Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Asita included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Asita
One of the Ṛṭviks of the Sarpasatra of Janamejaya.
Some details.
(1) The prominent Ṛtviks were Bhārgava, Kautsa, Jaimini, Sārṅgarava, Piṅgala, Vyāsa, Uddālaka Pramattaka, Śvetaketu, Asita, Devala, Nārada, Parvata, Ātreya, Kuṇḍajāra, Kālaghāṭs, Vātsya, Kohala, Devaśarmā, Maudgalya, Samasaurabha. (Chapter 53, Ādi Parva, Mahābhārata)
(2) Asita, Devala, Vaiśampāyana, Sumantu and Jaimini were disciples of Vyāsa. (Prathama Skandha, Devī Bhāgavata).
(3) Asita, the sage, got by the blessing of Śiva a son named Devala. (Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa).
(4) Once Asita muni explained to King Janaka the philosophy of rebirth. (Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, Chapter 47).