Yagyavalakya is one of the greatest saints of ancient times. He was a scholar, an orator, wrote many mantras and had immense knowledge. His birth day is celebrated as Yagyavalakya Jayanti. This year, Yagyavalakya Jayanti will be celebrated on 14 March 2024. Yagyavalakya is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Brahma. He is known as Brahmarishi for the same reason. According to Sri Mad Bhagvat, he was born as a son to Devrat. He was blessed by Lord Sun and acquired knowledge from him.

Life Story of Yagyavalakya

Yagyavalakya was Vaishampayan’s disciple. He assisted King Janak in various matters and even acted as his Guru. Yagyavalakya is also known as Yogishwar Yagyavalakya. He was married to Mantredhi and Gargee. Yagyavalakya played an important role in writing various mantras and teaching them. Yagyavalakya was a disciple to Vaishampayan.

Yagyavalakya once argued with Vaishampayan due to which he asked Yagyavalakya to return the knowledge that he possessed. Yagyavalakya gave away all his knowledge which was gathered and acquired by other disciples of Vaishampayan. This branch of Yajurvaveda is known as Taitariya.

Yagyavalakya lost all his knowledge and hence, started worshipping Lord Sun. He asked Lord Sun to provide him with knowledge. Lord Sun was impressed and provided Yagyavalakya with the knowledge about Yajurvaveda’s mantras.

Due to the blessings of Lord Sun, Yagyavalakya had all the knowledge about Shukla Yajurvaveda or Vaijasneyi Sanhita. He later came to be known as Vaijasniya. Madhyandin branch of this Veda was acquired as Yagyavalakya acquired his knowledge during mid-day. Hence, we acquired Shukla Yajurvaveda through Yagyavalakya.

Scriptures written by Brahmarishi Yagyavalakya

The most important scripture written by Yagyavalakya is Shukla Yajurvaveda Sanhita. It’s 40 chapters explain Padyatmak mantra and Gadyatmak Yajurvaveda. Most people can be related to this branch of Vedas.

Another important scripture written by Saint Yagyavalakya is Shatpath Brahman. This scripture talks about Darsh, Paurnamas, Ishti, Pashubandh and Somyagya.

Brihadaranyakopnishad was also written by Saint Yagyavalakya. Yagyavalakya was born during the times of Vaishampayan, Shaktayan etc. Yagyavalakya Smriti is also a famous text besides Manu Smriti. Yagyavalakya’s importance and magnificence is depicted in all these scriptures.

Importance of Yagyavalakya Jayanti

Many Pujas, Sabhas and other events are organized on Yagyavalakya Jayanti. Also, scriptures written by him are read and talked about. People are enlightened by understanding his thoughts and guidelines. In Vedic literature, he wrote Shukla Yajurvaveda’s Vaijasniya branch.