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Devala
Devala
Devala
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In Hinduism, Devala was one of the great rishis or sages. He is acknowledged to be a great authority like Narada and Vyasa and is mentioned by Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita (10.13).[1]

According to the Devanga Purana, Sage Devala is the progenitor of the Devanga community. The person called "Agni Manu" was the first weaver, who weaves clothes for all. After his liberation, the demand for clothes became high. Devala emerged from the third eye or from the heart of Lord Shiva to create clothing and to teach weaving to the world. Sage Devala is the progenitor of the Devanga community.

Weaver

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When Devala returned after obtaining threads from Lord Vishnu, a group of five demons attacked him. It is a dark night and the demons were all-powerful. Devala struggled with Vishnu's Chakra and finally prayed to Shakti to protect him. Devi Shakti appeared with fluorescence and glory, wearing a bright Crown, holding Trishula and other weapons in her hands and riding a lion. She killed the demons and their blood was in the colors of white, black, red, green, and yellow. Devala soaked the threads in the demons colorful blood. Later, Devi Shakti was named as Chowdeswari or Sowdeswari (Chowda/Sowda/Sooda means the brightness). She advised Devala to worship her on every new moon night.

Devala went to South Himalaya and owned "Sagara Kingdom" with Amodh Nagar as its capital, wove new clothes and gave them to Trimurti, Tridevi, Deva, Asura, Gandharva, Kinnar, and ordinary people. Devala gave clothes to cover Deva's body parts so his community is named Devanga (Anga=Body part) Community.

Marriage

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He married Suryadeva's younger sister Deva Dhutta, becoming Surya's first kinsmen his son from Deva dhutta was Maharishi Shandilya then he married Aadi Shesha's daughter Chandra Rekha. Devanga people are called Sedar/Jendar (Shesha is pronounced as Seda in Tamil). Later he married Asura Vakradanta's daughter Agni Dhutta. People who follow Devala are known as Devanga or Devangar. The main god for Devala is Sri Ramalinga Sowdeswari Amman.

His descendants are known as Devanga.

References

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Devala

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Devala was a revered (rishi) in Hindu tradition, celebrated for his deep wisdom, mastery of Vedic knowledge, and authoritative insights into and . He is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on divine matters, on par with luminaries like and , and is explicitly mentioned by in the Bhagavad Gita (10.13) as a sage who, along with others, confirms Lord Krishna's status as the eternal, transcendental Supreme Being. Devala's legacy extends to his authorship of the Devala Smriti, an influential Dharmashastra text that provides guidance on ethical conduct, social obligations, ritual practices, and philosophical doctrines, predating even and addressing practical aspects of righteous living in ancient society. Attributed to him as a key contributor to Hindu scriptural literature, the text emphasizes humane responses to exigencies, including protections against forced conversions, reflecting its composition around the CE amid historical challenges to Hindu communities. In mythological narratives, Devala appears as a multifaceted figure: a preceptor of and (), a bestower of boons, and a moral voice condemning vices like , underscoring his role in upholding ethical standards. Additionally, Devala is revered as the inventor of and the legendary progenitor of the community, a traditionally associated with . His teachings and stories, drawn from Puranic and epic sources, highlight themes of devotion, asceticism, and righteous action, making him a pivotal of Vedic scholarship.

Identity and Lineage

Parentage and Birth

In Hindu mythological traditions, Devala is identified as the son of the sage , a prominent Vedic seer renowned for composing hymns in the (IX.5-24) and for his profound wisdom in Puranic lore. , also known as Asita Devala, fathered Devala through his wife Ekaparna, as described in texts such as the (III.8.32) and (70.27). This parentage establishes Devala's deep roots in the Vedic rishi lineage, with depicted as a figure of ascetic authority who prophesied events like the birth of King Sagara in the (1.70.32-33), and the same sage appears in Buddhist traditions foretelling the advent of . The birth of Devala is narrated in the Brahmavaivarta Purana as the result of a divine boon granted by to Asita, underscoring his destined role as a sage of exceptional insight. From the moment of his birth, Devala is portrayed as inherently versed in the , possessing innate wisdom that marked him for a life of scholarly and ascetic pursuits, as noted in Puranic accounts of his early prodigious knowledge. An alternative genealogy in presents Devala as the son of Pratyusha, one of the Ashtavasus—the eight elemental deities associated with natural forces such as dawn and fire—highlighting his semi-divine heritage tied to cosmic principles. This lineage appears in the ( 66.26) and (I.15.117), emphasizing Devala's origins as bridging the mortal and divine realms, further solidifying his foundational status in rishi genealogy.

