varuni.[4]

Legend

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Birth

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According to an account found in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Ch.5-6), when Bhrigu's wife Puloma was pregnant and lived in her hermitage, a rakshasa harassed her. Puloma's child slipped from her womb, called a 'chyuta' child in Sanskrit ("early delivery") and thus received his name Chyavana. The rakshasa released the mother after seeing the child drop,[9] but immediately got converted into ashes.

Chyavana studied the Vedas from his father and later acquired the knowledge of Vedas from Brahma. He subsequently became a Brahmarshi.

Austerities and rejuvenation

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The earliest version of the narrative of Chyavana's practice of austerities and subsequent restoration of youth is found in the Brahmanas. A later version of this narrative is found in the Mahabharata. More later versions are found in the Bhagavata Purana and the Padma Purana.[10]

Brahmanas

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In a narrative found in the Satapatha Brahmana (IV.1.5.1-13), Chyavana is mentioned as a descendant of Bhrigu. While the other Bhrigus were away, Chyavana, with a senile body, was living in his ashrama. Once, King Sharyati, son of Manu, came for hunting near Chyavana's ashrama (hermitage) with his army. Sharyati's children were also with him. They went to Chyavana Rishi's ashrama, where the rishi was in meditation. While white-ants had covered his body, only his eyes were visible. They humiliated Chyavana, and in his fury, the sage cursed them. His curse created discord amongst Sharyati's family. When Sharyati found the cause of his misfortune, he offered his daughter Sukanya in marriage to Chayavana, so that she could take care the revered saint.

Later, the Ashvins came to his ashrama, and tried to seduce Sukanya. Sukanya, who refused to leave her husband, instead asked the Ashvins to restore Chyavana's youth. Following their advice, Chyavana's youth was restored by a combination of three treatments. Certain herbs were put into a pond and the rishi was asked to have a dip in the pond.[11] A herbal paste was prepared for application on the body of the rishi, which was part of 'Kayakalpa'. A special herbal paste, chyavanaprasham, was prepared for the rishi to take as a medicine.

In return, the Ashvins obtained a share in the sacrificial offerings in Kurukshetra on her suggestion. In the Aitareya Brahmana (VIII.21.4), the inauguration of Sharyata by him is compared with Indra's coronation.[7]

Mahabharata

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According to the narrative found in the Vana Parva (Ch.122-5) of the Mahabharata, Chyavana was so absorbed in practising austerities on the side of a lake that termites built up their mound all over his body and only his eyes were left. Once, Sharyati, along with his army and household, came to visit the place. Sukanya, daughter of king Sharyati, seeing only two bright eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick. Chyavana felt excessive pain and became furious. He obstructed the calls of nature of Sharyati's army. He was pleased only after the king gave him his daughter in marriage.[12] Subsequently, the Ashvins came to the hermitage of Chyavana. They saw Sukanya while she was bathing, and tried to convince Sukanya to reject old and ugly Chyavana and accept one of them as her husband. They also promised to restore the youth of Chyavana first so that she could make an unbiased choice amongst Chyavana and one of them. Sukanya rejected their proposal and informed Chyavana. Later, at the behest of Chyavana, Sukanya requested the Ashvins to do so. All three took bath in the lake and came out with the same youthful divine look. Each of them requested Sukanya to be his bride, but she identified Chyavana and selected him. In gratitude, Chyavana assured the Ashvins that he would ensure that the Ashvins get their share of the sacrificial offerings.[13] Accordingly, Chyavana, while officiating as a priest of Sharyati in a soma sacrifice, offered the share of the sacrifice to the Ashvins. Indra objected to this, stating that as mere servants of the devas, they have no right to receive offering of Soma juice. When the sage ignored his opinion, he tried to hurl his vajra (thunderbolt) towards Chyavana, but his arms were paralysed by Chyavana before he could do so. Chyavana, by virtue of his ascetic energy, created a huge asura, Mada, with four fangs.[14] Mada was on the point of devouring Indra, when he became afraid, and finally accepted the right of the Ashvins to have a share of the offerings.[15]

Chyavana and Kushika

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King Kushika with the sage Chyavana.

In a narrative found in the Anushasana Parva (Ch.52-56) of the Mahabharata, Chayvana exacted many menial offices from king Kushika and his queen for 21 days. Later, he was pleased by their devotion and rewarded them by creating a magical palace of gold and predicting the birth of their grandson endued with great energy, Vishvamitra, who would attain the status of a Brahmana.[4][16]

Hermitage

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According to the Padma Purana (Patala Khanda, Ch.8), his hermitage was on the Satpura Range, near the river Payoshni. According to another tradition, his hermitage was in Dhosi Hill in the Vedic State of Brahmavarta, near Narnaul in Mahendragarh district.[17] Another place claimed to be the location of Chyavana's hermitage (ashram) is Chaunsa in the Buxar district of Bihar.[18]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sivarajan, V. V.; Balachandran, Indira (1994). Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources. International Science Publisher. p. 28. ISBN 978-1-881570-21-9.
  2. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (6 April 2020). "Cyavanaprasha, Cyavanaprāśa, Cyavana-prasha: 5 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  3. ^ Mahabharat
  4. ^ a b c Dowson, John (2004). A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology, and religion, geography, history. Delhi: Asian Educational Services. pp. 73–5. ISBN 978-81-206-1786-5.
  5. ^ The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India. Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-. New York. 2014. p. 968. ISBN 9780199370184. OCLC 849801119.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  6. ^ The Rigveda : the earliest religious poetry of India. Jamison, Stephanie W., Brereton, Joel P., 1948-. New York. 2014. p. 1475. ISBN 9780199370184. OCLC 849801119.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  7. ^ a b Macdonnel, Arthur Anthony; Keith, Arthur Berriedale (1985) [1912]. Vedic Index of Names and Subjects. Vol. 1. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 264–5. ISBN 81-208-1332-4.
  8. ^ Pargiter, F.E. (1922, reprint 1972). Ancient Indian Historical Tradition, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, pp.193-7
  9. ^ O'Flaherty, Wendy Doniger (1988). The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. p. 304. ISBN 81-208-0386-8.
  10. ^ Wilson, Horace Hayman (tr.) (1840). The Vishnu Purana. London: John Murray. p. 354fn29.
  11. ^ O'Flaherty, Wendy Doniger (1981). Śiva, the Erotic Ascetic. London: Oxford University Press. pp. 57–61. ISBN 0-19-520250-3.
  12. ^ Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). "Ch.CXXII". The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva. Sacred texts archive.
  13. ^ Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). "Ch.CXXIII". The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva. Sacred texts archive.
  14. ^ Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). "Ch.CXXIV". The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva. Sacred texts archive.
  15. ^ Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). "Ch.CXXV". The Mahabharata: Book 3: Vana Parva. Sacred texts archive.
  16. ^ Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). "Ch.LV". The Mahabharata: Book 13: Anusasana Parva. Sacred texts archive.
  17. ^ Kapoor, Subodh, ed. (2002). Indian Encyclopaedia. Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial And Scientific. Vol. V. New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. p. 1539. ISBN 81-7755-257-0.
  18. ^ History of Pilgrimage in Ancient India AD 300-1200 by Samarendra Narayan Arya ISBN 81-215-1124-0 Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers 2004 page 19


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