A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2139

c5.2139

VĪTA-HAVYA. A king of the Haihayas. His sons attacked and slew all the family of Divodāsa, king of Kāsī. A son, named Pratardana (q.v.), was subsequently born to Divodāsa, and he attacked the Haihayas and compelled Vīta-havya to fly to the sage Bhrigu for protection. Pratardana pursued him, and demanded that he should be given up. Then “Vita-havya, by the mere word of Bhrigu, became a Brāhman Rishi and an utterer of the Veda” (Mahā-bhārata). His son, Gritsa-mada, was a highly honoured Rishi, and author of several hymns in the Rig-veda. He was the founder of the tribe of Haihayas called Vīta-havyas.