A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.21

c5.21

AGASTI, AGASTYA. A Rishi, the reputed author of several hymns in the Rig-veda, and a very celebrated personage in Hindu story. He and Vasishtha are said in the Rig-veda to be the offspring of Mitra and Varuna, whose seed fell from them at the sight of Urvasī; and the commentator Sāyana adds that Agastya was born in a water-jar as "a fish of great lustre," whence he was called Kalasi-suta, Kumbha-sambhava, and Ghatodbhava. From his parentage he was called Maitrā-varuni and Aurvasīya; and as he was very small when he was born, not more than a span in length, he was called Māna. Though he is thus associated in his birth with Vasishtha, he is evidently later in date, and he is not one of the Prajāpatis. His name.