Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Arshtishena 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 Ārṣṭiṣeṇa
A Maharṣi. In the Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 159 there is a reference to the Pāṇḍavas visiting this sage during their life in the forest. Ārṣṭiṣeṇa’s āśrama was midway between Badaryāśrama and Kubera’s capital.
Power of Tapas.
In Kṛtayuga this sage did rigorous tapas in Pṛthūdakatīrtha. Owing to the rigour of the tapas he obtained all the chief vedas. He gave three boons to that sacred tīrtha:—
1. Those who bathe in this tīrtha will get the benefit of Aśvamedha yāga.
2. There will be no fear of snakes in this tīrtha.
3. A slight effort made here, will be rewarded with greater results.
After giving these three boons to the river Sarasvatī which is Pṛthūdakatīrtha the sage attained Brahminhood and entered Devaloka. (Mahābhārata, Śalya Parva, Chapter 40, Verses 3-9).