Part 13

Hearing the narration of the intelligent Vicwamitra, Gautama's eldest son, the exceedingly energetic Satatnanda of rigid austerities, highly effulgent by virtue of his asceticism, with his down standing on end wondered greatly at the sight of Rama. And seeing the king's sons seated at their ease, he said unto that foremost of ascetics, Vicwamitra, -- "O most powerful of anchorets, by thee was my illustrious mother, grown old in asceticism, shown unto the king's son. Did my famous and exalted mother entertain with the produce of the woods Rama worthy of every one's homage? And, O highly energetic one, hath that old story relative to my mother having been wronged by that celestial, been communicated unto Rama? And, O Kaucika, good betide thee, hath my mother, in consequence of beholding Rama, been united with my revered sire? And, O son of Kucika, hath the highly energetic Rama come hither, after having been rendered homage by my high- souled revered sire? And, O Kucika's son, was my revered sire of quiescent soul, saluted by Rama when he arrived there?" Hearing those words of his, the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra, skilled in speech, replied unto Satananda, cognizant of words, saying,--"O best of ascetics, nothing necessary was omitted by me,--but everything hath been done. And the ascetic's wife hath been united with him, even as Renuka with Bhrigu's son."[67] Hearing the speech of the intelligent Vicwamitra, the exceedingly energetic Satananda said unto Rama,--"Art thou well come, O chief of men? It is by our luck that, O descendant of Raghu thou hast come unto us, headed by the respected Maharshi Vicwamitra. This highly energetic Vicwamitra, this Brahmarshi is of prowess measureless; and deeds inconceivable, by virtue of his asceticism. Him thou knowest as the prime way. O Rama, there existeth on this earth not one that is more fortunate than thyself. Thy protector is even Kucika's descendant, by whom mighty austerities have been performed. Do thou listen as I faithfully describe unto thee the ascetic power of the high-souled Kaucika. Do thou listen unto me relating this. This righteous one was for a long time a king, subduing his enemies, cognizant of morality, acomplished, and intent upon the welfare of his subjects. And there was a king named Kuca, the son of Prajapati. And Kuca's son was the powerful and pious Kucanabha. And Kucanabha's son was Gadhi. And Gadhi's son is the highly energetic and mighty ascetic Vicwamitra who ruled the earth. And that king reigned for thousands of years. And it came to pass that once with his four-fold forces marshalled, he set out for ranging the earth. And the king went on by turns ranging cities and kingdoms, rivers and mountains and asylums. And at length that foremost of conquerers, the mighty Vicwamitra, came upon Vasishtha's asylum furnished with various blossoming plants and trees; abounding in animals; inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas; graced by celestials and Danavas and Gandharbas and Kinnaras; and filled with mild deer; frequented by the feathered tribes; crowded with Brahmarshis; with Devarshis inhabiting it; aye teeming with high-souled ones of accomplished ascetic success and resembling fire; like another region of Brahma; graceful; and adorned on all sides with high-soulded saints and Valakhilyas and Vaikhanasas resembling Brahma, feeding on water or air, or living on withered leaves, or subsisting on fruits and roots, and self- controlled, and free from faults, and of vanquished senses, and engaged in reciting _mantras_ and performing homas.

[67] Jamadagni, father of Parusurama.--T.

SECTION LII.

