Vibháṇdak

Vibháṇdak is a holy man of Kashyapa’s lineage and the father of Rishyaśring. Though the account gives only a few glimpses of him, his feared presence helps shape the circumstances surrounding his son’s story.

Identity and Family

A seer identifies Vibháṇdak as a holy man descended from Kashyapa and foretells that Rishyaśring will be born to him. The narrative later refers to Rishyaśring as the hermit’s son, confirming the father-son relation.

Presence and Reputation

When visitors look eagerly for the hermit’s son, they hide behind creepers because they are afraid of Vibháṇdak. He is not shown confronting them in this passage; instead, their caution conveys the force his reputation holds over the scene.

Return from the Forest

After a flood of rain gladdens the earth, Vibháṇdak takes the road home. He is weary beneath the load of roots and woodland fruit he has gathered, a brief glimpse of his forest life and the practical labor behind his hermit existence.