True authority is more in ethical operations than mere political succession
True authority is more in ethical operations than mere political succession DEVĀPI (Devapi) in the Mahābhārata SWOT of Devapi S anity and spiritual strength W orks and O ffers T rue authority more than mere political succession 1. Brief Biography of Devāpi Devāpi (Sanskrit: देवापि ), also known as Devāpi Arṣṭiṣeṇa , is described as an immortal sage and Kuru prince in ancient Indian literature. He was the eldest son of King Pratīpa of Hastināpura and the elder brother of King Śantanu , a major ancestral figure in the Mahābhārata lineage. Although Devāpi was a noble and well‑liked prince , he was denied succession because he was afflicted with leprosy , and the council of Brahmins and elders opposed his coronation. Consequently, Śantanu ascended the throne of Hastināpura. After relinquishing kingship, Devāpi retired to the forest and devoted himself to penance and ascetic life . According to the Matsya Purāṇa and Bhāgavata Purāṇa , Devāpi, along with the sage Maru , will remain ...