Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.139

c4.139

6) *The story of how Agni got indigestion.* In olden times there was a bold and mighty King called Śvetaki. He conducted several different types of yajña. Afflicted by the unending dense smoke in the yajña hall all the ascetics left the place and went their way. Undaunted by this, Śvetaki started another twelve-year sacrifice in which not a single sage took part. The sages rebuked him and said if he wanted to conduct a sacrifice again he could invite śūdras to help him. (Śūdras belong to the lowest caste among Hindus and are not allowed to participate in sacrifices generally.) Enraged by this insult Śvetaki went to Kailāsa and did fierce penance. Lord Śiva appeared before him and gave him Durvāsas as a priest for his yajña. For twelve years sage Durvāsas performed the yajña pouring into the mouth of Agni through the sacrificial pit unlimited materials of food. Agni was overfed and he got indigestion. He lost all appetite for food, became weak and the brilliance of his face faded. (Chapter 25, Ādi Parva, M.B.).