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Rishi Kashyapa
कश्यप
Ancient Vedic sage of the Marichi lineage.
- Lineage
- Marichi
- Related Gotras
- 2
- Primary Location
- Kashmir
⚡Key Life Events
Father of All Living Beings
(*Vishnu Purana* I.15, *Bhagavata Purana* 6.6): Through his 13 wives (all daughters of Daksha Prajapati), he fathered the Devas (through Aditi), Daityas/Asuras (through Diti), Danavas (through Danu), Nagas (through Kadru), Garudas/birds (through Vinata), animals, trees, and all other living things. This makes him the universal progenitor.
Vamana Avatar Origin
(*Bhagavata Purana* 8.17-18): When the Asura king Bali conquered the three worlds, Aditi (Kashyapa's wife) performed the Payovrata ritual. Pleased, Lord Vishnu was born as Vamana (the dwarf avatar) from Kashyapa and Aditi — making Kashyapa the father of a Vishnu avatar.
🌳Family & Lineage
Marichi
father
mind-born son of Brahma
Kala
mother
daughter of Daksha
🕉️Vedic Contributions
— an ancient Ayurvedic text on pediatrics and gynecology
— attributed philosophical work
✨Associated Elements
- Universal creation and procreation: The biological father of all life
- Balance and impartiality: Father of both Devas and Asuras — represents cosmic neutrality
- Abundance: His many wives and children symbolize the teeming multiplicity of life
- Tortoise/stability: Connection to the Kurma (tortoise) symbolizes the stable foundation of the world
🏔️Setting & Environment
- Kashmir — the region is named after him: "Kashyapa-mira" or "Kashyapa-meru" becoming "Kashmir." He is said to have drained the great lake that once covered Kashmir valley (Nilamata Purana).
- Himalayan foothills — seated on a mountain plateau overlooking vast valleys
- Primordial setting: Surrounded by all types of creatures — birds, animals, serpents, insects — representing his universal fatherhood
- Near a lake or body of water — referencing the Kashmir drainage legend
🔗Related Gotras
These 2 Gotras trace their lineage to Rishi Kashyapa:
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