Talk:Devala

By Swami Harshananda

Devala was an ancient and highly respected sage and the mention of Asita-devala (‘Devala, the dark one’) among the great sages^[1] by Arjuna, of the Mahābhārata, asserts the same. He has been described in the Mahābhārata^[2] as the son of Pratyuṣa who was one of the eight Vasus. He was a brahmarṣi.^[3]

Dhaumya, another ṛṣi who was the chief priest of the Pandavas, was Devala's brother. He is said to have been present at the Sarpayaga (snake-sacrifice) conducted by the king Janamejaya.^[4]

The dharmaśastra literature often mentions the Dharmasūtra of Devala. Śankara (CE 788-820) also mentions his name. Though his work has not been traced till now, other writers have profusely quoted him in their literature. His work can be a value addition to the extant dharmśastra works, if collected and published from respective literature.

References[edit]

↑ Bhagavadgita 10.13
↑ Mahābhārata Adiparva 67
↑ Brahmarṣi is the highest status accorded to a sage in the scriptures.
↑ Janamejaya was the son of Parikṣit, grandson of the Pandava hero Arjuna.

The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

[1] Bhagavadgita 10.13

[2] Mahābhārata Adiparva 67

[3] Brahmarṣi is the highest status accorded to a sage in the scriptures.

[4] Janamejaya was the son of Parikṣit, grandson of the Pandava hero Arjuna.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]