Vaktapi Come Forth Retold

More about Vaktapi Come Forth Retold

The story of Vaktapi is found in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Puranas. Vaktapi was a powerful Asura (demon) and the brother of the demon king Ilvala.


Ilvala and Vaktapi would often trick and kill sages who passed through their kingdom. They would cook Vaktapi and feed him to the sages, who would unknowingly eat the demon's flesh. After the sages ate, Ilvala would call out Vaktapi's name, and the demon would tear through the sages' stomachs, killing them.

The sage Agastya, known for his wisdom and power, discovered their plan. When Ilvala offered him the meal, Agastya digested Vaktapi before Ilvala could call him out. Realizing what had happened, Ilvala went to call Vaktapi, but since Vaktapi was already digested by Agastya, he was unable to respond. Enraged, Ilvala attacked Agastya with his magical powers, but the sage's spiritual power was too great, and he burned Ilvala to ashes.