Mahabharata

Chaitraratha Parva

Narration by the Brahmana. Birth of Draupadi. Birth of Dhrishtadyumna. Birth of Draupadi. Words of the Gandharva. History of Tapati. Whom to appoint a priest. Defeat of Vishvamitra. Grief of Vasishtha. Birth of the son of Saudasya. History of Aurva. History of Vasishtha. Appointment of Dhaumya.

Janamejaya said:
O Brahmana, what did those best of men, the Pandavas, do after they had killed the, Rakshasas Baka.

O king, after killing the Rakshasas Baka, they lived in the house of that Brahmana engaged in the study of the Vedas.

A few days after, a Brahmana of rigid vows came to the house of the Brahmana in order to live there.

That best of Brahmanas, ever hospitable to hosts, after duly worshipping him, in his house, gave him quarters to live.

Then all those, O best of men, the Pandavas, with Kunti requested the Brahmanas to narrate his interesting experiences.

He spoke to them of various countries, pilgrimages, rivers, kingdoms, many wonderful provinces cities.

O Janamejaya, when the narrations were over, that Brahmanas spoke to them of the wonderful Svayamvara of the daughter of Yajnasena, the princess of Panchala and the births of Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi and that of Krishna, born of no woman, in the sacrifice of Drupada.

When he concluded, those best of men (the Pandavas) hearing of these extraordinary affairs asked him to narrate it in detail.

The Pandavas said:
O Brahmana, how did the birth of Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada, take place from the (sacrificial) fire?

How did the wonderful birth of Krishna take place from the (sacrificial) after? How did (the sons of Drupada) leam all weapons from the great bowman Drona? How and for whom and for what reason was the friendship between Drona and Drupada broken?

Vaishampayana said:
O king, having been thus asked by those best of men, the Brahmana narrated in detail the account of the birth of Draupadi.

The Brahmana said:
There lived at the source of the Gangas a great Rishi of rigid vows and great wisdom and of severest austerities; his name was Bharadvaja.

One day when the Rishi came to the Ganges to perform his ablutions, he saw the Apsara Gritachi who came before him and who now stood there after her ablutions.

A wind rose on the banks of the river and made the cloth (of the Apsara) fall from her body. Seeing her nude, the Rishi was filled with desire.

He was a Brahmachari from his boyhood and (therefore) as soon as his mind felt the influence of desire, his vital fluid dropped down. The Rishi held it in a Drona (water-pot).

From that pot was born a son, the learned Drona and he studied all the Vedas and the Vedangas.

Bharadvaja had a friend, who was a king by the name of Prishata. He had a son, called Drupada.

That son of Prishata, that best of the Kshatriyas, went daily to the hermitage and played and studies with Drona.

After Prishata's death, Draupada succeeded him as king. (About this time) Drona heard that (Parashu) Rama was going to distribute away all his wealth. Going from the forest, the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) thus spoke to Rama, O excellent Brahmana, know me to be Drona. I have come for obtaining wealth.

Rama said:
O Brahmana, after giving away all I have now left only my body. Ask from me either my body or weapons.

Drona said:
You should give me all your weapons together with the knowledge of hurling and recalling them.

The Brahmana said:
Saying "Be it so", the descendant of Bhrigu gave him (the weapons) and having received them, Drona considered himself crowned with success.

Obtaining from Rama that great weapon called Brahmastra, Drona became exceeding glad and acquired superiority over all men.

Thereupon that powerful son of Bharadvaja went to that best of men Draupada and said, "Know me to be your friend."

Drupada said:
One of low birth can never be the friend of one whose lineage is pure. He who is not a car-warrior can never be the friend of one who is; he who is not a king can never be a friend one who is. Therefore why do you desire (to revived) our old friendship?

The Brahmana said:
Being determined to humiliate the Panchala king, that intelligent man (Drona) went to the city of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kurus.

Thereupon Bhishma, taking with him his grandsons with much wealth, offered them to he intelligent Drona as his pupil.

With the intention of humiliating Draupada, Drona called together all his pupil and he spoke thus to them and to the sons of Kunti.

O sinless eyes, when you will be all experts in arms, you must give me as the preceptorial fee that which I cherish in my heart." Arjuna and others said to the preceptor, "Be it so."

When all the Pandavas became experts in arms and sure in aim, then Drona thus spoke demanding his preceptorial fee.

Drona said:
The son of Prishata, Drupada is the king of Chatravati. Take from him that kingdom and bestow it soon on me.

The Brahmana said:
Then the five sons of Pandu defeated Drupada in battle and taking him prisoner along with his ministers, they offered him to Drona.

Drona said:
O king, I again solicit your friendship. He who is not a king should not be a friend of a king. Therefore, O Yajnasena, I shall divide this kingdom amongst ourselves. You will be the king of the country lying on the south banks of the Bhagirathi and I shall be that on the north banks.

The Brahmana said:
Being thus addressed by the intelligent son of Bharadvaja, the Panchala king spoke thus to that excellent Brahmana, that best of all wielders of arms Drona, "O high-souled son of Bharadvaja, be blessed. Let it be. Let there be everlasting friendship between us as you desire."

Thus addressing each other and establishing excellent friendship between themselves, Drona and the Panchala king those two chastisers of foes, went away to the place whence they came.

The thought of that humiliation didnot (however) leave the king's mind for a single moment. Being miserable in mind, the king wasted away.

The Brahmana said:
Sorrowful in mind and afflicted with grief, the king Drupada wandered among the hermitages of many Brahmanas, all experts in sacrificial rites.

Afflicted with grief and eagerly desirous of offspring, the daily thought, "Alas! I have no excellent son."

He always said in despondency, "Fie on those children and relatives that I have!" He always sighed thinking of revenging himself of Drona.

O descendant of Bharata, even after much deliberation, that best of kings, (Drupada) did not find any means to overcome the prowess, the discipline, the raining and the accomplishments of Drona by his Kshatriya might. Wandering about the king came (at last) to the hermitage of a Brahmana situate on the banks of the holy Gangas. There was no Brahmana who was not a Snataka and none who was not of rigid vows.

There saw that illustrious king two (Brahmanas) named Yaja and Upayaja, both were of rigid vows, both were self controlled and both belonged to the highest order.

They belonged to the race of Kashyapa and they were engaged in studying the Institutes. Those two Brahmana Rishi were quite capable of helping the king.

Having brought his senses under control, he with all earnestness worshipped and served them. Knowing the superiority of the younger of the two. The worshipped in private Upayaja of rigid vows, by offering him every desired object, by serving at his feet and by becoming sweet speeches. Worshipping him in due from, he (Drupada) said to Upayaja, "O Brahmana, if you perform that sacrifice which may give me a son who can kill Drona, O Upayaja, on your doing this, I shall give you ten crore kine. O best of Brahmanas, I am ready to bestow on you whatever else be in your mind and whatever which is agreeable to you. There is no doubt about it.

Having been thus addressed, the Rishi replied to him, "I cannot." Thereupon Drupada again began to worship and serve him.

O king, after the expiration of a year, that best of the twice born, Upayaja, spoke thus to Drupada in sweet words, "My eldest brother while roving in a dense forest took up a fruit that had fallen on the ground, not knowing that it was unclean.

I was following him and I saw this unworthy act of my brother. He never scruples to take impure things.

In taking that fruit he didnot see any impropriety of a sinful nature. One who does not observe purity (in one thing) is expected not to observe it in other things.

When he lived in the preceptor's house reading in the Institutes, he used often to eat without any scruples in his mind the remnants of other people's food. He again and again speaks highly of food; and he has no hatred for anything. Arguing from this I see that he desires for earthly acquisitions.

"O king go to him, he will performs sacrifices for you." Having heard those words of Upayaja, the king, though he entertained a low opinion of Yaja, went to his house. Worshipping him who was worthy of worship, he thus spoke to him, "O lord, I shall give you eighty thousand kine; perform my spatial actions. I am burnt by my feelings of enmity towards Drona. You should cool my heart.

That foremost of men, learned in the Vedas (Drona) is skilled in the Brahma weapon. Therefore, Drona has defeated me in a contest arising out of a quarrel on friendship.

The greatly intelligent son of Bharadvaja (Drona) is now the chief preceptor of the Kurus. There is no Kshatriya in the world who is superior to him.

His arrows are capable of killing every living being, his bow is full six cubits long and it looks exceedingly great. That high-souled great bowman, that son of Bharadvaja (Drona,) attired in the Brahmanic garb, is destroying the Kshatriya might.

Like the son of Jamadagni, Parshurama, he is engaged in annihilating the Kshatriyas. There is no man on earth who can overcome the terrible force of his arms.

Like blazing fire fed with ghee, Drona, possessing both the Brahma might and the Kshatriya might consumes every antagonist in battle.

Your Brahma might is superior to his Brahma might though his is amited with his Kshatriya might. As I am interior (to Drona) in consequence of my having only Kshatriya might, therefore, give me your Brahma might.

As I have got you who is superior to Drona in Brahma might, O Yaja, perform that sacrifice by which I can obtain a son, who is invincible and who can kill Drona in battle. I am ready to give you ten crore kine." Saying, "Be it so," Yaja recollected the various particulars of the sacrifice in question.

Knowing the gravity of the matter, he asked the assistance of Upayaja who covered nothing. Then Yaja promised to perform the sacrifice for the destruction of Drona. Thereupon the great ascetic Upayaja spoke to the king (Drupada) all that is required for the sacrifice from which the king was to obtain offspring.

Upayaja said:
O king, a son will be born to you who will possess, as you desire, great prowess, great energy and great strength.

