Bhrigu Grants Boon but Trees Are Mistaken

After the marriage, the supreme of the Bhrigus — the sage Bhrigu himself — came to see his son Richika, together with his wife. When he saw them, he was delighted. The elder was seated, worshipped by the masses of gods, and husband and wife joined their hands in salutation and worshipped him. The illustrious Bhrigu was pleased. He told his daughter-in-law Satyavati: "O fortunate one! Ask for a boon. I will grant what you wish for." Satyavati pleased the elder for the sake of a son — for herself and for her mother. And he showed her his favours. Bhrigu said: "At the time of your seasons, you and your mother must bathe and observe the ritual for having a son. Then you must embrace separate trees — she an asvattha (sacred fig) and you an udumbura (cluster fig)." But when they embraced the trees, they got them mixed up. One day Bhrigu returned and realized the mix-up. The immensely energetic Bhrigu then told his daughter-in-law Satyavati: "Your son will be a brahmana who will live the life of a kshatriya (warrior). Your mother's great son will be a kshatriya who will live the life of a brahmana. His valour will be great and he will tread the path of the righteous." Satyavati sought her father-in-law's favours again and again. "Let my son not be like this. I desire that my grandson should be like this." Bhrigu brought her satisfaction. He said it would be that way. When the time came, her son Jamadagni was born. He was energetic and radiant and was loved by the Bhargavas. He grew and surpassed many rishis in his knowledge of the Vedas. He was as brilliant as the sun, and the knowledge of weapons was revealed to him — together with that of the four types of weapons.