One of Vinata’s six sons.

Antecedents: Vishnu – Brahma – Kashyapa – Arishtanemi. Kashyapa married Dhritarashtri, daughter of Daksha. Shuki was their daughter. Shuki – Nata – Vinata – Arishtanemi, as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 65 verse 40.

Arishtanemi meditated in the forests with his son. Once, his son was meditating in the form of a deer. The prince of Hehaya – Parapuranjaya was hunting in the forest then. He shot the deer by mistake and repented when he came to know it was a sage. He went to Arishtanemi and apologised. Arishtanemi pointed to his son, who was standing nearby, and asked the prince if this was whom he had killed. The prince was surprised. Arishtanemi clarified that their tapas energy was so great that no one could kill them. As per Mahabharata Aranyaparva a relieved king left after being blessed by the sages.

Sumati, wife of the Suryavanshi king Sagara, was the daughter of Arishtanemi, as per Ramayana Balakanda Sarga 38 verse 4.

According to Ramayana Kishkindakanda Sarga 66 verse 4 and Devibhagavata Saptamaskanda, Kashyapa was also called Arishtanemi.

As per Agnipurana Chapter 19, Arishtanemi’s mother had 16 children.

According to the Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 184 verses 17-22, Arishtanemi has made a lot of statements about Brahmanahatya sins.

As per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 288 verses 5-46, Arishtanemi gave spiritual advice to Sagara.