Part 10

Hearing those words of the intelligent Kucanabha, his hundred daughters touching his feet with their heads, said, --'O king, that life of all, the Air, was desirous of overcoming us, having recourse to an improper way; nor did he regard morality.--We have a father, good betide thee; and have no will of our own. Do thou ask our father about it, if he consent conferring us on thee.--But that wicked wight did not listen to our words; and as we were saying this, were we roughly handled by him.' Hearing those words of theirs, the highly pious and puissant king addressed his hundred beautiful daughters, saying,--'Ye have displayed a signal example of that forgiveness which is fit to be followed by the forbearing; and that ye have unanimously regarded the honor of my house, also conduces to your praise. Alike to men and women, forbearance is an ornament. And difficult it is for one to exercise that forbearance, specially in respect of the celestials. And may every descendant of mine possess forbearance like unto yours! Forbearance is charity; forbearance is truth; forbearance, O daughters, is sacrifice; forbearance is fame; forbearance is virtue,--yea,the universe is established in forbearance. Then dismissing his daughters, the king endowed with the prowess of celestials,and versed in counsel, began to consult with his counsellors about the bestowal of his daughters in respect of time and place and person and equality of lineage. And it came to pass that at this time an ascetic named Chuli, highly effulgent, with his vital fluid under control, and of pure practices, was performing Brahmya austerities. And as the saint was engaged in austerities, good betide thee, Urmila's daughter named Somada--a Gandharbi--ministered unto him. And in all humility that virtuous one for a definite period was engaged in ministering unto him. And thereat, her spiritual guide was gratified with her. And, O descendant of Raghu, once he said unto her,--'I am gratified good betide thee! What good shall I render thee? Thereupon, concluding that the ascetic was gratified, the Gandharbi, cognizant of words, exceedingly delighted, sweetly addressed that one versed in speech,--'Thou art furnished with the Brahmya fire, art like Brahma himself, and of mighty austerities. I desire of thee a righteous son endowed with the Brahmya ascetic virtues. I am without a husband, good betide thee, and I am no one's wife. Upon me who am thy servant, thou shouldst confer such a son by help of Brahmya means.' Thereupon, well pleased with her, the Brahmarshi Chulina conferred upon her an excellent Brahmya mind-begotten son, named Brahmadatta. And that king, Brahmadatta, founded the flourishing city of Kampilya,even as the sovereign of the celestials founded the celestial regions. And, O Kakutstha, the righteous king Kucanabha finally decided on conferring his hundred daughters upon Brahmadatta. And inviting Brahmadatta that highly energetic lord of earth, with a glad heart conferred his hundred daughters upon him. And, O descendant of Raghu, king Brahmadatta resembling the lord himself of the celestials, by turns received their hands in marriage. And as soon as he touched them, the hundred daughters were cured of their crookedness, and became free from anguish, and were endowed with pre-eminent beauty, And upon beholding them delivered from (the tyranny of) the Air, the monarch Kucanabha became exceedingly delighted, and rejoiced again and again. And he dismissed the newly married lord of earth, king Brahmadatta, in company with his consorts and the priests. And the Gandharbi Somada rejoiced exceedingly at the completion of the nuptials of her son; and embracing her daughters-in-law again and again, and extolling her son, she expressed the fulness of her joy."

SECTION XXXIV.

