Story of Shunashepa

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Shunashepa    

Who is Shunashepa, and why did he opt for Sage Vishamitra's lineage? What was the fear of Hiranyakashipu?

Shunashepa was the second son of Sage Ajigartha. King Harishchandra, for a long time, had no issues. He made a unique vow that if he was blessed with a son, he would offer him to Varuna.

Rohita, son of King Harishchandra, learned about Varuna deva’s demand and retired to the forest. Later, he made an arrangement with Sage Ajigartha of Bhargava lineage, who was living in poverty with 3 sons and a wife. To escape from poverty, he agreed to offer one of his sons to the king. 

Sage Ajigartha declined to offer his eldest son and his wife, their youngest son. The middle son, Shunashepa, was left with no option but to volunteer to go with Rohita. He wasn't angry with his parents but was disturbed. 

In the Yagashala, he met maternal uncle Sage Vishwamitra and sought his help. Vishwamitra taught Sunashepa how to please Gods through correct pronunciation of hymns, etc. Sunashepa did accordingly and was highly appreciated. 

Lord Indra gifted him a golden chariot, and Varuna deva freed Surashepa from the obligation.  

When Sage Viswamitra asked Shunashepa to seek a boon, he requested to include him in his gotra (linage). The Sage gladly accepted, and hence, Shunashepa moved out from his father's lineage.

It was a huge loss for Sage Ajigartha as the goodwill earned by Shunashepa was denied to him and his family.  

Sage Viswamitra asked his 100 sons to adopt Shunashepa as his elder brother, but his first 50 sons declined to accept. Sage Viswamitra cursed them to be Mleccha (outsiders to vedic culture). 

Indeed, Hiranyakashipu, who had knowledge of vedas, knew about the greatness of Sunashepa. He was surprised when Prahlada remained calm at every adversary, and all the more, he did not oppose him. He noticed the similarity of Prahlada's behaviour with that of Shunashepa. Hiranyakashipu feared that Prahalda might as well move out of his lineage.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana