Kardama

A Prajapati sage, husband of Devahuti, and father of Kapila, one of the divine incarnations described in the Bhagavata Purana.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Puranic tradition, with other tellings (Vedic tradition (Rigveda), Regional and sectarian traditions) noted where relevant.

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Introduction

Kardama is a Prajapati and sage, one of the mind-born creations charged with populating the universe, best known through the Bhagavata Purana's account of his marriage to Devahuti and the birth of their son, the sage Kapila, regarded there as an avatar of Vishnu.

Marriage to Devahuti

At Brahma's instruction, Kardama married Devahuti, the daughter of Svayambhuva Manu, and performed austerities with her for many years at Bindu Sarovar. Vishnu was pleased and was born to them as their son, the sage Kapila, the teacher of the Samkhya philosophy in the Bhagavata's account.

Daughters

Kardama and Devahuti are also given nine daughters in the Bhagavata Purana, who were married to various sages, including, in some lists, Marichi and other Prajapatis, extending the genealogy of the sages further.

Retirement

After Kapila's birth and instruction of his mother in spiritual knowledge, Kardama, having fulfilled his role, retired to a life of asceticism.

Sources

Bhagavata Purana (primary text) — https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.