The Brahmana said:
Then king Drupada, being desirous of obtaining a son who was to slay the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) began to make the necessary preparations for the success of his wish.

Yaja then poured libations of ghee on the sacrificial fire and ordered the queen thus, "O daughter-in-law of Prishata, come here a son and a daughter have come for you.

The Queen said:
O Brahmana, my mouth is filled with saffron and other perfumes; my body bears many sweet scents; I am not now fit for accepting the sacrificial ghee which would give me offspring. O Yaja, wait for me a little, for that happy consummation.

Yaja said:
Whether you come or wait, why should not the object of this sacrifice be accomplished when the oblation has already been prepared by me and sanctified by Upayaja's invocations!

The Brahmana said:
Having said this, the sacrificial priest (Yaja) poured the sanctified libation on the fore, whereupon arose from those flames a celestials like boy.

He was as effulgent as the fire; he was terrible to look at; he had a crown on his head; and his body was encased in an excellent armour; he had a sword in his hand, carried a bow and arrows and he frequently sent forth loud roars.

As soon as he was born, he got on an excellent car and went about. Thereupon the Panchalas should in great joy "Blessed, blessed."

The very earth appeared to be unable to bear the weight of the madly joyous Panchalas. "The price has been born for the destruction of Drona. He will dispel all the fears of the Panchalas and spread their fame. He will also remove the grief of the king." Thus said the greatly wonderful voice of the sky managing beings.

There rose from the (sacrificial alter) a daughter, called Panchali, who was blessed with good fortune; she was beautiful her eyes were smiling and large. Her complexion was dark, her eyes were like lotus leaves, her hair was blue and curly, her nails were beautifully carved and they were like bright copper, her eyebrows were fair, her breasts were rising and her things tapering.

She was veritable celestials maiden born among men. The sweet fragrance of the blue lotus emitted from her body and it was perceptible from a distance of full two miles.

Her beauty was such that she had no equal on earth. The Devas, the Danavas and the Yakshas could desire that celestials like beauty.

When this beauty of fair hips was born, an invisible voice said, "This beauty of dark complexion will be the cause of the women and she will be the cause of the destruction of the Kshatriyas.

"This lady of slender waist will in time accomplish the works of gods. From her will arise many fears (dangers) to the Kurus."

Hearing this all the Panchalas uttered a loud leonine roars. The earth was unable to bear the weight of the madly joyous Panchalas.

The daughter-in-law of Prishata, seeing the two (the boy and the daughter) and being desirous of getting them, came to Yaja and said, "Let not these two know anyone else except myself as their mother."

Desiring to do good to the king (Drupada) Yaja said, "Be it so." Thereupon the Brahmanas whose wishes were completely gratified (by present) gave these two (children) names.

(They said,) "Because this son of Drupada possesses excessive audacity and because he has been born like Dyumna with a natural armour of weapons, let him be called Dhrishtadyumna.

Because this daughter is dark in complexion, let her be called Krishna." Thus were born the son and daughter of Drupada in the great sacrifice.

Then Drona brought the Panchala prince Dhrishtadyumna to his own house and taught him all weapons as a requital of taking the half of the kingdom of Drupada. Regarding Destiny to be inevitable, the illustrious son of Bharadvaja did what would perpetuate his own deeds.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this, son of Kunti appeared as if they were pieced with darts. Those mighty men lost their peace of mind.

Thereupon that truthful lady Kunti, seeing all his son's minds are in great anxiety, thus spoke to Yudhishthira.

Kunti said:
We have now lived for many nights in the abode of this Brahmana; we have very pleasantly passed in this beautiful city, living on the alms of many high-souled men.

O chastiser of foes, we have seen again and again all the beautiful woods and forests in this part of the country.

To see them again would give us no pleasure. O heroic descendant of Kuru, alms are not so easily obtainable now as before.

O blessed one, if you wish to go to Panchala, let us go there. O hero, we have not seen it before it must be beautiful.

O destroyer of foes, we have heard that alms are easily obtainable in Panchala and the king Yajnasena is devoted to the Brahmanas.

It is not my opinion that one should live long in one place. Therefore, O son, if you like it is well for us to go there.

Yudhishthira said:
That which is your opinion and command is (always) to our great good. (But) I do not know whether my younger brothers are willing to go.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Kunti spoke to Bhimasena, Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) about the (proposed) journey and they said, "Be it so."

O king, then Kunti saluting the Brahmana started for the beautiful city of the illustrious Drupada.

Thus ends hundred and sixty eighth chapter, the departure for the Panchala country, in the Chaitraratha of the Adi Parva.

Vaishampayana said:
When the illustrious Pandavas were living in disguise, the son of Satyavati, Vyasa, once came to see them.

Seeing him coming, those chastisers of foes advanced, and bowed down their heads and worshipped him. Then they stood (before him) with hands. Then they all took their seats at the command (of the Rishi) and the Rishi being thus gratified by the son of Pritha living in disguise, cheerfully spoke to them thus -

Vyasa said:
"O chastisers of foes, are you following the path of virtue and scriptures? Do you worship the Brahmanas? You are not deficient in giving homage to those that deserve homage."

Vaishampayana said:
That illustrious Rishi thus spoke many worlds of virtuous import. Speaking on various subjects, he again spoke thus -

Vyasa said:
There lived in a wood a certain illustrious Rishi who had a daughter of slender waist, fair hips, fine eye-brows and of all accomplishments.

As a result of her own actions (in her previous birth) she became very unfortunate. That beautiful chaste girl did not get a husband.

Thereupon, she began with sorrowful heart to perform austere penances with the object of getting a husband. And she gratified Shankara (Shiva) by her severe ascetic.

The high-souled (deity), being thus gratified, spoke thus to the illustrious girl, "ask the boon you desire to have. Be blessed; I am Shankara who is willing to give you a boon."

Being desirous of benefiting herself, she again and again said to the supreme deity, "Give me an accomplished husband."

Then that foremost of all great speakers, Ishana (Shiva,) replied to her saying, "O blessed lady, you will have five husbands from among the Bharata princes."

Having been thus addressed the maiden thus spoke to the deity who gave her the boon, "O deity, O lord, I desire to have only one husband through your grace."

The deity addressed her again and said these excellent words, "You have said five times, "Give me a husband".

Therefore, you will have in another life, what I have said now." That celestials like girl was born in the race of Drupada.

That faultless Krishna, the descendant of Prishata; is destined to be the wife of all of you (the five Pandavas). O greatly powerful heroes, go to the city of the Panchalas and live there. There is no doubt you will all be very happy on obtaining her as your wife.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this to the Pandavas, that greatly blessed grandfather, the great ascetic, after having been saluted by the sons of Pritha (the Pandavas) and Kunti, went to the place whence he came.

Vaishampayana said:
When the illustrious Vyasa went away, those best of men, the Pandavas, proceeded with joyous heart, (towards Panchala) placing their mother at the head (of the procession.)

Those chastisers of foes proceeded in a northerly direction in order to reach their destination. They walked day and night and reached (the several) Somashrama.

Those best of men, the sons of Pandu, came to (the banks of) the Ganges. The great car-warriors Dhananjaya (Arjuna) walked before, carrying torch in his hand for showing them the way and for protecting them.

There is the delightful waters of the Ganges was sporting in solitude the proud king of the Gandharvas (Chitraratha) with his wives.

He heard the noise (of the footsteps of the Pandavas) approaching the river. The greatly strong (Gandharva) was inflamed with wrath by (hearing) the noise.

Seeing there those chastisers of foes, the Pandavas, with their mother and drawing his fearful bow, he spoke thus,

"It is known that excepting the first forty labas of the dark twilight that proceeds night, (the other portion of the night) is set apart for the Yakshas, the Gandharvas and the Rakshasas who are capable of going every where at will. The rest of the time is set apart for men.

Therefore, if any man out of greed wander during those moments and come near us, both we, (the Gandharvas) and the Rakshasas kill those fools.

The men learned in the Vedas disapprove (the actions of) those men, nay even of the kings at the head of their enemies who come to any lake or river at such a time.

Stay at a distance. Do not come near me. Know you not that I am (now) bathing in the waters of the Bhagirathi.

Know me to be the Gandharva, named Angarparna who depends only on his own strength of arms. I am proud and haughty; I am the friend of Kubera.

This my forest on the banks of the Ganges is known by the name of Angarparna in which I sport to gratify myself.

The Kapalikas, the Shringis or the Devas, dare not come here it appears you are human beings. How dare you (then) to approach me who is the brightest jewel in Kubera's crown?

Arjuna said:
O wretch, to whom can the ocean, the sides of the Himalayas, or this river Ganges be barred, whether at night or day or at twilight?

O sky ranger, whether the stomach be empty or full, there is no special time to come to this foremost of all rivers, the Ganges, whether it is night or day.

We are endued with prowess, we care not when, we disturb you. O wicked being, those men that are incapable (of fighting) worship you.

This Ganges, issuing out of the golden peaks of the Himalayas, falls into the ocean by seven streams.

(They are) Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Rathastha, Sarayu, Gomti and Gandaki.

Those that drink the waters of these seven rivers are cleansed of their sins. O Gandharva, this sacred Ganga, following through the celestials regions, is called there Alaknanda,

And in the region of Pitris, it is called Vaitarani, which is not crossable by the sinners, Krishna Dvaipayana has said that this auspicious and celestials river is accessible at all times by all. Why do you wish to bar us from it? It is not consonant with the eternal virtue.

Why should we not, disregarding your words, touch at pleasure the sacred waters of the Bhagirathi which is ever accessible to all.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing this, Angarparna became very angry and drawing his bow he shot at them his arrows which were like the poisonous snakes.

