Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.42

c8.42

MADYA. Wine. There is a story in the seventh Skandha of Devī Bhāgavata showing how Madya happened to be an intoxicant. Once Indra sent out the Aśvinidevas from Devaloka and banned wine to them. They took refuge in Cyavana a great sage. Cyavana conducted a special Yāga and invited the Aśvinidevas to partake of the Yajñāṁśa. Indra objected to this and Cyavana had to face Indra in a fight. Then Cyavana produced from the sacrificial fire a demon named Mada and he rushed at Indra to kill him. Indra then bowed down before Cyavana and craved for pardon. Cyavana withdrew the demon and tearing him into four pieces put one each in dice, hunting, wine and women. That was how all the four became intoxicating.