Pururava Urvashi Samvada (पुरुरवा-ऊर्वशी संवादः)

Pururava and Urvashi Samvada (पुरुरवा-ऊर्वशी संवादः) is mentioned in the Mandala 10 of the Rigveda (Sukta 95). It is the legend, in the form of a conversation, describing the affection between a human being, Pururava and an apsara named Urvashi. This story has been used as a plot by Kalidasa in his famous poetic drama titled Vikramorvashiyam (विक्रमोर्वशीयम्). However, it is to be remembered that this is not a fictional story and its original version is found in the Rigveda. This samvada is also found in other texts such as Shatapatha Brahmana, Brhaddevata, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharata.

Pururava and Urvashi

Pururava and Urvashi and their legend has been described in the Rigveda and subsequently in the later day texts such as Shatapatha Brahmana, and Brhaddevata. Pururava has been described as a devata (of the middle tier) by Yaska in Nirukta (10. 46). Although described as a historical event, there is deeper meaning in this legend.

Brief Summary of the Legend

In the Rigveda we find a dialogue between Pururavas and Urvashi, however, the other particulars of the legend are summarily put together from other sources such as Brhaddevata (7.147-152).

Esoteric Meaning

The word Pururava has been defined as पुरूरवा बहुधा रोरूयते meaning "one who makes a lot of sound". He has been described as Aila (ऐल) meaning इला का पुत्र or the son of Ila (Rigveda. 10.95.18).