The Pandava Dhananjaya, who had an excellent shield, warded off all those arrows with it and with the torch in his hand.

Arjuna said:
O Gandharva, seek not to terrify those who are skilled in weapons, for weapons hurled at them vanish like froth.

O Gandharva, I know Gandharvas are superior to men (in prowess). I shall therefore fight with you by using the celestials weapons. I shall not use delusions.

The fire weapon that I hurl against you was formerly given by the preceptor of Indra, Brihaspati, to Bharadvaja.

From Bharadvaja, it was obtained by Agnivaishya and from Agnivaishya by my preceptor; and that excellent Brahmana Drona gave it to me.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the Pandava (Arjuna) angrily hurled at the Gandharva that blazing fire weapon which immediately brunt his chariot.

Having fainted away by the force of the weapon, the greatly powerful Gandharva was falling headlong downwards from his chariot,

But Dhananjaya sized him by the hair of his head which was adorned with garlands of flowers. He dragged towards his brother that (Gandharva), insensible in consequence of (being wounded by) the weapon.

(Seeing this), his wife, named Kumbhinasi, being desirous of rescuing her husband, came to Yudhishthira and asked his protection.

The Gandharvi said:
O exalted one, extend your protection to me. Set my husband free. O Lord, I am a Gandharvi, named Kumbhinasi, I ask your protection.

Yudhishthira said:
O chastiser of foes, who would kill an enemy who has been vanquished in the battle, who has been deprived of his fame, who is protected by a woman and who is incapable (of defending himself), O child, set him free.

Arjuna said:
O Gandharva, take your life. Go hence and do not grieve. The king of the Kurus, Yudhishthira others me today to show you mercy.

The Gandharva said:
I have been defeated by you, therefore, I shall give up my former name of Angarparna. In name only I shall not be boastful when really I am not strong in prowess like men.

It is a great fortune to me that I have obtained a man who wields celestials weapons. I am desirous to impart to Arjuna the power of illusions of the Gandharvas.

My excellent and beautiful chariot has been burnt by your fire weapon. I was (formerly) called Chitraratha having a beautiful chariot, I shall now be called Dagdharatha (having the chariot) burnt.

The science (of illusion) of which I spoke to you and which I formerly obtained by asceticism will be today given by me to that illustrious man who has given me my life.

What good fortune does he not deserve to obtain who after defeating an enemy gives him his life when he asks it from him?

This science is called Chakshushi. It was taught by Manu to Soma. Soma taught it to Vishvavasu, Vishvavasu, taught it to me.

Having been given by the preceptor to one who is a Kapurusha (without energy) it went to die out. I have spoken to you about its coming (origin and transmission); listen now to its prowess.

Whatever you will desire to see by your eyes in this world and whatever its nature it will be seen by you (by the help of this science).

One can acquire this (science) by standing on one leg for six months. I shall impart to you this science without your observing any vows.

O king, (only) on account of this science, we have a superiority over men. Because we are capable of seeing everything (by our spiritual eyes), we are equal to the celestials.

O excellent man, I desire to give you and your brothers, each separately, one hundred horses born in the regions of the Gandharvas.

They are employed in carrying the Devas and the Gandharvas; they are of the celestials colour; and they possess speed as that of the mind. They may be lean and thin in body, but they never feel tired and their speed never suffers for this reason.

The thunder was created by Indra in the days of yore in order to kill Vitra, (but) it broke into a thousand pieces when hurled on Vitra's head.

Thereupon the celestials worshipped those fragments of the thunder thus broken into pieces. That which is known in the world as the wealth of fame is a portion of the thunder.

The hands of Brahmanas are (the portion of) the thunder; the chariots of the Kshatriyas are (also the portions of) the thunder. The charity of the Vaishyas are (also the portions of) the thunder and the services of the Shudras are (also the portion of) the thunder.

The horses of the Kshatriyas being the portions of the thunder, it is said they are never to be killed. The portions of the chariots (the horses) are the offspring of Vadaba. Those amongst them that are Shuras.

Are capable of assuming any colour at pleasure, of going any where at will and of running at its owner's will. These horses of mine born in the Gandharva region will always fullfil your desire.

Arjuna said:
O Gandharva, if you give me out of your satisfaction for obtaining life in a crisis, these horses and the wealth of science shall not accept it.

The Gandharva said:
A meeting with an illustrious person is always a matter of gratification. Besides you have given me life. Thus being pleased with you, I give the science.

O best of the Bharata race, O Bibhatsa, so that the obligation may be not only on one side, I shall take from you your excellent and eternal fire-weapon.

Arjuna said:
O Gandharva, I shall take your horses in exchange of my weapon. Let our friendship be ever-lasting. O friend, tell me that from which the danger of ours (human beings) arises from the Gandharvas.

O Gandharva, we are all chastisers of foes; we are all learned in the Vedas and (we are all) virtuous. Tell us why we were censured by you when travelling at night.

The Gandharva said:
O sons of Pandu, you do not keep fire; you have no wives; you have no Brahmanas walking before you; therefore you were censured by me.

The Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas, the Pishachas, the Uragas and the Danavas are wise and intelligent. They speak much of the Kuru race.

O hero, I have heard from Narada and other Rishis the accomplishments of your intelligent ancestors.

While roaming over the earth attired in her ocean-cloth, I myself have seen the great prowess of your race.

O Arjuna, I personally know your preceptor, the illustrious son of Bharadvaja (Drona), who is celebrated in the three worlds for his learning in the Vedas and the science of archery.

O best of the Kuru race, O Partha, I know also Dharma, Vayu, Indra, Ashvinis and Pandu, these six spreaders of the Kuru race. These (six) excellent celestials and man are your fathers.

Knowing too that you are high-souled, you are illustrious, you are the foremost of all wielders of arms, you, all brothers, are great heroes, you are virtuous and observant of vows, your understandings and hearts are excellent and your behaviour faultless, I still censured you.

O descendant of Kuru, no man, possessing strength of arms, ought to bear with patience any ill usage before his wife.

O son of Kunti, our strength specially increases at the time of night. As I was accompanied by my wife, I was filled with wrath.

O best of all vow-observing men, I was vanquished by you in battle; hear from me the reasons for with I was discomfited.

Brahmacharya is a great virtue, you are in it (leading that mode of life). O Partha it is for this that I was defeated by you in battle.

O chastiser of foes, if any Kshatriya, engaged in the exercise of his desire, fight with us at night, he can never escape form us with his life.

O Partha, a Kshatriya, engaged in the exercise of his desire, may defeat all the wanderers of night (as we are), if he is sanctified by Brahma and if he assigns the cares of his state to his priest.

O descendant of Tapati, men should, therefore, always employ learned and self-controlled priests for the acquisition of every good fortune that he desires (to get). That man is fit to be the priest of kings who is engaged in the study of the Vedas and their six branches, who is pure and truthful and who is virtuous-minded and self-controlled.

That king becomes ever victorious (in this world) and obtains heaven in the next, who has a priest, who is learned in the precepts of morals, who is a master of words and who is pure and well-behaved.

The king should always select an accomplished priest who can protect what he has and acquires what he has not.

He, who desires his own prosperity, should ever be guided by his priest; he may then acquire the whole earth attired in her ocean-cloth.

O descendant of Tapati, a king, who is without a Brahmana, can never acquire any land by his bravery or nobility of birth only.

O spreader of the Kuru race, therefore, know that the kingdoms with Brahmanas at their heads can be retained for long.

Arjuna said:
You have addressed me as the descendant of Tapati. I wish to know what the precise signification of this word is.

O blessed being! we are the sons of Kunti, therefore, we are Kaunteyas, but who is Tapati that we should be called Tapatyas. I desire to hear about it.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been addressed by the son of Kunti, Dhananjaya, that Gandharva narrated the story who is celebrated in the three worlds.

The Gandharva said:
O Partha, O foremost of all intelligent men, I shall duly narrate to you in detail this interesting story.

Here with attention what I say about the reason for which I address you as Tapatya.

He, who pervades the whole firmament by his light, had a daughter, named Tapati, equal to himself (in effulgence).

That daughter of the Vivasvata (Tapati) was the younger sister of Savitri. She was celebrated in the three worlds and devoted to asceticism.

There was none equal to her in beauty amongst the Deva, the Aura, the Yaksha, the Rakshas, the Apsara and the Gandharva ladies.

She was perfectly semetrical in body and faultless in features; she had black and large eyes; she was attired in beautiful robes; she was chaste and exceedingly well conducted.

O descendant of Bharata, seeing her, Vivasvata thought, there was none who had beauty, accomplishments,, good behaviour and learning to be fit for her husband.

Seeing that his daughter had attained the age of puberty and that she was worthy of being bestowed on a husband, he had no peace of mind, for he always thought on whom he should bestow her.

O son of Kunti, that best of the Kurus, the son of Riksha, the mighty king Samvarana, worshipped Surya

With due offers of Arghya, garlands and scents, with being always pure and holy and with vows, fasts and asceticism of various kinds.

The descendant of Puru (Samvarana) worshipped the deity, effulgent in all his glory, with devotion, humanity and piety.

Thereupon Surya, seeing Samvarana, learned in the precepts of region and matchless in the world for his beauty, considered him to be the fittest husband for (his daughter) Tapati.

O descendant of Kuru, Surya then desired to bestow his daughter on that excellent king Samvarana of the Kuru .ace, who was celebrated all over the world.

As Surya in the heavens fills the firmament with his splendour, so did king Samvarana fill region on the earth with the splendour of his good achievements.

