One of Brahma’s six manasaputras. The others were Marichi, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 65. He is also named one of the 21 prajapatis. The sages known as Balakhilyas are said to be his sons as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 66 verse 9. He was present at Arjuna’s birth celebrations as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 112 verse 52.

When Parashara conducted a rakshasasatra, he was there to help the rakshasas as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 189 verse 9. He was present at Indra’s and Brahma’s courts as per Mahabharata Sabhaparva Chapter 7 verse 17. He was present at Skanda’s birth festival as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 45 verse 10. He is inclided among the group of sages known as Chitrashikhandis as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 335 verse 27. With Shiva’s blessings, he got a thousand sons as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 14 verse 87.

He visited Bhishma while he was lying on the bed of arrows as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 26 verse 4.