'And, O Raghava, when Brahmadatta was married, that sonless one, (Kucanabha), with the intention of obtaining male offspring, took in hand a son-conferring sacrifice. And when the sacrifice had commenced, that son of Brahma, the exceedingly noble Kuca, spake unto king Kucanabha, saying, 'O son, there will be born unto thee a virtuous son like to thyself: thou wilt obtain even Gadhi,--and through him enduring fame in this world.' Having said this unto king Kucanabha, Kuca, O Rama, entering the welkin, went to the eternal regions of Brahma. Then after sometime, an eminently virtuous son, named Gadhi, was born to the intelligent Kucanabha. O Kakutstha, even that highly pious Gadhi is my sire. And, O descendant of Raghu I, called Kaucika, am sprung from Kuca's line. And, O Raghava, I had a sister of noble vows born before me. And her name was Satyavati; and she was bestowed upon Richika. And following her lord, she ascended heaven in her own proper person. And my highly generous sister, Kauciki, hath finally assumed the form of a mighty river. And in order to compass the welfare of all creatures, my sister is now a noble and charming river of sacred waters, issuing from the Himavat mountains. And thenceforth, out of affection for my sister, Kauciki, I ever dwell happily in the vicinity of the Himavat, O Raghava. And that virtuous Kauciki, Satyavati, as well established in religion as truth, and chaste, and eminently pious, is now the foremost of streams. And, O Rama it is only for the purpose of completing my sacrifice that leaving her behind, I have come to Siddhacrama. And now by virtue of thy energy, have I attained fruition. Now, O Rama, I have narrated unto thee the circumstances connected with the history of my line and myself, as also of this place, O mighty-armed one,--which thou hadst asked me to relate. But, O Kakutstha, while I was speaking, half the night hath been spent. Do thou now sleep, good betide thee,--so that thou mayst not feel any difficulty while on the journey. The trees stand motionless, and the beasts and birds are silent, and, O descendant of Raghu, all sides have become enveloped in nocturnal gloom. The midnight is gradually passing away; and the firmament thick-studded with stars resembling eyes, is illumined up with their light. And that dispeller of darkness, the mild-beaming moon, is rising, gladdening the hearts of all creatures with his splendour. And night-ranging beings--terrible carnivorous Yakshas and Rakshasas-- walk hither and thither." Having said this, the mighty ascetic of exceeding energy paused. And those ascetics honoring him, said,--"Excellent! Excellent! This line belonging to the Kucikas is ever exalted and devoted to virtue, And those foremost of men sprung in the Kuca race are high-souled and like unto Brahmarshis--and specially thou, O illustrious Vicwamitra, art so. And that best of streams, Kauciki, hath added lustre unto thy line." and the auspicious son of Kucika having been extolled by those delighted ascetics--the foremost of their order--slept, like unto the sun, when setting. And Rama too along with Sumitra's son having in admiration praised that best of ascetics, enjoyed the luxury of slumber.

SECTION XXXV.

Having in company with the ascetics passed the remainder of the night on the banks of the Sona, Vicwamitra, when the day broke, spake,--"O Rama, the night hath passed away, and the morn hath come. The hour for performing the prior devotions hath arrived. Arise! arise! good betide thee! Do thou prepare for going." Hearing these words of his, Rama, having finished his morning devotions and rites, and ready for departure said,--"This is the Sona, of excellent waters, fathomless, and studded with islets. O Brahmana, by which way shall we cross?" Thus addressed by Rama, Vicwamitra replied,--"Even this path hath been fixed upon by me,--that, namely, which the Maharsais go." And having proceeded far, when the day had been half spent they beheld that foremost of streams, the Jahnavi, worshipped by ascetics. And having beheld that river furnished with sacred waters, and frequented by swans and cranes, the ascetics who accompanied Raghava were exceedingly delighted. And they took up their quarters on the banks of the river. And then having bathed and duly offered oblations of water unto the gods and the manes of their ancestors, and performed Agnihotra[51] sacrifices, and partaken of clarified butter like unto nectar, those high-souled and auspicious ones, with glad hearts, sat down, surrounding Vicwamitra. And the descendants of Raghu also sat down, occupying prominent places as befitted their rank. Then Rama with a heart surcharged with cheerfulness spake unto Vicwamitra, saying,--"O adorable one, I desire to hear how the Ganga flowing in three directions and embracing the three worlds, falls into the lord of streams and rivers." Influenced by Rama's speech, the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra entered upon the history of the Ganga's origin and progress, O Rama, that great mine of ore, Himavat is the foremost of mountains. Unto him were born two daughters, unparalleled on earth in loveliness. And, O Rama, their mother of dainty waist, the amiable daughter of Meru, named Mena, was the beloved wife of Himavat--she of whom was born Ganga the elder daughter of Himavat; and, O Raghava, a second daughter was also born unto him, named Uma. And it came to pass that once upon a time, the deities, with the view of accomplishing some work appertaining to them as divine beings, in a body besought that foremost of mountains for that river flowing in three directions, Ganga. Thereupon, desirous of the welfare of the three worlds, Himavat in obedience to duty, conferred upon them his daughter flowing everywhere at will, and sanctifying all creatures. Thereat in the interests of the three worlds, accepting her, those having the welfare of the three worlds at heart, went away with Ganga, considering themselves as having attained their desire. The other daughter of the mountain, O descendant of Raghu, adopting a stern vow, began to carry on austerities, having asceticism for her wealth. And that best of mountains bestowed upon Rudra of unequalled form his daughter Uma, furnished with fiery asceticism, and worshipped of the worlds. And these, O Raghava, are the daughters of that king of mountains, worshipped of all, _viz_., Ganga, the foremost of streams, and the divine Uma. Now, O best of those endowed with motion, have I related unto thee how that sin-destroying one flowing with her waters in three diverse directions, first, O child, went to the firmament and then ascended the celestial regions."

