The Sage Who Married on His Own Terms: Story of Jaratkaru in Mahabharata
In the Astika Parva of Adi Parva of Mahabharata, there is
one very interesting story of a great sage called Jaratkaru. He was doing hard
austerities, moving here and there, not caring for food or comfort, only busy
in tapasya. One day while wandering he saw something strange and disturbing. He
saw his own ancestors, the pitrs, hanging upside down in a pit, holding on to a
single thread of grass, which was slowly being eaten by a rat. Jaratkaru asked
them who they are and why they are suffering like this.
The ancestors told him that they are his own forefathers,
and they are in this bad condition because he has not married and has no progeny.
Without a progeny, the pitrs cannot get liberation, they cannot cross over. This is
old Hindu belief, that a son is needed to perform the shraddha and other rites
so the ancestors get peace. Jaratkaru got very much shocked hearing this and
decided he must marry, only for the sake of his ancestors, not for his own
pleasure.
The Strange Conditions
But Jaratkaru was no ordinary man, so his conditions for
marriage were also not ordinary. He said the woman must have exactly same name
as his own name, Jaratkaru. Also she should come to him as a gift, given
willingly by her relatives, like alms, because he is a poor ascetic and cannot
go asking for marriage in normal way.
He roamed whole earth searching such woman but did not find.
Then he went into forest and three times, in a low and faint voice, he called
out asking for a wife. This calling was almost like giving up hope, but exactly
at that moment, Vasuki, the king of nagas (serpents), came forward. Vasuki had
a sister whose name was also Jaratkaru, and he happily offered her in marriage
to the sage, fulfilling both conditions at once.
Symbolism and Meaning
This story has deep meaning if we look properly. The pitrs hanging on a thread show how fragile is the connection between generations, and how much importance Hindu dharma gives to continuing family line for the peace of ancestors.
The meaning of Jaratkaru is explained as “one who is extremely emaciated/lean” or “one who has worn himself away through austerities.”
The strict conditions laid down by Jaratkaru show that even a great tapasvi cannot ignore his duties or the natural course of life. Therefore, he wanted to ensure that he found a wife who would fit into his way of life. The name merely meant that he wanted a wife who was inclined towards asceticism, as he was.
The marriage between two people of exact same name also is
symbolic, showing a kind of spiritual equality and oneness needed between
husband and wife for a higher purpose, not for personal desire.
Modern Day Relevance and Life Lessons
Even today, this story teaches that some duties are bigger
than our personal wish or comfort. Jaratkaru did not want to marry, he was
happy in his tapasya, but he understood his responsibility towards those who
came before him. It also teaches that help comes when we are sincere, Vasuki
appeared exactly when Jaratkaru had almost lost hope.
Later, the son born from this marriage, Astika, became very famous because he saved the entire naga race from the snake sacrifice of King Janamejaya, showing how one birth, done for the sake of duty, brought big good result for many.