Story of Maitreya

A sage of great brilliance of ancient India.

Genealogy.

Descending in order from Viṣṇu:—Brahmā—Atri—Candra—Budha—Purūravas—Āyus—Anenas—Pratikṣatra—Sṛñjaya—Jaya—Vijaya—Kṛti—Haryaśva—Sahadeva—Nadīna—Jayasena—Saṅkṛti—Kṣatradharmā—Sumagotra—Śala—Ārṣṭiṣena—Kośa—Dīrghatapas—Dhanvantari—Ketumān—Bhīmaratha—Divodāsa—Maitreya.

Somapa was born as the son of Maitreya.

Other details.

(i) Once Maitreya went to Hastināpura and told Duryodhana that he should behave kindly to the Pāṇḍavas. Duryodhana who did not much relish the advice sat tapping on his thighs with his hands, not seriously attending to the sage. Maitreya was displeased at the discourtesy and cursed that Bhīma would one day break Duryodhana’s thighs. (See under Duryodhana).

(ii) Maitreya was a courtier of Yudhiṣṭhira. (Śloka 10, Chapter 4, Sabhā Parva).

(iii) Maitreya was one among the sages who visited Bhīṣma while he was lying on his bed of arrows. (Śloka 6, Chapter 43, Śānti Parva).

(iv) Once he discussed with Vyāsa topics on Dharma. (Chapter 120, Anuśāsana Parva).

(v) When Srī Kṛṣṇa died, the spiritualistic ideology of Dharmaputra became more dominant and he approached Vidura for Dharmopadeśa. Vidura sent him to Maitreya. Dharmaputra went to the Āśrama of Maitreya on the banks of the river Gaṅgā and after paying respects to him accepted Dharmopadeśa (Instruction in law, duty and morals) from him. (3rd Skandha, Bhāgavata).