O Partha, as men learned in the Vedas worship the sun manifests in all his glory, so did all men except the Brahmanas worship Samvarana.

Blessed with good fortune, the king (Samvarana) excelled Soma (moon) in soothing the hearts of friends and Surya (sun) scorching the hearts of the enemies.

O descendant of Kuru, Tapana himself resolved upon bestowing Tapati on the king (Samvarana) endued with such virtue and accomplishments.

O Partha, once a time that king, blessed with good fortune and endued with great prowess, went out to hunt in the woods on the mountains.

When thus hunting, the horse of that king of the Kuru race was overcome with hunger and thirst and he (horse) died on the mountains.

O Partha, abandoning the dead horse, tlie king walked on the mountain and saw a maiden of large eyes and matchless beauty.

That chastiser of foes, that best of kings, himself being alone and the maiden being also alone, stood motionless and he steadfastly gazed at her.

The king regarded her for her beauty as the goddess Lakshmi. He regarded her beauty to be the embodiment of the rays emanating from the sun.

In splendour of body, she resembled a flame of fire and in benignity and loveliness she resembled the spotless disc of the moon.

The black eyed maiden, standing on the mountain breast, looked like a bright statue of gold.

I consequence of the beauty and splendour of that maiden the mountain itself with its creepers and plants appeared as if it has been converted into gold.

The sight of that maiden inspired the king with a contempt for all the women of the world that he had seen before. Seeing her, the king considered his eyes blessed.

Nothing that the king has seen from the day of his birth could equal, he argued, the beauty of that girl.

(He thought) "The creator has created the beauty of this beautiful eyed maiden after churning the whole world of the Devas and the Asuras and the human beings." The king's heart and eyes were captivated by that maiden, as if they became bound in ropes; he remained rooted to the spot deprived of his senses.

Thus arguing, the king Samvarana considered that maiden as matchless in the wealth of her beauty in the three worlds.

The king of the noble birth, seeing that blessed beauty, was pierced by the arrows of the god of love.

Having been burnt in the very scorching fire of Kama (desire), he (the king) thus spoke to that charming maiden, still innocent through in her full youth.

The Samvarana said:
O lady of tapering things, who and whose are you? Why are you staying here? O lady of sweet smiles, why do you wander alone in these solitary woods?

You are perfectly faultless in your every feature; decked in every ornament, you seem to be the coveted ornament of those ornaments themselves. You seem to be not a Devi or an Asuri, or a Lakshmi, or a Rakshasi; you are not a Nagini or a Gandharvi or a Manushi.

O excellent lady, the best of women that I have seen or heard of can not equal you in beauty.

O lady of beautiful feature, seeing your face which is lovelier than the moon and your eyes like the lotus leaves, I am oppressed by the god of love.

Gandharva said:
The king, oppressed desire, thus addressed her in the solitary woods, but the did not speak a word in reply.

When the king repeatedly asked her thus, the large-eyed maiden quickly disappeared in the very sight of the king like a flash of lightning.

The king then, like one who has loss his reason, wandered through the whole forest in search of that lotus eyed maiden.

Having failed to find her, that best of kings gave vent to much lamentations and he remained motionless in grief for sometime.

The Gandharva said:
On the disappearance of the maiden, that chastiser of foes the king, being deprived of his senses by desire, fell on the ground.

On his falling down on the ground, that maiden of sweet smiles and of swelling and round hips, appeared again before the king.

The blessed beauty (Tapati) then spoke to that king, the perpetuator of the Kuru race, these sweet words.

Sweetly smiling, Tapati spoke thus in sweet words, "Rise, rise, O chastiser of foes be blessed. O best of kings, you are celebrated in the word, it does not befit you to lose your senses." Having been thus addressed by her in these sweet words,

The king (opening his eyes) saw before him that maiden of swelling hips. The king then addressed that black eyed maiden thus,

In accents weak with emotion and his heart burning with the fire of desire, "O black eyed beauty. O excellent lady, be blessed. I am burning with desire; and I, therefore, solicit you. Accept me, my life is ebbing away. O lady of large eyes, O lotus eyed beauty, it is all for (not having obtained) you. The god of love pierces me day and night with his arrows. O blessed lady, I have been bitten by Kama (the god of love) who is like a large snake.

O lady of faultless features, O lady of tapering things, O lady of sweet voice as that of the Kinnaris, have mercy on me; my life depends on you.

O lady of beautiful and faultless features, O lady with the face like the lotus or the moon, O timid lady, I shall certainly be unable to live without you.

O lotus eyed lady, O lady of large eyes, the god of love is incessantly piercing me, be merciful towards me.

O black eyed lady, you should not abandon me. O handsome lady, you should relieve me from such affliction by giving me your love.

O blessed beauty, at the very first sight, my heart has been captivated by you. My mind wanders. Seeing you, I do not like to cast my eyes on any other woman.

O beautiful maiden, be merciful, I am your obedient (slave), (I am) your adorer; accept me. O beautiful lady, O large-eyed maiden, as soon as I saw you, he god of love,

Entered my heart and he is piercing me with his arrows. O large eyed lady, O lotus-eyed beauty, the great fire of desire is burning within me.

Extinguish that fire by throwing on it the water of your love. O beautiful lady, pacify, by becoming mine, the irrepressible god of love that has appeared here (in my heart) armed with bow and arrows; he pierces me incessantly with his sharp arrows.

O beautiful featured maiden, O lady of tapering hips, marry me according to the Gandharva form, for of all kinds of marriage the Gandharva form has been said to be the best."

Tapati said:
O king, I am not the mistress of my ownself. Know me to be a maiden living under the control of my father. If you really love me, ask me of my father.

O king, you say that your heart has been robbed by me; but you too have robbed my heart at the first sight.

O best of kings, I am not the mistress of my body; therefore I do not go near you. Women are never independent.

Is there any girl in the three worlds who would not desire for her husband such a king as you, kind to all your dependents and born of a noble race.

Therefore, when the opportunity comes, ask me of my father Aditya with due salutation, ascetic penances and vows.

O king, O chastiser of foes, if my father bestows me on you then asked, I shall ever be your obedient (wife).

My name is Tapati, I am the younger sister of Savitri. O best of Kshatriyas, I am the daughter of Surya, the illuminator of the Universe.

The Gandharva said:
Having said this, that faultless (maiden) soon ascended the skies; on this the king again fell down on the ground.

In searching that best of kings, that monarch's ministers and attendants saw him there in that state in the great forest.

Seeing that excellent king, that great bowman, lying forsaken on the ground like a rain bow dropped from the sky, his chief minister became like one burnt by a flame of fire. Coming hastily to him with affection and respect,

As a father rises up the son fallen (on the ground) he raised up the king, lying senseless on the ground having been deprived of his senses by desire.

Old the wisdom as in age and in achievements as in policy, the minister became easy of mind when he raised him up.

He spoke to him these words, both sweet and beneficial, "O best of men, do not fear. O sinless one, be blessed."

The minister through the king, that destroyer of hostile forces, had been lying on the ground being overcome with hunger, thirst and fatigue.

He sprinkled on the crewless head of the king cold water fragrant, with the perfume of lotus.

Thereupon, the mighty king regained his consciousness; he then sent away all his attendants except that one minister.

When that large number of attendants had gone away at the command of the king, the king again sat down on the mountain breast.

Then the king becoming pure and folding his hands, worshipped Surya with his face turned upwards on that best of mountains.

That chastiser of foes, the king Samvarana, also mentally thought of his priest, that excellent Rishi, Vasishtha.

The king remained there four days and nights without intermission; and on the twelfth day the Brahmana Rishi (Vasishtha) came to him.

That great self-controlled Rishi knew by his ascetic power that the king's heart was stolen by Tapati.

As soon as that virtuous-minded and the best of Rishis knew this, he became desirous of benefiting the king and gave him his assurances.

In the very sight of the king, the illustrious Rishi ascended the sky in order to see Surya, he himself being as effulgent as that luminary.

Thereupon, the Brahmana (Vasishtha) came with joined hands to the deity of one thousand rays and he then introduced himself by saying, "I am Vasishtha."

Then the greatly effulgent Vivasvata thus spoke to that excellent Brahmana, "O great Rishi, welcome to you. Tell me what is your desire.

O greatly fortunate man, O foremost of all eloquent men, whatever you desire to have, I shall give you however difficult it may be to
give."

Having been thus addressed after duly bowing down his head to him the Rishi Vasishtha of great ascetic merit, thus replied to Vivasvata.

Vasishtha said:
O Vivasvata, I ask to you for Samvarana your daughter, named Tapati, the younger sister of Savitri.

He (Samvarana) is a mighty king with great achievements; he is learned in the mysteries of religion and he is high-minded. O ranger of sky, Samvarana is the fittest husband for your daughter.

The Gandharva said:
Having been thus addressed, Divakara (Surya) resolved upon bestowing (his daughter on Samvarana) and saluting the Rishi thus replied,

"O Rishi! Samvarana is the best of kings; you are (also) the best of all Rishis; Tapati is (surely) the best of all women; what else could be done but to bestow her (on Samvarana)?

Then Tapana himself gave to the illustrious Vasishtha (his daughter) Tapati of perfectly faultless features, so that she might be bestowed on Samvarana.

The great Rishi Vivasvata accepted that maiden Tapati and taking leave of Surya he came back to the place,

Where that best of the Kurus, the king of celebrated achievements, was. That king who had been possessed of desire and whose heart was completely fixed on her (Tapati)

Became exceedingly glad on seeing that celestials maiden Tapati of sweet smiles led towards him by Vasishtha.

