Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1636

c9.1636

In days of old, there was a Brahmin named Devadatta in Kosala. His wife was called Rohiṇī. Though much time elapsed no child was born to them. At last Devadatta performed the sacrifice called Putrakāmeṣṭi, on the banks of the river Tamasā. Several saintly persons took part in the sacrifice. Suhotra was detailed as Brahmā, Yājñavalkya as officiating priest, Bṛhaspati as sacrificer, Paila to recite Vedas and Godila to sing Sāman hymns. The singing of Godila, an expert singer, caused horripilation to everybody in the sacrificial hall. But in the middle of singing he had to take breath, and there occurred a solecism in his voice. Devadatta did not like it. He warned Godila, who instantly became angry and said to Devadatta. "Since you called me Cobra, the son born to you will become a cobra."