Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c27.s1.15

c27.s1.15

As noticed above, the stories in which ‘Agastya’ is introduced at various times are generally brahmanic stories, unsupported otherwise, and worthless chronologically. The only Agastya, to whom a genuine historical position is assigned, is the rishi who married Lopāmudrā, and whose place has been fixed above (p. 168). He is sometimes called Kumbhayoni and Maitrāvaruṇa.⁴ Their son was, it is said, Dṛḍhasyu, who was called Idhmavāha also.⁵ Dṛḍhasyu’s name is variously given as Dṛḍhāsya, Dṛḍhāyus and Dṛḍhadyumna; and Idhmavāha as Vidhmavāha and Indrabāhu.⁶ They were however different persons,⁷ because the former is no doubt Dṛḍhacyuta,⁸ the reputed author of Rigveda ix, 25; and Idhmavāha was his son, for as the reputed author of ix, 26 he is called Dārḍhacyuta. ‘Agastya’ and these two are said to have been the most famous Agastis.⁹