Significance of Satyavati
Satyavati, in various traditions, refers primarily to the mother of Vyasa and a significant matriarch in the Kuru dynasty's lineage. Recognized for her moral authority, her marriage to King Shantanu significantly influences key events in the Mahabharata. Satyavati, originally the daughter of Gadhi and known for her unique fragrance, played a vital role in familial decisions and ensured the continuation of the Kuru dynasty through her actions and legacy, underscoring her importance in Hindu narratives.
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Satyavati'
Satyavati in Hinduism is a pivotal figure, known as the mother of Sage Vyasa and wife of King Shantanu. Her background as a fisherman's daughter emphasizes her auspiciousness and central role in the Kuru dynasty's lineage and moral authority.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The chaste mother of Veda Vyasa, who was married to King Shantanu and plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the narrative.[1] (2) The auspicious mother of Vyasa, Satyavati plays a critical role in the narrative and is depicted as a sorrowful figure forsaken before.[2] (3) Matsyagandha's other name, referring to her after her relationship with Muni Parashara.[3] (4) The chaste and auspicious daughter of a fisherman, who is sought after by king Shantanu for marriage.[4] (5) The mother of Veda Vyasa, significant in the lineage of sages and scholars.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The influential matriarch in the story, representative of familial and moral authority in Bhishma’s decisions.[6] (2) The mother of the narrator, to whom he represented all that had transpired, signaling her importance in his story.[7] (3) The daughter of Gadhi whom Richika sought to marry, symbolizing a key figure in the task at hand.[8] (4) The mother of Vyasa, who bore him in extraordinary circumstances, central to the narrative of Vyasa's origin.[9] (5) The mother-in-law of the princess, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of the Kuru dynasty through her actions and requests to Vyasa.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Kaushika's elder sister who became the faithful spouse of Richika and transformed into the Kaushiki river.[11]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The daughter of Gadhi who became a central figure in the legends, especially her marriage to Ricika.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The name of the narrator's elder sister, who was pure and good, and was wed to the great Richika.[13]
Jain concept of 'Satyavati'
In Jainism, Satyavati represents the other wife of King Shantanu, mothering two sons, Citrangada and Citravirya, signifying the complexities of familial relationships and the interplay of duty and desire in royal narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The other wife of King Shantanu, who bore him two sons, Citrangada and Citravirya.[14]
The concept of Satyavati in local and regional sources
Satyavati, the matriarch of the Kuru lineage, is pivotal in the dynasty's evolution and as the mother of Vyasa, significantly impacts the lineage central to the Mahabharata's narrative.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Mother of Vyasa and influential figure in the lineage leading to the Mahabharata.[15] (2) The matriarch of Kuru lineage who played a significant role in the evolution of the dynasty.[16]