Story of Garga

Genealogy.

Descended from Viṣṇu thus;—Brahmā-Atri-Candra-Budha-Purūravas-Āyus-Nahuṣa-Puru-Janamejaya-Prācīnvān-Pravīra-Namasyu-Vītabhaya-Śuṇḍu-Bahuvidha-Saṃyāti-Rahovādi-Raudrāśva-Matināra-Santurodha-Duṣyanta-Bharata-Suhotra-Suhotā-Gala-Garda-Suketu-Bṛhatkṣatra-Garga.

Birth.

Bṛhaspati once approached, on the crest of a wave of lust, Mamatā, his brother’s wife who was pregnant then. The child from the mother’s womb said 'no' to the move. But, Bṛhaspati cursed the child and had his own way with Mamatā. Thus two children developed in her womb. Just after delivering the children the mother went away leaving the child by Bṛhaspati behind. The Devas took charge of the forsaken child and named him Bharadvāja. Ultimately they handed over the child (Bharadvāja) to king Bharata, the famous son of Duṣyanta. Children had already been born to Bharata by his three wives, but as all of them were found to be immoral the mothers themselves killed them. It was at such a juncture that Bharata got Bharadvāja as adopted son. (Bharadvāja is known by another name also, Vitatha). From Vitatha was born Manyu, from Manyu Bṛhatkṣetra from Bṛhatkṣetra Jaya and from Jaya Garga. The famous Rantideva was the grandson of Nara. (the brother of Garga) and son of Saṃkṛti. A son called Śani was born to Garga after which he took to Sannyāsa. (Bhāgavata, Daśama Skandha, Chapters 20 and 21).

Yādavaguru.

In course of time Garga became preceptor of the Yādavas. Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balabhadrarāma who had returned to Mathurā from Ambādi were sent to sage Sandīpani in obedience to the advice of Garga. (Bhāgavata, Navama Skandha).

Garga and Mucukunda.

Garga once visited Mucukunda, son of Māndhātā at his palace, and very much pleased with the devoted reception accorded to him blessed Mucukunda that one day he would see Śrī Kṛṣṇa in person. It was according to this blessing that Mucukunda, while asleep once in a cave had a sight of Kṛṣṇa. (See under Mucukunda).

Importance of Garga.

A number of reputed sage visited Śrī Rāma on his return to Ayodhyā from the forest. Amongst them were present Kauśika, Yavakrīta, Raibhya, Kaṇva and Garga with their numerous disciples. (Uttara Rāmāyaṇa).

Garga, a scholar in astronomy.

There is a place called Gargasrota on the banks of river Sarasvatī. Garga did tapas here and discovered some principles of astronomy such as the path of planets, stars etc. He was also the chief astronomer in the assembly of emperor Pṛthu. (Śānti Parva, Chapter 59, Verse 111).

Other information.

(1) While the great war was raging Garga visited Kurukṣetra and advised Droṇa to end the war. (Droṇa Parva, Chapter 19).

(2) He advised King Viśvāvasu about eternity. (Śānti Parva, Chapter 318, Verse 49).

(3) He spoke about the greatness of the world (Viśvamahimā) to Yudhiṣṭhira. (Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 18).

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