NITAAI-Veda.nyf > All Scriptures By Acharyas > Puranas > Puranic Encyclopedia > U |
U
U (3). The letter 'u' means 8iva. (Agni Purina, Chapter 348) .
UT. (,:3;) This letter means `protection'. (Agni Purina, Chapter
348) .
UCAKA. A King of the Solar dynasty. (Bhagavata, 9th Skandha).
UCATHYA. A muni in the line of the disciples of Vyasa. (Bhagavata,
Skandha 12) .
UCCAISSRAVAS I.
1) Birth. A horse which emerged from water during the churning of
the sea of Milk. (See under Ksirabdhimathana). Devendra grabbed it the moment
he saw it, and thenceforth it became his vehicle. (M.B. Adi Parva7 Chapter 23,
Verses 33-37) .
2) Colour of the horse. Once, during 3 controversy, Vinata, wife
of Ka'syapa, contended that the colour of Uccaigsravas was white, while another
wife of Kagyapa, Kadru said that its tail was black in colour. It was decided
to bet that she who got defeated in this controversy should become the slave of
the winner. Because the serpents, the sons of Kadru, cheated Vinata, she had to
become Kadrfz's slave. (See under Vinata). (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 20) .
3) Laksmadeai became mare. Devi Bhagavata relates a story of
Mahilaksmi becoming a mare on account of Uccais ravas. King Revanta, son of
Surya and friend of Indra, once went to Vaikuntha to pay his respects to
Bhagavan Visnu, riding on Uccaisgravas. Mahalaksmi, who was then with Visnu was
surprised at the arrival of Revanta. Seeing the scintillating form of
Ucsaissravas, her brother, Mahalaksmi sat looking at the horse unmindful of all
other things. (Mahalaksmi and the horse were both born from the Sea of Milk and
hence were sister and brother). Thus occupied Mahalaksmi did not hear Mahavisnu
asking, "Who is this one who comes like a second Cupid ?" Angry at
this Visnu said-
"So much attracted by the horse, you have not answered me.
Because you enjoy (Ramasi) so much your name in future will be Rama. You will
also become frivolous like an uncultured woman. You have never been constant.
Because you felt so much attracted to this horse in my very presence, you will
be born as a mare in the world of men."
According to this curse Mahalaksmi had to be born as a mare in the
world; the Hehaya dynasty had its origin from her. (See under Ekavira). (Devi
Bhagavata, Skandha 6) .
UCCAISSRAVAS II. A Maharaja of the Puru dynasty. He was one of the
six sons of King Av;ksit. (M,B. Adi Parva, Chapter 94, Verse 53) .
UCCHIKHA. A serpent born in the family of Taksaka. It was burnt to
death at janamejaya's serpent. yajfa. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 57, Verse 9) .
UCCHRiZGA. One of the two attendants given to Skanda by Vindhya.
The other was named Atisrfiga. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 49).
UDANAVAYU. One of the five life-breaths. The five life-breaths are
Prana, Apana, Samaria, Udana and Vyana.
UDAPANA TIRTHA. A holy bath on the bank of the river Sarasvati. It
is said that Balabhadra Rama, while going-on a pilgrimage, had visited this
holy bath. There is a story showing how this place became a holy bath. Long ago
there was a hermit named Gautama, who had three sons called Ekata, Dvita and
Trita. The father was much pleased at the dutiful and devotional character of
his sons. One day he performed a sacrifice and went to heaven. Then the kings
and the priests who were present for the sacrifice began to honour and respect
Trita. Ekata and Dvita did not like this. The three brothers performed
sacrifices and acquired a large number of cows: With these cows they started
for the.east. Trita walked before. Ekata and Dvita who were behind, made a
consultation and drove the cows another way. Trita walked on in front, alone.
On the bank of the Sarasvati he saw a wolf and getting terrified, he fell into
a well in which there was no Water. Standing in the well, he imagined a creeper
that was hanging to the well as 'Soma' (a herb used as oblation in sacrifice)
and performed sacrifice, chanting the Vedas. His chanting was heard in heaven
and Brhaspati and other gods came to him and asked him what boon he desired.
Trita told them that he only wanted to be saved from the well. Immediately the
river Sarasvati flowed into the well and the waves began to swell. Standing on
the waves he praised and glorified the gods. Then he returned home and cursed
Ekata and Dvita and transmuted them into wolves. Trita said that their children
would become monkeys and cattle. It happened so. The place where the Gods
appeared before Trita, became famous and got the name Udapanatirtha. (M.B.
Salya Parva, Chapter 36).
UDAPEKSI. A son of Visvamitra. He was a Vedantin. (M.B. Anusasana
Parva, Chapter 4, Stanza 59).
UDARAKSA. A warrior of Skanda Deva. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 45,
Stanza 63).
UDARA8ANDILYA. A hermit ofthe Durbar of Indra. (M.B. Sabha Parva,
Chapter 7, Stanza 31) .
UDARKA. A minister of Mahisasura. The ministry of Mahisasura was
very powerful and efficient. The brave and haughty Ciksura was the war
minister. Udarka was the general of the army. (See under Mahisasura).
UDAYAGIRI I. The mountain of the rising. It is supposed by poets
that the Sun and the Moon rise from this mountain.
UDAYAGIRI II. An ancient place of pilgrimage. It is mentioned in
Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Chapter 84, Stanza 93, that by conducting evening
prayer and devotion at this place once, one could obtain the fruits of
conducting evening prayer and meditation for twelve years continuously.
UDAYANA. A renowned king of the Candravarhsa (Lunar dynasty) .
1) Genealogy. Descended from Visnu in the following order:
Brahma-Atri-Candra-Budha - Pururavas - AyusNahusa - Yayati - Pfiru
janamejaya-Pracinviin-PraviraNamasyu-Vitabhaya gundu-Bahuvidha-Samyati
-Rahovadi - Raudrasva - Matinara - Santurodha -
DusyantaBharata-Hasti-Ajamidha-Rksa-Sariivarana-Kuru jahnuSuratha - Viduratha-
Sarvabhauma Jayatsena-RavyayaBhavuka-Cakroddhata-Devatithi-Rksa- Bhima -
Pratipagantanu-Vyasa- Pandu - Arjuna - Abhimanyu - Pariksit
Janamejaya-$atanika-Sahasranika-Udayana.
2,) Birth. There was a city called Kausambl situated in the middle
of the famous kingdom known as Vatsa in North India. The palace of king
Satanika, born of the family of Arjuna, was in Kaugambi. Visnumad was the queen
of gatanika. She had been childless. One day while Satanika was hunting in the
forest, he met with the hermit Sandilya, by whose blessings Visnumati conceived
and gave birth to a son. That son was Sahasranika. When he came of age,
8atanika left the country with his son and went to the heaven to help the gods
in their battle with the Asuras, .and he died there. Sahasranika became a
mighty emperor. Once he got an invitation from Indra to go to heaven and help the
gods to fight the Asuras. After having defeated the Asuras, one day, he was
walking with Indra in the Nandana Park, when he saw the gods p1aying with their
wives in the park. Immediately the unmarried king became thoughtful and Indra
read correctly, the reason for the sudden change in the king and said to the
king. "Oh King! Don't be worried. A girl becoming you in every aspect, is
born in the world. Her name is Mrgavati."
Sahasranika was greatly pleased at this and he returned to the
earth. In the chariot there were Tilottama and the charioteer, with the king.
The king who. was deeply immersed in thinking about Mrgavati, did not attend to
the conversation of Tilottama, who getting angry cursed him thus:-"May you
be separated for fourteen years from the person whose thought has prevented you
from attending to what I have been telling you."
The king married Mrgavati. She became pregnant. One day she told
the king about her desire to dip in a pond of blood. The king got a pond ready,
filled with the juice of Laksa (a kind of wax, the boiled water of which will
look like blood) and such other things. Mrg-. -vati began to dip and splash in
the pond of blood. When she was dipping under the juice, taking her to be a
large piece of flesh, an eagle took her from the pond and flew away. The king
was overwhelmed with grief and fell down. Then the charioteer came down from
heaven and informed the king of the curse of Tilottama, and then he returned.
The eagle left M9r in the mount of the Rising Sun and flew away. She
cried aloud. A huge snake neared her to swallow her. Then a divine person
appeared there and saved her from the snake and vanished. Then a hermit-boy
came there and asked the lonely woman, clad in only one garment, about her
story and took her to the hermitage of the hermit Jamadagni. who blessed her.
After some days she gave birth to a son. At that time an unknown voice was
heard saying "This boy would become the most renowned king Udayana and his
son would become the supreme Lord of the Vidyadharas." Because he was born
in the Udayadri (the mount of the Rising Sun) he got the name Udayana. The boy
Udayana grew up in the hermitage.
3) Udayana to his father. The hermit Jamadagani who knew the past,
present and the future performed all the rituals, necessary for a boy of
Ksatriya caste (kingly race) such as Caula, Upanayana etc. and gave him
education in every branch of knowledge. Because of her love and regard for her
son, Mrgavati put on his arm a bangle with the name Sahasranika inscribed in
it, which she had been wearing so long. One day, while Udayana was walking
through the forest, he saw a snake-charmer catching a snake. He felt sorry for
the snake. So he gave the bangle to the snake-charmer and set the snake free.
When the snake charmer was gone, the snake told Udayana its story. That serpent
was Vasunemi, the elder brother of Vasuki. Out of gratitude the serpent gave
Udayana the famous Lute Gho~avati and betels and taught him the art of making
garlands and marks on the forehead which would never fade.
The snake-charmer took the bangle to the capital for sale. Seeing
the name of the king inscribed on it, the king's men took him before the king.
He told the king everything. The king who had been suffering for the last
fourteen years form the pangs of separation, started for the mount of the
Rising Sun, without any loss of time. The hermit Jamadagni gave him his wife
Mrgavad and son Udayana. They all returned to Kaugambi,
4) The anointment of Udayana. Sahasranlka anointed his son Udayana
as the heir to his throne, and appointed Yaugandharayana,
Rumanvan.and.Vasantaka, the sons of three ministers, as ministers of Udayana.
At the time of the anointment there was a shower of flowers from the sky and an
unknown voice said "With the help of these ministers Udayana would bring
the whole of the earth under his control." After a time Sahasranika went
to the Himalayas with his wife for penance.
5) . TTasavadattd became Udayana's wife. A daughter was born to
the king of Ujjayini. Her name was Vasavadatta. Her father Candamahasena
decided to give her in marriage to Udayana the king of Vatsa. How to bring this
to pass ? Candamahasena and Udayana had been enemies. Finally he found out a
way. It was to entrust Vasavadatta to Udayana (who was a . great teacher of
music) for teaching her music. Ultimately he would fall in love with her and
thus Udayana would become his son-in-law. This was the plan.
King Candamah-sena sent a messenger to Kausambi. The messenger was
sent back with a reply that, if his daughter was sent to.Kausambi, he would
teach her music. Candamahasena did not like this. So he decided to take Udayana
a prisoner somehow or other. The king had an elephant called Nadagiri. He
ordered for an artificial elephant to be made equal in size to Nad5lgiri, and
placed some soldiers inside the elephant. The artificial elephant with soldiers
inside it was taken to the great forest in the Vindhya mountain and placed
there. The men of Udayana saw this elephant and reported it to the king.
Udayana decided to see the huge elephant which had appeared in the Vindhya.
Udayana went to the forest and saw the huge elephant standing at a distance.
The king found out a plan to catch it. Playing mild notes on his lute, the king
alone neared the elephant. As the night was drawing and as he was immersed in
music, he did not understand that it was an artificial elephant. As the king
was nearing the elephant it went on retreating, and thus got the king away from
his men. Then the soldiers got out of the elephant, surrounded the king and
took him a prisoner. Thus Udayana began to live in the palace of Candamahasena.
His work was to teach Vasavadatta
MUSIC.
The news reached Kausambi. Yaugandharayana entrusted the affairs
of the government to Rumanvan and started for Ujjayini with Vasantaka. At
Ujjayini they got Yogesvara a Brahmaraksasa as friend. According to his advice
Yaugandharayana took the guise of a mad old man. Vasantaka adopted the guise of
a sick man, suffering from pain in the stomach an uncouth figure to look at.
They entered the city. The madness of Yaugandharayana was an entertainment to
the people. The ladies of the court liked him much. Vasavadatta invited the
madman to the harem. Udayana instantly recognized the mad man. Vasantaka also
got admittance to the palace. He told Vasavadatta the story of LohajaAgha in an
interesting way. (See under Lohajangha) Vasavadatta began to be drawn more and
more towards Udayana. She seemed to have forgotten even about the fact that her
father was an enemy of Udayana, who had been thinking seriously of means of
escape from the palace. Vasavadatta agreed to accompany him. Asadhaka got
Bhadravati, the elephant of Vasavadatta, ready for the flight. In the night
Udayana and his retinue got on the elephant Bhadravati and fled from the
palace. Kaficanamala the maid of Vasavadatta also accompanied her mistress.
When they had passed
the Vindhya mountain the elephant Bhadravati fell dead. When they
all were standing around the dead elephant sadly, they heard an ethereal voice
saying, "Oh King! I am a Vidyadhara woman called Mayavati. I had been an
elephant for so long. The son you are going to get, will also be helped by me.
Your wife Vasavadatta also, is a goddess, born as a woman purposely." Next
day, all reached the palace of Udayana and the marriage of Udayana and
Vasavadatta took place shortly. Candamahasena recognized that marriage.