Names and Associations

Common epithets for Devala include Devala Maharshi, denoting the "great sage Devala," which highlights his esteemed status as an ancient Vedic seer and authority on . Another title, Devala, combines his name with that of his father , as referenced in various like the and Purana, emphasizing his righteous and ascetic lineage. These epithets appear in texts such as the , where he is described as Mahatapah (great ascetic) and Munisattamah (foremost among sages), reflecting his profound spiritual discipline. Devala is frequently associated with other eminent sages, including and , as peers in divine knowledge and scriptural authority; for instance, the lists him alongside , , and as confirmers of Krishna's supreme nature. He is depicted expounding Sankhya philosophy to in the and serving as a disciple of during forest sojourns.

Role as a Sage

Authority in Scriptures

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna explicitly acknowledges Devala as one of the foremost sages whose wisdom affirms Lord Krishna's supreme nature and universal form. In Chapter 10, Verse 13, Arjuna states that great rishis including , , Devala, and have proclaimed Krishna as the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn and greatest, thereby establishing Devala's authoritative insight into divine opulences and cosmic reality. Devala is referenced extensively in the as a revered consulted on cosmic and ethical dilemmas, highlighting his role as a connector between ancient Vedic knowledge and the epic's narrative traditions. For instance, in the Shalya Parva, Asita-Devala, portrayed as a virtuous ascetic, engages in profound inquiries into yogic powers and spiritual realms, traversing domains of , Soma, and to discern higher truths, which underscores his expertise in metaphysical matters. Similarly, in the , Devala is identified as the son of Pratyusha and father to Sudeva and Devesha, both noted for their forgiving nature and mental prowess, positioning him within a lineage of sages bridging Vedic seers and epic figures like . The further depict Devala as a sage whose counsel addresses ethical transgressions with cosmic implications, reinforcing his stature in Hindu lore. In the , Devala curses the Huhu for disrupting his , transforming him into a whose eventual liberation by illustrates Devala's moral authority and its intersection with devotional narratives. Within broader , Devala functions as a seer who transmits sacred knowledge, with his authority invoked in contexts of —such as meditative discipline and cosmic traversal—and devotion, as seen in endorsements of toward the divine, linking Vedic hymn traditions to epic and puranic devotion.

Key Teachings on Dharma

Devala, recognized as an authoritative sage in Hindu Dharmashastra traditions, strongly condemned as a pernicious vice that fosters deceit and undermines moral order. In the , invokes Devala's teachings to argue against participating in the rigged , stating that the sage declared it sinful to engage in deceitful play with professional gamblers, as such practices lead to personal ruin and societal discord. This stance positions as antithetical to , advocating complete abstinence to preserve virtue and prevent the ethical decay it induces among individuals and communities. The Devala Smriti outlines comprehensive guidelines for righteous living, emphasizing personal purity, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline as foundational to dharma. Key precepts include daily rituals of cleanliness such as pre-dawn bathing and wearing sattvic attire, alongside core virtues like truthfulness (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), compassion (daya), and ritual purity (saucha), which foster inner discipline and societal harmony. Devala promotes ascetic practices for householders and renunciates alike, advising moderation in sensory pleasures, self-restraint, and devotion through simple acts of worship to cultivate detachment and moral integrity. Devala's views on varna underscore the duties of each social class as integral to cosmic order, with the text enumerating responsibilities for Brahmanas (study and teaching), Kshatriyas (protection and justice), Vaishyas (trade and agriculture), and Shudras (service and craftsmanship) to ensure communal welfare without rigid hierarchies. These obligations extend to all varnas through shared purification rites, promoting inclusivity in ethical observance and subtly affirming artisanal contributions to societal sustenance as a valid path of dharma.

Association with Weaving

Invention of Weaving

In Hindu mythology, particularly as narrated in the Devanga Purana, the sage Devala is credited with the invention of weaving as a divine intervention to provide proper attire for deities and humanity. Emerging from the third eye of Lord Shiva, Devala was tasked with creating clothing to replace the rudimentary coverings of leaves and bark used by humans after creation, addressing the need for modesty and dignity in line with dharma. According to some accounts in the Devanga Purana and related narratives, the process of invention, inspired by divine vision, involved procuring threads from the lotus at Lord Vishnu's navel, which Devala then dipped in the blood of demons slain by the goddess Sowdeswari (a form of Durga) during his perilous journey. These divine materials—yielding threads in colors like white, red, black, green, and yellow—were woven on a loom crafted with tools from the divine architect Mayan, resulting in the first cotton cloth. Devala presented this fabric to Lord Shiva, who had previously worn animal skins, thus establishing cotton as the foundational material for sacred garments that symbolized purity and protection. Symbolically, Devala's weaving represented the cosmic order (rita), with patterns derived from the threads evoking the harmony of creation and the triumph of good over chaos, as the blood infusion imbued the cloth with protective energies. This innovation extended beyond the gods—covering the , , devas, and mortals—transforming weaving into an art form that upheld by fostering self-respect and communal welfare.

