Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1589

c9.1589

Satyakāma got several disciples of whom Upakosala was prominent. He approached Satyakāma as a student. For twelve years he served his teacher and kept up the fire in the firepit for burnt offering, without being extinguished throughout the twelve years, and worshipped the fire god. Yet the teacher did not impart knowledge to him. The teacher's wife recommended to her husband that Upakosala should be given learning. But the teacher was silent. Upakosala took a vow and fast before the burnt-offering fire pit. Agni Deva felt pity for him and informed him that God is all-pervading and that his teacher would show him the way to God. When he came to the teacher, his face was seen shining. Satyakāma asked Upakosala for the reason. Upakosala told the teacher that the fire god had told him. Immediately Satyakāma taught his disciple the path of yoga (union) by knowledge of the Sāṅkhyas.