Puranic encyclopaedia

by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222

This page describes the Story of Kratu 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 Kratu

General information.

One of the six mental sons of Brahmā. Marīci, Aṅgiras, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu were the mental sons of Brahmā. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 65). Kratu is described as one of the 21 Prajāpatis (lords of emanation).

Some details.

(1) It is stated in Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 65, Stanza 9, that the hermits called Bālakhilyas were the sons of Kratu.

(2) Kratu was present at the birth-celebration of Arjuna. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 122, Stanza 52).

(3) Kratu came to save the Rākṣasas from the Rākṣasa sattra, (A great sacrificial fire meant for the Rākṣasas (giants) to jump into and die by themselves) performed by the hermit Parāśara. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 189, Stanza 9).

(4) Kratu was a luminary in the councils of Brahmā and Indra. (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 7, Stanza 17).

(5) Kratu was present at the Birth celebration of Skandadeva. (Mahābhārata Śalya Parva, Chapter 45, Stanza 10).

(6) There is a group of hermits called 'Citraśikhaṇḍins, of which Kratu is a member. (Mahābhārata Śānti Parva, Chapter 335, Stanza 27).

(7) By the blessings of Śiva, Kratu got a thousand sons. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 14, Stanza 87).

(8) Kratu went to visit Bhīṣma who was lying on the bed of arrows awaiting death in the beginning of Uttarāyaṇa of the year. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 26, Stanza 4).

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