6) Udayana's marriage with Padmdvatf. Udayana spent his days with
Vasavadatta in the harem. The ministers Yaugandharayana; Rumanvan, Vasantaka
and others thought that the behaviour of the King was detrimental to the
well-being of the country. They wanted to remove the King from the palace for a
little while and to form an alliancewith the powerfulKing of Magadha. By a
marriage alliance all these could be achieved. The King of Magadha had a
beautiful daughter called Padmavati. The ministers began to work with this end
in view.
Once Yaugandharayana took Udayana to the forest of Lavanaka and
stayed there. It was reported to the King of Magadha that the King of Vatsa was
drawins near to his kingdom. Fearing an attack from Udayana, the King of
Magadha began to think of concluding a treaty with Vatsa. The King of Vatsa
used to go for hunting everyday. One day he went to a distant place for
hunting, and the minister went to the house of Vasavadatta and informed her of
their plans. Though it was not at all palatable to her, she gave her consent
and agreed to help them as it was meant for the wellbeing of the King and the
country. Accordingly, Yaugandharayana took the guise of an old Brahmin,
Vasavadatta that of a young Brahmin lady and Vasantaka that of a Brahmin
celibate with only one eye. They went to the kingdom of Magadha. Runaanvan set
fire to the house of Vasavadatta and spread the rumour that Vasavadatta and
Vasantaka had been burnt to death. Yaugandharayana, Vasavadatta and Vasantaka
reached Magadha. They got into the capital and saw Padmavati sitting in the
garden. The old Brahmin conversed with the princess for a while. She enquired
about the young woman who was with him. The old Brahmin replied thus
:-"She is my daughter Avantika. Her husband has left the country. I
request you to keep her with you till I find him out and bring him here. She
may not like to be separated from her people. So let her brother, the celibate,
also be here with her."
Padmavad took them with gladness and Yaugandharayana, bidding
farewell, returned to the forest Lavanaka. Avantika and the Celibate lived in
the palace with Padmavati. Vasavadatta who had learned from Udayana the art of
making garland3 ans marks on the forehead which would not fade, had prepared
them for Padmava ti.
The King of Vatsa returned to the forest Lavanaka and found the
house of his wife burnt down to ashes. He fell unconscious when he heard that
Vasavadatta and Vasantaka had been burnt to death.
The spies of the King of Magadha who were in the forest of
Lavanaka, reported the rumour about the death of Vasavadatta and Vasantaka to
their King in Magadha, who wished to give his daughter Padmavati in marriage to
Udayana. The marriage proposal was accepted by Udayana and wearing garlands and
marks that would not fade Padmavati entered the wedding dais. Udayana married
Padmavati. Yaugandharayana made the King of Magadha take an oath that he would
go for no more aggression. Udayana and his people reached Kausambi. On the way
the King happened to see the mark on the forehead and the garland on the neck
of Padmavati and asked her who had made them. Padmavati told the King the story
of Avantika. Udayana was definite that Avantika was Vasavadatta herself.
Avantika was brought before the King. Padmavati congratulated Vasavadatta. Both
of them loved each otlr; r and lived together as the loving wives of Udayana.
(Kathasaritsagara, Lavanakalambaka).
7) Udayana gets a new throne. Once Udayana was sitting in the
court-hall, when a Brahmin came there and made a complaint to the King that
some cowherds had broken the legs ol~ his son. The Brahmin said that a bov
named Devasena sat on a stone in the forest and instantly he got kingly power.
The leg of the Brahmin boy was broken by the friends of Devasena because he did
not bow before Devasena.
When he heard the story, the minister Yaugandharayana said that
that place must have some peculiarities. Accordingly the men of the King dug
the place. He got a throne of gems. (Kathasarits5gara, Lavanakalambaka).
8) The son of Udayana. Vasavadatta became pregnant and gave birth
to a child. He was named Naravahanadatta. Narada granted him a boon that
Naravahanadatta would become the emperor of the Vidyadharas. (See under
Naravahanadatta).
The princess of Taksas ila .named Kaliirgasena fell in love with
Udayana and she came to Kausambi. But no marriage took place. (See under
Kahiigasena). Naravahanadatta, the son of Udayana, married Madanamancuka who
was the incarnation of Rati Devi (the wife of Madana). Udayana entrusted the
country to his son and led a life of retirement with his wives.
(Kath5saritsagara).
UDDALAKA I. A disciple called Aruni of the teacher Ayodhadhaumya.
To know how Aruni got the name Uddalaka, see under Ayodhadhaumya.
It is stated in Mahabh5rata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 7, Stanza 12
that this hermit Uddalaka was a prominent figure in the Durbar of Indra.
Uddalaka had a son called Svetaketu arid a daughter called Sujata. He gave his
daughter Sujata in marriage to his favourite disciple Kahodaka. The hermit
Astavakra was their son. See under Astavakra. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 132).
Once Uddalaka caused the river Sarasvati to appear at the place of sacrifce.
From that day onwards Sarasvad got the name `Manorama' because when the thought
came to his mind (manas) the river made its appearance. (M.B. Salya Parva,
Chapter 33). It is mentioned in Mahabh5rata, Santi Parva, Chapter 57, Stanza
10, that Uddalaka expelled his son Svetaketu from the house because the son was
a hater of Brahmins.
UDDALAKA II. The story of another hermit of the name Uddalaka is
mentioned in the Mahabharata, Anu' asana Parva. Chapter 71. This hermit is
known as Uddalaki
also. Once this hermit happened to forget that he had left
flowers, food and his waterpot on the bank of the river and reaching his
hermitage, he asked his son Naciketa to fetch them from the bank of the river.
When Naciketa reached the bank of the river, those things had been washed down
by the current. The son returned and reported the matter to his father. The
father got angry and cursed his son to death. Seeing the son lying dead on
darbha (mattress made of darbha grass) the hermit cried aloud. In that flow of
tears life returned to the body arid the son woke up as if from sleep. The
father asked the son about the news of the realm of Yama (the god of death) and
the son told the hermit the news about the world of the dead.
UDDA1:DASASTRI. One of the eighteen and a half famous poets of
Kerala. He was a Sanskrit poet. His native place was Latapura on the bank of
river Mar in Tondamandala in the Tamilnad. The name of his father was Sri Krsna
and that of his mothter was Rangadevi. Poet Ulloorsays that Sastri had another name
Irugupanatha. He had a very good education. After having completed his
education, he travelled through Andhra, Karnataka, Kalinga, Cola, Kerala and
many other countries and finally came to Kozhikode and visited the King
Manavikramamaharaja. At the instance of the king he composed the drama called
Mallikamarutam. Besides this we have obtained only the `Kokilasandesa'and some
other single poems of Sastri. It is said that there is a thesis on dramas also.
Sastri was not in the habit of respecting those who did not pay respect to him,
however superior they might be. So some say that he was arrogant. A Malayala
Brahmin called Bhattatiri of Kakkasseri, rose against Sastri in. Kerala.
UDDHAVA.
(1 General information. A Yadava. He was a friend and minister of
Sri Krsna. In Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 186, Stanza 18, mention is made
that Uddhava was present on the occasion of the Svayariivara (marriage) of
Draupadi. It is mentioned in Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 218, Stanza 11,
that at a famous celebration held in the mountain of Raivata, Uddhava was
present. (See under Subhadra).
Uddhava was a disciple of Brhaspati, and a man of great
intelligence. It was this Uddhava who brought the dowry of Subhadra to
Indraprastha, when Arjuna married her. (M. B. Adi Parva, Chapter 220, Stanza 30
).
Once a. king named Salva besieged the city of Dvaraka. At that
time Uddhava saved Dvaraka.
Vana Parva, Chapter 15, Stanza 9 ).
2) . The message carried by Uddhaaa. Karhsa -sent Akrura to
Ambadi, and brought Sri Krsna to Mathura. Sri Krsna killed Karirsa and made
tgrasena king, and stayed in the city of Mathura for a time. At that time Sri
Krsna sent Uddhava to Ambadi to know about the well-being of the people there.
The moment Uddhava entered Ambadi, the Gopas and gopa women, (cowherds) Yagoda
and Nandagopa, all surrounded him to hear about Sri Krsna. They felt much
pleased at knowing that Sri krsna was getting on well. They sent through him
many presents to Sri Krsna. He got all those presents into his chariot and took
them to Sri Krsna in Mathura. (Bhagavata, Skandha 10).
3). The end. Sri Krsna informed Uddhava beforehand the fact that
the Yadava dynasty was going to end. Uddhava felt grief and requested Sri Krsna
to take him also to Vaikuntha (the abode of Mahavisnu) . Sri Krsna taught
Uddhava the. doctrine that the body of man and such other things seen in the
whole universe were nothing but mere delusion. At that time Uddhava asked Sri
Krsna twentyone questions about Bandha and Moksa (Bondage and deliverance).
To all these questions Sri Krsna gave him satisfactory answers.
(Bhagavata Skandha 11).
Before the destruction of Dvaraka, the Yadus left the city. They
went to Prabhasatirtha, a place on the sea coast and lived there. Uddhava who
knew that the destruction was imminent, bade farewell to them and walked away
alone. He was filled with a brightness. Sri Krsna did not stop him. (M.B.
Mausala Parva, Chapter 3).
It is stated in Bhagavata, Skandha 11, Chapter 29, that Uddhava
went to the hermitage of Badarika and engaged himself in penance.
UDIPAKA. See under Pancatantra.
UDICYA. One of the disciples of Vyasa. (Bhagavata, Skandha 12).
UDRAPARAKA. A serpen t born in the family of Dhrtarastra. This
serpent fell in the sacrificial fire of Janarriejaya and was burnt to death.
(M. B. Adi Parva , Chapter 57, Stanza 17).
UDVAHA I. A Ksatriya king born from the family of Krodhavaga, an
asura: (M.,B. Adi Parva, Chapter 67, Stanza 64) .
UDVAHA II. A part of air. It is believed that air or wind is the
breath of Mahavisnu. In the Puranas mention is made about 49 types of Maruts or
winds. Seven breaths are important among them. They are : (1) Pravaha (2) Avaha
(3) Udvaha (4) Samvaha (5) Vivaha (6) Parivaha and (7) Paravaha. About Udvaha
mention is made in Bhasa Bharata, Santi Parva, Chapter 329 thus:
"Which is the wind that takes water from the four oceans and
gives it to the clouds? That ever-blowing great wind is Udvaha."
UDYOGAPARVA. A sub-section of Mahabharata. (See under Bharata).
UGRA I. A military captain of Surapadmasura, Chief of asuras. In
the Viramahendra Kanda of Skanda Purana, two warriors, Ugra and Mayura are
reported to have attacked Indrapuri.
UGRA II. (one of the sons of Dhrtarastra. (M. B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 67, Verse 103 ). Bhimasena killed him (M. B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 64,
Verses 34, 35).
UGRA III. A Yadava prince. The Pandavas sent to him also an
invitation letter to help them in the war. (M. B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 4,
Verse 12) .
UGRA IV. A synonym of Lord Siva. (M. B. Anusasana Parva, Chapter
17, Verse 100) .
UGRA V . Son of Kavi, the Prajapati. (M. B. Anusasana Parva,
Chapter 85, Verse 133) .
UGRA VI. See under Varna.
UGRADANISTRI. A daughter of Mahameru. Merudevi had nine daughters,
Meru, Pratirupa, Ugradarhstri Lata, Ramya, Syama, Nari, Bhadra and Devavithi.
They were wedded by the sons of a king .named Agnidhra. (Bhagavata, 5th
Skandha)
UGRAKA. A serpent. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 35, Verse 7) .
UGRAKARMA I. King of 9alva. Bhimasena killed him. (M. B. Karna
Parva, Chapter 5, Verse 41 ).
UGRAKARMA II: Military Chief of 'the Kekaya prince, Visoka. Karna
killed him. (M.B. Karna Parva, Chapter 8, Verses 4, 5) .
UGRARAVAS. A muni. He killed one Duspanya (Setumahatmya). Duspanya
was the last son. of a merchant in Pataliputra. He killed many,children for
sport and his father sent him away. He went to the forest and there drowned to
death a muni called Ugraravas, who was engaged in tapas. Ugraravas cursed him
to death by drowning and his soul to wander about as a devil. The curse came
true. (Setumahatmya).
UGRASENA I. King Ugrasena, father of Karfrsa:
1) Genealogy. Descended from Visnu thus:
BrahmaAtri-Candra-Budha-Pururavas- Ayus - Nahusa -
YayatiYadu-Sahasrajit-Satajit-Hehaya-Dharma-Kunti-(Kuni )Bhadrasena - Dhanaka -
Krtavirya - KarttaviryarjunaMadhu-Vrsni-Yudhajit-Sini - Satyaka - Satyaki
(Yuyudhana)-Yaya-Kuni-Anamitra- Prgni-Citraratha-Kukura Vahni - Viloma -
Kapotaloma - Tumburu - DundubhiDaridra-V a su-Nahuka-Ahuka-Ugrasena-Karirsa.
2) Ugrasena became king. Ugrasena became king of Mathurapuri. His
Kingship was not a hereditary acquisition. There is a story behind it. In olden
days, in the plateau of Kalindi there was a famous place called Madhuvana. The
place was called so because it was the abode of an Asura named Madhu. Madhu had
a son, Lavana. Satrughna killed him as he was a very troublesome fellow and a
thorn on the side of the Devas. gatrughna then established a beautiful kingdom
there and ruled it. He named it Mathura. After the death of Satrughna his two
sons ruled Mathura. Then, when the Solar dynasty came to its end, Mathura came
under the Yadavas. A Yadava king called Sfirasena ruled over the kingdom.
