Pauloma Parva
The Pauloma Parva is the fourth sub-parva within the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. It primarily focuses on the story of the Bhrigu dynasty, detailing the origins and lineage of the sage Chyavana and his descendants. The parva is named after Pauloma, a demon who abducted Chyavana’s mother, Puloma, during her pregnancy.
In this section, the narrator, Ugrasrava Sauti, recounts the tale of how Puloma was saved by divine intervention, and how her son Chyavana grew up to become a powerful sage. The Pauloma Parva highlights themes of duty, divine justice, and the power of rishis (sages) in shaping the destiny of both humans and gods.
This parva plays a key role in setting the background for the illustrious Bhrigu clan, whose members are influential throughout the Mahabharata.