Virochana

Virochana
Affiliation	Daitya, Asura
Texts	Chandogya Upanishad, Puranas, Mahabharata, Atharvaveda
Genealogy
Parents	Prahlada (father), Dhriti (mother)
Siblings	Kumbha, Nikumbha, Ayushman, Shibi (brothers), Virochanā (sister)
Spouse	Vishalakshi and Devi
Children	Mahabali

Virochana (Sanskrit: विरोचन, romanized: Virocana, meaning "radiant" or "shining") is an Asura king in Hinduism.^[1] He is the grandson of Hiranyakashipu, the son of Prahlada and Dhriti, and the father of Bali, according to the Atharvaveda (VIII.10.22).^[2] Known for his philosophical inquiry and leadership, Virochana is a significant figure in Hindu texts, particularly in the Chandogya Upanishad, Puranas, and Mahabharata.

Mythology and Legends

Virochana is depicted as a powerful and virtuous Asura king who ruled with prosperity and strength, succeeding his father, Prahlada, a devoted follower of Vishnu.^[3] His reign is noted for its adherence to dharma (righteousness), as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, despite the ongoing rivalry between the Asuras and the Devas. Virochana’s name, derived from Sanskrit, signifies his radiant and regal presence as a ruler.

In some Puranic accounts, Virochana engaged in conflicts with the Devas, continuing the traditional enmity between the two groups. However, unlike his grandfather Hiranyakashipu, Virochana is not portrayed as inherently malevolent, embodying a complex character who balanced martial prowess with a commitment to his subjects.

Philosophical Significance

Virochana’s most notable appearance is in the Chandogya Upanishad (8.7–8.10), where he, alongside Indra, the king of the Devas, seeks the knowledge of the self (Atman) from the creator god Prajapati. Prajapati teaches that the self is the one seen in a reflection. Virochana interprets this literally, identifying the self with the physical body, which aligns with the materialistic philosophy attributed to the Asuras. In contrast, Indra realizes the self as the soul or consciousness, highlighting a philosophical divide.^[4] This episode underscores Virochana’s intellectual curiosity but also his limitation in spiritual discernment, making him a key figure in Vedic philosophical discussions.

Family and Lineage

Virochana is the son of Prahlada, a celebrated devotee of Vishnu, and Dhriti. His siblings include brothers Kumbha, Nikumbha, Ayushman, and Shibi, and a sister named Virochanā. He is married to Vishalakshi and Devi, though little is known about them in the texts. Virochana is the father of Mahabali, the virtuous Asura king known for his generosity, who was subdued by Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar during the episode of the three steps.^[5]

Legacy

Virochana’s legacy is carried forward through his son, Mahabali, whose devotion and righteousness are celebrated in Hindu tradition, particularly during the festival of Onam in Kerala. Virochana’s philosophical misstep in the Chandogya Upanishad serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment in spiritual pursuits, while his role as a ruler highlights the nuanced portrayal of Asuras in Hindu mythology as beings capable of both virtue and flaws.

References

1. www.wisdomlib.org (12 April 2009). "Virocana, Virocanā: 21 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
2. Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 75.
3. Vishnu Purana. Translated by Horace Hayman Wilson. London: Trubner & Co. 1840. pp. 123–125.
4. The Upanishads. Translated by Patrick Olivelle. Oxford University Press. 1998. pp. 280–285. ISBN 978-0195643473.
5. "Canto 8, Chapter 15". Bhagavata Purana. Translated by Swami Prabhupada. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. 1972. ISBN 978-0892132508.

External Links

• Wisdom Library: Virochana
• Bhagavata Purana Online

Legend

Being the son of Prahlada, a staunch devotee of Vishnu, Virochana is raised to be religious, performing rites and rituals with care. He is stated to be kind towards Brahmins.^[1]

In the Mahabharata, Vidura recounts the tale of Virochana and Sudhanva, the son of Sage Angiras. During the svayamvara of a beautiful princess called Kesini, the asura prince was asked to state if Brahmins were superior to the daityas. Being a daitya himself, Virochana replied that the daityas were superior, due to the worlds being under their suzerainty. Kesini invites Sudhanva to join them the following morning, washing his feet according to custom. Virochana offered to share his own golden seat with the Brahmin, but the latter turned down this offer, stating that Prahlada always chose to seat himself beneath him. The daitya and the Brahmin staked their lives on their answers to Kesini's question, and went to Prahlada for arbitration. Prahlada stated that as Angiras was superior to him, Sudhanva was superior to Virochana. Moved by the fact that the asura monarch had not been dishonest, even for the sake of protecting his son, Sudhanva does not claim Virochana's life, merely having him wash his feet in the presence of the princess.^[2]

In the Shatapatha Brahmana, Indra lost his regal aura to Virochana, and had to flee Amaravati. Seeking to obtain his aura once more, he assumed the form of a poor priest and joined the service of the asura king. He learnt that Virochana had earned the favour of Shri due to his virtue. Pleased with Indra's service, Virochana offered his servant a boon of his choice, and the latter asked for Virochana's virtue. Without guile, Virochana granted him what he asked, and hence lost the favour of the goddess, whereas Indra was able to once again assume his throne.^[3]

According to an Upapurana called the Ganesha Purana, Surya was once pleased with Virochana, granting him a crown. The sun god told Virochana that he would only die if the crown was removed from his head. As a result, the asura king grew arrogant. To punish him, Vishnu assumed the form of a beautiful damsel and enticed him into giving away the crown, after which the asura was slain.^[4]

According to the Chandogya Upanishad (VIII.7.2-8.5), Indra and he went to Prajapati to learn about the Atman (Self) and lived there, practising a brahmacharya lifestyle for thirty-two years. The two form different interpretations of the philosophy they had learnt, and hence spread these variations among their races. Virochana is stated to later be killed by Indra during the Tarakamaya War between the devas and the asuras.^[5]

References

1. Hudson, D. Dennis (25 September 2008). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press. p. 225. ISBN 978-0-19-045140-0.
2. Vyasa's Mahabharatam. Academic Publishers. 2008. p. 406. ISBN 978-81-89781-68-2.
3. Pattanaik, Devdutt (1 September 2000). The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine. Simon and Schuster. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-59477-537-6.
4. www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Virocana". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
5. "Chandogya Upanishad" (PDF). Maharishi University of Management website. pp. 151–2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2009.

Preceded by Prahlada

Daityas unknown

Succeeded by Mahabali