Upon seeing that foremost of those reciting _mantras_, the highly powerful and heroic Vicwamitra, exceedingly delighted, bowed unto him in humility. And having enquired as to the pleasantness of Vicwamitra's journey, the high- souled and adorable Vasishtha ordered a seat for the former. And on the intelligent Vicwamitra having been seated, that best of ascetics properly entertained him with fruits and roots. And having accepted Vasishtha's hospitality, that foremost of monarchs, the exceedingly energetic Vicwamitra, then enquired of Vasishtha as to the welfare of his asceticism, his _Agnihotras_, and his disciples, and his trees. Thereupon Vasishtha communicated the welfare of all unto that best of kings. Then Brahma's son, Vasishtha, of fierce austerities, the best of those reciting mantras, asked Vicwamitra, seated at his ease, saying,--'0 king, is it well with thee? And, O king, dost thou rule thy subjects, pleasing them consistently with royal duties? And, O virtuous one, are thy retainers maintained on salaries from the kingdom? Do they abide by thy mandates? And, O destroyer of foes, hast thou vanquished thy enemies? And, O repressor of foes, is it well with thee as to, O most powerful of men, thy forces, exchequer, and friends, and, O sinless one, sons and grand- sons?' Thereupon, the highly powerful king, Vicwamitra, with humility communicated unto Vasishtha his complete welfare. And having conversed for a long time, those virtuous ones, experiencing exceeding joy, ministered unto each other's delight. Then, O descendant of Raghu, after the conversation had ended, the adorable Vasishtha, smiling, addressed Vicwamitra, saying,--'O highly powerful one, I desire to properly entertain thee of immeasurable power, as well as thy forces,--do thou, therefore, accept my hospitality. Do thou receive the hospitality which I extend unto thee. O king, thou art the foremost of guests, and art worthy of assiduous homage.' Being thus addressed by Vasishtha, that mighty ascetic, king Vicwamitra, said,--'Even by this word of thine relative to receiving me, hast thou in fact done so. And, O worshipful one, even with the fruits and roots that are in thy asylum, with the water for washing my feet, and sipping,--yea, with the sight of thy revered self, have I been, O profoundly wise one, excellently entertained by thee, who art thyself worthy of homage. I bow unto thee. I will go now. Do thou regard me with a friendly eye.' As the king was speaking thus, the righteous-souled and generous Vasishtlia again and again pressed him to accept his hospitality. Then Gadhi's son answered Vasishtha, --'Very well. O potent ascetic,--let that be which findeth favor in thy sight.' This having been said by him, Vasishtha, the best of those reciting _mantras_, joyfully called his sacrificial dappled cow, whose sins had been washed away,--'O Savala! do thou come soon; and hear my words. I intend to entertain this royal saint together with his forces. Do thou enable me to entertain him, by yeilding excellent viands. And, O divine one, O thou that conferrest everything that is desired, do thou grant everyone whatever he asketh among edibles impregnated with the six tastes. And do thou, O Savala, speedily create sapid viands to be chewed, sucked, licked or drunk'."

SECTION LIII.

Thus addressed by Vasishtha, that bestower of all that was desired, Savala, O destroyer of thy foes, brought forth everything that was desired by everyone. And she produced sugarcanes, and honey, and fried rice, and excellent _Maireyas_,[68] and costly drinks,and various viands, and heaps of warm rice resembling hills, and other kinds of edibles, and soups, and _Dadhikulyas_,[69] together with silver plates by thousands filled with meats of diverse tastes. And, O Rama, that army of Vicwamitra consisting of cheerful and stout men being superbly entertained by Vasishtha, became exceedingly gratified. And the royal saint, Vicwamitra himself, together with the priests and Brahmanas and the inmates of the inner apartment, was also heartily filled. And being hospitably entertained with his courtiers and counsellors and retainers, he, exceedingly delighted, spoke unto Vasishtha, saying, --'Received and excellently entertained have I been by thee,0 Brahmana, who thyself art worthy of being honored. Do thou, O thou conversant with speech, listen to me. I will tell thee a word. Do thou bestow on me Savala for an hundred thousand kine. O worshipful one, varily this one is a jewel; and as it is the function of kings to acquire jewels, do thou confer on me Savala; for, O twice-born one, this one by right belongs unto me.' Thus addressed by Vicwamitra the righteous and adorable Vasishtha--best of ascetics--replied unto that lord of earth,--'O king, neither for an hundred thousand nor for an hundred _koti_ of kine, nor yet for heaps of silver, will I part with Savala. O subduer of enemies, this one deserves not to be separated from my side. Even like unto the fame of the mighty, this Savala is ever joined with me. My oblations to the gods and the Pitris as well as my subsistence itself are established even in her. And my _Agnihotras_,[70] _Vali_,[71] and _Homa_[72] depend uper her; and, O royal saint, my _Svahakaras_ and _Vashatkaras_[73] as well as my various lore depend upon her. All this is so: there is no doubt about it. Verily she is my all; and in her do I find my delight. And many are the reasons, O king, why I cannot give unto thee Savala.' Thus addressed by Vasishtha, that one versed in speech, Vicwamitra, eagerly rejoined,-- 'I shall confer upon thee fourteen thousand elephants decked in gold chains and gold neck-ornaments and hooks; and I will confer upon thee eight hundred golden cars furnished with bells and each yoked with four white horses; and, O thou of auspicious vows, I will confer upon thee one thousand and ten high-mettled horses of noble breeds; and I will confer upon thee a _koti_ of youthful and variegated kine,--do thou grant unto me Savala. And as much of gems and gold, O best of regenerate ones, as thou wilt ask for, shall I bestow upon thee: do thou grant me Savala.' Thus besought by the intelligent Vicwamitra, that adorable one replied, saying,--'O king, Savala I will not by any means give. This is verily my jewel: this is verily my riches: this is verily my all: this is verily my subsistence. And this is my _Darsa_[74] and this my _Paurnamasa_,[75] and this my various sacrifices with _dakshinas_;[76] and, O king, this my various rites. This, O king, is without doubt, the root of all my rites. And what need of dilating? This one bestowing everything that is desired will I not part with."'