That maiden of fair eye-brows came down from the sky as lighting comes down from the clouds illuminating the ten points of heaven.

The illustrious Rishi of pure soul Vasishtha came to that king when his vow of the twelfth night was over.

Thus Samvarana obtained (Tapati) as his wife by worshipping the propitious lord (Surya) by ascetic penances and by the help of the great effulgence of Vasishtha.

That best of kings accepted the hands of Tapati in due form on the breast of that mountain frequented by the celestials and the Gandharvas.

The royal sage (Samvarana) with the permission of Vasishtha desired to sport with his wife on that mountain.

He ordered the minister to rule over his capital, his kingdom, his woods and forests.

Then bidding farewell to the king, Vasishtha left him and went away. Thereupon, the king sported on that mountain like a celestials.

The king sported with his wife in the woods and forests on that mountain for twelve (long) years.

O descendant of Bharata, for those twelve years the god of one thousand eyes (Indra) did nor pour any rains on the capital and the kingdom of that king.

O chastiser of foes, when that season of draught commenced, all the people together with plants, corns and animals began to die.

During that terrible season (of draught,) not even a drop of dew fell on the earth and (consequently) no corn was grown.

Thereupon the people, affected with the fear of hunger, left their houses in despair and fled in all directions.

The famished people of the city and the country abandoned their wives and children and grew reckless of one another.

The people being affected with hunger and starvation, became like dead skeletons; and the city looked like the land of the king of the dead full of ghostly beings.

Thereupon, seeing the kingdom in such a state, the illustrious Rishi, the best of ascetics, the virtuous-minded Vasishtha, thought of remedying the evil.

O king, he brought back that best of kings (Samvarana) with his wife (Tapati) to that city, after he had passed many years with her.

When that best of kings again entered his capital, the state of things became as before, the god of one thousand years, the slayer of Asuras, poured rain in abundance; and he caused corn to grow. Thus being revived by that virtuous-minded and that best of kings (Samvarana), the capital and the country became exceedingly glad.

Thereupon the king with his wife Tapati performed sacrifices for twelve years, as Indra did with (his wife) Shachi.

O Partha, this is the history of the greatly blessed Tapati of old, the daughter of Vivasvata, It is for her you are Tapatya.

O Arjuna, the king Samvarana beget on Tapati a son, named Kuru. Born in the race of Tapati, you are called Tapatya.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words of the Gandharva, that best of the Bharata race, Arjuna, was filled with devotion (towards him) and he stood as manifest as the full moon.

His curiosity being excited by what he heard of Vasishtha's ascetic power, that best of the Kurus, that great bowman, thus spoke to the Gandharva,,

"I desire to hear the history of the Rishi whom you have mentioned by the name of Vasishtha. Tell me all about him in detail.

O chief of the Gandharvas, tell me who this illustrious Rishi was, he who was the priest of our forefathers."

The Gandharva said:
Vasishtha was the Brahma's son born of his mind; and he was the husband of Arundhati. Ever difficult of being conquered even by the celestials. Desire and Anger, having been conquered by his ascetic penances, shampooed his feet. He was so high-souled that he did not exterminate the Kushikas.

Though the excellent Rishi's anger was excited by Vishvamitra, though he was afflicted at the loss of his sons, though he was powerful, yet he appeared to be powerless.

He did not perform any dreadful deed for destroying Vishvamitra. Like the great ocean which does not cross its shore, he did not transgress the law of Yama by bringing back his sons from the land of the dead. It is by obtaining this self controlled and illustrious (Rishi), the kings,

(Namely) Ikshaku and others, became the lords over the whole earth. Getting the excellent Rishi Vasishtha as their priest,

O descendant of Kuru, O best of the Pandavas, these kings performed many great sacrifices. That Brahmarshi performed the priestly duty of all these excellent kings, as Brihaspati did that of the celestials.

Therefore, seek to appoint as your priest an accomplished Brahmana in whose heart virtue predominates and who is learned in the Vedas.

O Partha, a Kshatriya of noble birth should first appoint a priest, if he is (at all) desirous of extending his dominions by conquering the earth. He, who is desirous of conquering the earth, should have a Brahmana before him.

Therefore, let an accomplished and learned Brahmana, who has conquered his senses and who is learned in Dharma, Artha and Kama, be your priest.

Arjuna said:
How arose the hostility between Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, both of whom lived in celestials hermitages? Tell us all this in detail.

The Gandharva said:
O Partha, this history of Vasishtha is considered as a Purana in all the worlds. Listen to me as I recite it in detail.

O best of the Bharata race, there was a great king in Kanyakubja; known in the world by the name of Gadhi, he was the son of Kushika.

His son was know by the name of Vishvamitra. That chastiser of foes, Vishvamitra, was virtuous-minded; and he had a large army of troop and beasts of burdens.

He wandered with his ministers in the deep forest for the purpose of hunting. Killing deer and boars, he roamed through the charming marshes.

Being (one day) fatigued and thirsty by the exercise of the hunt that best of men, came to the hermitage of Vasishtha.

Seeing him coming, the illustrious and blessed Rishi, Vasishtha, advanced to salute that best of men, Vishvamitra.

O descendant of Bharata, he (Vasishtha) worshipped him (Vishvamitra) by asking his welfare, by offering Arghya and water to wash his face and feet and by collected forest fruits and ghee.

The illustrious Rishi had a Kamadhenu, (a cow yielding every thing as desired.) when she was addressed by saying "Give" she always gave what was desired.

O Arjuna, the Rishi received from her various wild fruits and grown corn of gardens and fields, milk, many excellent nutritious viands filled with six different kinds of juice which was like ambrosia itself, various other kinds of enjoyable things of ambrosial taste, things for drinking and eating, for lapping and sucking and many precious gems and various costly robes. With these desirable objects in profusion, the king (Vishvamitra) was worshipped. And he with his ministers and troops was became exceedingly glad.

He (Vishvamitra) became very much astonished to see that cow which had six elevated limbs, beautiful flanks and hips, fine broad limbs, frog-like prominent eyes, beautiful size, high udders, faultless make, straight and up-lifted ears, handsome horns and well-developed head and neck.

O prince, that king, the son of Gadhi, was exceedingly gratified with all that he saw and very much praising (the cow) Nandini he thus spoke to the Rishi (Vasishtha),

"O Brahmana, O great Rishi, give me (your) Nandini (cow) in exchange of ten thousand kine, or of my kingdom. Give her to me and enjoy my kingdom.

Vasishtha said:
O sinless one, this milk-giving cow is kept by me for the purposes of the celestials, the Pitris and the guests and for my scarifies. Nandini cannot he given (to you) in exchange of even your kingdom.

Vishvamitra said:
I am a Kshatriya and your respected self is a Brahmana devoted to study and asceticism. Is there prowess in Brahmanas who are peaceful and have their souls under control?

When you do not give me what I desire to have in exchange of ten thousand kine, I shall not abandon the duty of my race (that of the Kshatriya). I will take your cow by force.

Vasishtha said:
You are a powerful king, you are a Kshatriya possessing great strength of arms; do what you desire without delay and without stopping to consider over it.

The Gandharva said:
O Partha, having been thus addressed, Vishvamitra then sized the cow Nandini as white as the swan or the moon.

He dragged her hither and thither and afflicted her by striking her with a stick. The blessed Nandini cried piteously and came near Vasishtha.

O Partha, she stood near him with up-lifted face staring at the illustrious Rishi. Though very much ill-treated, she did not quit the Rishi's hermitage.

Vasishtha said:
O amiable Nandini, you are crying again and again and I hear your cries. But Vishvamitra is taking you away by force; what can I do? I am a forgiving Brahmana.

The Gandharva said:
O best of the Bharata race, being alarmed at the sight of Vishvamitra's troops and being terrified by Vishvamitra himself, Nandini came closer to Vasishtha.

Nandini said:
O illustrious Sir, I am afflicted by the stripes of the fearful troops of Vishvamitra. I am crying piteously like one who has none; why are you so indifferent to me?

The Gandharva said:
The great Rishi did not lose his patience, nor did he depart from his vow of forgiveness on hearing the words of the crying and persecuted Nandini.

Vasishtha said:
The might of the Kshatriyas lies in their physical strength, that of the Brahmanas lies in their forgiveness. I cannot give up forgiveness. If you like, you can go.

Nandini said:
O illustrious Sir, have you abandoned me that you say so? O Brahmana, if you do not abandon me, I cannot be taken away by force.

Vasishtha said:
O blessed one, I do not abandon you. Stay if you can. Your calf, tied with a strong rope, is (even now) being carried away by force.

The Gandharva said:
Having heard the word 'Stay,' that cow of Vasishtha (Nandini) raised up her head and neck and became fearful to look at.

With eyes red in anger and with repeated roars, she then attacked Vishvamitra's troop on all sides.

Afflicted with their stripes and being dragged hither and thither, her anger (doubly) increased and her eyes became red in wrath.

Blazing in anger, she soon become fearful to look at as the sun at mid day. She began incessantly to shower burning coals from her tail.

A few moments after she brought forth from her tail an army of Palhavas, from her udders an army of Dravidas and Shakas, from her womb an army of Yavanas, from her dung an army of Shabaras.

From her urine an army of Kanchis and from her sides an army of Saravanas; and from the froth of her mouth that cow created hosts of Kiratas, Yavanas, Singhalas, Barbaras, Chibuakas, Pulindas, Chinas, Hunas and Keralas and many other Mlecchas.

Those large armies of Miecchas, cloud in various uniforms and armed with various weapons, as soon as they sprang into life, spreading all around attacked before his very sight the troops of Vishvamitra, five or seven attacking one.

