Ekalshrungi Rushi

People in Shastras

Shrungi Rishi (also known as Ekalshrungi Rishi) was the son of Vibhāndak Rishi. One day, Vibhāndak Rishi went for a bath in the Gangā River. He saw a godly maiden named Urvashi. He became aroused and his semen fell into the water. The maiden, who was born as a deer, drank it while drinking the water. She became pregnant and bore Ekalshrungi. He was born with a small horn on his head. After he was born, the deer died. Vibhāndak raised Ekalshrungi and taught him the knowledge of Ved-Vedāng. For 16 years, Vibhāndak ensured he had no knowledge of females.

In a nearby kingdom, there was a drought. The king, with the help from brāhmins, sent a prostitute to draw Ekalshrungi to his kingdom so that he could make it rain. The prostitute tricked him and brought him to the kingdom. His coming brought rain to the kingdom. The king had married his daughter to Ekalshrungi. Vibhāndak learned what happened and became angry. He went to curse the king. However, Ekalshrungi had children by this time. Vibhāndak saw his grandson and his anger subsided. He gave his blessings instead.