Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 32
Paraśurāma Avenges Jamadagni; Restoration Through Sacrifice; Viśvāmitra’s Line and Devarāta (Śunaḥśepha)
यो रातो देवयजने देवैर्गाधिषु तापस: । देवरात इति ख्यात: शुन:शेफस्तु भार्गव: ॥ ३२ ॥
yo rāto deva-yajane devair gādhiṣu tāpasaḥ deva-rāta iti khyātaḥ śunaḥśephas tu bhārgavaḥ
Although Śunaḥśepha was born in the Bhārgava dynasty, he was greatly advanced in spiritual life, and therefore the demigods involved in the sacrifice protected him. Consequently he was also celebrated as the descendant of Gādhi named Devarāta.
FAQs
Devarāta is the name by which Śunaḥśepha became known among Gādhi’s line, because he was ‘given to the gods’ at a demigod-sacrifice.
This verse explains the etymology: he was offered/given in connection with a deva-yajña (sacrifice for the demigods), so he was famed as Devarāta—‘gift to the gods.’
It shows how one’s name and social identity can be shaped by dharmic events and sacred duties, reminding devotees to ground identity in service and higher purpose rather than mere birth.