Lives of Ancient Indian Saints

2. Angiras

Prayer :

Prostrations to the great saint Angiras

One of the ten mind-born sons of Brahma

I lie prostrate at the holy feet of Saint Angiras

Who became Agni, the Fire - God of the world

An ideal householder and the begetter of

Excellent sons, who perpetuated the clan

One who visited all the holy places

And described in detail for the benefit

Of humanity, I praise and salute.

Prostrations to the great Saint Angiras

One of the best law-givers of the world

To the seer of the great Vedic hymns

I humbly offer my great respects

For his mercy and for his blessings.

Introductory

A number of Rig Vedic hymns are ascribed to Saint Angiras. He is one of the Sapta Maharshis, the seven great sages. He has a unique place in the Hindu mythology. A great teacher of Brahmavidya, he is regarded as the best priest of the gods, especially in conducting the rites of the different sacrifices. The later stalwarts of his family are called after him, Ayasyangiras, Gautamangiras and Bharadwajangiras.

Birth

Lord Brahma was born from the lotus-bud-navel of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. He was entrusted with the task of creating the world. With a view to have the assistance of his sons, he begot ten mind-born sons. Of them, the third was born from the mouth of the creator. He was called "Angiras ". Lord Brahma deposited his powers of penance in him and made him shine as bright as the Fire-God. " Boy, begin to do penance for the welfare of the world. As you are my third mind-born son, be obedient to me, meet me whenever I want you, do whatever I ask you to do, and have my blessings. You will soon marry an excellent lady and beget great sons. By my blessings, you will become the Fire-God yourself and win name and fame to me, to you and to the family." The boy replied " Father, I will obey you in body mind and deed. The luch by which I got you as my father is immeasurable. There is nothing which you cannot do. Due to your kindness towards me, you like to entrust some work to me. That is an example of your grace. I shall by penance prove myself the worthy son of the worthy father, if you bless me. "

This is the Mahabharatha version as regards the birth of the Saint Angiras. There are different versions. It is found in the Ithareya Brahmana, Satapatha Brahmana and Gopatha Brahmana also.

Different versions

The version of the Ithareya Brahmana was this: Lord Brahma created Saraswati with all the craftsmanship of his art of creation. She was so beautiful that the father, the creator himself fell in lover with her. He was the first mand and she was the first woman. They fell in love with each other. When there was their sexual union the seed of Lord Brahma fell on the ground. The Gods with the Fire-God Agni ran up to that place to protect the rare seed. Agni, the Fire - God was so overwhelmed with joy that he emitted embers of fire with the influence of which the seed gradually turned up to be a boy. This is Angiras. Angiras or Angira comes from Angara, the embers of fire. With a slight difference, the same is the story found in the Satapatha Brahmana.

The version of Gopatha Brahmana is this : Varuna, the God of waters was requested by the Gods once to do penance and beget a son, all powerful and useful to the world. He accepted to do as per their wishes. He began severe penance without taking food, water, or even wind. A kind of juice, which could not be named came out of his body. It was gradually crystallized and took the shape of a boy. The boy was so effulgent that every thing around him began to shine very bright. He was called Angiras, born from the juice of the body of Varuna, the Water-God. He later became the seer of the Veda named after him, the Angiro Veda.