[51] Sacrifice with burnt offering--T.

SECTION XXXVI.

When the ascetic had spoken thus, both the heroes, Rama and Lakshmana, saluting that first of anchorets, said,-- "O Brahmana, thou hast delivered this noble narration fraught with morality. Now it behoves thee to speak about the elder daughter of the mountain-king. Thou art extensively conversant with everything relative to men or gods. Why is it that that purifier of the worlds laveth three directions? And why is that foremost of streams, Ganga, famous as wending in three ways? And, O thou cognizant of morality, what are her performances in the three worlds?" Thereat Vicwamitra having asceticism for his wealth, began to relate unto Kakutstha that history in detail in the midst of the ascetics. "In days of yore, O Rama, the blue-throated one of mighty asceticism, having entered into matrimony, commenced upon knowing the goddess. And as that intelligent blue-throated god, Mahadeva, was thus engaged in sport, a devine hundred years passed away; and yet, O Rama, chastiser of foes, no son was born of her. Thereat all the gods with the Grand sire at their head became exceedingly anxious. "Who will be able to bear the offspring of this union?" And thereupon the celestials repairing unto Mahadeva, thus addressed him, saluting low,--'O god of gods, O mighty deity, ever engaged in the welfare of all, it behoveth thee to be propitious at the humble salutations of the celestials. The worlds, O foremost of celestials, are incapable of bearing thy energy. Therefore, for the welfare of the three worlds, do thou, being furnished with Brahma asceticism, in company with the goddess practise austerities, and rein in thy energy by thy native indomitableness. Do thou preserve these worlds; for it becometh thee not to destroy all.' Hearing the words of the deities, the great god of the worlds said unto them,--'So be it!' And addressing them again he said,--'Ye gods, by my own energy I will assisted by Uma bear my virile vigour,--therefore let the creation find rest! But tell me, ye foremost of celestials, who will sustain my potent virility rushing out from its receptacle?' Being thus addressed, the gods answered him having the bull for his mark,--'The earth will to-day bear thy vital flow.' Thus assured, the mighty lord of the celestials let go his vital fluid; and thereat the earth containing mountains and forests was overspread with the energy. Then the gods spake unto the Fire, saying,--'Do thou in company with the Wind enter into this fierce and mighty energy!' And when the Wind had entered into it, it was developed into a white hill, and a forest of glossy reeds, resembling fire or the Sun. And here sprang from Fire Kartikeya of mighty energy. And there- upon the celestials and the saints, with gratified hearts, began to pay enthusiastic adorations unto Uma aud Siva. Then the Mountain's daughter, O Rama, addressed the celestials, cursing them with eyes reddened in wrath,--'While in association with Mahadeva for obtaining sons, I was broken in upon by ye,--for this, ye shall not be able yourselves to beget offspring on your wives. And from this day forth, your wives shall remain without issue.' Having thus spokeu unto the celestials, she cursed the Earth also, saying,--'O Earth, thou shalt have various forms, and many shall lord it over thee! Nor, stained because of my ire, shalt thou experience the pleasure that is felt on obtaining a son, O thou of wicked understanding, O thou that dost not wish me a son!' Witnessing the gods thus distressed, the lord of the celestials set out in the direction presided over by Varuna.[52] And having repaired to the north side of that mountain,[53] Maheswara along with the goddess became engaged in austerities on the peak Himavatprabhava. I have now related unto thee, O Rama, the spread of the Mountain's daughter, (Ganga). Do thou how together with Lakshmana listen to the narration of Bhagirathi's potency."