Vasudeva, father of Sri Krsna was the son of Surasena. After the death of his
father Vasudeva took up the profession of herding cows, and therefore Ugrasena,
another king of the Yadava dynasty had to become king of Mathura. (Devi
Bhagavata, 4th Skandha).
3) Ugrasena and Kariasd. There is a common belief that Karhsa was
the son of Ugrasena. But, the Bhagavata relates the following to the effect
that Karhsa was born to a Gandharva called Dramila of Ugrasena's wife.
When once Ugrasena's wife was in her monthly periods, she walked
in the forest with her companions. A Gandharva called Dramila saw her then,
felt attracted by her and made her pregnant. Angered at this, she cursed
Dramila thus: "Since you have procreated a son in me, while I am in my
periods this son will be killed by a boy born in my husband's family."
Karhsa was the son born to her in the above manner. Karnsa ascended the throne
after putting Ugrasena in prison. According to the curse of Ugrasena's wife,
Sri Krsna was born in Ugrasena's family and he killed Karirsa. Narada had
informed Karhsa of the Dramila interlude. Kariisa told this story secretly to
Akrura when the latter was deputed by him to invite Krsna to the dhanur yajna.
(Bhagavata, 10th Skandha).
The name fIhuka. Genealogy states that Ugrasena was the son of
Ahuka. But, in certain contexts Ugrasena is called Ahuka also. "Afterwards
we made Ahuka-
Ugrasena King " (M.B.
Udyoga Parva, Chapter 128, Verse 39) .
5) Ugrasena imprisoned. Vasudeva, father of Sri Krsna was
Ugrasena's minister. Kamsa, when he attained majority imprisoned Ugrasena and
became himself king. (M.B. Sabha Parva, Chapter 22) .
6) Ugrasena regained kingdom. Sri Krsna killed Kariisa with the
permission of Ugrasena and made him king again. During the reign of Ugrasena,
Jarasandha and Salva attacked Mathurapuri. (See Linder Krsna).
7) Ugrasena and the iron rod. While Ugrasena was ruling the
Kingdom, the sages Visvamitra, Narada and Kanja once came to Dvaraka. To insult
the sages, the Yadavas brought before them, Samba dressed as a pregnant woman.
The Yadavas told the sages that she was Babhru's wife, and wanted to be told
whether the child she delivered would be male or female. The sages understood
their evil mentality, and prophesied that Samba would deliver an iron rod fierce
enough to annihilate the whole Yadava race. According to the prophecy the next
day Samba delivered an iron rod. The Yadavas imparted the news to Ugrasena, who
got the iron rod reduced to powder and deposited the powder in the sea. He also
enforced prohibition of liquor in the country. (To know how the powder of the
rod ruined the Yadava dynasty see under Krsna). (M.B. Mausala Parva, Chapter 1
).
8) After death. After his death, Ugrasenl joined the Visvadevatas.
Bhurisravas, Sala, Bhuri, KamsaUgrasena, Vasudeva, Uttara with his brother
Sankhathese kings (after death) joined the company of Vi9vadevatas. (M.B.
Svargarohana Parva, Chapter 5, Verses 16, 17).
UGRASENA II. A brother of King Janamejaya. He, along with his two
brothers thrashed the son of Sarami. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 3, Verses 1 and
2) .
UGRASENA III. Son of Kasyapa by his wife Muni. (M.B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 65, Verse 42) . He was pre-
sent at the birthday celebrations of Arjuna. (M.B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 122, Verse 52) . He was also present to witness the fight between
Arjuna and Krpicarya at the Virata city. (M.B. Virata Parva, Chapter 56, Verses
11 and 12) .
UGRASENA IV. A king who was Svarbhanu, the asura, reborn. (M. B.
Adi Parva, Chapter 67, Verses 12 and 13) .
UGRASENA V. A son of Dhrtarastr-i. He is also called Citrasena.
(M.II. Adi Parva. Chapter 67, Verse 100) . This Ugrasena was killed by Bhima.
(M.B. Drona Parva, Chapter 137).
UGRASENA VI. Son of Pariksit, king of the Lunar dynasty. (M.B. Adi
Parva, Chapter 94, Verses 52-54).
UGRAJRAVAS I. Son of Muni Lomaharsa. He is the Suta who told
Puranic stories to the munis at Naimisaranya. (M.B. Adi larva, Chapter 1, Verse
1).
UGRAJRAVAS II. A son of Dhrtarastra. Bhimasena killed him in the
battle of Kuruksetra. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 67, Verse 100, and Drona Parva,
Chapter 157, Verse 19) .
UGRASRAVAS III. Husband .of 8ilavati. (See under Atri, Para 7) .
UGRATAPAS. Son of Sutapas, a muni of the Bhrgu dynasty. Oace h°
concentrated his mind and thoughts on Sri Krsna immersed in love of the Gopis
with the result that he was born as daug4ter of Sunanda, the Gopi in Ambadi,
and served Krsna. (Padma Purina).
UGRATEJAS I. A synonym of Lord Siva. (M.B. Anusasana Parva,
Chapter 17, Verse 5 ).
UGRATEJAS II. A serpent. It welcomed Balabhadrarima once. (M.B.
Mausala Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 15) .
UGRATIRTHA. A Ksatriya king, who was Krodhavawa, the asura,
reborn. (1VI.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 6%, Verse 65 )_
UGRAYUDnA I. A son of Dhrtarastra. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 67,
Verse 99 ). He was present at the wedding of Pancali. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter
185) .
UGRAYUDHA II. A Pancala king and partisan of the Pandavas. Karna
wounded him in war. (Karma Parva, Chapter 56, Verse 44) .
UGRAYUDHA III. A powerful person, who fought on the Kaurava side.
(M.B. galya Parva, Chapter 2, Verse 37)
UGRAYUDHA IV. An emperor killed by Bhisma. (M.B. gAnd Parva,
Chapter 27, Verse 10) .
UGRODHA. A king of the lunar dynasty. (Bhagavata, 9th Skandha).
UJJAYA. One of the sons of Visvamitra. They were Brahmavadins.
(M.B. Anus asana Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 58).
UJJANAKA. The Asrama of Arstisenamaharsi was situated near Mount
Gandhamadana in front of Manasa lake. Ujjanaka was a lake near the asrama. A
dip in the waters of the lake, it was believed, would wash off all sins. (M.B.
Anusasana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 35).
UJJAPALAKA. A desert near the asrama of Uttanka muni. Dhundhu,
offspring of the asuras, Madhu and Kaitabha, lived in this desert. (See under
Dhundhu).
UJJAYANTAPARVATA. A mountain near the Pindaraka temple in
Saurastra. It is believed to possess wonderful siddhis. (M.B. Vana Parva,
Chapter 88, Verse 21) .
UJJAYINI. One of the seven very sacred places in ancient India.
Its ancient name was Avanti. The seven sacred cities are.: Ayodhya, Mathura,
Maya, Kasi. Kanci, Avantika, and Dvaravati. The famous Mahakala temple
described by Kalidasa was on the banks of the river Sipra flowing through
Ujjayini. Jyotirlinga of Siva is the presiding deity in the temple. There is
also a holy bathing ghat called Kotitirtha here. A bath in it is as beneficial
as an As vamedha yajna. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 82):
UKTHA. Agni, the father of Paravani. This agni is saluted with
three kinds of Uktha hymns. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 219, Verse 25) .
UK,T~HA (M). A particular portion of Samaveda.
ULUKA I. The son of gakuni. (M.B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 57, Stanza
25) . It is stated.in Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 182, Stanza 22, that
Uluka was present at the Svayamvara (the Bride choosing a husband' of Draupadi.
In the Bharata Battle Uluka was sent as a :messenger to the camp of the
Pandavas by Duryodhana. (M.B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 161). After that he
returned to Duryodhana with the message of the Pandavas. (M.B. Udyoga Parva,
Chapter 163). He combated with the King of Cedi on the first day of the battle.
(M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 45) . After that Sahadeva attacked tluka. (M:B.
Bhisma Parva, Chapter 72, Stanza 5). Arjuna defeated Uluka. (M.B. Drona Parva,
Chapter 171, Stanza 40) . After the death of the teacher Drona, Uluka fled from
the battle-field. (M.B. Drona Parva, Chapter 193, Stanza 14). It is mentioned
Mahabharata, Karna Parva, Chapter 25, Stanzas 9 to 11, that Uluka defeated
Yuyutsu. Next fight was between Sahadeva and Uluka in which Sahadeva killed
Uluka. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 28, Stanzas 32 and 33 ). The following are
the synonyms of Uluka, given in the Mahabharata :-Sakuni, Kaitaka, Saubalyasuta
and Kaitavya.
ULUKA II. A Yaksa (a demi-god). It is stated in Mahdbharata, Adi
Parva, Chapter 32, that Garuda and this Yaksa fought with each other.
ULUKA III. A son of Visvamitra. He became a hermit. (M.B.
Anusasana Parva, Chapter 4, Stanza 51) . It is mentioned in the Mahabharata,
Sand Parva, Chapter 47, Stanza 11, that this Uluka visited Bhisma on his Bed of
arrows.
ULUKADUTAGAMANAPARVA. A sub-section of a Parva in the Mahabharata.
(See under Bharata).
ULUTKASRAMA. A holy place. (M.B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 186, Stanza
26).
ULUTPI. Wife of Arjuna.
1) How she became the wife of Arjuna. Once Arjuna happened to
enter the palace in which Dharmaputra was living with Paficali. As a result,
Arjuna had to go on a pilgrimage for a year. (See under .Iravan). Arjuna
reached Gangadvara. When he got down into the river Gaiiga, he saw Ulfipi the
daughter of Ndgaraja (King of the serpents). He asked her a few questions. She
told him thus :-"I am the daughter of the serpent Kauravya of the family
of Airavata. I came to bathe in the river and when I saw you I grew
amorous." Arjuna told her that Dharmaputra had imposed on him celibacy for
twelve months and that it was not right to marry in the meantime. Ulupi argued
with Arjuna and convinced him that it was not wrong to marry her. Arjuna
married her. A son named Iravan was born to her.
2) How Ulupf caused Arjuna to be killed and how he was brought to
life again. (See paras 28 and 29 under Arjuna).
3) The end of Utupf. After having brought Arjuna back to life,
Ulupi reached Hastinapura with Babhruvahana and Citrangada. (M.B. Mvamedha
Parva, Chapter 87) . As soon as she reached there she greeted Kunti, Draupadi
and Subhadra. She gave them various kinds of presents. It is mentioned in
Ma.habharata, Asramavasika Parva, Chapter I, Stanza 23 that Ulupi served
Gandhari at one time. In Mahabharata, Xsramavdsika Parva, Chapter 10, Stanza 46
it is mentioned that Ulupi was greatly loved by the subjects. When the Pandavas
began the `great departure' (Mahaprasthana) fJlupi entered the River Ganges.
Citrangada went to Manalurapura.
-Ulupi, the daughter of the serpent Kauravya, jumped into the
Ganges and to Manalurapura, went Citrangada." (Bhasa Bharata,
Mahaprasthanika Parva, Chapter 1, Stanza 27).
4) The other names of Ulupf. Bhujagatmaja, Bhujagendrakanyaka,
Bhujagottama Kauravi, Kauravyaduhita, Kauravyakulanandini, Pannaganandini,
Pannagasuta, Pannagatmaja, Pannagesvarakanya, Pannagi, Uragatmaja. These are
the synonyms used in the Mahabharata for Ulupi.
ULLTTA. A country in ancient India. (M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 9,
Stanza 54) .
UMA. Parvati. (For details see under Parvati).
UMLOCA. A celestial woman. Umloca with other celestial women
participated in the birth celebration of Arjuna. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 122,
Stanza 65) .
UNCHAVRTTI. A brahmin. His story is told as follows in Jaimini
Asvamedha Parva.
This poor brahmin who lived by begging got one day some food grain
powder. After offering a portion of it to Agni and Brahmins, he divided the
balance equally between the children. Then he sat down to take his own food
when Dharmadeva, disguised as a brahmin, appeared and demanded food.
Ufichavrtti gave all his food to the guest. Since that did not satisfy the
guest, the sons also gave their shares of the food to him. Greatly pleased at
the noble act of Unchavrtti, Dharmadeva took the brahmin family with him to
Svargaloka. One day a few particles of the foodgrain powder which remained with
the brahmin fell on the earth. A mongoose came and played on that ground. That
part of his body which got smeared with the food-grain powder became golden in
colour. Though the mongoose went to the yajfia ground of Dharmadeva and
repeated the above process there, the remaining portion of its body did not
become golden.
UNDRA (M) (UTRAM). A place in South India. Sahadeva subjugated
this place. (M.B. Sabha Parva, Chapter 31, Verse 7 1). People of Undram were
present at the Rajasiiya of Yudhisthira with presents. (M.B. Vana Parva,
Chapter 51, Verse 22) .
UNMADA. A celestial woman.
1 1 Became a woman by the curse of Uravasf. Hamsa, the King of
Gandharvas (semi-gods) had a general of the army called Durmada. He was a
dangler. He had an eye on Urvas i. She was the wife of Pururavas a famous King.
On several occasions Durmada followed Urvasi, with lustful desire. He had
expressed his amour for her on several occasions. But Urvasi did not pay any
heed to his words.