[68] A kind of wine prepared from molasses.--T.

[69] A preparation of milk and rice.--T.

[70] Maintainance of the perpetual fire.--T.

[71] Offerings to the spirits of air.--T.

[72] Burnt offerings.--T.

[73] Sacrifices performed with the exclamation of _Swaha_ and _Vashat_ respectively.-- T.

[74] Bi-monthly sacrifice, performed at change of the moon by persons maintaining a perpetual fire.--T.

[75] A ceremony performed at the full of the moon by persons maintaining a perpetual fire.--T.

[76] Gifts to Brahmanas on occasions of sacrifice.--T.

SECTION LIV.

"When the ascetic Vasishtha would not part with the cow of plenty then Vicwamitra, O Rama, forced Savala away. And, O Rama, carried away by that high- souled king, Savala, stricken with grief and afflicted with sorrow, bethought herself, weeping,--'Have I been forsaken by the high-souled Vasistha that the royal retainers carry me off thus aggrieved? What wrong have I done unto that mighty ascetic of concentrated spirit, that, knowing me to be faultless, that righteous one leaveth her that was devoted unto his service?' Revolving this in her mind and sighing again and again, she darted unto where the pre- eminently energetic Vasishtha was; and defeating those servants (of the king), she with the speed of the wind, appeared at the feet of that high-souled one. And weeping Savala having the voice of clouds, standing before Vasishtha, spoke in distressful accents,--'O Brahma's son, wherefore have I been forsaken by thee,--that the servants of the king were carrying me from off thy presence?' Thus addressed the Brahmarshi said these words unto that one aggrieved,and of heart afflicted with sorrow, and like unto a sister,--'0 Savala, not that I forsake thee; nor hast thou done me any wrong. But this mighty king proud of his prowess hath been carrying thee away. Surely, my strength is not equal to his. More specially, he is a king,a powerful king,--more particularly,this day he should not be slain by me (inasmuch as he is my guest): he is a Kshatriya and lord of earth. And he is foremost in might by virtue of possessing this entire Akshauhtni abounding in elephants and horses and cars and standards, and pennons on elephants.' Thus addressed by Vasishtha, that one cognizant of words humbly said in reply unto that Brahmarshi of incomparable power,--'The might of the Kshatriyas is not great,--the Brahmanas are more mighty than they. O Brahmana, superhuman is the power of the Brahmanas, excelling that of the Kshatriyas. Thy power is immeasurable; and the exceedingly energetic Vicwamitra is not as powerful as thyself. Thy energy is unequalled. O highly energetic one, do thou command me bursting with Brahma forces: the pride, power and endeavours of that wicked one will I bring down.' Thus accosted by her, the highly famous Vasishtha, O Rama, said,--'Create thou forces capable of crushing the forces of the enemy.' Hearing those words of his, Suravi created (an army). And, O king, Pahlavas by hundreds brought into being by her lowing, begin even in Vicwamitra's sight to commit havoc upon his forces. Thereat, exceedingly angered, with eyes expanded in ire, that king commenced to slay the Pahlavas with various weapons. And beholding the Pahlavas by hundreds afflicted by Vicwamitra, she again created grim-visaged Sakas mixed with Yavanas. And the field became thronged with the Sakas mixed with Yavanas, of dazzling splendour,exceedingly fierce resembling golden filaments, bearing sharp scimitars and adzes, and clad in yellow apparel. And that entire host (of Vicwamitra) was being consumed by them like unto flaming fires. Then the exceedingly powerful Vicwamitra hurled weapons at them; and with these the Yavanas, Kamvoyas and Varvaras[77] became sore afflicted."

