A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.402

c5.402

The version of the story as told in the Mahā-bhārata and Purāṇas is that Chyavana was so absorbed in penance on the banks of the Narmadā that white ants constructed their nests round his body and left only his eyes visible. Su-kanyā, daughter of King Saryāta, seeing two bright eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick. The sage visited the offence on Saryāta, and was appeased only by the promise of the king to give him Su-kanyā in marriage. Subsequently the Aswins, coming to his hermitage, compassionated her union with so old and ugly a husband as Chyavana, and tried to induce her to take one of them in his place. When their persuasions failed, they told her they were the physicians of the gods, and would restore her husband to youth and beauty, when she could make her choice between him and one of them. Accordingly the three bathed in a pond and came forth of like celestial beauty. Each one asked her to be his bride, and she recognised and chose her own husband. Chyavana, in gratitude, compelled Indra to admit the Aswins to a participation of the soma ceremonial. Indra at first objected, because the Aswins wandered about among men as physicians and changed their forms at will. But Chyavana was not to be refused; he stayed the arm of Indra as he was about to launch a thunderbolt, and he created a terrific demon who was on the point of devouring the king of the gods when he submitted.