Kaushika

The epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kaushika is mentioned as ruler of ancient India. Kaushika is the son of Gadhi and great-grandson of the great king Kusha. Kaushika is renowned for his gallantry who later became the great sage Vishwamitra.

Kaushika is also mentioned in the Puranas. Like Sage Vasishtha, Kaushika seeks to attain the same spiritual power. He carried out a fierce penance for one thousand years, after which Lord Brahma designated him as Rajarishi or royal sage. Again after long penance of ten thousand years, Brahma declared him as a Rishi thus leaving his royal lineage permanently.

Lord Indra sent an Apsara, Menaka to seduce Kaushika. Kaushika falls in love with him and enjoyed life with her for many years. After many years Kaushika wakes up from his daydream. Then he angrily curses Menaka, who tells him everything. Menaka loved Kaushika genuinely and so he in great sorrow asked her to leave him.

Kaushika goes to the bank river Kaushiki and starts meditating. Kaushika performed many thousand years in penance and Brahma termed him Maharishi. Later with his yogic powers he is delegated as brahmarishi and Brahma names him Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra was the preceptor of young Rama and his brother Lakshmana.

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