Talk:Śukrācārya

By Swami Harshananda

Śukrācārya

Bṛhaspati and Śukrācārya (also known as Uśanas) are the two most colourful personalities met with in the purāṇas. Whereas Bṛhaspati was the guru (teacher) of the devas (gods), Śukrācārya was the guru of the dānavas (demons).

He was the son of the sage Bhṛgu and Pulomā. The great sage Cyavana was his elder brother. By pleasing Śiva through severe austerities, he had obtained the sañjīvini-vidyā, the science of reviving the dead. He had three wives: Śataparvā, Urjasvatī and Jayantī. Devayāṇī was his daughter born in Urjasvati.

He lost one eye during Vāmana’s visit to the king Bali.

Saṇḍa and Amarka were his sons who became the teachers of the demons later.

See also BRHASPATI.

References

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

OLD CONTENT

Śukrācārya Bṛhaspati and Śukrācārya (also known as Uśanas) are the two most colourful personalities met with in the purāṇas. Whereas Bṛhaspati was the guru (teacher) of the devas (gods), Śukrācārya was the guru of the dānavas (demons). He was the son of the sage Bhṛgu and Pulomā. The great sage Cyavana was his elder brother. By pleasing Śiva through severe austerities, he had obtained the sañjīvini-vidyā, the science of reviving the dead. He had three wives: Śataparvā, Urjasvatī and Jayantī. Devayāṇī was his daughter born in Urjasvati. He lost one eye during Vāmana’s visit to the king Bali. Saṇḍa and Amarka were his sons who became the teachers of the demons later.