Lives of Ancient Indian Saints

Angiras - Progeny

According to the Maha Bharatha, Saint Angiras had only three sons Utathya, Brihaspati and Samvarta and only one daughter Gunasrayayoga siddhi. These sons had their sons and their sons had their sons. Thus in course of time the family tree had spread far and wide. All the descentants of Angiras were called by the name Angirasas. They were famous in the smrithi sruti and the puranas.

Ayasyangiras was a great name among the descendants of Angiras. He was said to be a great seer of many great vedic hymns. His descentants were called " Ayasyangirasas ".

Becoming Agni

Once upon a time, Agni, the Fire-God was angry with the gods, for their worship of him was not upto his expectations. He felt that they neglected him. He wanted to teach them a lesson. Familiarity breeds contempt, he thought. So, without telling anybody, unnoticed, he went away into the corner of a forest and began to do penance. The fact was reported to Lord Brahma by the gods, who requested him to make alternate arrangements so that the world would go on without him because no one was indispensable. Brahma thought of Angiras, who would serve as a deserving substitute. So he made him Agni, blessed him and asked him to attend to his duties.

Angiras became the fire-God and began to discharge his duties, of which the first and the foremost was to carry the Havis, food offered to the gods in the yajnas, sacrifices. In this and in other duties Angiras began to outshine the old Fire-God. The world went on well with the new Fire-God Angiras. Thus everybody forgot the old Fire - God in the glory and greatness of the new Fire - God. Agni, the old Fire - God fondly believed that he was indispensable, the world cannot live withut him and so he was expecting that the gods would come to him searching, apologise to him and request him to comeback. But, no such thing happened. He began to feel sorry for leaving the post of Fire-God. " If things continue as they are " he thought " I will be soon forgotten and my lot will be misearable." So thinking, he came back to his place, which was occupied by Angiras, who outshone him in all respects. Disappointed, distressed and dispirited he turned back with sorrow, and agony, seeing his miserable condition, Angiras the Fire-God in charge called him back, respeccted him and said : " Agni, you are the giver of Bhukti, Food and Mukti, salvation to the world. Without you the world cannot live. None can be a fit substitute to you. As the gods and Brahma the creator requestedd me I do your duties. I have high regard for you. I do not like to usurp your power. Assume charge of your post." The old Fire-God was stunned at the nobility of Angiras, withou whose mercy, his name would have been wiped out of existence, His pride vanished. Humility occupied it place. He said; " Great Angiras, I am nothing before you. Within a few days of your becoming the Fire God you outshone me in all respects. I pale into insignificance before your lustre. So, please occupy, the place of the First Fire-God. I you so wish or command, I will serve you as the second Fire - God. I am so happy that you have given me high regard though I do not deserve it. fo this, shall I ever remain grateful to you. "

Liberality to Agni

Angiras replied: ' Agni, do not worry. It is time that makes or mars heroes. The greatest becomes the smallest and vice-versa by the hand of time. By pride, we are undone. By humility, we rise again. That is the case with you also. Pride and arrogance drove you away. Humility and virtue brought you back. So you shall be the First fire - God and if you insist I will be the second assisting you in word, mind and deed." Agni was so pleased with Angiras that he accepted to be the First Fire-God, while Angiras the second and his son Brihaspati the third. But Agni treated them both aseuals to him. See the magnanimity of great Men ! (tobe continued...)