In Hinduism, Durvasa is an ancient sage, who was known for his short temper. Maledictions or curses he gave in his rage (known as SHRAAPA) ruined many lives. Because of this wherever he went, he received great reverence from humans and gods alike. For example, he is the villain of the Abigyaan shakuntala when he curses the maiden Shakuntala that her lover will forget her.

But on the other hand he was also famous for his boons if he grew happy with someone. An example in this context would be the boon he gave to Kunti, wife of Pandu and mother of the mighty Pandavas which enabled her to call or invoke any god of her choice. It was by the use of this mantra which Durvasa gave her that she was able to call the following gods:

• Surya -- he
  
  
  
  blessed her with a son named Karna.
• Yama -- he
  
  
  
  blessed her with a son named Yudhisthira, eldest of the Pandavas.
• Vayu -- he
  
  
  
  blessed her with a son named Bheema, the mightiest of all Pandavas.
• Indra -- he
  
  
  
  blessed her with a son named Arjuna, the great archer and
• Ashwini Gods -- they blessed Madri (Pandu's second wife) with twins named Nakula and Sahadeva.