A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2065

c5.2065

VENA. Son of Anga, and a descendant of Manu Swāyambhuva. When he became king he issued this proclamation :— “Men must not sacrifice or give gifts or present oblations. Who else but myself is the enjoyer of sacrifices? I am for ever the lord of offerings.” The sages remonstrated respectfully with him, but in vain; they admonished him in stronger terms; but when nothing availed, they slew him with blades of consecrated grass. After his death the sages beheld clouds of dust, and on inquiry found that they arose from bands of men who had taken to plundering because the country was left without a king. As Vena was childless, the sages, after consultation, rubbed the thigh (or, according to the Hari-vansa, the right arm) of the dead king to produce a son. From it there came forth “a man like a charred log, with flat face, and extremely short.” The sages told him to sit down (Nishīda). He did so, and thus became a Nishāda, from whom “sprang the Nishādas dwelling in the Vindhya mountains, distinguished by their wicked deeds.” The Brāhmans then rubbed the right hand of Vena, and from it “sprang the majestic Prithu, Vena’s son, resplendent in body, glowing like the manifested Agni.” The above is the story as told, with little variation, in the Mahā-bhārata, the Vishnu and Bhāgavata Puranas, and the Hari-vansa. The Padma Purāna says that Vena began his reign well, but fell into the Jaina heresy. For this the sages pummelled him until the first of the Nishādas came forth from his thigh and Prithu from his right arm. Being freed from sin by the birth of the Nishāda, he retired to a hermitage on the Narmadā, where he engaged in penance. Vishnu was thus conciliated, and granted him the boon of becoming one with himself. *See* Prithi.