[INDOLOGY] Longevity of Satyavatī

[Howard Resnick]

Dear Scholars,

The Bhāgavata-purāṇa often gives different versions of events found in the Mahābhārata. In trying to ascertain when Satyavatī, mother of Vyāsa, retired to the forest or simply passed away, I found two apparently incompatible accounts.

In the Mahābhārata CE, beginning at 1.119.5, Vyāsa comes to his mother at Pāṇḍu’s funeral, and essentially tells her that bad times are coming, and she should renounce the world. She then leaves the Kuru capital with her two daughters-in-law, Ambikā and Ambālikā.

In the Bhāgavata-purāṇa 1.10.9-10, Satyavatī is remarkably still present in royal affairs much later. Indeed she is among the royals lamenting Kṛṣṇa’s departure for Dvārakā after the Kurukṣetra battle.

Interestinglly, Vettam Mani gives only the Mahābhārata version in his Purāṇic Encyclopedia.

Are there additional versions or other insights?

Thanks!
Howard