[77] Barbarians.--T.

SECTION LV.

"And beholding them sore harassed, and overwhelmed by Vicwamitra's weapons, Vasishtha directed (Savali) saying,--'O cow of plenty, do thou create (fresh troops), through thy _Yoga_ power.' And from her roar, there came into being Kamvojas, resembling the Sun. And from her udders sprang Varvaras, arms in hand; and from her mysterious parts, Yavanas; from her anus, Sakas; and from the pores of her skin, those barbarians,--Haritas and Kiratas. And, O descendant of Raghu, anon Vicwamitra's entire host consisting of foot, and elephant, and horse, and car, was exterminated by them. And seeing the army annihilated by the high- souled Vasishtha, the hundred sons of Vicwamitra, equipped with various weapons, rushed in high ire against that best of _mantra_-reciting ones. Thereupon, uttering a roar, that mighty ascetic consumed them quite. And in a moment, Vicwamitra's sons together with horse and car and foot were reduced to ashes by the high-souled Vasishtha. And witnessing them all destroyed, together with the army, the illustrious Vicwamitra, covered with shame, became plunged in thought; and like unto a tideless ocean or a fangless snake, he instantly became shorn of his effulgence, like unto the sun overwhelmed by Rahu.[78] And deprived of his forces and sons, he appeared like a bird bereft of its wings; and losing his entire army and with it the high spirits that it had inspired him with, his heart died within him. Then entrusting one of his (remaining) sons with the sovereignty, saying,--'Do thou rule the earth agreeably to the duties of the Kshatriya,' he went into the forest. And repairing to the side of the Himavat inhabited by Kinnaras and Serpents, that one of mighty asceticism began to perform austerities with the view of propitiating Mahadeva. And on a certain occasion that lord of the celestials, Vrishadwaja,[79] intending to confer a boon, appeared before the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra,--'What for, O king, art thou performing penance? Do thou unfold what thou hast to say. I am for conferring a boon: do thou express what boon thou wouldst obtain.' Thus addressed by that god, that performer of mighty austerities, Vicwamitra, bowing down unto him, addressed him, saying,--'If, O mighty god, thou art pleased (with me), do thou confer upon me the science of archery with all its mysteries and _mantras_, as well as its virtues of helping from far and near. And, O sinless one, may all those weapons that are with the celestials and the _Danavas_ and the _Maharshis_ and the Gandharbas and the Yakshas, and the Rakshas, shine on me! May this my desire be granted me through thy grace, O god of gods! There- upon, saying,--'Be it so'--the lord of the celestials vanished. And obtaining the arms from the lord of the celestials, the mighty Vicwamitra, naturally haughty became swelled with insolence. And surcharged with energy, like unto the sea during the equinox, he considered, O Rama, as if that foremost of saints, Vasishtha, was already slain. And repairing to Vasishtha's asylum, the king began to discharge weapons, capable of burning down the hermitage. And beholding those weapons discharged by the intelligent Vicwamitra, the ascetics, overtaken by fear, by hundreds began to fly. And Vasishtha's disciples as well as the animals and birds inhabiting there, fled in all directions by thousands. And for a time the hermitage of the high-souled Vasishtha was bare of living beings, and still like unto a wilderness, though Vasishtha cried again and again,--'Do not fear. To-day will I slay Gadhi's son, even as the sun (destroys) mist.' Having said this,that best of _mantra_-reciting ones, Vasishtha, in high wrath, addressed Vicwamitra, saying,--'Since, O fool, thou hast destroyed this hermitage that had been prospering for a long time, thou of execrable ways shalt not live long.' Saying this, he, transported with wrath, and like unto the smoking flame at universal dissolution, speedily upraised a staff resembling another mace of Yama itself."

[78] A Daitya with the tail of a dragon, whose head was severed from his body by Vishnu; but being immortal, the head and tail retained their separate existence, and being transfered to the stellar sphere, became the author of eclipses.--T.

