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Valakhilyas (Samskrit : वालखिल्याः) were a group of sixty thousand hermits born to Kratu, one of the Saptarsis (seven hermits), by his wife, Santati.  

 

Valakhilyas (Samskrit : वालखिल्याः) were a group of sixty thousand rshis born to Kratu, one of the Saptarsis (seven hermits), by his wife, Santati. Everyone of them was only the size of a thumb, but they were as bright as the blazing sun and had attained control over their senses. (Visnu Purana, Amsa 1, Chapter 10). 

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Everyone of them was only the size of half a thumb, but they were as bright as the blazing sun and had attained control over their senses. (Visnu Purana, Amsa 1, Chapter 10). The Balakhilyas, also known as Valakhilyas live in the mandala of Surya (solar region). They travel in front of the sun in the shape of birds. They wear hides of animals. They are righteous and are only as big as a thumb. They are very ardent in doing the works of devas (Gods) . They are sinless. There are Valakhilyas living in the lunar region also. They worship the Sun daily. All the world stand firm in truth because of the penance of the Valakhilyas. (M.B., Anusasana Parva, Chapter 141.).

The Balakhilyas, also known as Valakhilyas live in the mandala of Surya (solar region). They travel in front of the sun in the shape of birds. They wear hides of animals. They are righteous and are only as big as a thumb. They are very ardent in doing the works of devas (Gods) . They are sinless. There are Valakhilyas living in the lunar region also. They worship the Sun daily. All the world stand firm in truth because of the penance of the Valakhilyas. (M.B., Anusasana Parva, Chapter 141.).  

== Garuda's birth and the Valakhilyas ==

== Garuda's birth and the Valakhilyas ==

== Lanka island manifests ==

== Lanka island manifests ==

It has been noted above that Garuda on his way to Devaloka rested on a fig tree. That fig is called Subhadra in Valmiki Ramayana. Ravana saw the fig tree around which sages were sitting and which bore marks made by Garuda sitting thereon. (Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda, Canto 35, Verse 26). There is some connection between this tree and Lanka. Garuda had, as directed by Kasyapa, deposited in the sea the branch of the tree on which the Valakhilyas hung in tapas and with which Garuda flew hither and thither fearing about the safety of the Valakhilyas. At the spot in the sea where the branch was deposited sprang up an island like the peak of a mountain. It was this island which in after years became reputed as Lanka. (Kathasaritsagara, Kathamukhalariibaka, Tarariga 4). (Page 281-282, Puranic Encyclopedia - Vettam Maṇi)

It has been noted above that Garuda on his way to Devaloka rested on a fig tree. That fig is called Subhadra in Valmiki Ramayana. Ravana saw the fig tree around which sages were sitting and which bore marks made by Garuda sitting thereon. (Valmiki Ramayana, [[Ramayana_(रामायणम्)|[[Ramayana_(रामायणम्)|Aranyakanda]]]], Canto 35, Verse 26). There is some connection between this tree and Lanka. Garuda had, as directed by Kasyapa, deposited in the sea the branch of the tree on which the Valakhilyas hung in tapas and with which Garuda flew hither and thither fearing about the safety of the Valakhilyas. At the spot in the sea where the branch was deposited sprang up an island like the peak of a mountain. It was this island which in after years became reputed as Lanka. (Kathasaritsagara, Kathamukhalariibaka, Tarariga 4). (Page 281-282, Puranic Encyclopedia - Vettam Maṇi)

== Hanuman learns Vedas from Surya ==

== Hanuman learns Vedas from Surya ==

== References ==

== References ==