अष्टावक्र
Ashtavakra, a unique and revered sage in Hindu mythology, was the son of a Brahmana named Kahoda and Sujata, daughter of the sage Uddalaka. Kahoda was a dedicated disciple of Uddalaka and, after completing his studies, remained with his teacher, assisting him in teaching. Sujata often sat near the place where her father and husband conducted their lessons, and as a result, the unborn child in her womb absorbed the Vedic knowledge being imparted. This early exposure allowed him to master the Vedas while still in the womb.
However, Kahoda, despite his devotion, lacked the precision of Uddalaka in reciting the sacred texts and often made errors. Unable to bear these mistakes, the child in Sujata’s womb started correcting his father’s recitation. Insulted by this, Kahoda cursed the unborn child, declaring he would be born with eight deformities as a consequence. Thus, the child was born with eight bends in his limbs and was named **Ashtavakra**, meaning “one crooked in eight places.”
Around this time, Bandy, the royal scholar of King Janaka’s court, had issued a challenge to all scholars, promising rewards to anyone who could defeat him in debate. Kahoda, hoping to improve his circumstances for his family, traveled to Mithila to engage Bandy. However, Bandy, a master in rhetoric and debate, defeated Kahoda and, as per the terms of the contest, drowned him in the river. The young Ashtavakra grew up believing Uddalaka to be his father and Shwetaketu, Uddalaka’s son, to be his brother. However, during a quarrel, Shwetaketu revealed the truth of his father’s fate.
**The Quest for Justice**
Determined to avenge his father, Ashtavakra set out for Mithila, accompanied by Shwetaketu. Despite his youth, Ashtavakra’s intelligence and mastery over the scriptures quickly became evident, and King Janaka agreed to allow him to challenge Bandy. The encounter between Ashtavakra and Janaka, which involved deep philosophical discourse, is immortalized as the **Ashtavakra Gita**, a treatise exploring profound truths of spirituality and self-realization in Hindu philosophy.
Bandy, known for his arrogance and notorious for drowning his defeated challengers, was not well-regarded by the citizens of Mithila. The court and spectators empathized with Ashtavakra, admiring his bravery and intellect. The debate was fierce and rigorous, yet in the end, Ashtavakra emerged victorious. Declaring that Bandy should face the same fate as his opponents, Ashtavakra called for him to be drowned. At that moment, Bandy disclosed his true identity as the son of **Varuna**, the god of waters, and revealed that none of the defeated scholars had perished; rather, they were participating in a grand sacrificial rite conducted by Varuna. As the court gathered by the river, the long-lost scholars, including Kahoda, emerged from the waters, laden with riches from the heavenly rituals. A proud Kahoda embraced Ashtavakra, overjoyed at his son’s victory.
**The Journey to Virtue and Love**
Following his triumph, Ashtavakra became a disciple of the sage Vadanya to further his spiritual knowledge. During this period, he encountered Vadanya’s daughter, **Suprabha**, and fell deeply in love. To marry her, however, Vadanya set a test: Ashtavakra was to embark on a pilgrimage to the north.
Ashtavakra’s journey was filled with challenges and marvels. Along the way, he was welcomed in the palace of **Kubera**, the god of wealth, and traveled through the mystical regions of **Kailasa** and **Mandara**. Eventually, he arrived at the home of a woman and her seven beautiful daughters who invited him to stay. Although captivated by their beauty, he maintained his spiritual resolve. That night, the woman attempted to seduce him, but Ashtavakra, adhering to his virtues, rejected her advances. Impressed by his steadfastness, she revealed herself as **Disha**, the personification of the northern cardinal direction, and that this test was crafted by Vadanya to assess his commitment. With his virtue intact, Ashtavakra returned, securing Vadanya’s blessing and winning the hand of Suprabha.
**Significance of the Ashtavakra Gita and Legacy**
Ashtavakra’s teachings, encapsulated in the **Ashtavakra Gita**, have become a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. His discourse with Janaka delves into the nature of self and reality, presenting a non-dualistic perspective that emphasizes liberation through self-realization. Ashtavakra’s story is one of resilience, inner strength, and adherence to truth, showcasing the values of knowledge, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to virtue even amidst personal adversity.