Pulastya is one of the Seven Great Sages Rishi (Saptarishis) in the first Manvantara. He is called one of the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma or one of the ten Prajapatis according to Hindu mythology. Pulastya is described as a mighty and renowned Brahmarishi by Agastya, in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana. As per the Mahabharata, Pulastya’s children are Kinnaras and Rakshasas.
Communication of the Puranas to man was done through the medium of Pulastya. After attaining the Vishnu Purana from Brahma, he communicated it to Parashara. Parashara then made the Vishnu Purana known to mankind.
Havirbhoo, one of the nine daughters of Kardamji was the wife of Pulastya Rishi. As per Hindu beliefs Pulastya was the father of Visravas and Maharshi Agastya. Ilavida and Kekasi were the two wives of Vishravas. Ravana and Kubera were the sons of Visravas and all the Rakshasas are believed to be born from him.
Prajapati Pulastya engendered the kinnaras, vanaras, rakshasas and yakshas as per the puranic worldview. It is said that years of austerities were performed by Bhisma, at the end of which Pulastya appeared before him and granted his a choicest boon. In the Mahabharata, one of the chapter’s is dedicated to Pulastya who explains the benefits and importance of making pilgrimage to Bhisma. Pulastya explains that a pilgrimage can be done not just by the rich people and kings but even by the poor and similar benefits can be achieved from a sacrifice. Pulastya Rishi’s stories make a part of the sacred history in Hinduism.
