A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1249

c5.1249

NARA-NĀRĀYANA. Two ancient *Rishis*, sons of Dharma and Ahinsa. The names are sometimes applied to Krishna and to Krishna and Arjuna. The Vāmana Purāna has a legend about them which is alluded to in the drama of Vikramorvasī. Their penances and austerities alarmed the gods, so Indra sent nymphs to inspire them with passion and disturb their devotions. Nārāyana took a flower and placed it on his thigh. Immediately there sprung from it a beautiful nymph whose charms far excelled those of the celestial nymphs, and made them return to heaven filled with shame and vexation. Nārāyana sent this nymph to Indra with them, and from her having been produced from the thigh (*uru*) of the sage, she was called Urvasī.