[52] The West.--T.

[53] The Himalaya.--T.

SECTION XXXVII.

And on that celestial being engaged in austerities, the deities with Indra and Agni at their head, desirous of gaining over the generalissimo, appeared before the Grandsire. And, O Rama, the gods with Agni at their head, bowing unto him, addressed that possessor of the six attributes, the Grand-sire, saying,--'0 God, that adorable one who had formerly consigned unto us the generalissimo, resorting to high asceticism, is practising austerities with Uma. Do thou now, O thou conversant with resources, so order as is advisable in the interests of the worlds! Verily thou art our prime way.' Hearing the words of the deities, the Grandsire of all creatures, consoling them with soft words, spoke unto them, saying,--'Even as the Mountain's daughter hath said, sons will not be born unto ye of your own wives. Her word is infallible of a certainty: there is no doubt about it. This is the celestial Ganga--she on whom Hutasana[54] will beget a son--the foe-subduing generalissimo of the celestials. And the elder daughter of the Mountain will consider that son as brought forth by Uma; and Uma also will, without doubt, look upon him with regard.' Hearing these words of his, O descendant of Raghu, the gods bowing unto the Grand-sire, paid him homage. Then, O Rama, repairing unto the Kailaca mountain teeming with metals, the deities commissioned Agni with the view of having a son (born unto him.) 'Do thou, O god, accomplish this work of the deities! O thou of mighty energy, do thou discharge thy energy into that daughter of the mountain, Ganga.' Thereupon giving his promise unto the gods, Pavaka[55] approached Ganga, saying,-- 'Do thou, O Goddess, bear an embryo; for even this is the desire of the deities.' Hearing this speech, she assumed a divine appearance. And beholding her mightiness, Agni was shrunk up on all sides. And then Pavaka from all sides discharged his energy into her,--and thereat all her streams became surcharged with it, O descendant of Raghu. And unto him staying at the head of all the deities, Ganga spoke, saying,--'O god, I am incapable of sustaining this new- sprung energy of thine: I am burning with that fire, and my consciousness fails me.' Thereupon that partaker of the oblations offered unto the gods, said unto Ganga,--'Do thou bring forth thy embryo on the side of this Himavat!' Hearing Agni's words, Ganga of mighty energy cast her exceedingly effulgent embryo on her streams, O sinless one. And as it came out of her, it wore the splendour of molten gold; and in consequence of its fiery virtue, objects near and objects far were converted into gold and silver of unsurpassed sheen,--while those that were more distant were turned into copper and iron. And her excreta were turned into lead. In this wise, various metals began to increase on earth. And as soon as the embryo was brought forth, the woods adjoining the mountain, being overspread with that energy, were turned into gold. And from that day, O descendant of Raghu, gold of effulgence like unto that of fire, became known as Jatarupa, O foremost of men! And when the son was born, the deities with Indra and the Maruts enjoined ipon the Kirtika stars to suckle him. 'Surely he shall be son into us all'--concluding thus, they as soon as he was born, by turns began to dispense milk unto him. Then the celestials called him Kartikeya, saying,--'Without doubt, this son shall become famed over the three worlds.' And hearing those words of theirs,the Kirtikas bathed the offspring that had issued from her womb, flaming like fire, and with auspicious marks. And, O Kakutstha, since Kartikeya had issued from (Ganga's) womb, the celestials called that effulgent and mighty-armed one, Skanda.[56] And then the teats of the Kritikas were filled with milk; and thereupon assuming six mouths, he began to suck milk from the teats of those six. And having drunk the milk, that lord although then possessed of a tender frame, by virtue of his inborn prowess in one day vanquished the Danava forces. And him possessed of mighty effulgence, the celestials assembled with Agni as their leader sprinkled with water, by way of installing him as their generalissimo. He who, O Kakutstha, on the earth revereth Kartikeya, is blessed, and attaineth righteousness, and being long-lived and obtaining sons and grand-sons, repaireth to the regions of Skanda."

