Essay name: Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas
Author:
Kum. Geeta P. Kurandwad
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies the Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas by exploring the significance of the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu as depicted in various ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. The research also investigates the social, political, philosophical, and religious impact.
Chapter 2 - Varieties of Myths
56 (of 93)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
66
This branch of vedic literature depicts the contributions made by
Vasistha and Viśvāmitra to the sacrificial cult. They were chief among
those who strove to make the sacrifice a perfect system.
The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa speaks of Viśvāmitra as the seer of the
sampata hymns. It is said that he first saw a few hymns which
Vāmadeva quickly appropriated as his own, whereupon Viśvāmitra
saw fresh ones. In the same manner, Bhārdvāja, Vasiṣṭha also see in
several hymns.'
150 Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra both are connected with Śunaśśepa
legend. 151 Besides this there are few references in the Aitareya
Brāhmaṇa to Vasiṣṭha only.
The Sankhalayana Brāhmaṇa presents Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra
in much the same manner as the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa mentions.
Viśvāmitra is identified with Vāk, and is associated with certain
parvenu Vākyas, praises invocations.
The Pañcavimśa Brāhmaṇa of the Samaveda, also known a
Tamdya Mahābrāhmaṇa, records something value which throws light
on the personal history of the two sages, Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra. 152
In the Satapatha Brāhmaṇa as else where, the both sages
symbolised as Ear and Breath respectively. The context is the
150. Aitareya Brāhmaṇa VI.18.
151. Ibid. VII.16-18.
152. Pañcavimśa Brāhmaṇa XIII.5.14-15.
