A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1199

c5.1199

MUDGALA. A Vedic Rishi from whom the Maudgalya Brāhmans sprang. There were several other Brāhmans named Mudgala. A sage of this name is recorded in the Mahā-bhārata to have “lived a life of poverty, piety, and self-restraint, offering hospitality to thousands of Brāhmans, according to his humble means, with the grain which he gleaned like a pigeon, and which (like the widow of Zarephath’s oil) never underwent diminution, or rather increased again, when it was required.” The choleric sage Dur-vāsas went to test the patience of Mudgala, and six times devoured all the food which his host possessed without ruffling his temper. Dur-vāsas in his admiration declared that Mudgala would go bodily to heaven, and the messenger of the gods arrived with his heavenly car. The sage, before accepting the invitation, desired to be informed of the joys and ills of heaven. After hearing a full explanation, he found that the enjoyments of heaven must come to a close, so he declared that he “had no desire for heaven, and would seek only that eternal abode where there is no sorrow, nor distress, nor change.” He dismissed the messenger of the gods, and began to practise ascetic virtues, becoming indifferent to praise and blame, regarding clods, gold, stones, and gold as alike. Pure knowledge led to fixed contemplation; and that again imparted strength and complete comprehension, whereby he obtained supreme eternal perfection in the nature of quietude (nirvāna).