Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.118

v2.c4.s8.118

Śam-tanu is the hero of a tale told by Yāska,¹ and often found later.² He supersedes his elder brother Devāpi as king of the Kurus. When his improper deed brings on a prolonged drought in his realm, he is compelled to ask his brother to assume the kingship; Devāpi, however, refuses, but instead performs a sacrifice which produces rain. Sieg³ endeavours to trace this story in the Rigveda,⁴ but all that is there stated is that Devāpi Ārṣiṣeṇa obtained (no doubt as priest) rain for Śamtanu (no doubt a king). There is no hint of relationship at all.