Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1411

c4.1411

2) Boyhood Āstika was taught Veda, Vedāṅgas etc. by Parama-Śiva himself. After receiving the blessings of Parama-Śiva, Āstika went to Puṣkara tīrtha and did tapas to Viṣṇu for many years. Having received Viṣṇu's blessings also, he returned to Kailāsa. After living there happily with his mother for some time, one day they started to the Āśrama of Kaśyapa Prajāpati, the father of Manasādevī. Kaśyapa was very much pleased to see his noble-hearted daughter and her brilliant son. To enhance the fame and accomplishments of the boy Kaśyapa gave a sumptuous feast to ten crores of Brahmins. (Devī Bhāgavata, Navama Skandha). Vāsuki was Manasādevī's brother. Āstika grew up there under the care of Vāsuki. It was Cyavana Muni who taught Sāmgavedas to Āstika, at this time. (M.B., Ādi Parva, Chapter 48, Verse 18).