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Being one of the renowned saints in Hinduism, Agastya Muni was the son of Pulasthya, son of Lord Brahma himself and is regarded to have lived around 500 BCE. He is often placed in the highest order or as the guru (teacher) of the “Siddha Saints”. Siddha Saints were the spiritual adepts who possessed the Ashta siddhis, or the eight supernatural powers. It is believed that the Siddha medicine system is believed to have been handed over to him by Lord Muruga, son of the Hindu God Lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi. Hence, Sage Agastya is often considered the father of traditional Indian Medicine among many other streams of knowledge. He has also contributed several literary works, and his techniques on Yoga and Astrology are still among the most venerated and appreciated. Sage Agastya is also believed to be the author of Agastya Samhita. This word is also said to be written as Agasti and Agathiyar. Further, he is considered to be the Father of Tamil literature, who is said to have compiled the first Tamil grammar called ‘Agathiyam’.
Very ancient period before Sage Agastya, in the period of “Abhisheka pandian”, by the grace of Lord Shiva, “Sundharanandhar” (One of the avatars or incarnations of Lord Shiva) is a first Siddhar in world. This incident (Thiruvilaiyadal) was held in Madurai, where Sundharanandhar, being an avatar of Lord Shiva, explained to the people about meaning of “Siddhas” and also explained human body is control by “Pancha boodham”. Sage Agastya is considered as the first and foremost Siddha. He is considered the guru of many other Siddhas. He is also sometimes called as the Kurumuni, that when transalted means short (kuru) saint (muni). He is well-known to have made many significant contributions to the field of Medicine and Astrology – especially Nadi astrology. Also, Sage Agastya is said to have lived for over 5000 years, and that one of his medicinal preparations, Boopathi Kuligai, is so powerful that it can even bring the dead back to life. Two of his students and disciples were Therayar and Tholkappiar. We bring to you the stories associated with this great sage, that are worth a read!
Once on his way to somewhere, Agastya Muni comes across a huge tree. There, he spots a few ghosts that were hanging from the tree. On seeing them that way, Agastya Muni enquires them of their state. The Ghosts gave an answer that they were none other than the Sage Agastya’s forefathers. Further, they add that the main reason why they were stuck there on earth, hanging from that tree was because of the sage himself. The inform the sage that he has not produced any child to do the rituals pertaining to the deceased forefathers. Thus, to gain salvation for the ancestors, Sage Agastya has to marry and then give birth to a son, who can perform the several rituals and appease the deceased.
Lopamudra and Agatsya Muni
In order to get married, Sage Agastya went on to seek the hand of the Princess Lopamudra. She was the daughter of the King of Vidarbha. Her beauty and excellent character were highly renowned. Hence, on knowing about the princess, Agastya Muni approached the king to seek his daughter’s hand in marriage. The king was taken aback. He was being indecisive, as he did not want to get his daughter married to a sage, who dwells in the forest and he did not want to stay away from his daughter too. Simultaneously, he was afraid of the anger of the Sage, who was believed to be highly powerful. On looking at her father’s condition, Princess Lopamudra understood his dilemma about getting her married to the Sage. She consoled her father and assured that she would marry the Sage and live happily.
Thus, Agastya got married to the Princess Lopamudra, who was much devoted to him. He even asked her to give up on luxuries along with the rich clothes and precious jewels. He believed that they would live in the forest. Being a woman of utter devotion towards the sage, she too accepted his words without any hesitation. They both did severe penance and performed several austerities. Despite their contented life together, the sage and his wife were unable to produce children. When the sage enquired her, she replied that the hermitage does not suit her to bear children. She also requested the sage to get someplace which is similar to the way she was raised in her childhood. Taken by this, the Sage told her that to give the life of her choice would incur expenses, and as a hermit, he cannot afford such life. Then, she reminded the sage, that she can get great powers through penance. After listening to his wife’s words, he was happy and explained her that the materialistic profits or gains would diminish his strength and powers of peace.
Since Sage Agastya wanted children, he requests the king to help him with materialistic gains. But the sage’s request was denied, as the king told him that money was all spent on the welfare of the people, and there is nothing much left with the king. If he still needs money, he has to levy a tax on the people. As sage does not want to burden people, he quietly refused. Then both the King and the sage requested another monarch for some material help, in the form of money. However, where ever they go, they gained no help from any kings of the respective kingdoms. Finally, they approached the demon named Ilvala, who has amassed a lot of wealth.
