Uddalaka (उद्दालकः)
Uddalaka was a disciple called Aruni of the teacher अयॊधाधौम्य || Ayodhadhaumya. To know how Aruni got the name Uddalaka, see under अयॊधाधौम्य || Ayodhadhaumya.
It is stated in Mahabharata, Sabha Parva, Chapter 7, Stanza 12 that this hermit Uddalaka was a prominent figure in the Durbar of Indra. Uddalaka had a son cal- led Svetaketu and a daughter called Sujata. He gave his daughter Sujata in marriage to his favourite disci- ple कहॊदक || Kahodaka. The hermit अस्तवक्र || Astavakra was their son. (See under Astavakra; Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Chapter 132). Once Uddalaka caused the river Sarasvati to appear at the place of sacrifice. From that day onwards Sarasvati got the name 'Manorama' because when the thought came to his मनस || manas (mind) the river made its appearance. (Mahabharata, Salya Parva, Chapter 33). It is mentioned in Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Chapter 57, Stanza 10, that Uddalaka expelled his son Svetaketu from the house be- cause the son was a hater of Brahmins.
References
- Puranic Encycolpedia by Vettam Mani