Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Sthulashiras 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 Sthūlaśiras
General information.
A hermit. It is observed that he was alive in the ages of both Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata.
Other details.
(i) He shone in the court of Yudhiṣṭhira. (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 11).
(ii) It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 135, Verse 8, that Yudhiṣṭhira once visited his beautiful hermitage.
(iii) In olden days this hermit had performed penance on the North East side of Meru. (Mahābhārata Śānti Parva, Chapter 243, Verse 59).
(iv) It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 26, Verse 5, that this hermit Sthūlaśiras was one of the hermits who had visited Bhīṣma on his bed of arrows.
(v) Kabandha became a Rākṣasa (giant) because of the curse of Sthūlaśiras. (For detailed story see under Kabandha).