A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.852

c5.852

KAVASHA, KAVASHA-AILŪSHA. Son of Ilūsha by a slave girl. He was author of several hymns in the tenth book of the Rig-veda. The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa relates that the Rishis were performing a sacrifice on the banks of the Saraswatī, and that Kavasha was with them; but they drove him from among them because he was the son of a slave, and therefore unworthy to drink the water of the Saraswatī. When he was alone in the desert, a prayer was revealed to him by which he prevailed over the Saraswatī, and its waters came and surrounded him. The Rishis saw this, and knowing that it was by the special favour of the gods, they admitted him to their society.