Raivya

As for the sage Raivya, he went to the tirtha named Gaya and offered oblations to his dead ancestors. He then devoted himself to tapasya (meditation).

One day, a sage arrived at Raivya’s hermitage. After congratulating Raivya, the sage proceeded to blow himself up. He inflated himself so much that he soon assumed gigantic proportions.

“Who are you?” asked Raivya in wonder.

“I am Brahma’s son Sanatkumara,” was the reply.

“But why did you congratulate me?” asked Raivya.

“Because you offered oblations to your dead ancestors in Gaya,” replied Sanatkumara.

Samatkumara then told Raivya why offering oblations to one’s dead ancestors in Gaya was so important. He told Raivya the story of King Vishala.