Ashtavakra – Famous Boy Scholar – Indian Mythology

While still in the womb, Ashtavakra gained mastery over the Vedas, as his mother often sat near her father and husband during their teaching sessions. Kahoda, however, made frequent mistakes in recitation. Unable to tolerate these errors, the unborn Ashtavakra began correcting them. Insulted by this, Kahoda cursed his unborn child to be born with eight deformities.

As a result, Ashtavakra was born with eight bends in his limbs, earning his name, which means “one crooked in eight places.” Around this time, Bandy, the royal scholar at King Janaka – The King of Videha’s court, issued a challenge, promising great riches to anyone who could defeat him in debate. Kahoda, seeking to improve his situation for his child’s sake, traveled to Mithila and engaged Bandy in debate. Unfortunately, he was defeated and, per the contest’s terms, was drowned in the river.

Ashtavakra grew up believing Uddalaka was his father and Shwetaketu – Son of Uddalaka his brother. A minor quarrel with Shwetaketu revealed the truth about his real father. Determined to avenge his father, Ashtavakra traveled to Mithila with his uncle.

Initially skeptical, King Janaka soon recognized Ashtavakra‘s scholarly prowess and consented to a debate between Bandy and the young boy. The debate, rich with philosophical exchanges, led to the creation of the Ashtavakra-Gita, a significant Hindu philosophical text.

Bandy’s unpopularity stemmed from his habit of drowning defeated scholars, which disgusted the citizens of Mithila. Ashtavakra’s youth and intelligence won the crowd’s support. The intense debate ended with Ashtavakra’s victory. He deemed it fitting to drown Bandy, but Bandy revealed he was Varuna’s son and immune to harm by water. The scholars Bandy had “drowned” were actually sent to officiate a sacrifice by Varuna.

The court witnessed the scholars’ return from the river, including Kahoda, who embraced Ashtavakra, proud of his son’s success.

Following his victory, Ashtavakra became a disciple of Vadanya and continued his education. He fell in love with Suprabha, Vadanya’s daughter, and sought her hand in marriage. Vadanya agreed but asked Ashtavakra to complete a pilgrimage to the north first.

During his journey, Ashtavakra encountered many wonders and was an honored guest at Kubera – The Wealthiest Yaksha’s palace. He reached a house where a woman and her seven beautiful daughters lived. Despite their beauty, Ashtavakra remained virtuous and rejected the mistress’s advances, who revealed this was a test by Vadanya. She was Disha, the personification of the northern cardinal point. Having passed the test, Ashtavakra returned to his hermitage and married Suprabha.