A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1818

c5.1818

SYĀVĀSWA. Son of Archanānas. Both were Vedic Rishis. In a hymn he says, “Sasīyasī has given me cattle, comprising horses and cows and hundreds of sheep.” The story told in explanation is that Archanānas, having seen the daughter of Rāja Rathavīti, asked her in marriage for his son Syāvāswa. The king was inclined to consent, but the queen objected that no daughter of their house had ever been given to any one less saintly than a Rishi. To qualify himself Syāvāswa engaged in austerities and begged alms. Among others, he begged of Sasīyasī, wife of Rāja Taranta. She took him to her husband, with whose permission she gave him a herd of cattle and costly ornaments. The Rāja also gave him whatever he asked for, and sent him on to his younger brother, Purumīlha. On his way he met the Maruts, and lauded them in a hymn, for which they made him a Rishi. He then returned to Rathavīti, and received his daughter to wife.