Birth Secret of Satyavathi

 Mahabaratha - Adiparva - Birth Secret of Satyavathi 

Once Vasu Maharaj was returning back in his chariot after meeting Indra at Heaven. He saw the Suktimati river obstructed by Kolahala Mountain and was in dire need of help.

Vasu Maharaj kicked the mountain, creating a big hole that allowed the river to pass through. Such was his strength and concern for others.

In gratitude, Suktimathi (in female form) gifted two children to the king, a male and female begotten through Kolahala. The male child grew up to become army chief. The king married the female child, Girika, on her attaining marriageable age. 

Instructed by Pitru devatas, the king was asked to obtain necessary food (meat) from the forest. During the same time, Girika wished to bear a child of the King. 

Thinking of his wife, the king went to the forest. Since it was autumn, the trees were bearing flowers, and the forest was looking very colorful. 

The king, thinking of his wife, passed his tejas, which he carefully collected in a leaf cup. Reciting mantras, he blessed it for a good progeny. He then instructed an eagle to deliver it to his wife. 

The eagle carried it with its claws and was heading home . Midway another eagle, thinking it as meat, began to snatch it. The quarrel resulted in tejas falling in the Yamuna river and was swallowed by a big fish. The fish was impregnated. 

In the course of time, a fisherman caught the big fish, and when he tore it open, he saw two babies in its womb, one male and another female. 

The fisherman promptly handed over the babies to Vasu Maharaj. The king retained the male baby and asked the fisherman to take care of the female baby. The male child grew up to become Matsya raja.

The fisherman (foster father) named the girl child as Matsya Kanda as she had an odour of fish but was beautiful. The fisherman taught her the art of rowing a boat, and eventually, she took up this job for travellers. Matsya Kanda was also called Satyavathi. Vasu Maharaj is her biological father.  

Satyavathi’s Birth Secret (Janma Rahasya)

Sathyavathi, her previous birth, was known as Achoda, the daughter of Pitrus. She had earned sufficient merits and was blessed that in her next birth, she would be revered as the mother of Ved Vyasa. 

Apsara’s Curse Ends

The fish that swallowed the sperm of Vasu Maharaj was indeed an apsara by the name Atrika. She was cursed by Lord Brahma to be born as fish and that her curse would end when she gave birth to humans. Apsara, on completion of the curse period, returned to heaven. 

Source: Mahabharatha- Adiparva - Amshavathara