Host:
Friends, today our presentation is about Ashtavakra Muni. Today, we will learn about this great sage from our Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, one doesn't find a vast amount of information about him, but the name Ashtavakra Muni is very famous. His father was Maharshi Kahola, and his mother was Sujata. Their guru was Aruni.
Host:
Gurudev, I believe Aruni was Ashtavakra's grandfather. Aruni (also known as Uddalaka) was the guru of both Kahola and Sujata. Since Uddalaka was Sujata's father, he was Ashtavakra's grandfather.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, that is correct. Ashtavakra regarded his grandfather as a father figure because his biological father, Kahola, died before he was born. Kahola had gone to King Janaka's court for a philosophical debate (Vak-Vitanda). There was a condition: whoever lost would be drowned in water. Kahola lost to the scholar Vandin and was submerged. Aruni was indeed the primary guru.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ashtavakra Muni was the son of Kahola and Sujata (Uddalaka's daughter). When Ashtavakra grew up, he had many famous disciples, including King Janaka (Sita's father) and the great sage Yajnavalkya.
Host:
Just to clarify, Janaka was the father of Sita.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, King Janaka and Yajnavalkya both became his disciples. Ashtavakra's literary contribution is immense; he composed the Ashtavakra Gita. In King Janaka's court, there was a scholar named Vandin who was very arrogant. He would challenge Brahmins to debates and drown those who lost. Vandin claimed to be the son of Varuna (the God of Water). Many sages and Brahmins lost their lives this way.
Host:
Gurudev, could you tell us more about his birth?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As I mentioned, his parents were Kahola and Sujata. While still in his mother's womb, Ashtavakra used to listen to his father reciting the Vedas. However, Kahola would often make mistakes in the pronunciation of the mantras. Even from the womb, Ashtavakra would correct his father, pointing out his errors.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This made Kahola very angry. He cursed his unborn son, saying, "Because you are correcting me even before birth, you shall be born with eight bends in your body." Thus, he was born physically deformed and was named "Ashtavakra" (eight bends).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Later, Kahola lost the debate in Janaka's court and was submerged. When Ashtavakra grew up and learned the truth about his father, he went to Janaka's court. He introduced himself and challenged Vandin to a debate. Ashtavakra defeated Vandin.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When Vandin was defeated, he was sent into the same water where the others were submerged. When Ashtavakra's father, Kahola, and the other drowned scholars emerged, they were restored to life. Kahola was so pleased that his son had rescued him that he blessed Ashtavakra. He told him to bathe in the Samanga River. When Ashtavakra emerged from the water, his body was completely straightened and cured of all deformities.
Host:
He also sought to marry Suprabha, the daughter of Vadanya Rishi, correct?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. One day he went to the hermitage of Vadanya Rishi and fell in love with his daughter, Suprabha. He asked the Rishi for her hand in marriage. Vadanya Rishi decided to test him. He told Ashtavakra, "Go to the North, to the city of Kubera (the God of Wealth). There you will find a beautiful hermitage where some celestial women live."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ashtavakra traveled there and met an old woman who was actually very beautiful. She tried to tempt him and requested him to stay with her and satisfy her desires. Despite her repeated advances, Ashtavakra remained firm in his celibacy and moral character. Eventually, the woman revealed herself as the Goddess of the North. She had been testing his resolve.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ashtavakra returned to Vadanya Rishi and shared his experience. The Rishi was satisfied that Ashtavakra was a man of great character and self-control. He then gave his daughter Suprabha in marriage to him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ashtavakra's wisdom was sought by many. Even King Janaka and Yajnavalkya became his students. He composed the Ashtavakra Gita, which is a profound text on Advaita Vedanta.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is also a story involving King Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha was born with physical infirmities (it is said he was born without bones/flesh due to a specific circumstance). When he encountered Ashtavakra Muni, people were mocking Bhagiratha. Ashtavakra blessed him, and through that blessing and the eventual arrival of the Ganges, Bhagiratha's lineage was purified. Ashtavakra's presence and blessings were instrumental in many Puranic events.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
While there isn't an exhaustive record of every detail of his life in a single place, this is the core of his history.
Host:
Thank you, Gurudev. You have shared as much as possible from your knowledge. I'm sure our listeners will appreciate this. Pronam (Respects), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam.