Part 15

And when the thousand years had been completed and the mighty ascetic had accomplished his vow, the celestials in a body desirous of conferring upon him the fruit thereof, appeared before him. And the exceedingly effulgent Brahma. addressed him in soothing words; saying,--'Thou art henceforth a saint, good unto thee,--and (this eminence) thou hast attained through thy own laudable exertions.' Having spoken thus unto him, the lord of celestials returned to heaven. And Vicwamitra of mighty energy became again engaged in rigid austerities. And, O foremost of men, it came to pass that after a long lapse of time that prime of Apsaras, Menaka, was at that time performing her ablutions in Pushkara, and she was observed by Kucika's son, like unto lightning among clouds. And coming under the control of _Kandarpa_,[89] the anchoret spoke unto her, saying,--'O Apsari, hath thy journey been a pleasant one t Do thou abide in my asylum. Do thou favor me; for, good betide thee, I have been rendered senseless by Madana.'[90] Thus addressed, that one of shapely hips began to dwell there. And mighty was the hinderance that befell Vicwamitra as regarded his asceticism, as she, O Raghava, staying in that asylum of his, pleasantly spent five and five years, O gentle one. And after this period had gone by, overwhelmed with shame and afflicted with anxiety and grief, the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra impatiently thought, O son of Raghu, that all this mighty loss of austerities was the work of the celestials. And deprived of his senses by lust, the decade had passed away imperceptibly as if it were one day and night; and this impediment stood in the way of his austerities. And heaving a sigh, that best of ascetics burned in repentance. And with sweet words, renouncing the terrible and trembling Menaka standing wuh clasped hands, Kucika's son, Vicwamitra, O Rama, went to the northern mountains. And practising the Brahmacharyya mode of lite with the intention of subduing lust, that highly famous one engaged in arduous austerities on the banks of the Kauciki. And as he was thus engaged in profound austerities on the northern mountain, a thousand years, O Rama passed away. Then taking counsel together, the celestials and the saints appeared before (Brahma), saying,--'Let Kucika's son obtain the title of Maharshi.' Hearing the words of the celestials, the Grand-sire of all addressed the ascetic Vicwamitra, in these sweet words,--O mighty saint, hast thou had a pleasant journey? Satisfied with thy fierce austerities, O Kaucika, I confer upon thee the eminence of the foremost saintship.' Hearing Brahma's speech, the anchoret Vicwamitra bowing down thus answered the Grand- sire with clasped hands,--'The incomparable title of Brahmarshi is to be won by one by performing sterling works. And since thou hast not addressed me (by that title) it appears that I have not yet succeeded in subduing my senses.'[91] Thereupon Brahma said unto him,--'Do thou exert thyself until thou conquer thy senses? Saying this, Brahma went to heaven. And when the celestials had gone, the mighty ascetic, Vicwamitra, with upraised arms, and without any support, and subsisting on air, began to perform penances. And in summer, the ascetic surrounded himself with five fires, and in rains remained in an uncovered place, and in winter day and night stood submerged in water. Thus passed by a thousand years of terrible penances. And on the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra being engaged in austerities, great was the agitation that exercised the celestials and Vasav, in particular. And Sakra together with the Maruts spoke unto Rambha these words, fraught with weal unto himself, and woe unto Kaucika'."

[89] Cupid.-- T.

[90] Cupid.-- T.

[91] The text is very faulty. The literal meaning would be, "since thou hast not I have subdued my senses" which would be absurd. I have therefore rendered the passage freely.--T.

SECTION LXIV.

"'O Rambha, this mighty service thou wilt have to perform in the interest of the celestials!--even to take Kaucika with the witchery of love.' Thus addressed by the intelligent thousand-eyed deity, the Apsari, O Rama, with clasped palms, thus bashfully answered the chief of the celestials,-- 'O lord of the celestials, this mighty ascetic, Vicwamitra, is a terrible person; and, without doubt, he will, O divine one, waxing wroth, curse me. And O god, even this is ay fear, and therefore it behoveth thee to favor me.' Thus apprehensively addressed by her in fear, the thousand-eyed one answered that damsel trembling and staying with clasped hands,--'Never fear, O Rambha, good unto thee! Do thou perform my bidding. Assuming the form of a coel, captivating the heart, I will in this spring crowned with graceful trees, stay by thy side in company with Kandarpa. And do thou adding unto thy beauty, diverse blandishments bewitch this ascetic, Kucika's son, O gentle one?' Hearing Indra's words, that comely damsel of luminous smiles, heightening her charms exceedingly, inspired Vicwamitra with desire. And he listened to the mellifluous strains of the coel; and with a delighted heart, he beheld the fair one. Anon, listening to the warbling of the coel and her own incomparable singing, as well as beholding Rambha, the ascetic began to entertain doubts. And knowing for certain that it was the thousand-eyed deity who had devised all that, that foremost of anchorets, Kucika's son, overwhelmed with anger, cursed Rambha, saying,-- 'Since, O Rambha, thou endeavourest to seduce me who is bent upon subduing his anger and lust, thou shalt, O luckless one, remain as a stone for ten thousand years. And a highly energetic Brahmana equipped with ascetic energy, will, O Rambha, deliver thee, stained because of my ire.' Thus said that exceedingly energetic and mighty ascetic Vicwamitra, and was filled with remorse unable to contain his anger of heart. And in consequence of his mighty curse, Rambha was turned into a stone. Hearing the curse of the mighty saint, both Kandarpa and Indra left the place. And, O Rama, on account of his anger, and his sense remaining still unsubdued he found no rest from deterioration of ascetic merit. And coming by decrease of ascetic merit, he thought within himself,--'No more shall I suffer anger to exercise me, --nor will I ever say anything to any. And I shall not breathe for an hundred years; and controlling my sense, I shall dry up my body. And so long as I do not attain Brahmanahood as earned by my austerities, I shall suspending my breath and abstaining from food, stay for a long lapse of time. And engaged in austerities, my form will not undergo any deterioration.' That foremost of ascetics bound himself by this unparalleled vow to lead a life of such self-denial."

SECTION LXV.

"And forsaking the northern direction, the mighty _Muni_, O Rama, betaking himself to the Eastern quarter, became engaged in dreadful austerities. And adopting the high vow of taciturnity for a thousand years, he, O Rama began to perform the most signal and arduous austerities. And when the thousaud years had been complete, many an impediment tried the mighty _Muni_ staying like the trunk of a tree, yet could not anger enter his heart; and firmly determined to shut out anger, he, O Rama, kept his asceticism from deterioration. And, O foremost of the Raghus, when his vow of a thousand years had been observed, that one of mighty vows became desirous of feeding on boiled rice. And it came to pass O best of the Raghus that at this time Indra assuming the guise of a regenerate one, asked for the rice. Thereupon he gave it away unto the Vipra; and when the rice had been thus exhausted, that worshipful one of mighty austerities went without food. Nor, abiding by the vow of reticence, did he say aught unto the Vipra. And he then again resumed his dumb guise, restraining his breath at the same time. And that puissant ascetic did not breathe for a thousand years. And as he restrained his breath, vapours began to issue out of his head. And, at this, the three worlds being on fire became as if afflicted with fear. And bewildered on account of the energy of his asceticism, and shorn of their brightness, and afflicted with anguish, the Devarshis and the Gandharbas and the Pannagas and the Uragas and the Rakshasas in a body addressed the _Pitamaha_,[92] saying,--'O divine one, various were the means by which we endeavoured to affect the mighty _Muni_ Vicwamitra with covetuousness and lust; but for all that he increaseth in asceticism. Nor do we perceive in him ever so little of anger or lust. And if thou do not confer upon him what his mind desireth to have, he will annihilate the thre worlds with all that is mobile and immobile in them. And the ten cardinal points are disconsolate: and nothing can be discovered therein. And the seas are vexed, and the mountains riven. And the earth shaketh, and the winds keep steadily blowing. And, O Brahmana, we do not know how to remedy, this. And every one is inactive like an infidel. And the three worlds look as if stupified, with their minds exceedingly exercised. And by virtue of that mighty saint's energy, the sun itself hath been deprived of his splendour.