One day Pururavas and Urvasi were present in the durbar of Indra.
Pururavas and Urvasi had signalled a rendezvous for that night at the corner of
the Nandana Park. Durmada understood this. He called a celestial woman named
Unmada to his side. They made a plan and accordingly Unmada disguised herself
as Urvasi and Durmada took the guise of Pururavas and both of them entered
Nandana park. Pururavas went to Unmadaand conjugated with her. In the same way
Urvasi received Durmada, mistaking him for Pururavas. After the conjugation
Durmada laughed loud as if he had played a trick on Urvasi. Urvasi understood
everything. Pururavas also arrived there. Urvasi cursed Durmada to take birth
in the earth as a Raksasa and cursed Unmada to be born in the earth as the
daughter of a King and she said that at that time she would love one man and
become the wife of another man. The aggrieved Durmada and Unmada prayed for
liberation from the curse. Urvasi gave them liberation thus :"This Durmada
will be born as the son of Unmada. Seeing the death of her husband and son, she
would jump into fire. After that she will enter heaven. Durmada will be killed
by the sword of an enemy and will obtain heaven." According to this curse
Durmada was born as the son of Dirghajangha, the emperor of Hiranyapura, under
the name Pingaksa and Unmada was born as the daughter of the King of Videha.
Her name was Harini (Brahmanda Purana, Chapter 3) .
2) The marriage and death off1hrinE. Harini grew up to be a young
woman Once Pihgaksa growing lustful took Harini and went through the sky. She
cried aloud for a long time. Pifigaksa, the asura, left her in a wild forest.
At that time a King named Vasumanas came by that way hunting. He killed
Pingaksa and then having heard the story of Harini got her on the horse called
Jimuta and sent her to Videha (Mithida). Her father was much pleased at getting
her back. He wanted to give her in marriage to Vasumanas. The date of the
marriage was fixed. Invitations were sent to many Kings. Among them there was a
king named Bhadrasrenya, who took her by force and went away. There was a
fierce battle between the two Kings, Bhadrasrenya and Vasumanas and Vasumanas
was defeated. Seeing this Divodasa, the King of Kas i, attacked Bhadrasrenya.
Though Divodasa defeated Bhadrasrenya, he did not like to harm the beaten King.
So he returned to his kingdom. Bhadrasrenya took Harini to his palace and
married her. A son was born to her and he was named Durmada. This was the same
Durmada who had taken birth and died as Pifigaksa and who had been born again
as the son of Harini. This Durmada took by force the daughter of his uncle
called Citrangi and a child was born to them. Bhadrasrenya again engaged in a
battle with Divodasa, the King of Kas i, and was defeated. Then his son Durmada
got into the battlefield and he also was defeated.
When all this news reached Vasumanas, the King of Ayodhya, he became
jealous of Bhadrasrenya. A battle was fought between them in which Vasumanas
was defeated. But a fierce battle was fought again in which Bhadrasrenya and
his son Durmada were killed. Durmada obtained heaven. Stricken with grief at
the death of her husband and son, Harini got into fire and went to heaven.
(Brahmanda Purana, Chapter 3) .
UNMADINy. A beautiful woman. She was the daughter of a Vaisya in
the city of Sravasti. He went to the King Devasena and requested him to marry
his daughter. Because of the interference of his favourites, the King did not
marry her. The King's general married her. Once the King happened to see her by
chance. When he saw how beautiful she was, he felt sorry that he did not marry
her. From that day onwards the King grew morbidly torpid and finally died.
This story was told by Yaugandharayana, minister of Udayana, the
King of Vatsa. (Kathasaritsagara, Lavanakalambaka; Taranga 1) .
UNMATHA I. Yama ( Kala) presented Skandadeva with two attendants.
One was Unmatha and the other Pramatha. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 45, Stanza
30)
UNMATHA II. An attendant presented to Skandadeva 51 Parvad. (M.B.
Salya Parva, Chapter 45, Stanza
UNMATTA. A warrior of a class of Raksasas (giants). In Agni
Purana, Chapter 10, it is mentioned that ibis warrior died in the battle
between R5ma and Ravana. Genealogy. Descended from Visnu in the following order
:-Brahma-Heti-Vidyutkes a- Sukega-Malyavan-Unmatta.
Vidyutkesa was born to Heti, the son of Brahma by his wife Bhaya;
Sukesa was born to Vidyutkesa by his
wife Salakatanka and Mali, Sumali and Malyavan were born to Sukes
a of his wife Devavati, and to Malyavan by his wife Sundari, seven sons named
Vajramusti, Virizpaksa, Durmukha, Suptaghna, Yajnakosa, Matta and Unmatta and a
daughter named Nala were born. Prahasta, Akampana, Vikata, Kalakamukha,
Dhumraksa and some more Raksasas were the sons of Sumali, brother of Malyavan.
Kaikasi, the mother of Ravana, was the sister of Prahasta.
UNMUCA. A hermit of south Bharata. Mention is made about him in
Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Chapter 208, Stanza 28.
UPABARHANA. See the 2nd para under Narada.
UPACARA (Hospitality). They are sixteen in number. (Things to be
offered to the guest). They are called Sodasopacaras. They are given below
:-(1) Asana ( seat) (2) Padya (water to wash feet (3) Arghya (water to drink)
(4) Snaniya (bath) (5) Anulepana (ashes or other fragrant things for.
besmearing) (6) Dhupa (smoke) (7) Dipa (light) (8) Naivedya (food) (9) Tambula
(Betel) (10) Sitalajala (cool drinks) (11 ) Vasana (clothing) (12) Bhusana
(ornaments) (13) Malya (garland) (14) Gandha (sweet-smelling things) (15)
Acamaniyaka (water to rinse mouth) (16) Sutalpa (Good bed).
These are the sixteen offerings that we have to give to our
guests.
UPACITRA. A son of Dhrtarastra. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 67,
Stanza 95) . In the Mahabharata, Drona Parva, Chapter 136 Stanza 22 it is
mentioned that he was killed by Bhimasena.
UPADEVA. A King of the Puru dynasty.
UPAGAHA. A son -)f Vis vamitra. He was a Brahmavadin. (M.B.
Anusasana Parva, Chapter 4, Stanza 56).
UPAGIRI. A hilly place in North Bharata. (M.B. Sabha Parva,
Chapter 27, Stanza 3 ).
UPAGUPTA. A King of the Candravarhsa (Lunar dynasty). (See under
Genealogy).
UPAJALA. A river. In the Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Chapter 13,
Stanza 31, it is mentioned that by bathing in this river the King Usinara got
power and position higher than that of Indra.
UPAKICAKAS. Kicaka, the brother-in-law of King Virata, had one
hundred and five brothers. They are called Upakicakas. Kicaka and the
Upakicakas were born of a portion of Kalakeya an asura. At the palace of
Virata, Kicaka harassed Pancali and was killed in the night by Bhima. (See
under Kicaka). Hearing about the death of Kicaka, the hundred and five
Upakicakas came there and decided to burn PdIlcali also, because they thought
she was the cause of the death of their elder brother. They bound and carried
her to the cremation ground. Hearing her loud cry, Bhima jumped over the wall
and ran to the cremation ground. He uprooted a tree, killed all the hundred and
five Upakicakas and brought Pallcali to the palace. (M.B, Virata Parva, Chapter
23) .
UPAKOAA. The daughter of the teacher Upavarsa. (See under
Vararuci).
UPAKOSALA. See under Satyakama.
UPAKR,S~TAKA. A warrior of Skandadeva. (M.B. ~alya larva, .Chapter
45, Stanza 57) .
UPAMANYU I. A dutiful disciple of the teacher Ayodhadhaumya. This
teacher had three disciples of prominence. They were Aruni, Upamanyu and Veda.
To know how Upamanyu was put to test by the teacher see under
Ayodhadhaumya.
UPAMANYU II. In the Krtayuga, there lived a hermit named
Vyaghrapada who had two sons. They were called Upamanyu and Dhaumya. Some
learned men are of opinion that Upamanyu the son of Vyaghrapada and Upamanyu
the disciple of Ayodhadhaumya, were one and the same. Once Upamanyu visited
another hermitage along with his father. He happened to drink the milk of the
cow there. After that they returned to their own hermitage, Upamanyu went to
his mother and asked her to make milk pudding for him. But the mother felt very
sorry because there was no milk. At last she mixed flour in water and made
pudding and gave it to him. Upamanyu did not accept it. His mother told him
that there was no way to get milk and that men could get wealth,.crops etc.
only by the grace of Siva.
Upamanyu who was of a wilful nature did penance with meditation
and contemplation on Siva. Finally Siva appeared before him in the shape of
Indra and told him to ask for his boon. Upamanyu boldly replied that he wanted
no boon from anybody else except Siva. Siva made his appearance in his own form
and made Upamanyu a deva (God).
Upamanyu said all these things when he talked with Sri Krsna.
(M.B. Anusasana Parva, Chapter 14).
In the Book "Our hermits", written by Ramasvami Sastri
in Tamil, it is mentioned that Upamanyu had written a book "Siva
bhaktavilasa" in which biographies of devotees of Siva of great
attainments are given.
UPAMANYU III. In the Brahm5nda PurAna we come across another
Upamanyu as the son of a hermit named Sutapas. Upamanyu reached the hermitage
of Kasyapa, with the idea of marrying Sumati, the daughter of Kasyapa and the
elder sister of Garuda. Nobody liked the idea of giving Sumati in marriage to
that old man. The hermit got angry at this and cursed Kasyapa that if he gave
his daughter in marriage to any Brahmana his head would break into a hundred
pieces. (Brahmanda Purana, Chapter 18) .
UPANANDA I. A son of Dhrtarastra. Bhimasena killed him. (M.B.
Karna Parva, 6hapter 51, Stanza 19).
UPANANDA II. A serpent. (M.B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 103, Stanza
12) .
UPANANDA III. A warrior of Skanda. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 45,
Stanza 64)..
UPANISAD. The four Vedas are Rk, Yajus, Sarha and Atharva. Each of
these four has a Brahmana (a treatise relating to prayer and sacrificial
ceremony). Next come the Aranyakas (forest texts-writings meant for the
forest-dwelling hermit) as appendices to the Rrahmanas. Then come the Upanisads
as appendices ,to the Aranyakas. These four classes of .literary works (the
Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanisads) constitute the Vedic
literature proper. The Aranyakas and the Upanisads are inseparably connected
with each other. The Upanisads are called Vedantas (the end of the Vedas) . The
bulk of these Vedantas belong to different periods anterior to the Later Vedic
Period. The students begin the study of Upanisads only after having completed
the study of the Mantras (Vedic hymns) and theBrahmanas (the ritual).
The meaning of the word `Upanisad' is that which is most near. Upa
= near. ni = most. sad = exist. (or sit). The Upanisads can be called the
Jnanakanda of the Vedas. They describe the nature of Brahman. The figure of the
supreme Spirit (Brahman) exists in the Upanisads. Apparently the Upanisads are
explanations of the mantras, but they are concerned more with the allegorical
significations and the mystic meanings of the tattvas or essence, of the origin
of life, the world, the soul, God etc. The Upanisads are the basis of the
Sad-darsanas, the six systems of philosophy. There are a large nu-nber of
Upanisads. The most important among them are 108 in number.
UPAPATAKA (UPAPAPA) (Minor sins). In accordance with the Rastramimarilsa
(political philosophy) of Ancient India, crimes were divided into two types.
They were called Upapatakas (minor crimes) and Patakas (major crimes). To know
about major crimes (Patakas) see under Papa (sin). Upapatakas are given
below:-Cow-slaughter; sacrificing by one who, is unworthy to perform it;
seducing another man's wife; forsaking one's father, mother and teacher;
forsaking self-study, agni (fire) and son; becoming Parivetta (one who gets
mar6ed before one's elder brother is married.) Younger brother finishing
education before the elder; giving an unmarried girl to Parivitti or Parivetta;
performing sacrifice by a parivitti or a parivetta; slandering an unmarried
girl; Living on the interest of money that is lent; violating one's vow; selling
pond, garden, wife or son; becoming an outcaste; forsaking relatives; Teaching
the Vedas after receiving remuneration; selling things which should not be
sold; working in mines; working with big machinery; destroying medicinal
herbs,; living by women; to impede rites; cut down fresh trees (not dried) for
fire-wood; kidnapping women; mingling with slanderers of women; selfish
activities; eating forbidden rice; not keeping Sacrificial fire; theft; not
repaying loan; learning forbidden sciences; doing things which are bad and will
cause grief to others; stealing of base metals, grains and cows; contact with
drunken women; killing women, 8udra, Vaisya and Ksatriya and becoming an
infidel are all Upapatakas.
Causing grief to a Brahmin; inhaling the smell of liquor and other
prohibited things; resorting to tricks or deceit and engaging in pederasty are
sins which would make one an outcaste.
Slaughter of dog, donkey, camel, lion, sheep, junglegoat, fish,
serpent and mungoose are sins of a mixed character.
Receiving money from the despicable; buying and selling; serving a
sudra;. telling a lie; acting so as to render oneself. unworthy; killing worms
and birds; eating food along with liquor; stealing fruits, flowers and butea;
and becoming a coward are also sins.
UPAPLAVYA. A minor city in the country of Virata. This minor city
stood near the capital city of Virata Kingdom. After their incognito-life, the
Pandavas are said to have lived-in the city of Upaplavya. (M.B Virata Parva,
Chapter 72, Stanza 14) .
UPAPURANAS. See under Purana.
