Brahmarishi Chyavana
Other names: Cyavana; Chyavana Rishi. Son of Bhrigu and husband of Sukanya. In the Mahabharata he is restored to youth by the Ashvin twins, whom he then secures a share of Soma at King Saryati’s sacrifice, making him a major figure in stories of rejuvenation and divine medicine.
“Lomasa said, ‘A son was born to the great saint Bhrigu, Chyavana by name. And he, of an exceedingly resplendent form, began to practise austerities p. 259 by the side of yonder lake. And, O Pandu’s son! O protector of men! he of mighty energy assumed the posture called Vira, quiet and still like an inanimate post, and for a long period, remained at the same spot of ground. And he was turned into an anthill covered over with creepers. And after the lapse of a long period, swarms of ants enveloped him. And covered all over with ants, the sagacious saint looked exactly like a heap of earth. And he went on practising austerities, enveloped on all sides with that anthill. Now after the lapse of a long space of time, that ruler of earth, Saryati by name, for amusement visited this pleasant and excellent lake. With him were four thousand females, espoused by him, O son of Bharata’s race! there was also his only daughter endued with beautiful brows, named Sukanya…
that regenerate Rishi possessing ascetic energy, who had a low voice, called the auspicious one,–but she heard him not. Then seeing the eyes of Bhrigu’s son from the ant-hill, Sukanya from curiosity and losing her sense, said, ‘What is this?’–and with thorns pierced the eyes (of the Rishi). And as his eyes being pierced by her, he felt exceeding pain and became wroth. And (from anger) he obstructed the calls of nature of Saryati’s forces.”- The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CXXII
