In the great epic of the Mahabharata, the Shanti Parva—specifically the Rajadharma-anusasana Parva—contains a brief yet evocative reference to a class of rishis known as the Abhakshas. These beings are described as “living upon water,” subsisting on its very essence and dwelling within its depths. King Yudhishthira, in his discourse on dharma, mentions them as examples of creatures that transcend ordinary modes of existence, offering insight into the boundless variety of life forms shaped by the cosmic order. Though the text offers only a glimpse, the Abhakshas open a window into the subtle interplay of the material and the spiritual in Vedic thought.
Origins and Scriptural Context
The mention of the Abhakshas appears in the passages where Yudhishthira inquires of Bhishma about the duties of kings and the various orders of beings that populate the universe. These rishis are placed alongside other extraordinary denizens—those who inhabit forests, mountains, celestial abodes, and the nether realms. The term “Abhakshas” derives from Sanskrit roots suggesting “non–eaters” or “those who take no solid food,” implying a mode of survival sustained by water alone. Their brief description in the Rajadharma-anusasana Parva serves as a potent reminder of the infinite manifestations of life ordained by the supreme will.
Nature and Characteristics
While human rishis are bound to earth and air, the Abbhakshas seem to belong equally to the aquatic element. Their bodies are often envisioned as semi-translucent, glimmering with the prismatic sheen of sunlit waves. Clad in garments woven from fine water currents, they bear matted locks that flow like gentle streams. Unlike ordinary ascetics who subsist on roots, fruits, or alms, the Abhakshas derive sustenance from the very water that surrounds them—absorbing its vital energy in a way akin to how certain plants draw nutrients from mist. Their presence is felt as a soft ripple or a communion of light dancing upon the surface of rivers and lakes.
Semi-Divine Status
In the hierarchy of beings described in the epic, the Abhakshas occupy a space between human sages and fully divine entities. They are not subject to the frailties of mortal life—such as hunger, disease, or aging—in the same way as ordinary rishis. Yet they do not wield the cosmic authority of gods like Indra or Varuna. Instead, they serve as guardians of the watery realms, maintaining the harmony of streams, lakes, and oceans. It is said that they chant hymns in praise of Varuna, the lord of waters, and that their penances ensure the purity and regular flow of rivers, which in turn sustain all terrestrial life.
Symbolism of Water and the Abhakshas
Water in Hindu thought symbolizes purity, renewal, and the ceaseless flow of time and consciousness. The Abhakshas, as water-dwelling sages, embody the principle of spiritual absorption—melting the boundaries of self into the great ocean of being. Their mode of existence suggests the ideal of complete surrender, where the ascetic’s hunger for sensory experience and material attachment is wholly dissolved. Just as water adapts to every shape yet remains ever itself, the Abhakshas teach that the soul should be fluid, unresisting, and free from rigid constraints.
Imaginary Description
Picture, if you will, a still dawn by the riverbank. Mist hovers above the glassy surface, and from that luminous veil emerge the Abhakshas. Their skin shimmers like mother-of-pearl, and their eyes glow with the calm depth of hidden springs. When they move, they leave trails of illuminated droplets, as if painting the water with living jewels. Their chants, carried on the breeze, are neither fully words nor melody, but a primal resonance that stirs the heart and purifies the mind. They sit upon lotus seats formed of clustered water lilies, meditating on the unity of all elements.
Role in the Cosmic Order
Although their references are sparse, the Abhakshas serve a vital function in the cosmic ecosystem. By maintaining the sanctity and rhythm of waters, they ensure that the laws of dharma are upheld for all creatures dependent on rivers and rains. Kings, in particular, are taught to observe proper rites for the welfare of the realm; honoring the Abhakshas—through offerings of water in yajnas and through the preservation of waterways—becomes a metaphor for a ruler’s duty to protect resources and uphold justice. In this way, the Abhakshas become symbols of stewardship, reminding us that political power must align with ecological balance.
Practical Importance for Devotees
In devotional practice, invoking the spirit of the Abhakshas can inspire greater reverence for natural waters. Pilgrims bathing at holy rivers like the Ganges or the Yamuna may contemplate these water-sage guardians and endeavor to emulate their single-pointed focus on purity. Ritual offerings—such as floating lamps and flowers—carry a dual purpose: honoring the deity of the river and acknowledging the unseen rishis who dwell within its bosom. By preserving clean water sources and treating them with sacred respect, communities sustain not only physical health but also the spiritual currents that flow through society.
Lessons for Modern Life
Though the Abhakshas dwell in ancient scripture, their message resonates powerfully today. As humanity grapples with water scarcity and pollution, the image of rishis who live upon water urges us to value this element as the very sustenance of life. Their existence calls for a relationship of deep respect and reciprocity with nature—recognizing that water is not merely a commodity but a living force. Embracing the ethos of the Abhakshas can guide policy makers, activists, and individuals toward conservation practices that honor the sacredness of water.
Final Thoughts
The brief mention of the Abhakshas in the Mahabharata’s Shanti Parva, Rajadharma-anusasana Parva, opens a window onto a wondrous dimension of Vedic vision—where life forms transcend the familiar, and where the elements themselves nurture spiritual practice. As semi-divine rishis who subsist on and within water, they symbolize purity, surrender, and the seamless unity of matter and spirit. Though hidden beneath the waves, their presence continues to inspire reverence for the natural world and to remind us of our duty to protect and preserve the waters that sustain all life. In invoking their example, devotees and rulers alike learn that true power lies not in domination, but in harmonious coexistence with the forces of creation.