Therefore, god, against the mighty _Muni_ bending his mind upon destruction, and consuming the three entire worlds like unto the fire raging at the universal dissolution, that exalted one of exceeding effulgence resembling a flame, should be pacified. Even should he desire the dominion of the celestial regions, do thou grant him his wish.[93] Then the celestials with Pilamaha at their head, addressed the high-souled Vicwamitra in sweet-words, saying,--'welcome, O Brahmarshi! well pleased have we been with thy penances. And, O son of Kucika, in consideration of thy fiery asceticism, thou hast obtained Brahmana-hood. And, O Brahmana, I will in company with the Maruts confer on thee long life. Hail unto thee! Do thou accept this, good betide thee. Go thou, O gentle one, as thou likest? Hearing Pitamaha's speech, the mighty ascetic, bowing down unto the celestials, said in delight,--'If Brahmana-hood hath really been obtained by me together with length of days, let _Omkara_ and _Vashatkara_ and the Vedas crown me; and let, ye gods, that foremost of those versed in Kshatra Veda as well as of those cognizant of the Brahmaveda, even Brahma's son, Vasishtha, recognize me. Having granted this prime desire of mine, do ye go away, ye gods.' Then pacified by the celestials, that best of reciters, the Brahmarshi Vasishtha, made friends (with Vicwamitra), saying,--'So be it.' 'Thou art a Brahmarshi. There is no doubt about this. And every thing hath been compassed in thy behalf,'--having said this, the deities went to their respective regions. And that Brahmarshi, the righteous Vicwamitra also, having attained excellent Brahmana-hood, paid his homage unto that best of reciters, Vasishtha; and having secured his end, began to range the entire world, staying in asceticism. In this wise, O Rama, was Brahmanya actually obtained by the high-souled one. This, O Rama, is the foremost of ascetics,--this one is Asceticism incarnate. This one ever abideth by duty; and he is the stay of ascetic energy."

Having said this, that best of regenerate persons paused. Hearing Satananda's narration delivered in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka with clasped hands addressed the son of Kucika, saying,--'Blessed and favored am I, that thou, O Kaucika, accompanied with Kakutstha, hast arrived at my sacrifice, O puissant anchoret. Purified am I, O Brahmana, by thy very sight, O mighty _Muni_. And from thy sight have I received various qualities. O Brahmana, thy mighty austerities have been related in detail; and myself as well as the high-souled Rama have listened to the narration relative to thy formidable ascetic energy; and the assembled courtiers have heard of thy various perfections. Immeasurable is thy asceticism; and immeasurable thy power; and ever immeasurable thy qualities, O Kucika's son. I never, O lord, am tired of listening to that wonderful narration. Now, O foremost of ascetics, the hour for performing the daily devotions hath arrived, and the solar disc hangeth aslope. To-morrow morning, O highly energetic one, thou wilt see me again. Welcome, best of reciters. It behoveth thee to favor me." Thus addressed, that best of ascetics, extolling that powerful one, well pleased, dismissed the delighted Janaka. Thus accosted, Mithila's lord, Vaideha, in company with his priests and friends, went round that foremost of ascetics. And the righteous Vicwamitra also together with Rama and Lakshmana, having been honored by the high-souled ones, took up their quarters there.

[92] _Lit_. grand-father. Here, a name of Brahma meaning, _the great father of all._--T

[93] Some texts read _matam_, for _manas_--meaning the same.--T.

SECTION LXVI.

The next morning, which happened to be bright, the lord of men, having performed his daily devotions, welcomed Vicwamitra and Raghava. And having, in accordance with the scriptures, paid homage unto the former as well as the two high-souled Raghavas, that virtuous one said,--"Hail, O worshipful sir! What shall I do unto thee, O sinless one?" Do thou command. Surely, I deserve to be commanded by thee. Thus addressed by the high-souled Janaka, that first of ascetics endowed with a righteous soul, well versed in speech, answered, --"These sons of Dacaratha--Kshatriyas--famed among men, are eager to behold that best of bows, that lies with thee. Do thou show it unto them, may it be well with thee! Having obtained a sight of that bow, the king's sons, their desires crowned with success, will return as they list." Thus accosted, Janaka replied unto the mighty _Muni_, saying,--"Listen to why the bow lieth here. There was a king known by the name of Devarata. He was the elder brother of Nimi. And, O worshipful one, this bow was consigned unto the hands of that high-souled one as a trust. Formerly with the view of destroying Daksha's sacrifice, the puissant (Siva), drawing this bow, sportively spoke unto the celestials in ire, saying,-- 'Since, ye gods, ye deny me the shares (of this sacrifice), which I lay claim to, I will with my bow even sever those beads of yours.' Thereat, O powerful ascetic, with agitated hearts, the deities fell to propitiating that lord of the celestials,--and Bhava was pleased with them. And well-pleased with them, he conferred this upon those high-souled ones. And even this is that jewel of a bow belonging to the high-souled god of gods, and which was ultimately, O lord, consigned as a trust unto our ancestor. And as I was ploughing the mead, arose a damsel,--and as I obtained her while hallowing the field (for sacrifice), she hath come to be known by the name of Sita. And arising from the earth, she grew as my daughter. And unsprung from the usual source, she was then established here as my daughter, whose hand must be obtained by bending the bow. And O foremost of ascetics, many a king, coming here, had saught to obtain my growing daughter arisen from the earth. But, O worshipful one, in consideration of her being one whose dower must be prowess in bending the bow. I would not bestow my daughter upon those lords of earth seeking for the damsel. Thereupon O puissant anchoret, all the kings in a body began to flock to Mithila, desirous of being acquainted with the strength of the bow. And on their being curious (as to the bow), I showed it unto them; but they could neither hold nor wield it. And, O mighty _Muni_, finding those powerful kings to be but endowed with small prowess, I parsed them by. Hear what then befell, O thou of ascetic wealth. Then, O powerful anchoret, in high ire, the kings, doubtful as to their strength in stringing the bow, laid siege to Mithila. And those potent princes, conceiving themselves as frustrated by me, began to harass the city of Mithila, waxing wondrous wroth. And when a year had been completed, my defensive resources were entirely exhausted,--and at this, I was exceedingly aggrieved. Then I sought to propitiate the deities; and well- pleased, the celestials granted me a _Chaturanga_ army. At length those wicked kings, meeting with slaughter, broke and fled in all directions, together with their adherents, bereft of vigor, and confidence in their strength. And, O puissant ascetic, this highly effulgent bow will I show unto Rama and Lakshmana, O thou of excellent vows. And, if, O ascetic, Rama succeeds in fixing string to it, I will confer upon Dacaratha's son my daughter Sita, unsprung from the usual source."