UPARICARAVASU.
Genealogy. Descended from Visnu in the following order: Atri°
Candra- Budha - Fururavas-- Ayus-- Nahuga
-Yayati-Puru- Janamejaya - Pracinvan - Pravira
Namasyu-Vitabhaya-Sundu-Bahuvidha - Sarhyati -Rahovadi - Raudrasva -Matinara -
Santurodha -Dusyanta - Bharata - Suhotra - Suhota - Gala
-Garda-Suketu-Brhatksetra-Hasti- Ajamidha - RksaSariivarana -Kuru-Sudhanva -
Sugotra - Cyavana-K,rtiUparicaravasu.
2) How he got the name Uparicaravasu. Once Vasu built a hermitage
and began to perform penance in accordance with the advice of Indra. When the
penance became too severe Indra appeared and gave him an aerial chariot. Since
then Vasu used to travel through air in the chariot. So he got the name
`Uparicaravasu' (Vasu, who travels above). (Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter
63).
3). Pasu and Indra festival. Indra gave Vasu a garland
(Vaijayantimala) which would never fade, and gave a boon that, so long as he
wore that garland, he wou1d not receive any wound. He was given a bamboo stick
(Venudanda) and was instructed to fix that rod on the earth and celebrate the
festival of Indra. Vasu celebrated the festival of Indra and from that day
onwards the festival of Indra came to be celebrated in the world. (See under
Indrotsava).
4). The sons of Vasu. Five sons named Brhadratha, Kusamba
(Manivahana), Mavella, Yadu and Rajanya were born to him.
5) . Kicking and slitting Kolahala. The river guktimati flowed
through the capital city of Vasu. Once the great hill Kolahala grew amorous of
8uktimati and caught hold of her. Uparicaravasu got angry at this and kicked
the mountain which was split into two and Suktimati flowed out of the gap.
Still two children were born to the great hill by guktimati. The river was
pleased at the freedom accorded by the king and placed the two children at the
feet of the king. They grew up. The son became general of the army and the
daughter Girika became the wife of the king. (M. B. Adi Parva Chapter 63) .
6 ). Vasu goes ahunting. One day the king decided to go to hunt.
On the same day his wife had her monthly course. Still without changing his
programme he started for the forest. Even after entering the forest the thought
of his wife lingered in his mind. The forest was in full bloom as it was
Spring. Seeing this the king grew amorous and sat under a tree. A mild breeze
was blowing. Instantly the king had seminal flow. He collected the semen in the
leaf of a tree and sent it to the queen through an eagle. Thinking that to be
some food, another eagle got near and a quarrel arose. The semen fell in the
river Yamuna. A fish named Adrika swallowed it. (See under Adrika). A fisherman
caught hat fish. He got a male child and a female child from the stomach of the
fish. That girl is the famous Satyavati Matsyagandhi who became the queen of
Santanu. (See under Satyavati). The fisherman gave the boy he got from the fish
to king Uparicaravasu. (M. B. Adi Parva Chapter 62).
7) . ,Other information.
(i) It is mentioned in Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza
20, that Uparicaravasu was famous as a member of the council of Yama.
He was a friend of Indra, a devotee of Visnu and a righteous and
diligent man who loved and esteemed his father. Because of the grace of $ri
Narayana, he
secured an empire. He consecrated everything before god. Once
Indra gave him half of his seat. (M. B. 8anti Parva, Chapter 355 ). Because of
the grace of Bhagavan (Lord), Garuda made him a traveller of the sky. (M. B.
8anti Parva, Chapter 337, Stanza 37).
(iii). In Mahabharata, 8anti Parva, Chapter 337, Stanza 38, it is
mentioned that finally Uparicaravasu entered the world of Brahma.
(iv). Once a controversy arose between Indra and the hermits,
whether cow-slaughter during sacrifices, was desirable. At this time
Uparicaravasu happened to come there. As he was a man of truth, he was asked to
make a decision. Uparicaravasu stood on the side of Indra and gave his opinion
in favour of slaughter. The hermits who were against cow-slaughter got angry
and cursed Uparicaravasu to go down to the world of Patala (netherworld).
(Matsya Purana, Chapter 152 ).
This story is seen with slight difference in Mahabharata 8anti
Parva, Chapters 322-324.
UPASLOKA. A son born to Sri Krsna by Sairandhri. He learned all
sciences and Philosophies and finally became a follower of the Sariikhya-Yoga
cult. (Bhagavata, Skandha 10) .
UPASRUTI. The patron-goddess of Uttarayana (The sun's progress
towards North in the former half of the year). In Mahabharata, Adi Parva,
Chapter 166 mention is made of how this goddess made it possible for Indrani to
see Indra through the holes of a stalk of lotus. It was by the help of Upasruti
that Sacidevi and Indra met together. (M. B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 14, Stanzas
12 and 13) .
UPATYAKA. A country in Bharata. (Mahabharata, Bhisma Parva,
Chapter 2, Stanza 55) .
UPAVARSA. The younger brother of the Teacher Varsa. He also was a
teacher. For further information see under Vararuci.
UPAVASA. Upavasa means going back from sin and leading a good
life. (Upa (varta) -go back and Vasa= A life). All actions which are not good,
must be relinquished. Those who observe Upavasa should abstain from using
flesh, Masura (pulse), canaka (a kind of gram), Varaku (a kind of grain), green
leaves prepared), honey, rice etc. and from contact with women. He should not
wear flowers, ornaments, or fashionable dress; should not inhale fragrant
smoke, and fragrance of any sort. Cleaning the teeth and using collyrium also
are prohibited. Instead of cleaning the teeth in the morning Pancagavya (Milk,
curd, ghee, urine and dung of cow) should be taken in. Drinking water several
times, using betel leaves, sleeping in the day time and sexual act also should
be avoided. (Agni Pur5na, Chapter 175).
UPAVEN'A. A river. This river is considered to be the mother of
Agni (fire). Some are of opinion that this river is Krsnavena a tributary of
the great river Krsna (R.Kistna) of South India. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 222,
Stanza 14).
UPAVITA. The sacred string or Uttariya. The twice born (the three
upper castes) wear this. When it is worn over the left shoulder and under the
right arm it is called Upavita, when it is worn over the right shoulder and
und,x the left arm it is called Pracinavita and if it is worn around the neck
as a garland it .is called Nivita. (Manustnrti? Chapter 2- Stanza 63) ,
UPAVRTTA (M) A country in Bhirata. (M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 91,
Stanza 84).
UPAYA (S) . See under Caturupaya.
UPAYAJA. Brother of the hermit Yaja. Both of them lived on the
banks of the Gaiiga. Dhrstadyumna and Pancali were born to the King Drupada of
Pancdla as the fruit of the sacrifices performed by these hermits. The story is
given below:
The famous teacher Drona was the son of" the hermit
Bharadwja, who was a friend of the King Prsata of Pancala. So King Prsata sent
his son Drupada to the hermitage of Bharadvaja for education. Thus Drona and
Drupada were fellow students.
After completing his education Drupada became King of Pancala. At
that time the teacher Drona once visited the palace of the King. But Drupada
did not duly receive his former classmate. Drona got angry at this and went to
Hastinapura and became the teacher of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. As a
remuneration for teaching them Drona demanded that Arjuna should bind Drupada
and bring him before him. Arjuna did so. Drupada gave Drona a portion of his
kingdom and got his liberty. From that day onwards Drupada wished for a son who
would take revenge on Drona, and requested the hermit Upayaja to perform a
sacrifice for getting a son. At first the hermit refused. The King served the
hermit for a year. The hermit was pleased and asked the King to invite Yaja for
the sacrifice. The King did as he was told and Yaja and Upayaja came to Pancala
and performed the sacrifice for getting a son. From the sacrificial dais
Mrstadyumna and Pancali were born. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 166 and Sabha
Parva, Chapter 80, Stanza 45).
UPENDRA. A synonym of Visnu. Mahavisnu once took birth by Aditi
the wife of Kasyapaprajapati. In that birth Mahavisnu had the name Upendra. He
was known as Vamana too. (Bhagavata, 10th Skandha).
UPENDRA. A river. (Mahabharata, Bhisma Parva, Chapter 9, Stanza
27).
UPENDRABALA. Son of a minister of the King named Sri Datta. (See
under Sri Datta) .
URAGA. A class of serpents. Ten daughters were born to Krodhavasa
wife of Kasyapa. The Uragas were born from the daughter Kadru and the nagas
were born from the daughter Surasa. (Valmiki Rimayana, Aranya Kanda, Sarga 14)
.
URDHVABAHU. A son of Vasistha. His mother was Urjja. (Agni Purina,
Chapter 20). It is mentioned in Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva, Chapter 150, that
this Urdhvabahu did penance in South India.
URDHVABHAK. A fire. This Agni (fire) was the fifth son of
Brhaspati. (M.B) Vana Parva, Chapter 219, Stanza 20).
URDHVAPUNDRA. A mark worn on the forehead with yellow ochre. This
mark should be made by earth or ochre, which should be taken from the top of a
mountain peak, banks of rivers, seashore, Saivite temple serpent-hill or from
under a holy basil. The fruits of wearing the mark will vary according to the
colour of the ochre. Black ochre will afford peace, red soil will procure
docility, yellow soil will get prosperity, and white ochre will give duty or
righteousness. As the fruits vary according to the colour, so also it will vary
according to the finger used to put the sign. If the mark is
made with the thumb the man will become stout. If it is done with
the middle finger he will have long life. If it is done with the fourth finger
(andmika), he will get food and if it is made with the index finger ;tarjani)
he will get salvation. The form of the mark also could be changed. The mark may
be made in the form of a flame, the leaf of bamboo reed, a lotus-bud, a fish, a
turtle or a conch. If the mark is as large as ten fingerbreadths it is
superfine. If of nine finger-breadths, it is medium super-fine; and if it is
eight and a half fingerbreadths, it is lower superfine. In the same :Nay if the
finger-breadth of the mark is seven, six or five they will be super medium,
medium medium and lower medium. If it is four, three and two they will be of
the low, medium low and lowest.
It is also ordered that when one wears the IJrdhvapundra in a
particular spot of the body one will have to think of a particular name of
Visnu.
"Kesava in the forehead, Narayana in the stomach, Madhava in
the heart, Govinda in the neck, Visnu on the right side of the stomach,
Madhusudana on the middle of right hand, Trivikrama on the left ear, Vamana on
the left side of stomach, Sridhara on the left hand, Hrsikesa on the right ear.
Padmanabha on the hinder Part, Damodara on the nape and Vasudeva on the head,
shculd be meditated upon." (Devi Bhe,gavata, Skandha I 1) .
URDHVAVENTIDHARA. An attendant of Skandadeva. (M.B. qalya Parva,
Chapter 46, Stanza 18).
URJJA I. A wife of Vasistha. Seven sons named Rajas, Gotra,
Urdhvabahu, Savana, Anagha, Sutapas and Sukra, were born to Vasistha by his
wife Crjja. These seven holy men were the seven hermits (Saptarsis) in the
third Manvantara. (Visnu Purina, Arhsa 1, Chapter 10).
URJJA II. One of the seven hermits of the Svarocisa Manvantara.
The seven hermits of the Svarocisa Manvantara were Orjja, Stambha, Prana, Vita,
Prsabha Niraya and Parivan. (Visnu Purina, Arihsa 3, Chapter 1) .
URJJA. III. A King of the Hehaya dynasty. He was the grandfather
of the famous jarasandha. (Agni Purina, Chapter 278) .
URJJAKETU. A King of the dynasty of King janaka. (Bhagavata,
Skandha 9) .
URJJANI. A daughter of the Sun. (Rgveda, Maridala 1, Anuvaka 17,
Sukta 119) .
URJJASVATI. A daughter born to Priyavrata, the son of Manu
Svayambhuva, by Surupa the daughter of Visvakarma. Urjjasvati had ten brothers.
(Devi Bhagavata, Skandha 8). Priyavrata gave LJrjjasvati to the teacher-priest
Sukra. De vayani, the wife of Yayati, was the daughter born to ~ukra by
Urjjasvati. (Bhagavata, Skandha 5) .
URJJAYONI.., One of Vi•.,vamitra's sons who were expounders of
Vedas. (M.B. Anusasana Parva, Chapter 4, Stanza 59) .
URMILA. Laksmana married LTrmila, the daughter of King janaka and the
sister of Sita. When Laksmana went to the forest with Sri Rama and Sita,
LTrmila remained in Ayodhya. After the forest life, Sri Rama and Laksmana
returned with Sita. When Sri Rama was ruling over the country, two sons were
born to Laksmana by Crmila. The elder son was named Taksaka and the second was
given the name Chatra-
URNA
ketu. At the instruction of Sri Rama, Laksmana went to the Eastern
sea and killed the foresters there and built there a city called Agati. Taksaka
was made the King of Agati. Laksmana then went to the western sea and killed
the Barbarians there and built a city called Candramati and made Chatraketu the
King of that city. Being punished by Sri Rama, Laksmana drowned himself in the
river Sarayu. (See under Laksmana). After that Crmila jumped into a pile of
fire and reached the world of Visnu. (Uttara Ramayana).
LJR]TA. A wife of Mari-ci. In the Svayambhuva Manvantara Marici
had a wife called Ilrna and six mighty sons by her. When they saw Brahma once,
they teased him by calling him `a father who had married his daughter.' Brahma
got angry with them, and cursed them to take birth as Daityas (demons) on the
earth. Accordingly they took birth as the sons of' Kalanemi on earth. (Devi
Bhagavata, Skandha 4) .
