Story of the Birth of Sage Parashara

Story of the Birth of Sage Parashara

Sage Parashara, who is credited with the famous Parasara Samhita, is the father of Sage Veda Vyasa. The story of the birth of the Sage is very interesting. Sage Parashara was the son of Sage Shakti and his wife Adrsyanti. Sage Shakti was the son of Sage Vasishta.

Legend has it that once a king named Kalmasapada met Sage Shakti in the forest on a narrow path. False pride made both of them not to give way to each other. The king got angry and whipped the Sage. The Sage who was overtaken by anger cursed the king to become a demon.

This incident happened when Sage Vishwamitra had intense grudge towards Sage Vasishta.

Sage Vishwamitra who came to know about the incident took advantage of the situation and admitted a fierce demon name Kimkara into the body of the King. The king now became a puppet of the Sage.

The demon killed and devoured all the sons of Vasishta including Sage Shakti.

A saddened Sage Vasishta lost all hopes that all his teachings will be lost forever. He had taught all that he had learned over the years to his children. But with all of them killed, Sage Vasishta was worried his knowledge will end with him.

Sage Vasishta was then living with his daughter-in-law Adrayanti, wife of Sage Shakti. One day Sage Vasishta heard Vedic chantings in the hermitage and soon discovered that child of Sage Shakti was developing in the womb of Adrsyanti.

The demon returned to kill Adrsyanti but Sage Vasishta used his powers and got the curse on the demon removed. King Kalmasapada was happy to get back his body and soul.

In due course of time Adrsyanti gave birth and the child grew up to become Sage Parasara.