Assailed with a great shower of weapons, Vishvamitra's troops before his very sight broke and fled panic stricken in all directions.

O best of the Bharata race, though greatly excited with anger, the troops of Vasishtha did not take the life of any of Vishvamitra's troops.

That cow (Nandini) simply drove the troops (of Vishvamitra) to a distance. Being thus driven full seventy seven miles, the troops of Vishvamitra,

Becoming panic-stricken, cried aloud and did see none who could protect them. Seeing this great and wonderful feat of the Brahma might,

Vishvamitra become disgusted with the Kshatriya might and spoke thus, "Fie on the Kshatriya prowess? The Brahma might is the true might.

In judging of strength and weakness, I see asceticism is true strength." Thereupon that best of kings abandoning his kingdom and regal splendour,

And turning his back on all pleasures, set his mind on asceticism, he filled the world with his effulgence.

Afflicted all with his effulgence, he became a Brahmana. The son of Kushika, (Vishvamitra) at last drank the Soma (ambrosia) with Indra himself.

The Gandharva said:
O Partha there was a king named Kalmashapada in this world. He belonged to the race of Ikshaku and he was matchless in prowess.

One day the king came out of his capital for the purpose of hunting. That chastiser of foes pierced (with his arrows) many deer and boars.

He also killed in that greatly fearful forest many rhinoceroses. Thus killing (animals) for a long period, the king became tried and refrained from it.

(One day) when the king, whom the greatly powerful Vishvamitra desired to make his spiritual disciple, was proceeding through the forest afflicted with hunger and thirst he met with that best of Rishis, the high-souled son of Vasishtha, the illustrious perpetuator of Vasishtha's race, the eldest of the one hundred sons of the illustrious Rishi Vasishtha, known by the name of Shakti, coming along the same path from an opposite direction.

The king said, Stand out of our way." Thereupon the Rishi spoke thus in a conciliatory manner and in sweet words,

"O great king, this is my way. This is eternal religion. The king should yield the way to the Brahmanas according to all the precepts of religion."

Thus they addressed each other respected their right of way. "Stand aside," "Stand aside," were the words they said to each other.

The Rishi, being in the right, did not yield; the king also did not yield out of anger and pride.

Being enraged on seeing the Rishi decline to yield the way to him, that best of kings, acted like a Rakshasa and he struck him violently with his whips.

That best of Rishis, the son of Vasishtha, being thus struck by the whip, was deprived of his (good) senses and out of anger, cursed that best of kings.

The Rishi said:
O worst of kings, as you injure an ascetic a Rakshasas, you shall from this day be a cannibal. O worst of kings, go hence. You shall wander over the world eating human flesh.

At this time Vishvamitra, with whom Vasishtha had a great quarrel on the matter of becoming the priest (of the king Kalmashapada), came to the place (where Vasishtha's son and the king were.)

O Partha, the Rishi of severe ascetic penances, the powerful Vishvamitra, came there where they were both quarrelling.

Thereupon after the curse on the excellent king (had been uttered) he came to know that the Rishi was the son of Vasishtha as powerful as Vasishtha himself.

O descendant of Bharata, being desirous of benefiting himself, Vishvamitra remained there concealed from the sight of both by making himself invisible.

Then that best of kings, (Kalmashapada), having been thus cursed by Shakti, asked the protection of Shakti by humbly beseeching him.

O best of the Kuru race, knowing the disposition of the king, Vishvamitra ordered a Rakshasas to enter the king's body.

Obedient to Shakti's curse and Vishvamitra's order, a Rakshasas, named Kinkara, then entered the king body.

O chastiser of foes, knowing that the Rakshasas had entered the body of the king, that best of Rishis, Vishvamitra, left the place and went away.

O Partha, then the king, being thus possessed by the Rakshasas and terribly afflicted by him, lost all his senses.

A certain Brahmana saw the king roaming in the forest, being hungry, he begged of the king some food with meat.

The royal sage (Kalmashapada) with his friends said to the Brahmana, "O Brahmana, Stay here for a moment,

On my return I shall give you whatever food you desire to have." Having said this, the king went away, but that excellent Brahmana remained there.

O Partha, that high-minded king, after roaming at pleasure and at will (for sometime), returned (to his palace) and entered the inner-apartment.

Waking at midnight and remembering his promise to the Brahmana, the king soon summoned his cook and spoke to him thus.

The King said:
Go at once to the forest where a Brahmana is waiting for me in the hope of getting food. Go and entertain him with food and meat.

The Gandharva said:
Having been thus addressed, the cook (went away in search of meat), but having failed to procure any meat, he sorrowfully informed the king (of his failure).

The king, possessed as he was by the Rakshasas, again said to the cook without any scruple, "Feed him with human flesh."

Saying "Be it so," the cook went to the place where the executioners were and he soon took from them human flesh.

He washed it and then properly cooked it and then covering it with boiled rice, he gave it to the hungry ascetic Brahmana.

That excellent Brahmana, seeing by his ascetic eye that the food was unworthy of being eaten, thus spoke with his eyes red in anger.

The Brahmana said:
Because that worst of kings offers me unworthy food, therefore that fool himself will be fond of such food.

Becoming fond of human flesh as cursed by Shakti before, he shall wander over the earth, persecuting all creatures.

The Gandharva said:
The curse on the king, thus repeated for the second time, became very strong. And the king being possessed of the Rakshasas disposition, soon lost all his senses.

Thereupon, O descendant of Bharata, that best of kings, having been deprived of all his senses by the Rakshasas within him and having seen before him Shakti who had cursed him, said,

"Because you have inflicted upon me this extraordinary curse, therefore, I shall commence my life of cannibalism by eating you.

Having said this, the king immediately killed Shakti and ate him up as a tiger eats up the animal it is fond of.

Having seen Shakti thus killed, Vishvamitra again urged that Rakshasas (within the king) to kill the other sons of Vasishtha.

He (the Rakshasas) devoured in anger all the sons of the illustrious Vasishtha, the younger brothers of Shakti as a lion devours small animals.

Having learnt that his sons had been caused to be killed by Vishvamitra, Vasishtha patiently bore his grief, as the great mountain bears the earth.

That best of Rishis, that foremost of all intelligent men (Vasishtha), resolved rather to sacrifice his own life than to exterminate the race of the Kushikas.

The illustrious Rishi threw himself down from the summit of the Meru mountain, but he descended on the stony ground as if it was a heap of cotton.

O son of Pandu, when the illustrious (Rishi) found that he was not killed by that fall, he made a huge fire in that great forest and entered it.

The fire, through blazing fearfully, did not consume him. O chastiser of foes, that blazing fire seemed to him cool.

Then seeing the sea (before him), the great Rishi, affected with grief, tied a heavy stone to his neck and threw himself into its waters.

The great Rishi was with great force brought by the waves to the shore. He then returned to his hermitage with a sorrowful heart.

The Gandharva said:
Seeing his hermitage bereft of his children, the Rishi, afflicted with grief, again came out of it.

O Partha, (in course of his wandering), he saw a river swollen with the waters of the rainy season, it was sweeping away many trees and plants that grew on its banks.

O descendant of Kuru, seeing this, the sorrowful Rishi began to ponder and thought that he would certainly be killed if he fell into its waters.

Thereupon the great Rishi tied himself with very strong cords and fell in grief into the waters of that great river.

O chastiser of hostile ranks, the river, having torn those cords and making him free of them, cast him on the land.

Having been freed from the cords, the great Rishi rose (from the shore) and he gave that river the name of Vipasha.

Being oppressed with grief, that Rishi could not from that time stay at one place. He went to the mountains, rivers and lakes.

Seeing once more the river Himavati of terrible appearance and full of fierce animals, the Rishi threw himself into its waters.

That best of rivers, thinking the Brahmana to be fire, immediately fled away in a hundred different streams and thence was she called the Shatadru.

Thereupon, seeing himself again in dry land (he said), "(Alas)! I am not able to die by my own hands." Saying this, (the Rishi) again went to (his own) hermitage.

When he was thus returning, crossing various mountains and countries, his daughter-in-law Adrishyanti was following him.

He heard from behind, as she neared him, the sound of the well-explained recitations of the Vedas with its six ornaments (of elocution).

He said, "Who is it that follows me?" His daughter-in-law replied, "I am Adrishyanti, the wife of Shakti. I am an ascetic woman, engaged in asceticism."

Vasishtha said:
O daughter, whose is this sound of the recitations of the Vedas with their Angas, that is heard by me and (which is exactly) like the recitations of the Vedas and the Angas by Shakti?

Adrishyanti said :
In my womb is a child begotten by your son Shakti. He has been here (studying the Vedas) for twelve years. You have heard the recitations (of the Vedas) by that Rishi.

The Gandharva said :
Having been thus addressed by her, that best of Rishis, Vasishtha, became exceedingly glad. O Partha, saying, 'There is a child (of my race)", he refrained from self-destruction.

The sinless (Rishi), accomplished by his daughter-in-law, returned (to his hermitage). He saw (one day) Kalmashapada sitting in a solitary forest.

O descendant of Bharata, on seeing him the king at once rose in anger and as he was possessed with the Rakshasas, he desired to devour the Rishi.

Seeing that king of cruel deeds, Adrishyanti spoke thus to Vasishtha in anxiety and fear,

O illustrious Sir, the fearful Rakshasas (looking) like Death himself armed with his staff is coming towards us with a wooden club in his hand.

O illustrious Sir, O best of all learned men in the Vedas, there is none else except you in the world who can restrain him today.