[54] Fire.--T.

[55] Fire.--T.

[56] _Skanna_ means _issuing from_.--T.

SECTION XXXVIII.

Having said those words unto Rama, composed of melodious letters, Kaucika again spoke unto Kakutstha, saying, --"Formerly there was a king--lord of Ayodhya named Sagara. And it came to pass that righteous one, though eagerly wishing for children, was without issue. And Vidharbha's daughter, O Rama, named Kecini, was the elder wife of Sagara. And she was virtuous and truthful. And the second wife of Sagara was called Sumati, who was the daughter of Arishtanemi and the sister of Suparna.[57] And with those wives of his,that mighty king, coming to the Himavat, began to practise austerities on the mountain Bhriguprasravana. And when a full hundred years had been numbered, the ascetic that had been adored by means of these austerities, Brighu, best of those endowed with truth,conferred a boon upon Sagara, saying, --'O sinless one, thou shalt obtain glorious offspring; and, O foremost of men, thou shalt attain unparalleled renown among men. And, O child, one of thy consorts shall bring forth a son who will perpetuate thy race; and the other give birth to sixty thousand sons.' As that best of men was saying this, those daughters of kings, exceedingly delighted, propitiating him, addressed him with clasped hands, --'Who of us, O Brahmana, shall produce a single son, and who many? This, O Brahmana, we wish to hear. May thy word prove true!' Hearing this, the highly pious Bhrigu said these pregnant words,--'Do ye unfold your minds. Who wishes for what boon,--between a single perpetuator of the line, and innumerable sons, possessed of mighty strength, and furnished with fame, and endowed with high spirits?' Hearing the ascetic's words, O descendant of Raghu, Kecini in the presence of the monarch chose, O Rama, a single son to perpetuate the line; and Suparna's sister, Sumati, sixty thousand sons, high spirited and furnished with fame. And then, O son of Raghu, having gone round the saint and bowed down the head, the king went to his own capital, accompanied by his consorts. And after a length of time, the elder, Kecini, bore a son unto Sagara, known by the name of Asamanja. And Sumati, O foremost of men, brought forth a gourd. And when it burst open, out came from it sixty thousand sons. And the nurses fostered them by keeping them in jars filled with clarified butter. And after a great length of time, they attained to youth. And after a long lapse of time, Sagara's sixty thousand sons attained to youth and beauty. And O foremost of men,[58] the eldest son of Sagara, taking those children, would, O descendant of Raghu, often cast them into the Sarayu, and in mirth behold them sinking in the waters. Being thus evil-disposed, and injuring honest folks, and engaged in doing wrong unto the citizens, he was banished by his father from the city. And Asamanja had a son possessed of prowess, named Ansuman. And he was beloved of all men and fair-spoken towards every one.

"And, O foremost of men, it came to pass that after a long time had gone by, that lord of earth Sagara made up his mind, saying,--'I will sacrifice.' And having determined jpon it, that one versed in the Vedas set about it, in company with his priests."

[57] Garura.--T.

[58] The text has _Narasresthas_, put for Asamanja. Evidently this is an error. I make it a vocative.--T.

SECTION XXXIX.