Satyavati: The Mother of Vyasa

Satyavati was the daughter of the celestial maid Adrika, who, because of a curse, lived as a fish in the river Ganges. One day, King Uparicaravasu’s semen fell into the Ganges, and the fish, Adrika, swallowed it, becoming pregnant. A fisherman caught this fish and, upon cutting it open, found two human babies inside, one male and one female. He gave the two infants to the king, who took the male child, who later became the Matsya King. The female child had a fishy smell, and the king named her Matsyagandhi (She who has the smell of fish) and gave her back to the fisherman. The fisherman took her to his hut and raised her as his daughter. Because of her dark complexion, she was also called Kali. The fisherman was engaged in ferrying people across the river, and Matsyagandhi helped her father in this work. She grew into a full-bloomed young woman.

While engaged in her vocation, the renowned Rishi Parashara saw Satyavati one day during his wanderings. Gifted with exquisite beauty and graceful smiles, Satyavati caught the eye of the wise sage, who desired her as soon as he beheld her. Addressing the daughter of Vasu, he said, “Accept my embraces, O blessed one!” Satyavati replied, “O holy one, the Rishis are standing on either bank of the river. Seen by them, how can I grant your wish?” The ascetic, thereupon, created a fog that enveloped the entire region in darkness. Seeing the fog that the great Rishi created, the maiden was filled with wonder. Helpless and blushing with bashfulness, she said, “O holy one, I am a maiden under the control of my father. By accepting your embraces, my virginity will be sullied. How shall I return home with my virginity sullied? Reflecting upon all this, do what should be done.” Gratified by her words, the best of Rishis replied, “You shall remain a virgin even if you grant my wish. Solicit the boon that you desire, for my grace has never proved fruitless.” The maiden asked for the boon that her body might emit a sweet scent instead of the fish-odour it had. The illustrious Rishi granted her wish. Overjoyed with her boon, she accepted the embraces of the Rishi. Henceforth, she was known among men as Gandhavati (the sweet-scented one).

Gratified with her excellent boon, which left her virginity unsullied, Satyavati conceived through Parashara’s embraces. On the same day, she gave birth on an island in the Yamuna to a child gifted with great energy. Because he was born on an island, he was called Dwaipayana (island-born). With his mother’s permission, the child set his mind on asceticism and went away, saying, “As soon as you remember me when the occasion comes, I shall appear unto you.”

One day, King Santanu of the lunar dynasty came to the forest for hunting. The fragrance of musk emanating from Gandhavati’s body spread throughout the forest. The king traced the origin of the smell and reached the fisherman’s hut. He fell in love with Satyavati. King Santanu had a son named Bhishma by his first wife, Ganga. Bhishma facilitated the king’s marriage to Satyavati. Santanu and Satyavati had two sons: Chitrangada and Vichitravirya.

Lessons from the Story of Satyavati

Humility and Acceptance of Fate: Satyavati’s origin from a cursed fish to becoming a queen illustrates the unpredictable nature of fate. Despite her humble beginnings, she accepted her circumstances and fulfilled her duties diligently.

Strength and Resilience: Satyavati showed immense strength and resilience. Raised as a fisherman’s daughter, she helped her father with his work, showing that even in difficult situations, one can rise above and achieve greatness.

Virtue and Morality: When approached by Rishi Parashara, Satyavati maintained her virtue, expressing concerns about her virginity and social standing. Her adherence to moral values, even in challenging situations, underscores the importance of staying true to one’s principles.

Power of Consent: Satyavati’s encounter with Rishi Parashara highlights the significance of consent. Parashara, despite his desires, ensured that Satyavati’s consent was obtained and respected her conditions, showing the importance of mutual respect in relationships.

Transformation and Inner Beauty: Satyavati’s transformation from having a fishy smell to emitting a sweet scent symbolizes the importance of inner beauty and character. It shows that true transformation comes from within and can change how one is perceived by the world.

Divine Intervention and Blessings: The blessings Satyavati received from Parashara, such as retaining her virginity and gaining a pleasant fragrance, show that divine interventions and blessings can significantly alter one’s destiny when they uphold virtue and righteousness.

Adaptability and Wisdom: Satyavati’s ability to adapt to her new roles, first as a fisherman’s daughter and later as a queen, showcases her wisdom and flexibility. She navigated through different phases of life with grace and intelligence.

Legacy and Leadership: her children and their significant roles mark Satyavati’s legacy in the epic Mahabharata. Her son Vyasa’s contribution to compiling the Vedas and the epic itself reflects her indirect influence on shaping cultural and religious texts.

Duty and Responsibility: After becoming queen, Satyavati took her responsibilities seriously. Her actions ensured the continuation of the Kuru dynasty, emphasizing the importance of duty and responsibility in one’s life.

Love and loyalty: Satyavati’s relationship with King Santanu shows the power of love and loyalty. Despite the challenges, their union brought forth important heirs, demonstrating how love can transcend social and personal obstacles.

Satyavati’s journey from a cursed fish to a revered queen teaches us about resilience, virtue, the power of consent, and the transformative power of inner beauty and character. Her story reminds us that our origins do not define our destiny and that strength and wisdom can guide us through the most challenging times.