| Shibi | |
|---|---|
 An illustration of Shibi with the dove and the kite, c. 1916 | |
| Texts | Mahabharata |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents |
|
| Children | Kapotaroma |
| Dynasty | Chandravamshi |
Shibi (Sanskrit:शिबि,romanized: Śibi) is a king featured inHindu texts. He is described to be the son of Ushinara of theChandravamshi (Lunar dynasty). In one of his legends, he is said to have rescuedAgni (transformed into a dove) fromIndra (transformed into a kite) by offering up his flesh. He is a great king of kindness[1]
TheMahabharata states that a king ofKuru lineage named Suhotra once visited the greatrishis. While returning, he came across Shibi. The two kings saluted each other, seated in their chariots, but refused to give way to the other, regarding themselves superior. The sageNarada encountered the two kings, and after hearing about the impasse, preached about the nuances of honesty and humility to both of them. He proclaimed that while Shibi was superior in virtue to Suhotra, both men were large-hearted, and one must surely give way to the other. Following this, Suhotra praised the achievements of Shibi and opted to give way to the latter.[2]
Thedevas once decided to test the reputation of Shibi.Agni, assuming the form of adove, sought refuge in the lap of the king, seeking protection from a pursuingkite. The king's priest told him that it was his sworn duty to protect the life of the dove, which told him that it was really a sage.Indra, assuming the form of a kite, flew into the scene, asking Shibi to offer him the dove that it had been chasing. Shibi refused to give up the dove that had sought his aid and countered that he would be willing to offer some other flesh as a substitute. According to the legend, the kite (Indra) instructed King Shibi that the flesh he would need to offer to save Agni, who had transformed into a dove, must be cut from his right thigh and be of equal weight to that of the dove. Shibi started to offer pieces of his flesh and placed them on a scale against the dove, but found that the bird weighed more than all the flesh he sacrificed. Finally, the king himself sat upon the scale. The deities assumed their original forms and hailed him, telling him that he would be blessed with a son named Kapotaroma.[3]
Sehwan inPakistan, earlier known as Shibistan, is said to be named after Shibi. It was established byRaja Dahir and was usurped byMohammad Bin Qasim in the 8th century CE. Sehwan is popular for its shrineSehwan Sharif.
ThePundarikakshan Perumal Temple is said to have been built first by the monarch, according to itssthala purana.
Ajanta cave has depictions of the story of King Shibi.[4]
Mogao cave has paintings of the story of King Shibi.[5]
| International | |
|---|---|
| People | |
