A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1699

c5.1699

SIVI. Son of Usīnara, and king of the country also called Usīnara, near Gandhāra. The great charity and devotion of Sivi are extolled in the Mahā-bhārata by the sage Mārkandeya. Agni having assumed the form of a pigeon, was pursued by Indra in the shape of a falcon. The pigeon took refuge in the bosom of Sivi, and the falcon would accept nothing from Sivi instead of the pigeon but an equal weight of the king’s own flesh. Sivi cut a piece of flesh from his right thigh and placed it in the balance, but the bird was the heavier. He cut again and again, and still the pigeon drew the scale, until the king placed his whole body in the balance. This outweighed the pigeon and the falcon flew away. On another occasion Vishnu went to Sivi in the form of a Brāhman and demanded food, but would accept no food but Sivi’s own son Vrihad-garbha, whom he required Sivi to kill and cook. The king did so, and placed the food before the Brāhman, who then told him to eat it himself. Sivi took up the head and prepared to eat. The Brāhman then stayed his hand, commended his devotion, and restoring the son to life, vanished from sight.