Word

Kratu

Sanskrit

क्रतु

IAST

kratu

In General

Maharshi Kratu was one of the Saptharshi and mind born son of Brahma. His wife was Sannati, daughter of Daksha Prajapati and Kriya. As wished by his father Brahma, Kratu was a progenitor of a large section of human race. His offspring were sixty thousand sages called Balakhilyas. Balakhiyas were worshipped Surya.

Purana

Indra once insulted the Balakhilyas, the descendents of Kratu. Agitated at this, they propitiated Shiva. Siva was pleased and listened to the worries of Balakhilyas and declared that Balakhilyas will be able to create a bird to rob Indra of nectar he possesses.