URNANABHA (SUDARSANA). A son of Dhrtarastra. (M.B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 67, Stanza 96 ). It is M*entioned in Mahabharata, Drona Parva, Chapter
127, Verse 67, that Bhimasena killed him.
IJRNAYU. A Devagandharva. He had participated in the Birth
celebration of Arjuna. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 122, Stanza 52) . Once this
Devagandharva fell in love with Menaka. (Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva, Chapter
117, Stanza 16).
URU. A son born to Manu Caksusa by his wife Nadvala. Uru had nine
brothers named Puru, Satadyumna, Tapasvi, Satyavak, Kavi, Agnisthu, Atiratra,
Sudyumna and Atimanyu. Six great sons were born to Cru by his wife Atreyi. They
were Anga, Sumanas, Svati, Kratu, Angiras and Gaya. Vena was born to King Anga
by his wife Sunitha and the famous emperor Prthu was born as the son of Vena. (Agni
Purana, Chapter 18).
URUKRAMA. Another name of Vamana.
URVA (AURVA). A luminous hermit of the family of Bhrgu. He was the
son of Cyavana and the father of Rcika. He created a tremendous fire for the
destruction of the three worlds and extinguished it by putting it in the ocean.
(For details see under Aurva).
URVARA. A celestial woman in the palace of Kubera. In the company
of some other celestial women, she danced before the hermit cal1ed Astavakra.
(M.B. Ahusasana Parva, Chapter 19, Stanza 44) .
URVARIYAN. Son of the Prajapati Pulaha. Three sons named Kardama,
Urvariyan and Sahisnu, were born to Pulaha by his wife Ksama. (Visnu Purana,
Arilsa 1, Chapter 1) .
URVASI I. A famous celestial damsel.
1) Birth of Uraasf. In days of old two hermits named Nara and
Narayana did penance to Brahma in the holy hermitage of ~adarika for a thousand
years. (Nara and Narayana were the children born to Dharma, the son of Brahma)
. Because of the severity of their penance Indra was struck with fear Thinking
that they were doing this severe penance with a view to become Indra, he
approached the hermits and told them that they might ask for any boon. Even
though Indra told them several times, they did not speak a word nor did they
make any stir. Indra's fear increased. So Indra decided to create some
delusions which would arouse in them fear, desire etc., so that their penance
might be broken. . He began to bring around them wild animals such as lion,
elephant wild snake etc. and natural phenomena such as storm, heavy rain,
forest-fire etc. to terrify them. The efforts of Indra were futile. The
disappointed Indra sent for Kamadeva .(Cupid) and consulted him, as a result of
which Kamadeva and his wife Ratidevi with many celestial maids came to the
hermitage in the mountain of Gandhamadana with the intention of hindering the
penance of Naranarayanas. The season of spring was created in the forest. The
celestial women such as Rambha and others came before the hermits and began to
sing and dance. The hearts of the hermits began to swell with passion. When
they opened their eyes what they saw was a beautiful sight. The famous
celestial women, Menaka, Rambha, Tilottama, Sukesini, Manorama, Mahe,vari,
Puspagandha, Pramadvara, Ghrtaci, Candraprabha, Soma, Vidyunmala, Ambujaksi, Kaficanamala,
and others with their ten thousand and eighty hand-maids stood before them.
Hermit Naravana who got terribly angry struck on his thigh with his hand and
instantly there arose a woman -of extreme beauty. Because she had originated
from the Cru (thigh) of Narayana, that woman, who was the most beautiful in the
three worlds, got the name Urva~i. All the others were struck with wonder at
the sight of this new creation. After that so many other beautiful women also
were created. The, hermit Narayana gave all of them to Indra. With shame Indra
accepted them and returned to heaven along with them. Thus Urvasi arrived at
the realm of the devas (gods). (Devi Bhagavata, Skandha 4).
2) Position of Uraasi. It is mentioned in Mahabharata that Urvasi
had the eleventh place among the singers. The expert dancers were Anucana,
Adrika, Somakegi, Misra, Alambusa, Marici, Sucika, Vidyutparna, Tilottama,
Ambika, Ksema, Rambha, Sub,hu, Asita, Supriya, Pundarika, Sugandha, Surasa,
Pramathini, Kamya and ~aradvati. Urva~i got the first placc among the celestial
maids in beauty. (M B. Adi Parva, Chapter 123).
3) Uraasi and PuY86YavaS. Pururavas was the son of Budba born of
Ila. He grew up and became a king of great renown. His fame reached even the
realm of the gods. One day during that period Brahma cursed Urvasi. "Go
and be born on the earth." (It is stated in the Devi Bhagavata that it was
Brahma who cursed Urvar'.i and in the Bhagavatathat it was the Mitravarunas who
cursed Urvasi). Urvasi had heard about the fame of Pururavas and had felt
tender. love for him. The celestial maid reached the earth. She went to the
palace of Pururavas and saw him. Because of the perfection of their figures,
both loved mutually. The king asked her to become his wife. She agreed. But she
laid down three conditions. (i) I have with me two lambs which I bring up as my
sons. You must take care of them. No harm should befall them.
(ii) I take in only ghee. On no account should you compel me to
eat any other food.
(iii) Don't come near me in nudity except at the time of coition.
The king agreed to all these conditions. From that day onwards
Urvagi lived in the palace of the king as his wife. They lived happily for a
long while without separating from each other.
Urvagi became conspicuous by her absence in the realm of the gods.
She was the most expert actress in heaven.
Indra missed her. So a search was made and they found out that she
was in the palace of Pururavas. Indra asked the Gandharvas to bring that
celestial woman to heaven somehow. Visvavasu and some others of the Gandharvas
reached the palace of king Pururavas and waited for an opportunity. One
midnight they stole the lambs and took them away,through the sky. At that time
the king was with Urvasi in the harem. Urvasi heard the cry of the lambs and
she was flurried. She reviled the king who was not capable of taking care of
two lambs. Hearing her harsh words the king took his bow and arrow and
following the cry of the lambs he was about to chase the thieves. Taking this
opportunity the Gandharvas caused a lightning to flash in the king's harem. In
the light of the lightning Urvasi saw the king standing nude. The Gandharvas
having achieved their task had left the lambs and departed before the king hod
got out of the room. The king caught hold of the lambs and returned to the
harem, within a short while. But Urvasi had gone out of the palace and was on
her way.
The king was full of grief. He wandered all over the country in
search of UrvaAi. At last he reached Kuruksetra and saw Urvagi there. He bowed
low before her and implored her to return to the palace. But Urvasi replied
thus:-
"Women are like wolves. Don't have alliance with them Oh
King! Kings should not put faith in women and thieves."
Saying thus, Urvasi vanished. (Devi Bhagavata, Skandha 1) .
4) The reason why Pururavas had to remain separatefrom Urvali.
Pururavas had once gone to heaven, in accordance with the
invitation of Indra to help the Gods in the battle with the asuras. Indrahad
killed Mayadhara, a noble Asurajn that battle and had celebrated a festival. In
that festival Rambha was dancing before Tumburu, the sage-priest, and detecting
some flaw in her dance Pururavas teased her. Rambha retorted by asking the King
what he knew about dance, and the king replied that he had learned from Urvasi
more dance than Tumburu the teacher of Rambha. Tumburu got angry at this, and
cursed the king Pururavas to suffer from the pangs of separation from Urvagi.
Stricken with grief, Pururavas returned to his palace. It was after this that
the Gandharvas took away Urvasi. Pururavas went to Badarika9rama and performed
penance, meditating on God Visnu for the nullification of the curse. Urvasi,
aggrieved by separation from her husband, sat motionless as a picture, in the
custody of the Gandharvas. Lord Visriu was pleased with the penance of
Pururavas. The Gandharvas brought hex back to the King. Thus it became possible
for the king to meet Urvagi at least once a year. (Kathisaritsagara,
Lavanakalambaka, Tarariga 1).
6) The sons born to Pururavas by Urvafi. The king became very sad
when Urvasl was about to depart from him at Kuruksetra. Seeinghis grief Urvasi
told him. "Oh King, if you want so much to live with me, you have to
worship the Gandharvas. They will be pleased and will give me to you. Don't be
sorry. Now I am pregnant. Come to this place at the- end of a year. We can
spend that night together. Then we will get another son also that night."
Pleased at what Urvasi had said, the king returned to his palace. On completion
of a year Pururavas went to Kuruksetra and spent a
night with Urvass i. Urvag i gave Pururavas a very beautiful child
and then she vanished. The king sat there and praised the Gandharvas, who gave
the king an Agnisthali (a fire pot). Because of his derangement, thinking it to
be Urvasi the king took the sthali (pot) and wandered about in the forest. At
last placing the pot in the forest, the king returned to his palace. On that
day Tretayuga (one of the four ages of the word,) commenced, and the Vedas
dawned in his mind as three in number. He returned to the place where he had
left the Sthali in the forest and took it. After that he made two `aranis'
(wood from which fire is kindled by attrition) out of a banyan tree and placed
his body between them and made fire. That fire is called `Jatavedas'. Thus
jatavedas became the son of Purtaravas.
Pururavas generated three fires from Jatavedas. The first of them
is Pranava. The second is called Narayana and the third Agnivarna. (Srimad Bhagavata,
9th Skandha).
To Pururavas six sons were born from the womb of Urvasi. They were
Ayus, Srutayus, Satyayus, Raya, Vijaya and Jaya. (A little difference is
observed in these names in the Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 75, Stanzas 24
and 25) .
6) To know how a Gandharva named Durmada and a Vidyadhari named
Unmada played a trick on Pururavas and Urva~i, see under Unmada.
7) How Agastya and Fasiytha were born to Mitravarunas because of
Urva~i. In days of old there was a renowned king named Nimi in the family of
Iksvaku. He decided to perform a sacrifice of a long duration. He began
preparation and invited famous hermits such as Bhrgu, Arigiras, Vamadeva,
Pulastya, Pulaha. Rcika and others. Finally he invited Vasistha. At that time
Indra had begun. another sacrifice in heaven. So Vasistha went to heaven for
that sacrifice, telling Nimi that he would conduct the sacrifice on his return.
The emperor Nimi did not like it. Recognizing the hermit Gautama as the main
priest, he began performing the sacrifice. The sacrifice of Indra lasted for
500 years. When Vasistha returned after that, the sacrifice of Nimi was over.
Vasistha cursed Nimi. "You will become devoid of body." Nimi cursed
back. "Let Vasistha also become thus."
The aggrieved Vasistha went to his father Brahma and complained
about the curse. Brahma told Vasistha. "You penetrate the brightness of
Mitravarunas and stay there. In due course you will get a birth which is not of
awomb." Hearing these words, Vasistha reached the hermitage of Mitravarunas.
He left his body there and fused himself into their effulgence. During this
period Urvati came to that hermitage. Seeing her, Mitravarunas had seminal
flow. The semen fell in a pot. From the pot two bright and handsome sons were
born. The first of them was Agastya and the second Vasistha. (Devi Bhagavata,
Skandha 8).
8) Indra cursing UrvaSi. Once Agastya went to the durbar of Indra.
On the occasion Indra asked Urva i to dance. In the midst of the dance she saw
Jayanta, the son of Indra, and became amorous and her steps went wrong. Narada
who was playing his famous lute called Mahati could not play well. Agastya got
angry and cursed jayanta to become a bud. He cursed Narada also. So his lute
became ,the lute of the world.. Urvasi i born on the -earth under the name
Madhavi due to the curse.
9) Urvadi changing Arjuna into eunuch. (See under Arjuna).
10) Other information.
(i) It is mentioned in Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 10,
Stanza 11, that Urvasi had been in love with Kubera once.
(ii) Urvasi was dismayed when SukadevaattainedSupreme Bliss. (See
under Suka).
URVASI II. Another name of Gaitga. As she sat on the Uru (thigh)
of Bhagiratha, Ganga got the name Urvasi. (M.B. Drona Parva,Chapter 60, Stanza
6).
URVASITIRTHA. A holy place and Bath. Those who bathe in this holy
bath will be honoured by the world. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 84, Stanza 157) .
USA I. The daughter of Banasura and the wife of Aniruddha.
1) Genealogy. Descended from Visnu in the following order:- Brahma
- Kasyapa - Hiranyakasipu - PrahladaVirocana-Mahabali-Bana-Usa.
2) Marriage of U,sd. See under Aniruddha.
USA II: The daughter of a hermit. The king of ESalva once attacked
Satyaratha, the king of Vidarbha, and killed him. The queens of the king of
Vidarbha went to the forest. One of them who was pregnant gave birth to a child
on the bank of a river. When she got down into the river to drink water, a
crocodile swallowed her. Then a hermit's daughternamed Usa brought up the
child. (Siva Purana).
USA III. The night is called Usa and the day, Ghusti. The time
between Usa and Ghusti is called Sandliya. (Visnu Purana, Aril a 2, Chapter 8).
USAkGU I. A hermit who lived in the western country. (M.B. Sand
Parva, Chapter 208, Stanza 30).
USAfIGU II. A synonym of giva.(M.B. Anusasana Parva,U Ch pt 17,
Stanza 105).
SAMU III. A king of the Yadu family. His father was Vrjinivan and
his son was called Citraratha. (M.B. Anu asana Parva, Chapter 147, Stanza 29).
USM~GAVA. A member of the durbar of the king Yama (god of death).
(M.B. Sabha Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza 26).