Legendary Founder of Devanga Community

In the Devanga Purana, Devala Maharshi is revered as the Moola , or primordial ancestor, of the community, a South Indian caste traditionally associated with weaving and temple service. Created by Lord Shiva to weave garments for gods and humans, Devala received divine yarn from and handlooms from the architect Mayan, enabling him to impart comprehensive knowledge of techniques to his disciples. This transmission of skills, blessed by Goddess Chowdeswari, established the foundational occupational and social structure of the Devangas, positioning them as a distinct group dedicated to textile craftsmanship in regions like , , and . The community traces its direct descent from Devala, viewing him as their mythical progenitor and asserting a lineage that elevates their status akin to Brahminical traditions. While specific gotras vary widely—encompassing over 40 exogamous septs such as Ākāsam (sky), Challa (buttermilk), and Dhuggāni (money)—many lineages honor Devala through sub-sects and names that invoke his name, reinforcing communal identity. Rituals honoring Devala as the of weavers include annual festivals at mutts like the Hemakuta Gayathri Peeta in , where devotees perform sword-balancing ceremonies, sacrifices, and invocations to Chowdeswari, his divine ally, to seek blessings for prosperity in . These practices, often involving the sacred thread "Janjam" derived from legendary divine yarn, underscore Devala's enduring spiritual authority. Devala's legacy has profoundly shaped the historical and cultural trajectory of the Devangas, who migrated across southern and , settling in Telugu- and Kannada-speaking areas of the former and beyond. Estimated at approximately 500,000 across as of the early 2020s, with 630,691 in alone as of 2025, the community has preserved weaving traditions through family guilds and temple affiliations, attributing their economic resilience—particularly in sari production—and social cohesion to Devala's divine sanction. This mythological foundation not only justified their occupational specialization but also facilitated cultural integration, with mutts serving as centers for , rituals, and for weavers' rights, ensuring the continuity of their heritage amid modernization.

Family and Descendants

Marriages

In the mythological traditions of the Devanga Purana, Devala's marriages occurred after his ascetic phase, signifying his transition to the grihastha (householder) stage and the integration of spiritual with familial responsibilities. Devala's first marriage was to , the sister of the sun god , a union that symbolized the harmonious blend of sage-like wisdom and the radiant light of the divine. This alliance, arranged within the celestial realms, elevated Devala's role as a bridge between ascetic knowledge and worldly duties, bestowing blessings upon his emerging lineage. His second marriage was to Chandrarekha, the daughter of the serpent Adishesha, representing the harmony between earthly existence and cosmic forces. This partnership further enriched Devala's family narrative by infusing his descendants with protective and eternal qualities from the nagaloka, ensuring the prosperity and continuity of his progeny in Devanga lore. Devala also married Agnidatta, the daughter of the Vakratantha, as another spouse.

Children and Lineage

Devala Maharshi's progeny included three sons: the eldest, Divyangan; the second, Vimalangan; and the youngest, Dhavalangan. These sons, born from his marriage, were renowned for their profound expertise in the arts and sciences, reflecting the multifaceted wisdom inherited from their father. Divyangan succeeded Devala as a spiritual leader, continuing the sage's legacy of guidance within the , while Vimalangan and Dhavalangan pursued scholarly endeavors that emphasized ethical living and craftsmanship. Their accomplishments in Vedic and practical disciplines, including , underscored the integration of spiritual with vocational skills, ensuring the transmission of Devala's teachings across generations. In mythological narratives, Devala's children symbolize the enduring fruits of righteous unions and ascetic discipline, with each son embodying aspects of their father's divine mission through their own pursuits of knowledge and devotion. As direct descendants, they formed the foundational lineage of the community, perpetuating its traditions of scriptural authority and communal harmony.

References

  1. https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/10/12-13/
  2. https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/the-devala-smriti-a-brief-introduction
  3. https://www.dharmadispatch.in/commentary/some-gleanings-from-the-d%25C4%2593vala-smriti
  4. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/devala-smriti-critical-study
  5. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/asita
  6. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/devala
  7. https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/21059/who-are-rishi-asita-and-devala
  8. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/devala-smriti-critical-study/d/doc1458515.html
  9. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/devala-smriti-critical-study/d/doc1458514.html
  10. https://asitis.com/10/12-13.html
  11. https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09050.htm
  12. https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01066.htm
  13. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02058.htm
  14. https://blog.dharma-renaissance.org/scriptures/complete-introduction-to-the-devala-smriti-discover-proven-ethics-for-unity-and-renewal/
  15. https://www.sanatanadecode.com/the-devala-smriti-23-31/
  16. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/devala-smriti-critical-study/ocr/1458508/2
  17. https://theverandahclub.com/article/origin-of-weaves-and-devanga-community-586
  18. https://www.academia.edu/34856230/Summary_of_Devanga_Purana
  19. https://dsaana.org/history
  20. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42992/42992-h/42992-h.htm
  21. https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2105386.pdf
  22. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20663/in
  23. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/politics/cm-siddaramaiah-ambitious-caste-survey-creates-ripples-in-socio-political-fabric-of-karnataka-explainer-19590429.htm
  24. https://theverandahclub.com/article/the-origin-of-the-weave-453
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