[79] An appellation of Siva; meaning, who hath the bull for his vehicle.--T.

SECTION LVI.

Thus addressed by Vasishtha, the mighty Vicwamitra, aiming a fiery weapon, said,--'Stay! Stay!' The worshipful Vasishtha also on his part, raising a Brahma staff resembling another staff of Kala, exclaimed in wrath,--'Wretch of a Kshatriya! here am I,--do thou display the might thou ait master of. To-day, O Gadhi's son, will I humble thy pride of arms. Thou disgrace of thy race, where is thy Kshatriya might, and where my high Brahma energy? Do thou behold my superhuman Brahma energy.' And even as water allayeth the fierceness of a flame, the Brahma staff quenched the energy of the powerful fiery weapon discharged by Gadhi's son. Then Gadhi's son, waxing wroth, discharged Varuna and Raudra and Aindra and Pasupata and Aishika weapons. And, Manava, and Mohana, and Gandharba, and Swapana, and Jrimbhana, and Mohana, and Santapana, and Vilapana, and Soshana, and DSruna, and Vajra hard to baffle, and Brahmapaca, and Kalapaca and Varunapaca, and Pinaka (favorite of Siva), and the two _Asanis_, wet and dry, and the Danda weapon, and Paicacha, ani the Krauncha weapon, and Dharmachakra, and Kalachakra, and Vishuchakra and Vayavya, and Mathana, and the Haraciras weapon, and the twin Saktis, hurled he, and Kankala, and Mushala, and the mighty weapon Vidyadhara, and the terrible Kala weapon, and the dreadful Trisula weapon, and Kapala, and Kankana,--all these weapons hurled he (Vicwamitra), at that best of _mantra_-reciting ones, O descendant of Raghu. And it was wonderful to behold. But Brahma's son baffled all those by means of his staff. And on those (weapons) being resisted, the son of Gadhi hurled a Brahma weapon. And on that weapon being discharged, the deities with Agni at their head, and the Devarshis, and the Gandharbas, and the mighty Serpents, became afflicted with fear. And on that Brahma weapon being discharged, all the three worlds became exceedingly alarmed. And, O Raghu's descendant, Vasishtha by virtue of his Brahma energy completely baffled that terrible Brahma weapon. And when the high-souled Vasishtha had baffled the Brahma weapon, his form became fierce and terrible, capable of striking terror into the three worlds. And from the pores of his body, resembling a smoking flame, darted out scintillations of fire. And resembling another staff of Yama, the Brahma staff raised by Vasishtha's arm flamed like unto the smokeless fire at the universal dissolution. Then the ascetics in a body fell to eulogizing that best of _mantra_-reciting ones, Vasishtha, saying,-- 'Thy might, O Brahmana, is infallible. Do thou rein in (the Brahma) energy, by thy own. O Brahmana, Vicwamitra of mighty strergth hath been subdued by thee. Infallible is thy extraordinary might. Let the creatures now be relieved from their distress.' Thus addressed, that highly energetic one of rigid austerities, became pacified. And Vicwamitra, being put down, heaving a sigh, said,--'Fie upon the Kshatriya might: the strength begot of Brahma energy, is might indeed. By one Brahma staff hath all my weapons been put to the rout. Beholding this, I with a placid mind and senses will engage in mighty austerities,--which shall earn for me Brahmanahood."

SECTION LVII.

"Then with his heart burning, in consequence of the remembrance of his humiliation, and having made enemies with that high-souled one, Vicwamitra of mighty asceticism sighing, and sighing, went towards the south, in company with his queen, and became engaged in dreadful austerities, O Raghava. And subsisting on fruits and roots, and restraining his senses, he performed the most rigid austerities. And four sons engaged in observing truth and duty-- Havishpanda, Madhushpanda, Drihanetra, and Maharatha[80] were born unto him. And when a thousand years had been completed, the Grand-sire of all, Brahma, addressed the ascetic, Vicwamitra in sweet words , saying,--'O son of Kucika, the regions of the Rajarshis have been won by thee through thy austerities. And on account of this thy asceticism, we recognize thee as a Rajarshi.' Having said this, the highly energetic prime Lord of all creature went to the celestial regions in company with the celestials.