SUKANYA

Sukanya was the daughter of King Saryati.Once when they were in a forest, she meddled an ant hill which was built over Sage Chyavana in meditation. As a remedy she had to marry the old Sage.

There was a holy place where the king Saryati performed the sacrifice at the beginning of Dvaparayuga on the banks of the Narmada. This is the lake where Chyavana performed tapas and later married the daughter of Saryati . When Chyavana, the great sage was steeped in tapas, anthills, creepers and trees grew over him. One day Sukanya the daughter of Saryati came to the lake and looked into the anthill. She saw the eyes of the sage twinkling like fireflies and out of childish curiosity, inserted two sticks into them. The royal armies were paralyzed by the offended sage. The king came and apologized to him, but the sage demanded that the princess should be given in marriage to him as recompense.


Sukanya married Chyavana, the old sage and served him with rare dedication. The celestial doctors, the Asvins said to her, "Why can't you marry a handsome youth leaving this decrepit old hag?" Sukanya replied, "Why are you bothered? I love my husband Chyavana." Chyavana was pleased with the answer given by Sukanya but agreed with the Asvins. The Asvins entered the lake and Chyavana followed him. All the three emerged out the lakes as youths and asked Sukanya to choose one of them as her husband. The Asvins were noted for their handsome personalities. However Sukanya chose Chyavana. Saryathi came to them and was very happy to see the youthful couple. Chyavana officiated as the chief priest at the sacrifice performed by Saryathi and decreed that the Asvins thereafter should be offered the Soma juice instead of Indra.