Rishyasringa, the young son of the sage Mrigi, was intentionally brought up by his father in an atmosphere of complete innocence. Mrigi Rishi thought that if his son were never exposed to the sight of women he would always remain a perfect brahmacari. But by chance the inhabitants of the neighboring kingdom, who were suffering from a long-term drought, received divine advice that rain would return to their kingdom only after the brahmana named Rishyasringa stepped foot in it. Therefore they sent beautiful women to the hermitage of Mrigi to entice Rishyasringa and bring him back with them. Since Rishyasringa had never even heard about women, he easily fell for their trap.

The name Rishyasringa indicates that the young sage was born with a deerlike horn growing out of his forehead. If like the deer a rishi becomes attracted to sweet musical sounds promising sense gratification, then like the deer he is quickly vanquished. A thoughtful person should humbly take instruction from the deer, who is doomed by attraction to musical sense gratification.