Rishyasringa, a revered figure in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, stands out due to his extraordinary birth and significant role in ancient rituals. His story, rich with mystical elements and divine intervention, is narrated in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as in Buddhist Jataka tales. Known for his deer-like horns and his impactful life, Rishyasringa’s legacy is celebrated in several Indian regions.

Birth and Early Life

The tale of Rishyasringa’s birth is a captivating narrative in Hindu mythology. According to the Mahabharata, the sage Vibhandaka, a respected sage and son of the great sage Kashyapa, encountered the celestial nymph Urvashi during his travels. Overcome by desire, Vibhandaka’s seed fell into a river. This seed was swallowed by a doe who, due to a curse, was in her deer form. The doe became pregnant and eventually gave birth to Rishyasringa, who was born with deer-like horns, hence his name which translates to “horned sage.”

The doe, upon giving birth, was freed from her curse and returned to the heavens. Vibhandaka, unaware of the circumstances of the birth, chose to raise Rishyasringa in isolation within a forest ashram. The sage’s upbringing was one of extreme seclusion, with Rishyasringa growing up without any interaction with women. This isolation was intended to preserve his chastity, and as a result, he developed significant spiritual and magical powers.

The Temptation and Its Consequences

Rishyasringa’s life took a dramatic turn during a crisis in the kingdom of Anga. King Romapada, having offended a Brahmin, was faced with a severe drought and famine as a result of divine displeasure. The kingdom’s dire situation was exacerbated by a lack of rainfall, leading to widespread suffering.

The divine solution proposed was to bring a man of perfect chastity to the kingdom to restore balance and bring rain. Romapada, despite fearing the potential wrath of Vibhandaka, decided to seek out Rishyasringa. He sent courtesans to entice Rishyasringa to leave his forest abode. These courtesans, who presented themselves as ascetic women, successfully captured Rishyasringa’s attention with their beauty and allure.

The courtesans’ arrival and subsequent departure, during which they told Rishyasringa that they were ascetics, left him deeply enamored and love-stricken. As a result, he neglected his daily duties and fell into a state of longing. When the courtesans returned and took him to Anga, Rishyasringa’s presence in the kingdom brought immediate relief. The rains returned, and the kingdom’s prosperity was restored.

In Anga, Rishyasringa married Shanta, the daughter of King Romapada. His role was not just pivotal in ending the drought but also in performing the yajna (sacrificial ritual) for King Dasharatha. This yajna, performed with Rishyasringa as the chief priest, resulted in the birth of Dasharatha’s four sons: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, key figures in the Ramayana.

Veneration and Temples

Rishyasringa’s life and contributions are honored in various places across India. The Tungabhadramahatmya, a text from the Mahapurana, indicates that Rishyasringa was born near Sringeri in Karnataka. Sringeri, often referred to as Shringa Giri (Sanskrit for “the hills where Rishyasringa resided”), is home to an ancient temple dedicated to the sage. This temple is believed to be the location where Rishyasringa lived before moving to Ayodhya. In the temple at Kigga, a Shiva linga associated with Rishyasringa is still worshipped, symbolizing his spiritual essence.

In Himachal Pradesh, the Chehni Fort temple in Banjar tehsil of Kullu District is another site of veneration. Here, Rishyasringa is honored as “Shringa Rishi” by the local population. The temple features an idol of Rishyasringa alongside the goddess Shanta, and the surrounding Banjar Valley, a region deeply connected with his legend, continues to celebrate his memory.

Conclusion

The story of Rishyasringa is a blend of mythological richness and spiritual significance. His unique birth, the trials he faced, and his role in ancient rituals highlight his importance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. His life’s impact is commemorated in temples and cultural practices, reflecting his enduring legacy and the deep reverence with which he is remembered in various regions of India.