USAh1KU (RUSA\fKU). A hermit. Seeing that old age was.coming on
him this hermit forsook his body in the Prthudaka tirtha'and went to the realm
of Visnu. Arstisena, Vigvamitra, Sindhudvipa, Devapi and such others got
Brahmanya (the state of being Brahmin) by doing. penance in the hermitage of
this hermit. (M.B. Santa Parva, Chapter 38, Stanzas 33-39) .
USANAS. The teacher Sukra, the son of the hermit Bhrgu. (See under
Sukra).
USIK 1. A hermit about whom mention is made in the Rgveda.
USIK II. One U9ik as the wife of the hermit Dirghatamas is
mentioned in the Rgveda Mandala 1, Anuvaka 16, Sukta 112. This iisik was the
maid of the queen of the old King of Kalinga. The king requested Dirghatamas to
beget children by his queen. The queen did not like this. She senthermaid
U~iktol)irghatamas. The hermit Kaksivan was the son born to Dirghatamas by
Usik. (Rgveda, Mandala 1, Anuvaka 18, Sukta h125).
UJINARA I. A famous king of the Candravarhia (Lunar dynasty).
1) Genealogy. Descended from Visnu in the following order:-
Brahma-Atri-Candra-Budha- Pururavas -
AyusNahusa-Yayati-Anudruhyu-Sabhanara-Kalanara - Srnjays-Usinara. Usinara was
the father of gibi and Vena. 2) The reason for the curse of the eight Vasus.
Once the Astavasus (Vasus eight in number) came to the hermitage of Vasistha,
with their wives. The wife of Dyau, one of the Astavasus, saw the cow
'`Nandini' in the hermitage. She and the daughter of Usinara were intimate
friends. She wanted to get Nandini, so that she might give it as a present to
the daughter of Usinara. According to her Wish the Asavasus caught hold of the
cow and took her home. At' that time Vasistha had been away. When lie returned,
he knew about the theft of the cow and cursed the Astavasus to take birth in
the wombs of women on earth. It was according to this curse that the Astavasus
took birth in Gangadevi the wife of Santanu. See under Bhisma. (Devi Bhagavata,
Skandha 2) .
3) Indra testing Minara. U9inara was a just and liberalminded
King. Indra decided to test the King regarding his liberality. He got Agnideva
(fire-god) for his help. Indra took the form of a Kite and Agni that of a dove.
Both flew down to USinara as if the Kite was chasing the dove. Usinara agreed
to protect the dove. The Kite argued with the King that it was not meet and
right on his part to rob him of his lawful food. The King agreed to give any
other kind of flesh to the Kite. But the Kite would have none of them. Finally
the Kite agreed to accept the flesh of the King instead, equal to the weight of
the dove. The King cut more and more flesh from his body, but it could not
weigh equal to the dove. At last the King himself got into the balance. Then
the gods had pity on the King and the Kite and the dove appeared in their real
form and blessed the King and then they returned to heaven. (M.B. Aranya Parva,
Chapter 131). In Mahabharata a story like this occurs about King Sibi also.
4) Other information.
(i) Usinara gave Galava two hundred horses as dowry and married
Yayati's damsel Madhav3. (See under Galava).
ii) The King Sunaka gave U6inara a sword. (M.B. anti Parva,
Chapter 166, Stanza 79) .
(iii) Udinara performed a sacrifice on the bank of the river
Vitasta and became equal to Indra. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 130, Verses
20-21).
(iv) Uginara attained heaven by giving cows as gifts. (M.B.
Anusasana Parva, Chapter 76, Stanza 25).
USINARA 11. A King of the Yadavas. In the Mahabharata, Adi Parva,
Chapter 185, Stanza 20, it is mentioned that this King was present on the
occasion of the Svayarimvara (the bride choosing a husband) of Draupadi.
USNARA III. Mention is made in Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva,
Chapter 32, that Vrsadarbhi was another name of Us inara and that he had once
ruled over the kingdom of Kas i.
US INARA IV. A country. It is stated in Mahabharata, Karna Parva,
Chapter 5, Stanza 47, that Arjuna had killed the warriors of this country. In
Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva, Chapter 33, Stanzas 22 and 23, mention is made
that due to the curse of Brahmins the Ksatriyas (the ruling class) had become
Sudras (servile class.)
USIRABIJA I. A mountain in North India. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter
139, Stanza 1 ).
USIRABIJA II. A place on the northern side of the Himalayas.
Mention is made in Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva, Chapter 111, Stanza 23, that the
King Marutta once fought a battle here.
USMA. The son of the Agni (Fire) named Paficajanya. (M.B. Vana
Parva, Chapter 221, Stanza 4).
USMAPA. A group of Pitxs (the Manes). It is mentioned in
Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 8, Stanza 30, that these Pitrs (the manes)
live in the palace of Yama.
USTADESA. An ancient place in Krauncadvipa (the island of
Kraufica). Krauficaparvata (the mountain Kraufica) stands near this place.
(M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 12, Stanza 21) .
US_'YIK. One of the seven horses of the Sun. The seven horses of
the Sun are, Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati, Tristup, Anustup, and Pankti.
(Visnu Purana, Ariisa 2, Chapter 8) .
USNINABHA. A Visvadeva (a class of gods). (Mahabharata, Anusasana
Parva, Chapter 91, Stanza 44) .
USTRAKARTRTIKA. An ancient place in South India. Mention is made
in Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 31, Stanza 71, that this place was brought
under control by Sahadeva.
UTATHYA I.
1) General. Son of sage A giras. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 66,
Verse 5) . Ile gave advice on subjects of statecraft to King Mandhata. (M.B.
Santi Parva, Chapter 90) . He married Soma's daughter Bhadra. (M.B. Anusasana
Parva, Chapter 154, Verse .12).
2) Utathya drank up the sea dry. Varuna deva had an eye on Soma's
daughter Bhadra when Utathya married her.. Incensed at the marriage, Varuna
carried Bhadra off to the sea one day when U tathya was not present. Narada
informed Utathya that it was Varuna who stole his wife. Though Narada, at the
request of Utathya, asked Varuna to return Bhadrto the former he did not
oblige. Enraged at this ' Utathya drank tap the sea dry. Yet, Varuna did not
come round. Then Utathya rendered all the lakes of Varuna dry. Trembling at
this Varuna returned BhadrA to Utathya and prostrated at his feet. He pardoned
Varuna and gave back the sea to him. (M.B. Anusasana Parva, Chapter 154).
UTATHYA II. The muni Satyatapas. (See under Satyatapas.)
UTKALA I. A place in India where people lived in safety. Karna
conquered this place. (Drona Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 8).Utkala is believed to
be modern Orissa.
UTKALA Il. Son of Vaivasvata Manu. (Brahmanda Purana, Chapter 31).
UTKOCA (M). A holy place. Dhaumya, the younger brother of D~-vala
lived in Utkocatirtha. The Pandavas went there and made Dhaumya a priest. (kB.
Adi Parva, Chapter 182) .
UTKOCAKA (M). An ancient holy place. Dhaumya did tapas here, and
it was here chat the Pandavas took Dhaumya as their priest. (M.B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 152, Verses 2-6) .
UTKRATHINI. A female attendant of Skanda. (M.B. Salya Parva,
Chapter 46, Verse 16) .
UTKROSA. One of the two attendants Indra gave to Skanda; the other
was called Pancaka. (M.B. Salya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 35).
UTPALAVANA. A holy bath in the Panjab. At this place Vi~vamitra
performed a sacrifice. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 87, Stanza 15) .
UTPALIN I. A river flowing near the forest known as Naimisaranya.
Arjuna had seen this river. (Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 214, Stanza 6).
UTPATAKA. A holy bath. Those who bathein this tirtha (bath) will
get the merits of a fast. (M.B. Anusasana Parva, Chapter 25, Stanza 41).
UTSAVA. Celebrations conducted in temples from olden days. There
are SJastraiC (scriptural) injunctions as regards conducting utsavas. Utsava is
an indispensable celebration when once the deity (idol) is installed in the temple.
Utsava should be celebrated for one day, three days or seven days in the very
same month in which the deity was installed, because noncelebration of Utsava
will render the installation ineffective. Utsava should be conducted either
during Uttarayana(movement of the sun from south to North) or Visu (when the
Sun is in the centre) or at a time suitable to the temple authorities who
conduct the utsava in Sayana, Upavana or Grha. It should commence with
auspicious ceremonies like the sowing of seeds of nine varieties of foodgrains,
and with dance, song, instrumental music etc.
UTSAVASAi-IKETA. A place in the South Bharata. (Mahabharata,
Bhisma Parva, Chapter 9, Stanza 61).
UTTAMA. A King born in the dynasty of Svayambhuva Manu who had two
famous sons, of whom Priyavrata married Surupa and Barhismati, two daughters
of, Visvakarma. Priyavrata begot three children, Uttama Tamasa and Raivata by
his wife Barhismati. These three sons attained exceptional prowess and became
lords of the ages of Manu (Manvantaradhipatis). Priyavrata, with his children
ruled the country in all happiness and prosperity for ten crores of years.
(Devi Bha.gavata, 8th Skandha). Uttanapada, the second son of Svayambhuvamanu
begot one son, Uttama by his wife Suruci and another son Dhruva by his wife
Suniti. (See under Dhruva). (Visnu Purana, Part 1, Chapter 11) .
UTTAMASVA. A particular place in ancient India. (M.B. Bhisma
Parva, Chapter 9, Verse 41) .
UTTAMAUJAS. A warrior who fought in the great war on the Pandava
side. He belonged to the Paficala country.
It was Uttamaujas who guarded the right wheel of Arjuna's chariot.
(Bhisma Parva, Chapter 15, Verse 19) . He fought fiercely with Angada (Drona
Parva, Chapter 28, Verses 38-39). He fought Krtavarma also. (Drona Parva,
Chapter 92, Verse 27-32) . He was defeated in a fight with Duryodhana. (Drona
Parva, Chapter 130, Verses 30-43) . Krtavarma also defeated him. He killed
Susena, son of Karna. (Karna Parva, Chapter 75, Verse 13). This valiant warrior
was killed by Asvatthama. (Sauptika Parva, Chapter 8, Verses 35-36) . His
cremation is described in Verse 34, Chapter 26 of Stri Parva.
UTTANABARHIS. The son of Saryati, a King of the Family of
Vaivasvata Manu. (Bhagavata, Skandha 9).
UTTANAPADA. A King. He was the son of Svayambhuva Manu, the son of
Brahma. Svayambhuva Manu had two sons Priyavrata and Uttanapada. (Devi
Bhagavata, Skandha 8). A son named Uttama was born to Uttanapada by his wife
Suruci. Uttanapada had another wife called Suniti. (Visnu Puraxia, Arhsa 1,
Chapter 1 1 ). See under Dhruva.
UTTA&KA (UTAI~LKA). An ideal disciple of Veda who was the
disciple of Apodadhaumya.
1) Uttafika and the Guru's wife. After entrusting management of
the asrama to Uttanka, Veda once went out on a tour of the country, and Uttanka
stayed in the Asrama carrying out the instructions of the Guru. Then came the
menstrual period of Veda's wife, and his other wives requested Uttafika to do
the needful, so that the fertile period of their co-wife was not wasted.
Uttanka's reply to them was as follows:- "Asked by women, I shall not do
this improper act; and the preceptor has not asked me to do such a thing though
it might be improper."
His Guru, Apodadhaumya returned to the Asrama some time after this,
and was very pleased to hear about the above incident. He blessed Uttanka.
(M.B. Ad! Parva, Chapter 3) .
2) His tuition fee. His education being over, it was now time for
Uttafika to give due offerings-tuition fee to his guru, and Uttafika enquired
of the guru as to what he would have by way of daksina. The guru asked Uttafika
to get his wife's instruction in the matter and act accordingly. Because of the
aforesaid incident (Uttarika not acting on the guru's wife during her menstrual
period) she had a grouse against him, and therefore, asked him to bring as his
tuition fee the earrings worn by the Ksatriya wife of King Pausa.
Uttanka set out to procure the ear-rings. On the way he saw an ox,
and on its back a big man, who called out to Uttafika to eat the excretion of
the ox: When Uttanka hesitated to do so, the man on the ox asked him again to
eat it, pointing out that his guru, Veda, had done it. Then did Uttafika
consume both the excretion and urine of the ox, and did his oblations, in his
perplexed mood, standing. Uttafika arrived at the palace of King Pausa and told
him about the object of his visit. The King agreed to it. But, when Uttafika
entered the Zenana Pausa's Ksatriya wife could not be seen. When Uttanka told
the King about this, he remained thoughtful for some time and told the former
that he might surely have become impure due to performance of oblations in the
wrong manner, and that his wife would not be visible. due to her chastity, to
the eyes of such impure folk. Uttanka admitted to having, on his way, performed
oblations not in the proper manner, and then he sat down facing the east after
washing his hands, feet etc. and performed oblation in the correct manner. Then
did the wife of King Pausa become visible to him, and she, pleased at his
humility, handed over her ear-rings to him. She also advised him to be very
careful about the earrings as they had once been coveted by Taksaka, King of
the serpents. Bidding adieu to the queen, Uttanka saw the King and they sat
together to take food. Not only was the rice cold; but a hair was also found in
it. Uttafika cursed the King and rendered him blind, and the King, in turn,
cursed Uttafika not to have children. But, both of them became calm quite soon
and withdrew their curses.