Demon Ilavala Agastya Muni
Story was that of two demon brothers, Ilvala and Vathapi, used to kill Brahmins as a revenge in a special manner. Long ago, demon Ilvala requested a Brahmin to bless him to get a son, who is as powerful as Indra, the King of Gods. But his request was denied by the Brahmin. This made the demon Ilvala very angry and wanted to revenge all the Brahmins. He along with his demon brother Vatapi plunged into action to revenge all the Brahmins. In order to execute this, their plan was to turn Vatapi into a goat or another story or version of the story narrated that the brother demon was turned into a ripe mango. He would invite any passer-by, especially Brahmins, for a grand feast at his house. He would cut his brother, turned goat, into pieces and cook a delicacy with it. The brother, who was turned into a goat would be cooked in this manner, trapping the Brahmins and served for the Brahmin as a special dish. Once the meal is over, the demon Ilvala would call his brother Vatapi. The demon would respond from the belly, and tear the stomach of the Brahmin, and come out from his belly. This was perfectly possible as as the demon Vatapi knows “Mritasanjivani Mantra” which was a special mantra which could bring back the dead people back to life. Thus, in this way they killed several Brahmins and took hold of all their possessions. The two demons, later, would enjoy a curry made of human flesh.
When the King heard about the trick played by the demon brothers, he was highly apprehensive to approach them. But it was only Sage Agastya, who mustered some courage, and decided to approach the brothers. Once Sage Agastya was served with food, his brother called Vatapi, come out of the belly, it is also important to note an interesting point here that the others who accompanied the Sage, did not touch the food served.
Knowing their trick, Sage Agastya smiled and said. “Whom are you calling”, I have digested my food. On hearing the words of Sage Agastya, the demon king Ilvala understood that the person in front of him was not an ordinary person. He then enquired about Sage Agastya, the purpose of his visit. Then Sage Agastya revealed his quest for wealth, and his need to have money for his wife, and to get a son for him, which can bring salvation for his ancestors. His wife Lopadarma was then presented a lot of wealth by Sage Agastya, and they also had a son.
Alternate Story of Agastya Muni & Demon Ilvala
There is an alternative story that says that the demon Ilvala was turned into ashes by Sage Agastya. This story followed the same back story of the demon brothers Ilvala and Vatapi where they trapped the innocent Brahmins and tricked them but had nothing to do with the wish of the sage to have children. They then killed the Brahmins as per their revenge plan and took hold of their valuables. Ilvala was so good at cooking that the smell of the food started attracting Brahmins around. They queued to have a taste of it. Anyone who went inside the eating place never came back and the brothers were intelligent enough to only allow one Brahmin to enter and eat at a time. Thus, the numbers of Brahmins began to reduce.
One day, the Sage Agastya happened to pass through. By the plan, as usual, one changed into a goat and the other disguised himself as a Brahmachari who invited the sage Agastya, who was passing by, for a meal at their place. Agastya knew beforehand about the plan due to his immense Vedic powers. Upon learning abiut their plan and evil actions, Sage Agastya decides to teach both the demon brothers a lesson that they will never forget. After the meal, Sage Agastya simply rubbed his stomach saying “Vathapi Jeer No bhava” that translated to literally may Vathapi be digested. While the other demon tries to bring his brother to life, but all his efforts go in vain. Sage Agastya plainly informed the demon that his brother has been digested and could no longer be brought back to life, and eventually bringing their treachery to an end.
The story of Vindhya Mountains & Agastya Muni
Amongst the other stories associated with Sage Agastya, the story of Vindhya mountains is an important story that depicts the greatness of the sage and his powers. This story has its mention in the Shri Rama-Charitra-Manasa that highlights the immense powers of the Sage and thus justifies the legends associated with him. This story dates back to when once the Vindhya mountains began to continuously grow in size due the taunting comments from the sage Narada. In order to keep a check on this situation, Sage Agastya decided to climb up the mountains with his family. Hence, Sage Agastya and his family travelled to South India, passing through the Mount Vindhyachal. While they were on their way, they were warmly greeted by Mount Vindhyachal. As Vindhyachal bowed with due respect towards Sage Agastya, the sage then mockingly asked if he would remain bowed and subdued until his stay there over the mountains. To this, Vindhyachal replies that he would certainly stay the same and went on to promise the Sage that he would not grow until the sage and his family returned from the south. Soon after this, Sage Agastya and his family passed from over the mountains. However, Sage Agastya then instructs his family that they would never again cross over to the North side of mount Vindhyas. This resulted in the size of Vindhyachal mountain ranges to stay still and hence Agastya Muni was successful in his task to temper the vanity of the mountains.
Sage Agastya’s legacy is associated with the Chengannur Temple in Kerala, down in South India. It is considered to be first built by Agastya Muni, where he sat down for meditation. It is an interesting point to be noted that here Shiv-Parvathi’s idols are worshiped in the same temple, yet differently. One half of the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other half behind lord Shiva’s idol, is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. It is believed that they are both available to their devotees for worship, as husband and wife at this place.
