Maharishi Ruru
Other names: Ruru Rishi. Grandson of Chyavana and son of Pramati and the apsara Ghritachi. He is remembered for his devotion to Pramadvara, whom he revived by willingly giving half of his own life, and for continuing the Bhrigu lineage through his son Sunaka.
“Bhrigu Rishi had a son, named Chyavana, whom he dearly loved. And to Chyavana was born a virtuous son called Pramati. Pramati had a son named Ruru by Ghritachi (the celestial dancer). Ruru also by his wife Pramadvara, was born a son, whose name was Sunaka.” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Pauloma Parva: Section V
“The pious Ruru having seen Pramadvara in the hermitage of Sthulakesa became one whose heart was pierced by the god of love. And Ruru by means of his companions made his father Pramati, the son of Bhrigu, acquainted with his passion. And Pramati demanded her of the far-famed Sthulakesa for his son. And her foster-father betrothed the virgin Pramadvara to Ruru, fixing the nuptials for the day when the star Varga-Daivata (Purva-phalguni) would be ascendant…
“Then within a few days of the time fixed for the nuptials, the beautiful virgin while at play with companions of her own sex, her time having come, impelled by fate, trod upon a serpent which she did not perceive as it lay in coil…
while Ruru was indulging in these lamentations for the loss of his bride, a messenger from heaven came to him in the forest and addressed him thus, ‘The words thou utterest, O Ruru, in thy affliction are certainly ineffectual. For, O pious man, one belonging to this world whose days have run out can never come back to life.”
“And Ruru replied, O messenger of heaven! What is that which the gods have ordained? Tell me in full so that (on hearing) I may comply with it. It behoveth thee to deliver me from grief!’ And the celestial messenger said unto Ruru, ‘Resign half of thy own life to thy bride, and then, O Ruru of the race of Bhrigu, thy Pramadvara shall rise from the ground.’ ‘O best of celestial messengers, I most willingly offer a moiety of my own life in favour of my bride. Then let my beloved one rise up once more in her dress and lovable form.’” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Pauloma Parva: Section IX