O illustrious Sir, save me from this cruel wretch of fearful appearance. The Rakshasas is certainly coming towards us to devour us.

Vasishtha said :
O daughter, do not fear; there is nothing to be afraid of from any Rakshasas. There is no fear from Rakshasas whom you see coming.

He is the king Kalmashapada celebrated in the world as being a very powerful (monarch). That fearful man lives in this forest.

The Gandharva said :
O descendant of Bharata, the illustrious and the effulgent Rishi Vasishtha, seeing him advancing, stopped him by uttering a loud roar.

Sprinkling over him water sanctified by Mantras (incantations), he freed the king from the terrible curse.

He (the king) had been overwhelmed by the effulgence of Vasishtha's son as the sun by the planet (Rahu) at the time of an eclipse.

Having been thus freed from the Rakshasas by that Brahmana (Vasishtha) the king illuminated the great forest by his splendour, as the sun illuminates the evening clouds.

Regaining his consciousness, the king saluted the Rishi with joined hands and he thus spoke to that best of Rishis Vasishtha.

"O illustrious Sir, I am the son of Saudasa; O excellent Rishi, I am your disciple. Tell me what is your desire now and what I am to do."

Vasishtha said :
O king of men, my desire has been fulfilled at the proper time. Return to your kingdom and rule your subjects. Never (again) disregard the Brahmanas.

The King said :
O illustrious sir, I shall never again disregard the best Brahmanas. In obedience to your command, I shall properly worship the Brahmanas.

O best of the twice-born, O best of all men learned in the Vedas. I desire to obtain from you that by which I may be freed from the debt I owe to the race of Ikshaku.

O excellent man, you should grant me a son, I desire to have, who will posses beauty, accomplishments and good behaviour.

The Gandharva said :
The best of the twice born, ever devoted to truth Vasishtha, replied to that great bowman, the king saying, "I will give."

O king of men, after sometime, Vasishtha, accompanied by him (the king), went to his capital, known all over the world by the name of Ayodhya.

The people came out in joy to receive the sinless and the illustrious one, as the celestials do their chief (Indra).

The accompanied by the great Rishi Vasishtha entered without delay his auspicious capital.

The citizens of Ayodhya saw the king accompanied by his priest (Vasishtha), as if he were the rising sun.

The king, most handsome of all handsome men, filled Ayodhya with the whole sky with his splendour.

His (king's) mind was filled with joy on seeing that excellent city with its well-watered and well-swept streets and with banners and pendants flying all around.

O descendant of Kuru, that city, full of well-fed and happy men, looked as gay as Amravati with the presence oflndra.

After the royal sage (the king Kalmashapada) had entered that excellent city, the queen at his command, came to Vasishtha.

The best of Rishis, Vasishtha, made an agreement with her and he united himself with her according to the highest ordinance.

Thereupon, when the queen conceived by him, that best of Rishis (Vasishtha), receiving the salutation of the king, went away to his hermitage.

When she had borne the conception for a long time, the illustrious lady tore open her womb with a piece of stone.

Thus was born after a conception of twelve years that best of men, that royal sage, Ashmaka, who founded Pandava (a city).

The Gandharva said:
O king, residing in the hermitage, Adrishyanti gave birth to a son who was the perpetuator of Shakti's race and who was like a second Shakti.

O best of the Bharata race, that best of Rishis, that illustrious man (Vasishtha), himself performed the usual birth ceremonies of his grandson.

Because the Rishi Vasishtha had determined to kill himself, but had refrained from doing it as soon as he heard of the conception, the child (when born) was known in the world by the name of Parashara.

That virtuous-minded man (Parashara) knew from the day of his birth Vasishtha as his father and behaved towards him as such.

O son of Kunti, O chastiser of foes the child called the Brahmana Rishi Vasishtha as "father" before his mother Adrishyanti.

Hearing the well explained word "father" uttered sweetly by her son, Adrishyanti with tearful eyes thus spoke to him,

'O child, do not address your father's father as your father. O son, your father was devoured by a Rakshasas in another forest.

O sinless one, he is not your father whom you consider to be (your father). The reverend man is the father of your illustrious father."

Having been thus addressed, that truthful and excellent Rishi became grieved and that high-souled man resolved to destroy the whole creation.

Seeing him resolved in doing this, that high-souled and greatly ascetic Rishi, that best of all men learned in the Vedas, that son of Mitravaruna, that Rishi acquainted with the positive truth, Vasishtha, prevented him (from accomplishing his desire by arguments). Hear them (now).

Vasishtha said:
There was a great king, known by the name of Kritavirya. That best of kings was in the world the disciple of the Veda knowing Bhrigus.

O child, after performing the Soma sacrifice, the king gratified the revivers of the first portions of Yagna (Brahmanas) with large presents of rice and wealth.

When that best of kings went to heaven, his descendants were in want of wealth.

Knowing that the Bhrigus were rich, those kings all went in the grab of baggers to those best of Bhrigus.

Some of the Bhrigus to save their wealth buried it under the earth and some from the fear of Kshatriyas gave away their wealth to the Brahmanas.

O son, some of the Bhrigus, finding no other alternative, gave their wealth to the Kshatriyas as much as they desired.

(It happened, however) that some Kshatriyas, in digging at pleasure a certain house of a Bhrigu, came upon a large treasure.

All those best of Kshatriyas assembled there saw that treasure. Enraged at the supposed deceitful conduct of the Bhrigu, those great men killed them all with their arrows, through they asked for protection. Roaming over the world, they killed even the embryos (that were in the wombs of the Bhrigu-women.)

When they were thus killed, many Bhrigu Women fled in fear and took shelter in the inaccessible mountains of the Himalayas.

One among them, a lady of tapering things, desiring to perpetuate her husband's race, kept a greatly energetic embryo hidden in one of her things.

A Brahmana woman came to know this fact and she went to the Kshatriyas and out of fear reported it to them.

Thereupon the Kshatriyas went with the intention of destroying that embryo and saw the Brahmana lady blazing in her own splendour.

On this the child in her thing came out tearing open the thigh and dazzling the eyes of the Kshatriyas like a mid day sun.

Thereupon they (the Kshatriyas), having been deprived of their sight, began to wander over those inaccessible hills. Being very much distressed for the protection of the faultless Brahmana lady in order to get back their sight.

Afflicted with sorrow and looking like fire blown out on account of the loss of sight, those Kshatriyas addressed that illustrious lady with anxious heart.

"When we shall be restored to sight by your grace, we shall go away together with our sinful acts.

O handsome lady, you with your son should show mercy on us. You should favour these kings by granting them their sight."

The Brahmani said:
O children, I have not taken your eyesight, nor am I angry with you. This child of the Bhrigu race is certainly angry with you.

O children, there is no doubt your eyesight has been destroyed by this high-souled (Garbha) whose wrath has been kindled on remembering the massacre of his race.

O children, when you were destroying even the embryos of the Bhrigu race, this child was held by in my thigh for one hundred years.

So that he may do good to the Bhrigu race, the entire Vedas with their six Angas came to him when he was in the womb.

Being enraged at the slaughter of his fathers; he desires to kill you, it is by his celestials effulgence that your eye-sight has been destroyed.

O children, therefore, pray to my this excellent son, born of my thigh. Propitiated by your homage and by your bowing down your head to him, he may restore your eye-sight.

Having been thus addressed, all the kings addressed that thigh-born child, saying 'Be propitious"; and the child became propitious to them.

As he was born after tearing open his mother's thigh, that excellent Brahmana came to be know throughout the world by the name of Aurva.

Regaining their eye-sight, the kings returned (to their homes) and that descendant of Bhrigu resolved in his mind to overcome the world.

Vasishtha said:
O child, the high-souled man set his heart on the destruction of all creatures. In order to pay homage to his massacred ancestors, the descendant of the Bhrigu race engaged himself in the severest penances with the object of destroying the whole creation.

He afflicted the worlds with the celestials, the Asuras and the men by his greatly serve penances; and he thus gratified his ancestors.

On learning what their son was doing in order to gratify their race, the Pitris all came to him from their region and said.

The Pitris said:
O Aurva, O son, fierce you have become by your asceticism. Your power has been seen by us. Be propitious to the worlds; control your anger.

O child, it was not from incapacity that the self-controlled Bhrigus were all indifferent to their own destruction caused by the murderous Kshatriyas.

O child, when we grew tried with our long life, then it was that we desired our own death at the hands of the Kshatriyas.

The wealth that the Bhrigus have kept hidden under the earth had been placed there with the object of enraging the Kshatriyas and creating a quarrel with them.

O best of the twice born, of what use could wealth be to us who were desirous of obtaining heaven? Our treasurer (in heaven) has kept large treasures for us.

When we found that death could by no means overtake us all, then, O child, we considered this to be the best means (of destroying us.)

O child, those that commit suicide never attain to the blessed regions. Considering this, we abstained from self-destruction.

O child, that which you desire to do is not pleasing to us. Therefore, control your mind and abstain from overcoming the whole world.

O child, O son, do not destroy your this anger which stains your ascetic effulgence.

Arjuna said:
O Pitris, the vow I uttered in anger for the destruction of all the worlds must not be in vain.

I cannot to be one whose anger and vows are fruitless. This my anger will certainly consume me (if I do not accomplish my vow), as fire consumes the dry wood.

The men, who suppresses his anger excited by a just cause, becomes incapable of duly compassing the Three varga (Dharma, Artha and Kama.)

The wrath, that the kings, desirous of subjugating the whole world, display, has its use. It serves to restrain the wicked and protect the honest.

When I was lying unborn within my mother and other women of the Bhrigu race as they were being massacred by the Kshatriyas.