On his way back to-the Asrama with the ear-rings, he had only just
stepped into a pool for a wash, when a naked Buddha sannyasin, who was
following him, snatched and ran off with the ear-rings. It was really Taksaka
disguised as the sannyasin who thus snatched the ear-rings. Uttafika chased him
and caught him when he assumed his original form of the serpent King and
disappeared into a cave. Uttanka waited at the mouth of the cave stupefied,
when Indra deputed his Vajrayudha to help Uttarika. The Vajrayudha cut a
tunnel-like route to Patala from the earth and through the cave Uttaiika
reached Patala by this route and found out the palace of Taksaka.
Though Uttanka praised and cajoled the Nagas (serpents) their King
Taksaka did not make his appearance. Uttafika saw there two women, who had been
weaving clothes, and on one machine there were black and white threads. The
machine had one wheel with twelve spokes and was turned by six boys. Also was
there a horse, and a man. When Uttanka praised them, the horse and the man approached
him. The man advised Uttaiika to blow through the anus of the horse so that the
snakes could be brought round. Uttafika did so, when to ! from all the pores on
the body of the horse, flames of fire began sprouting out. When the Nagaloka
(;country of serpents) got thus filled with fire and flames, Taksaka lost his
nerves and came out with the stolen ear-rings, which Uttafika received back.
But, that was the last day on which the rings had been promised to be given to
his guru's wife by Uttanka, who remained there gloomy and sorrow- stricken at
the thought that he would not be able to travel all the distance before sunset
and give the ear-rings to the guru's wife. Then the horseman gave the horse to
Uttanka, who reached the Asrama just in time when the guru's wife was about to
curse Uttanka for not returning with the rings though it was nearly dusk time.
Now the guru and his wife blessed Uttanka, who detailed to them his experiences
since leaving the Asrama in quest of the ear-rings. Then the guru spoke thus to
Uttaitka-"The two women whom you found engaged in weaving were Dhata and
Vidhata, the white and black strings, day and night, and the six boys who
turned the wheel with twelve spokes were the six seasons. The ox seen by you on
the way was Airavata (Indra's elephant), the horse seen in Patala was Agnideva,
and the horseman, Indra. The excretion you ate on your way was nectar and that
was the reason why you did not die in the Nagaloka. Indra who is my friend
blessed you because of mercy towards you, my disciple. You could bring back the
ear-rings also because of Indra's blessings."
Then the guru blessed Uttanka and the latter took leave of thim.
(M.B Adi Parva, Chapter 3).
3) Uttanka and ,7anamejaya's serpent yajna. Uttanka, determined on
taking vengeance on Taksaka, went away directly from the asrama to Hastinapura,
where he metJanamejaya and told him the fact that it was Taksaka, who had
bitten to death Pariksit, his (Janamejaya) father. It was thus prompted by
Uttanka to take revenge upon Taksaka that Janamejaya performed the serpent
yajna. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter, 3).
4) Uttafika and Dhundhumara. See under Dhundhumara. 5) Uttafika
attained salvation. Uttafika was put up at a place called Ujjalaka. When he
became old, he went about visiting many temples. During this tour one day
Uttanka saw a hunter in the forest called Gulika attempting to steal the golden
plates on the dome of the Visnu temple in Sauvira. Gulika raised his sword to
kill Uttanka, when he told the former that he would have to suffer the results
of sin during many births if he committed a sin. This admonition of Uttafika so
touched the heart of the hunter that he fell dead on the spot with a repentant
heart. Uttanka sprinkled Ganga water on the corpse of the hunter, who attained
Vaikuntha (abode of Visnu). On the advice of Visnu, Uttafika went to Badari
where he did tapas and also attained Vaikuntha. (Naradiya Purana).
In Chapters 53-58 of Asvamedha Parva of Mahabharata is related
the-story of one Uttafika muni, under the caption `Utankopakhyana'. In
Mahabharata (original) he is referred to as Uttanka; but in its Malayalam
rendering he is called Utanka. There are no substantial differences between the
story of Uttafika and that of Utanka, Veda's disciple. But, since, there are
differences, in certain aspects some information about the Uttanka of the
`Utankopakhyana' is given below-
1) General. Uttanka was a disciple of Gautama, the husband of
Ahalya. The guru had more love for Uttanka than for his other disciples, and
therefore did not permit the latter to leave the Asrama even after the other
disciples were sent away. Uttafika became old; wrinkles attacked his body and
greyness his head.
2) Tuitionfee (Gurudaksind). Uttanka once returned from the woods
with firewood, in a very tired condition. The daughter of the guru shed tears
at the sight. Gautama called Uttanka to him and asked him about the cause of
his grief and sorrow. Uttanka replied that the hairs on his head turned grey on
account of sorrow that he was not permitted to leave the AA rama although it
was hundred years since he had gone there first as disciple. Then Gautama
permitted Uttanka to quit the krama. Uttanka asked Gautama what he should offer
as tuition fee. Gautama consulted his wife on the topic and she suggested as tuition
fee the two ear-rings of gems worn by the wife ot'King Saudasa, who used to eat
the flesh of man. Immediately Uttanka set out to fetch the ear-rings and on his
way met Saudasa in the forest, and told the latter about his mission. Saudasa
tried to eat Uttanka, who told him that he was in duty bound to obtain the
ear-rings for his guru's wife and that, after fulfilling the mission, he would
return to Saudasa to be eaten up by him. Saudasa agreed to the proposition. He
directed Uttanka to his wife Madayanti, who spoke to him thus-"Devas and
Maharsis covet these ear-rings. If I place them on the ground, serpents will
steal them; if handed over to Ucchista, Yaksas will steal them, and if the
watchman sleeps, Devas will snatch them off. Therefore, you should bring some
token for me to believe that you are deputed by my husband." Accordingly
Uttanka went back to Saudasa and returned to his wife with a token from him,
and Madayand handed over her ear-rings to Uttanka. Being told by Saudasa that
Uttanka need not return again to him, Uttanka started for Gautama's atrama with
the oar-rings. Feeling hungry on the way,
Uttafika tied to the branch of a vilva tree the ear-rings bundled
in deer skin and ate vilva fruits. Just then the bundle of deer skin got untied
and the ear-rings kept in it fell on the ground. A serpent carried off the
rings between its teeth and concealed itself in a mole-hill. Highly grieved and
upset by the sight, Uttaiika fell down from the tree. For 35 days Uttanka dug
the molehill. Then Indra felt great sympathy for him, appeared on the spot, and
passed his Vajrayudha through the mole-hill. Then the earth burst open and
Uttanka entered Patala through the opening, and a horse, its tail white and the
rest of the body black in colour presented itself to him. It asked Uttanka to
blow through its anus. Uttanka did so and the Nagaloka was filled with flames
of fire. (The horse was Agnideva). Then did the serpents return the ear-rings
to Uttanka, who returned with it to Gautama and presented it to him (Gautama)
as tuition fee.
3) Uttaaika about to curse Sri Krsna. Uttanka once went to
Dvaraka, and during their talk was about to curse Krsna for not attempting to
bring about a compromise between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. At once Krsna
exhibited his Visvarupa (himself as containing the whole universe). Thereupon
Uttafika saluted Krsna, who asked him to request for any boon. He prayed for
the boon that water might be made available in any desert he visited. K,rsna
told him that whenever he required water he might successfully think of him.
4) Indra tested Uttanka. Some time afterwards, while roaming about
quite thirsty and tired in a desert, Uttanka thought about Krsna, and at once
there appeared before him a naked dandala, his body covered with mud. Dogs
encircled him. Uttanka hesitated to drink the water given to him by this
Candala, who had some water with him. The Candala again insisted on Uttanka
drinking the water,, but he again refused the offer. The candala then
disappeared with the dogs. Within a few minutes a person with disc, conch; club
etc. about him appeared, and Uttafika recognised him as Sri Krsna. Uttafika
told Krsna that it was not proper to give water to a Brahmin through a candala.
Krsna's reply to this was as follows: "I asked Indra to give you nectar
instead of water, and he argued that it was not proper that men should be given
nectar. I pleaded for you again. Indra replied to this that, he himself would,
in the guise of a candala give nectar to you, and he should not be found fault
with, if you refused the nectar. I accepted that proposition of his. But, you
did not accept nectar thus offered to you. So, you cannot be given nectar now.
But, there will appear water-laden clouds in deserts which you traverse, which
would be known as `Uttanka clouds' and they would give you sweet water.
Uttafika was pleased, and it is the Uttanka clouds, which form as
per the above orders of Krsna that cause rain to fall, though rarely, in
deserts even today.
UTTARA I. The son of King Virata of Matsya. Mention is made in the
Mahabharata, Virata Parva, Chapter 35, Stanza 9 that Bhuminjaya was another
name of Uttara. Uttara also accompanied his father Virata, when he went to take
part in the Svayariivara (choice of a husband) of Draupadi: (M.B. Adi Parva,
Chapter 185, Stanza 3).
2) Uttara and Arjuna. See the paragraph Ajfiatavasa under Arjuna„
3) The end of Uttara. Uttara had taken part in the battle between
the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata, Bhisma
Parva, Chapter 45, Stanza 77 that a combat took place on the first day of the
battle between Uttara and Virabahu. Uttara attacked Salya who killed Uttara.
(M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 47, Stanzas 36 to 39). Uttara who met with a
glorious death in the battle, got a place in heaven with the gods. (M.B.
Svargarohana Parva, Chapter 5, Stanzas 17 and 18) .
UTTARA II., A King who had gone down because of his contemptuous
behaviour towards his superiors.
UTTARA III. A fire. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 221, Stanza 29 and
Sabha Parva, Chapter 22 ).
UTTARA.
1) General information. Daughter of Virata, the King of Matsya.
Her brother was called Uttara.
2) Up to marriage. The Pandavas led their incognito life in the
capital of the Matsya Kingdom. Arjuna adopted the name Brhannala and was
employed as the tutor of princess Uttara in music and dancing. At the end of
the life, King Virata gave his daughter Uttara in marriage to Abhimanyu the son
of Arjuna. (See the paragraph Ajnatavasa (incognito-life) under Arjuna). 3)
Son. The. son born to Abhimanyu and Uttara was Pariksit, who ecame a very
famous King later. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 95, Stanzas 83 and 84) . See the
seventh paragraph under Agvatthama).
4) The death of her husband. Abhimanyu was killed in the battle
between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata,
Drona Parva, Chapter 78, Stanza 37 that Uttara fell unconscious, when she heard
of the death of her husband. Sri Krsna consoled Uttara. In the Mahabharata,
Stri Parva,~ Chapter 20, Stanzas 4 to 28 the lamentation of Uttara over the
death of Abbimanyu is mentioned.
5) 7 o the forest. Uttara also was seen among the women who
accompanied Dhrtarastra, to a little distance when he went to the forest after
the battle. (M.B A4 ramavasika Parva, Chapter 15, Stanza 10) .
UTTARADISA. See under Galava.
UTTARAJYOTISA. An ancient city which stood in the western part of
Bharata. It is said in the Mahabharata that Nakula conquered this city. (Sabha
Parva, Chapter 32, Stanza 11).
UTTARAKOSALA. An ancient country in Bhdrata. It is mentioned in
the Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 30,: Stanza 3 that Bhimasena conquered
Uttara Kosala.
UTTARAKURU. Apart of the jambudvipa (Island of Jambu). Mention is
made in the Mahabharata that during his conquest Arjuna had gone up to this
place and carried away from there plenty of wealth. It is believed by common
people that this place is inaccessible to human beings. (M.B. Sabha Parva,
Chapter 28, Stanzas 7 to 20) . The southern end of this place is the Nilagiri
and the Northern end Mount Meru. The inhabitants are gifted people, with trees
bearing flowers and fruits, the flowers fragrant and the fruits sweet.
A particular type of tree known as Ksiri (milky) grows here from
which milk will flow. There are also trees which will give you whatever you
ask. It was the belief of ancient people that with the fruits of Ksiri, you
could make garments and ornaments. The soil of this place contains gems and in
the sand there is gold.
Those who fall down from heaven live in this region. The average
age of the inhabitants of this place is said to have been eleven- thousand
years. There is a kind of bird in this place called Bbarunda. These birds drag
dead bodies away to caves. (M.B. Bhisma Parva, Chapter 8, Stanzas 2 to 13).
UTTARMANASA. A holy place of pilgrimage. Itis stated in the
Mahabharata, Anus asana Parva, Chapter 25, Stanza 60, that those who visit this
holy place will get atonement from the sin of Bhrunahatya (causing
embryoctony).
UTTARAPARCALA. An ancient country in Bharata. Drupada became the
King of this country on the death of King Prsata. (M.B. Adi Parva, Chapter 129,
Stanza 43) . In course of time Uttarapancala came under the control of the
Acarya Drona. (See under Drona). In the Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 137,
Stanzas 70 to 76 it is mentioned that this country was on the north bank of the
Gariga.
UTTARAPARIYATRA. A. mountain. (Bhasa Bharata, Vana Parva, Chapter
313, Stanza 8) .
UTTARAPATHA. North Bharata. (M.B. $anti Parva, Chapter 207, Stanza
43).
UTTARA RAMAYANA. The second part of the Ramayana. Uttara Ramayana
comprises the story from Sri Rama's return from the exile in the forest and
assuming the ruling of the country onwards.
UTTARA ULUKA. The country of Uluka in North India. It is mentioned
in the Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 27, Stanza 11 that Arjuna conquered
this country.
UTTEJINT. A follower of Skandadeva. (M.B. 8alya Parva, Chapter 45,
Stanza 6).