Mudgala
MUDGALA.
[Source:
Dowson's Classical Dictionary
of Hindu Mythology] A Vedic
Rishi from whom the Maudgalya Brahmans sprang. There were several other
Brahmans named Mudgala. A sage of this name is recorded in the Mahabharata
to have "lived a life of poverty, piety, and self-restraint, offering
hospitality to thousands of Brahmanas, according to his humble means, with
the grain which he gleaned like a pigeon, and which (like the widow of Zarephath's
oil) never underwent diminution, or rather increased again, when it was required." The
choleric sage Durvasas went to test the patience of Mudgala, and six times
devoured all the food which his host possessed without ruffling his temper.
Durvasas in his admiration declared that Mudgala would go bodily to heaven,
and the messenger of the gods arrived with his heavenly car. The sage, before
accepting the invitation, desired to be informed of the joys and ills of heaven.
After hearing a full explanation, he found that the enjoyments of heaven must
come to a close, so he declared that "he had no desire for heaven, and would
seek only that eternal abode where there is no sorrow, nor distress, nor change." He
dismissed the messenger of the gods, and began to practice ascetic virtues,
becoming indifferent to praise and blame, regarding clods, gold, stones, and
gold as alike. Pure knowledge led to fixed contemplation; and that again imparted
strength and complete comprehension, whereby he obtained supreme eternal perfection
in the nature of quietude (nirvana).
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Modern
Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics. Laura Gibbs, Ph.D.
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Page last updated:
October 16, 2007 12:22 PM
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