The Story of Sage Rishyasringa and His Journey to Anga

The tale of Sage Rishyasringa is a captivating story from Indian mythology that combines elements of devotion, simplicity, and divine intervention. Rishyasringa, a sage born with extraordinary purity, was raised in isolation from the world and was unaware of worldly pleasures and desires. His story intertwines with the fate of the kingdom of Anga, which was plagued by drought and suffering due to the displeasure of the gods. This story is remembered for how Rishyasringa’s innocence and devotion brought blessings and prosperity to the land of Anga.

The Birth and Upbringing of Rishyasringa

Rishyasringa was the son of the great sage Vibhandaka. His birth was unique and surrounded by divine circumstances. Legend has it that Vibhandaka, who was known for his intense penance and detachment from worldly life, accidentally came into contact with a celestial being, leading to Rishyasringa’s birth. The child was born with a small horn on his forehead, which earned him the name Rishyasringa (meaning "deer-horned").

Vibhandaka, determined to keep his son away from worldly distractions and desires, raised him in the deep forest, isolated from society. Rishyasringa knew nothing of the outside world, nor had he ever encountered any other humans, let alone women. He was trained in austerities, meditation, and rituals by his father, and he grew up with a pure heart, innocent of worldly pleasures. His simple, virtuous life made him an embodiment of purity and devotion.

The Kingdom of Anga and the Plague of Drought

At this time, the kingdom of Anga, ruled by King Romapada, was suffering from a severe drought. The drought brought with it famine, sickness, and suffering for the people. The rivers dried up, crops failed, and the kingdom faced the threat of devastation. Romapada, deeply concerned for his people, sought advice from sages and priests to find a way to end the drought and bring rain to his kingdom.

The sages informed King Romapada that the drought was a result of divine displeasure and could only be ended by bringing someone with extraordinary purity and virtue to the kingdom. They suggested that Rishyasringa, the innocent and pious son of Vibhandaka, had the power to attract the blessings of the gods and bring rain to the land.

Romapada was eager to bring Rishyasringa to Anga, but there was a challenge: Rishyasringa’s father, Vibhandaka, was a reclusive sage who would not allow his son to leave the forest or encounter the distractions of worldly life. The king realized that bringing Rishyasringa to his kingdom would require a delicate plan.

The Plan to Attract Rishyasringa

Knowing that Rishyasringa was innocent and had never seen a woman, King Romapada devised a plan. He enlisted the help of some courtesans, charming women known for their grace and beauty, to attract Rishyasringa to Anga. He instructed them to enter the forest and use their charms to persuade the young sage to accompany them.

The courtesans entered the forest and found Rishyasringa, who was meditating peacefully. Curious, he approached them, fascinated by their unfamiliar appearance and melodious voices. Having never seen a woman before, Rishyasringa mistook the courtesans for ascetic beings like himself. The women, sensing his innocence, treated him kindly and gained his trust.

They offered him sweet fruits and delicious food, which he had never tasted before. Rishyasringa, captivated by their kindness and beauty, enjoyed their company, feeling happy and curious about these new experiences. Slowly, the courtesans won his confidence, and when they invited him to visit their “hermitage” (actually the kingdom of Anga), Rishyasringa agreed without hesitation.

Rishyasringa’s Arrival in Anga and the End of the Drought

When Rishyasringa arrived in Anga, the effects were almost immediate. The heavens opened up, and rain began to pour down on the drought-stricken land. Rivers began to flow, crops grew, and the kingdom flourished once again. The people of Anga rejoiced, grateful for the sage’s presence, which had brought the blessings of the gods upon their land.

King Romapada welcomed Rishyasringa with great respect and gratitude, offering him gifts and hospitality. Realizing the importance of Rishyasringa’s presence for the prosperity of the kingdom, Romapada sought to ensure that the young sage would remain in Anga. He offered Rishyasringa the hand of his beautiful daughter, Princess Shanta, in marriage.

Rishyasringa, though initially unfamiliar with the concept of marriage, accepted the offer with an open heart. He married Princess Shanta, and the two lived a life of devotion and simplicity. With Rishyasringa’s presence, the kingdom of Anga prospered, and the people enjoyed peace and abundance.