Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa

The first couple marries their daughter Devahuti to sage Kardam

Jul 7, 2007

Brahma created Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa as the first man and woman. One of their daughters, Devahuti, was married to sage Kardam as ordained by Vishnu.

Brahma realized that for the world to be populated he had to create a race that would itself procreate. Hence he created the first man and first woman. The first man was Swayambhav Manu. Swayambhav means self-formed, implying that he was not born in the normal way. Manu means man. The first woman was Shatrupa, which means ‘very beautiful’. Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa then united in a sexual relationship and became the progenitors of the human race.

Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa had five children. Three were daughters named Akuti, Devahuti and Prasuti and two sons named Priyavrata and Uttanapada. The three daughters were married to three of the persons created by Brahma. Akuti was married to sage Ruchi, Devahuti to sage Kardam and Prasuti to Daksha.

The marriage of Devahuti and Kardam is described in detail in Canto 3 Chapters 21 and 22 of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. Brahma instructed Kardam, who he had created from his shadow, to beget children. Kardam then prayed to Vishnu on the banks of the lake Bindu Sarovar, through which the river Saraswati for a suitable bride. Vishnu appeared before the sage in all his glory and said, “Swayambhav Manu, the Emperor of the world, and his wife Shatrupa will approach you with the proposal of marriage to his daughter Devahuti. Devahuti is a beautiful maiden and possesses qualities suitable for being your wife. Do accept her. From the seeds sown in her by you, she will bear nine daughters. You should give these daughters in marriages to the holy sages for further procreation of the human race, thereby fulfilling the desires of your father Brahma.”

As foretold by Vishnu, Swayambhav Manu, Shatrupa and Devahuti arrived at the ashram of sage Kardam on their golden chariot. The emperor bowed down before the sage and in turn the sage welcomed him as befitting a monarch. Then Kardam said to Manu, “Despite your unending duties of protecting the righteous and vanquishing the unrighteous you have taken the time to come here. Please tell me what is your desire and it will be done.”

Manu in turn praised all Brahmins in general and sage Kardam in particular. He then said. “My daughter Devahuti has reached a marriageable age and like all fathers I too am concerned about her future. The sage Narada described to her your qualities and she fell in love with you. Since you have not taken the vow of celibacy, I am requesting you to accept her as your wife.”

The sage replied, “Who in his senses would turn down your proposal. The luster emanating from Devahuti’s body outshines her ornaments. The Gandharva, Vishwavasu, was so smitten by her when he saw her playing in your palace that he fell down. She is a worthy bride in her own right and added to that she is your daughter and Uttanpada’s sister. I accept her provided she agrees to my one condition. After she bears my children, I will devote myself completely to the worship of God and cease to have relations of a sexual nature.”

Devahuti agreed and the wedding was performed according to Vedic rites. Manu and Shatrupa gave away the bride and returned to their capital city of Barhishmati.

The copyright of the article Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa in Hinduism is owned by Harsh Nevatia. Permission to republish Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.