Jaratkaru (Rishi)

Jaratkaru ( Sanskrit जरत्कारु , jaratkāru) is a rishi in Indian mythology . The myth of Jaratkaru addresses the contradiction between the ideal of asceticism and the ancestral cult practiced in Brahmanism .

Jaratkaru comes from the Yayavara family , known for the strict exercise of the vows made by their members to lead a solitary life. One day he sees his ancestors and they tell him that they will go to hell if he does not marry. Tied to his vow, he can only marry a woman who bears the same name as him and is offered to him as alms so as not to break it, at least in appearance. During his search he meets Vasuki , the king of the Nagas , who has a sister named Jaratkaru and who gives her to Jaratkaru as alms. Since she disturbs him in his meditation, he leaves his already pregnant wife. She gives birth to the son Astika , whereby the ancestors Jaratkarus are redeemed.

literature

• Swami Parmeshwaranand: Jaratkāru I . In: Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Purāṇas , Volume 3 (I – L). Sarup & Sons, New Delhi 2001. ISBN 81-7625-226-3 , p. 695.
• Volker Moeller: Jaratkāru . In: Hans Wilhelm Haussig , Heinz Bechert (Ed.): Gods and Myths of the Indian Subcontinent (= Dictionary of Mythology . Department 1: The ancient civilized peoples. Volume 5). Klett-Cotta, Stuttgart 1984, ISBN 3-12-909850-X , p. 118.