A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1917

c5.1917

UTATHYA. A Brāhman of the race of Angiras, who married Bhadrā, daughter of Soma, a woman of great beauty. The god Varuna, who had formerly been enamoured of her, carried her off from Utathya’s hermitage, and would not give her up to Nārada, who was sent to bring her back. Utathya, greatly enraged, drank up all the sea, still Varuna would not let her go. At the desire of Utathya, the lake of Varuna was then dried up and the ocean swept away. The saint then addressed himself to the countries and to the river:—“Saraswatī, disappear into the deserts, and let this land, deserted by thee, become impure.” “After the country had become dried up, Varuna submitted himself to Utathya and brought back Bhadrā. The sage was pleased to get back his wife, and released both the world and Varuna from their sufferings.”