O Pitris, when those wretches, the Kshatriyas, were exterminating the Bhrigus together with the unborn children to their race, anger filled my soul.

My mother and the other women of our race, each in a state of advanced pregnancy and my father also, though exceedingly afflicted, did not get a protector in all the world.

When the Bhrigu women did not find a single protector, my blessed mother held me (hidden) in one other thighs.

If there be a punisher of crimes in the world, no one in all the worlds could dare commit a crime.

If sin does not find any punisher, then many men live in sinful acts.

The man who having power to punish sin, does not do so, knowing that a sin has been committed, is himself defiled by that sin.

The kings and others, who were capable of protecting my fathers, did not protect them, neglecting to perform their duty by giving themselves up to the pleasures of life.

Therefore, I have just cause to be enraged. I am the lord of creation, I am incapable of obeying your command.

Capable as I am of punishing this crime, if I abstain from doing it, men will once more have to undergo a similar persecution.

The fire of my wrath, which is ready to consume the worlds, if suppressed, will certainly consume me by its own energy.

O masters, I know you always seek the good of the worlds. Therefore, instruct me as to what may be good to myself or to the worlds.

The Pitris said:
Throw this fire of your wrath which desires to consume the worlds into the waters. That will do you good. The worlds rest on water.

Every juicy substance is full of water;
indeed the whole universe is full of water. Therefore, O best of the twice born, throw this your anger into the waters.

O Brahmana, if you desire it, let this fire of your wrath remain in the great ocean, consuming its water, for we have heard the worlds are made of water.

O sinless one, in this way your word will be made true and the worlds with the celestials will not be destroyed.

Vasishtha said:
Thereupon Aurva threw the fire of his wrath into the abode of Varuna (sea) and that fire consumes the waters of the great ocean.

Assuming a greatly fearful head (that of a horse) and emitting fire from its mouth, it consumes the waters of the great ocean. The men learned in the Vedas call it Vadabamukha.

O Parashara, O foremost of all wise men, you are acquainted with the higher regions, you should not destroy the world.

The Gandharva said:
Having been thus addressed by the illustrious Vasishtha, the Brahmana Rishi (Parashara) controlled his word destroying wrath.

But the greatly effulgent Parashara, the son of Shakti, the foremost of all persons learned in the Vedas, performed a great Rakshasas sacrifice.

Remembering the slaughter of Shakti, the great Rishi began to consume the Rakshasas, young and old, in the sacrifice that he performed.

Vasishtha from his desire of not obstructing this second vow (of his grandson) did not prevent him from destroying the Rakshasas.

The great Rishi (Parashara) sat in that sacrifice before three blazing fires, himself looking a fourth fire.

Like the sun emerged from the clouds, the firmament was illuminated by that stainless sacrifice in which large were the libation of ghee poured.

Then Vasishtha and the other Rishis regarded that Rishi, blazing with his own energy, as if he were a second sun.

Then the great and the liberal-minded » Rishi Atri came to that place with the desire of ending that sacrifice, a highly difficult act for any others.

O chastiser of foes, there also came Pulaha, Kratu and Mahakratu with the desire of saving the Rakshasas.

O best of the Bharata race, O Partha, seeing that many Rakshasas had been already killed, Pulastya spoke thus to that chastiser of foes, Parashara,

"O child, I hope there is no obstruction to your this sacrifice. Do you take, Pleasure, O child, in destroying the Rakshasas who know nothing of your father's death.

You should not thus destroy all creatures. O sun, it is not a (proper) act for the Brahmanas devoted to asceticism.

O Parashara, peace is the highest virtue; therefore practice peace. O Parashara, being such a superior man, you (should not) consider sinful acts to be for your good.

You should not transgress against Shakti who was learned in all the precepts of religion. You should not exterminate my creatures.

O son of Vasishtha, what befell your father ali came upon him on account of his own curse. It Vv^as for his own fault that Shakti was taken to haven.

O Rishi, on Rakshasas was capable of devouring him; he himself provided for his death.

O Parashara, Vishvamitra was mere an instrument in that matter. The king Kalmashapada, also ascending heaven, enjoy great happiness.

Shakti and other sons of the great Rishi Vasishtha are all even now in great happiness enjoying themselves with the celestials.

O great Rishi, all this was known to Vasishtha. O child, O grandson of Vasishtha, you have been in this sacrifice only an instrument in the destruction of those innocent Rakshasas. Be blessed. Give up this sacrifice. Let it come to an end.

The Gandharva said:
Having been thus addressed by Pulastya and the intelligent Vasishtha, the great Rishi, the son of Shakti (Parashara), brought that sacrifice to an end.

He (Parashara) threw away the fire that was kindled for the Rakshasas-sacrifice into the great forest on the north of the Himalayas.

There that fire may be seen to this day, always devouring in all seasons the Rakshasas, trees and stones.

Arjuna said:
Why did the king Kalmashapada command his to do to his preceptor, that foremost of all men learned in the Vedas?

Why did that great and illustrious Rishi Vasishtha, knowing as he knew all the great precepts of religion, went to a woman to whom he should not go?

O friend, was this an act of sin on the part of Vasishtha? I ask, you should remove my these doubts.

The Gandharva said:
O Dhananjaya, O irrepressible hero, listen to me as I answer the question you have asked me in respect of Vasishtha and that chastiser of foes the king (Kalmashapada).

O best of the Bharata race, I have told you how the king Kalmashapada was cursed by Shakti, the illustrious son of Vasishtha.

Thus coming under the influence of that curse, that chastiser of foes, the king with his eyes whirling in anger came out of the city with his wife.

Going to a solitary forest, he roamed with his wife. He roamed under the influence of the cures in the terribly resounding forest, abounding in various beasts and other animals, overgrown with numerous plants and creepers and fall of many large trees.

One day becoming very much oppressed with exceeding hunger, he searched for some food. He saw in a certain solitary wood.

A Brahmana and a Brahmani engaged in sexual intercourse. Seeing him they fled away in fear, their desire being unfulfilled.

Pursuing them the king seized the Brahmana by force. Seeing her husband thus seized, the Brahmani said,

"O king of excellent vows, listen to what I say; it is known all over the world that you are born in the solar dynasty.

You are always steadily engaged in Performing virtuous acts, you are ever engaged in serving your superiors; O irresistible hero, though you are deprived of your senses by the curse, you should not commit sin.

On my season's coming, I was united with my husband in order to get offspring; but I have not been successful.

O best of kings, be propitious to me, liberate my husband." While she was thus crying, the king like a cruel wretch devoured her husband as a lion devours a deer. The tears that fell from eyes on the ground on account of her anger.

Played up like a fire and consumed every thing in that place. Then afflicted with the death other husband,

The Brahmani cursed the royal sage Kalmashapada in anger. "O wretch, because you have to day cruelly devoured in my very sight my illustrious and beloved husband when I was not gratified, therefore you shall by my curse meet with an instant death when you will unite yourself with your wife in season. That Rishi Vasishtha, whose son you have devoured,

Will unite himself with your wife to beget a son . O worst of kings, that son will be the perpetuator of your race."

Having thus cursed him, that blessed lady of the Angirasa race entered the blazing fire in his very presence.

O chastiser of foes, the illustrious Vasishtha immediately know all this by his great asceticism and spiritual sight.

After a long time the royal sage (Kalmashapada) became freed from the curse. And (then one day) he went to his wife Madayanti in her season, but she prevented him.

Maddened by desire, the king had no recollection of the curse. Hearing the words of the lady (his wife), that best of kings become very much alarmed.

O best of kings, recollecting the curse, he was very sorry for what he had done. It was for this reason and on account of the Brahmani’s curse the king appointed Vasishtha to beget a son on his wife.

Arjuna said:
O Gandharva, you are acquainted with every thing. Tell us therefore what Veda-knowing Brahmana is fit, to be appointed as our priest?

The Gandharva said:
There is a shrine in this forest, it is called Utkochaka. The younger brother of Devala, Dhaumya, is engaged there in ascetic penances. If you desire, you can appoint him as priest.

Vaishampayana said:
Then Arjuna, being highly pleased, gave the Gandharva his fire-weapon with due ceremonials; and he thus spoke to him,

"O best of the Gandharvas, let the horses you give us remain with you for sometime. When the time will come, we shall take them from you. Then he said to him, " Be blessed" "Be blessed."

Then the Gandharva and the Pandavas, respectfully saluting one another, left the charming banks of the Bhagirathi and went away wherever they liked.

Thereupon, O descendant of Bharata, the Pandavas went to the shrine of Utkochaka and to the hermitage of Dhaumya. They them installed Dhaumya as their priest.

Dhaumya, the foremost of all men learned in the Vedas, received them with the offerings of wild fruits and roots and consented to be their priest.

Having obtained that Brahmana as their priest, the Pandavas with their mother, constituting the sixth of the Party, thought their wealth and kingdom had been already regained and the daughter of the Panchala king already obtained in the Svaimvara. Those best of the Bharata race, having obtained the preceptor Dhaumya as their priest, considered themselves as placed under a protector.

The preceptor (Dhaumya) was acquainted with the mystery of the Vedas; he was liberal minded, he made the virtue and all-knowing sons ofPritha his spiritual disciples.

That Brahmana, seeing those heroes endued with intelligence, strength and perseverance like the celestials, considered that they were already restored to their wealth and sovereignty by virtue of their own accomplishments.

Benedictions having been uttered on them by that Brahmana, those kings of men resolved to go with him to the Svaimvara in the country of the Panchalas.

Mahabharata

Chaitraratha Parva

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