Nabhanedistha, an eminent sage mentioned in the Rig Veda, is credited with 38 Rig Vedic mantras (10.61.1-27; 10.62.1-11) and is recognized as the youngest son of the sage Manu. A captivating narrative unfolds about Nabhanedistha in Aitareya Brahmana 22.14 and Taittiriya Samhita 3.1.9.4 to 7.
During his education in the gurukula, Nabhanedistha's elder
brothers unjustly partitioned the entire paternal estate, leaving him with
nothing upon his return home. Seeking his rightful share, he approached his
father, Manu, who advised him to assist the sage Angiras in a Sattrayaga,
specifically on the sixth day where the mantras were unknown to Angiras.
Nabhanedistha, possessing this knowledge, offered his expertise, gaining the
sage's trust and acquiring substantial wealth and property.
As predicted by Manu, a twist occurred when Nabhanedishtha,
on the verge of receiving a thousand cows as his reward, encountered Rudra
(Shiva). Rudra, asserting his claim based on Vedic sacrifice rules, demanded
the cows. Informed of the situation, Manu sided with Rudra, and Nabhanedistha,
truthful in his narration, pleased Rudra with his unwavering commitment to
truth. In an alternate version, it is suggested that the sage appeased Rudra
through a ritual known as 'Manthisamsrava,' resulting in Rudra graciously
granting him all the cows.