Ilvala and Vatapi were two demons who had the knowledge of Mrita-Sanjeevani. They used this gift to trap and kill rich travelers in order to steal their wealth.

Vatapi will transform himself into food, who Ilvala will feed to unsuspecting travelers. After they had eaten Ilvala will call out his brother who will burst out of the stomachs of their guests.

Rishi Agastya visited Ilvala and Vatapi, who tried to use this same trick on him. The great rishi was aware of this so as soon as Agastya muni had finished eating, he rubbed his belly saying “Vatapi Jeernam”, meaning “Vatapi digest”.

When Ilvala called out his brother rishi Agastya burped, because Vapati was already digested. An enraged Ilvala attacked the great sage who then burnt him to ashes with his power.

Thus, rishi Agastya also managed to acquire necessary wealth to offer a comfortable life to his wife Lopamudra and raise a family.

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