Introduction
Rishyasringa is a young sage, the son of Vibhandaka, born with a small horn (shringa) on his forehead like a deer, which is the meaning of his name. He is best known for performing the sacrifice that led to the birth of Rama and his brothers.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Vibhandaka
- Wife: Shanta (by tradition)
A sheltered childhood
His father Vibhandaka raised him in the forest, with no contact with women or with the world outside the hermitage.
The drought in Anga
When Anga faced a long drought, King Romapada was told that only Rishyasringa could end it. The king sent courtesans to bring the young sage to his capital. As soon as Rishyasringa arrived, the rains came. Romapada gave him his adopted daughter Shanta in marriage.
The sacrifice for sons
Dasharatha, who had no children, was told by Sumantra of Rishyasringa's power. The sage came to Ayodhya and performed the Ashvamedha and then the Putrakameshti sacrifice, with Vasishtha's help. A divine being rose from the fire with a bowl of sweet rice pudding for the queens, and four sons were born.