Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Utathya 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 Utathya
General.
Son of sage A giras. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 66, Verse 5). He gave advice on subjects of statecraft to King Māndhātā. (Mahābhārata Śānti Parva, Chapter 90). He married Soma’s daughter Bhadrā. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 154, Verse 12).
Utathya drank up the sea dry.
Varuṇa deva had an eye on Soma’s daughter Bhadrā when Utathya married her. Incensed at the marriage, Varuṇa carried Bhadrā off to the sea one day when Utathya was not present. Nārada informed Utathya that it was Varuṇa who stole his wife. Though Nārada, at the request of Utathya, asked Varuṇa to return Bhadrā to the former he did not oblige. Enraged at this Utathya drank up the sea dry. Yet, Varuṇa did not come round. Then Utathya rendered all the lakes of Varuṇa dry. Trembling at this Varuṇa returned Bhadrā to Utathya and prostrated at his feet. He pardoned Varuṇa and gave back the sea to him. (Mahābhārata Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 154).