Rishi Kashyapa , one of the seven sages (saptarishis), a prominent sage mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas, was the son of Marichi Rishi, a son of Brahma, and is considered an an avatara of Brahma himself. He married the thirteen daughters of Prajapati Daksha (Bramha’s son) and is considered as the father of gods, Demons, Daityas, Yakshas, Apsaras and all living beings.
Historical and Mythological Significance
Origins:
Rishi Kashyap is considered one of the ancient rishis (sages) mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas. He is typically associated with the Vedic and post-Vedic periods of Hinduism.
Lineage:
Kashyap is cited as the son of Marichi, who is one of the ten Prajapatis (progenitors of humanity). He is also regarded as a significant figure in the lineage of the Brahmarishis (great sages) and a contributor to the Vedic hymns.
Role in Hindu Texts
Vedas and Puranas:
Kashyap is frequently mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, where he is credited with contributing to the hymns. He is also prominent in the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
Cosmogony:
According to Hindu cosmology, Kashyap, along with his wife Aditi, is considered the progenitor of many celestial beings. Their children include the Adityas (solar deities), the Daityas (giants), and the Rakshasas (demons), showcasing his pivotal role in the cosmic order.
Contribution and Legacy
Philosophy and Teachings:
Kashyap’s teachings are regarded as part of the broader Vedic wisdom. His contributions to Vedic rituals and spiritual practices are esteemed in Hindu tradition.
Cultural Impact:
His legacy is reflected in various temples and texts dedicated to him. He is revered as a symbol of wisdom and spiritual. It is said that, Kashmir(India) was named after Rishi Kashyap only.
Iconography: In art and iconography, Kashyap is often depicted with a serene demeanor, reflecting his deep spiritual insight. He is sometimes shown with a beard and sitting in a meditative pose.
Wifes
Aditi:
Aditi Devi was the first wife of Maharishi Kashyap in ancient India. According to the Vedas, she had no husband and in the Rigveda, she is considered the power of Brahma . She had twelve sons, known as Adityas. Some prominent sons, includes Vivasvan, Aryaman, Pusha, Tvasta, Savita, Bhaga, Dhata, Vidhata, Varuna, Mitra, Indra, and Trivikrama (Lord Vamana).
Diti:
Diti was the second wife of Kashyap, the mother of the daityas. Under the leadership of Aditi’s son Indra, the gods massacred the daityas. Diti requested a son who could destroy Indra. However, Indra cleverly cut this child into forty-nine pieces in the womb. These pieces became known as the ‘Maruts’. The famous daityas born from Diti’s womb include Vajrangasura, Arunasura, Hayagrivasura, Hiranyakashipu, Hriyanyaksha, Holika, Raktabeej, Dhumralochan, Dambhasura, and Mura.
Anishta/Arishta:
The wife of Rishi Kashyap, daughter of Prajapati Daksha, and the mother of the Gandharvas
Danu:
Danu was the third wife of Rishi Kashyap and the mother of all the danavas. Her sons, along with the daityas, fought agnaist the gods. The qualities of the danavas are not different from the daityas. Some prominent danavas were Vritra, Rambha, Mayasura, and Mahishasura.
Kashtha:
The wife of Rishi Kashyap, dauther of Prajapati Daksha and the mother of all Yakshas and horses.
Surasa:
Surasa was the wife of Sage Kashyap, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, and the mother of all serpents and reptiles. She was also the mother of demons. Her notable sons include Hiti, Prehiti, Madhu, and Kaitabha.
Conflict with Hanuman: Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s path while he was crossing the ocean in search of Sita. Hanuman overcame Surasa by expanding his size and received her blessings.
Krodhavasha:
According to the Puranas, Krodhavasha was the wife of Sage Kashyap, gave rise to a notable lineage of demons. Some of her notable descendants are:
Notable Offspring of Krodhavasha:
Shukracharya— The chief priest of the demons.
Malyavan— A well-known demon who was a minister of Ravana.
Sumali— A notable demon whose daughter was Kaikesi, and her son was Ravana.
Other Offspring of Krodhavasha:
– Yakshas, Pishachas, and Guhyakas among other supernatural beings.
Ila:
The name Ila means “Earth”. In Vedic literature, Ila is regarded as a guide to Manu and as someone who regulated the rites of Yajnas on Earth. In the Rigveda, Ila is considered the presiding deity of ‘food’, though according to Sayana, it is more appropriate to regard her as the presiding deity of Earth. The name Ila is also the origin of the name Jambudvipa. She is the mother of trees, shrubs, vines, and grains.
Vinata:
Vinata was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and married Sage Kashyap. From Vinata’s womb were born Garuda and Arun. Arun is the charioteer of the Sun God, while Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. There are significant stories related to them.
Surabhi:
Surabhi was the wife of Sage Kashyap. She is also known as Kamadhenu, who represents all cows and buffaloes, and is the mother of the eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. Kamadhenu takes the form of a cow and is the goddess who fulfills desires, and is associated with milk, food, and nourishment.
Kadru:
Kadru is the mother of the Nagas (serpents). Kadru was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and the wife of Sage Kashyap. Once, Sage Kashyap said to Kadru, “Ask for any wish you have.“ . Kadru requested a thousand brilliant serpents as her sons.
Notable Naga Deities:
Sheshnaga:
The most exalted serpent residing on Earth, serving as the seat of Lord Vishnu.
Vasuki:
The largest serpent who was used as the rope during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Takshak:
Takshak was the serpent who bit King Parikshit during the Mahabharata era.
Karkotak:
Karkotak was one of the followers of Lord Shiva who protected King Parikshit’s son, Janamejaya, from the serpent sacrifice (Naga Yajna).
Padma:
Padma was a serpent who ruled near the Gomati River.
Kulika:
Kulika is considered to be related to a Brahmin lineage.
Shankha:
Shankha is regarded as the fastest and most intelligent serpent.
Muni:
Muni is the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and the mother of all Apsaras (celestial nymphs).
Tamra:
Tamra is the mother of all birds.
Conclusion:
Sage Kashyap, a pivotal figure in Hindu mythology, is renowned as a progenitor of many divine and demonic lineages. As the husband of numerous significant wives, including Aditi and Diti, he fathered key deities and beings, such as the Adityas and Daityas. His influence spans across creation myths, embodying the balance between celestial and demonic forces, and his legacy continues to shape the rich tapestry of Hindu cosmology.
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