SECTION LXVII.

Hearing Janaka' s words, the mighty _Muni_ Vicwamitra said unto the king,--"Do thou show the bow unto Rama." Thereupon the king Janaka commanded his ministers, saying,--"Do ye bring the wonderful bow furnished with unguents and garlands." Commanded by Janaka, the ministers entered the city; and placing the bow in their front, those, endowed with immeasurable energy, came out And deposited in a case on a cart borne upon eight wheels, it was with difficulty drawn along by five thousand stalwart persons of well-developed frames. And having brought that case of iron, wherein lay that bow, the royal counsellors spoke unto Janaka resembling an immortal, saying,--"Here is the best of bows, O king, worshipped of all sovereigns. O foremost of kings, O lord of Mithila, if you think it worth showing (shew it)." Hearing their speech, the king with clasped palms said unto the high-souled Vicwamitra well as Rama and Lakshmana,--"This best of bows, O Brahmana, hath always been worshipped by the Janakas; as also by mighty kings incapable (of wielding and stringing it.) And neither the celestials, nor the Asuras, nor the Rakshasas, nor the Gandharbas nor the Yakshas, nor the Kinnaras, nor the mighty Uragas,--how shall men fare?--have succeeded in stringing or stretching it, or fixing the arrow to it, or pulling its string, or wielding it. This foremost of bows hath been brought here, O chief of ascetics. Do thou, O exalted one, show it unto these sons of the king." Hearing Janaka,s words, the righteous Vicwamitra said unto Raghava,--"O Rama, do thou, my child, behold the bow." At the words of the Maharshi, Rama, opening the case, wherein lieth the bow took a sight of it and said,--"This divine bow will I touch with my hand,-- and shall I also strive to wield and draw it?" Thereat both the king and the ascetic said,--"Excellent well." At the words of the anchoret, in the sight of countless thousands of spectators, the righteous son of Raghu with exceeding ease took hold of the bow by the middle, and fixed the string upon it,--and having fixed the string, drew it. And that foremost of men enjoying high fame, snapped the bow in the middle. And mighty was the sound that was heard on the occasion, like unto the bursting of a thunder-clap: and the earth trembled terribly, as it doth in the vicinity of a mountain splitting; and overwhelmed by the noise, all rolled head over heels,with the exception of that best of ascetics, the king, and the two Raghavas. And on the people being reassured, the king conversant with speech, his apprehension removed, with folded hands addressed that puissant ascetic, saying,--"O worshipful one, I have beheld the prowess of Dacaratha's son. This is verily wonderful and inconceivable; and I did not think this was possible. And my daughter, Sita, being united with her lord, Dacaratha's son, Rama, will shed lustre on Janaka's line. And my promise _viz_., that I will confer Sita upon him that will bend the bow, hath been fulfilled, O son of Kucika. And this Sita, this my daughter, dearer unto me than life will I confer upon Rama. And, O Brahmana, by thy permission let my counsellors speedily post hence, O Kaucika, good betide thee unto Ayodhya, in cars; and with humble speech bring the king unto my capital. And let them communicate unto him all about the bestowal of Sita upon Rama, in consequence of his having bent the bow. And let them acquaint the monarch with the welfare of the Kakutsthas protected by the ascetic; and let them, speedily posting here, bring the delighted king." And thereupon Kucika's son said,--"So be it." And the righteous king, summoning his counsellors, despatched them to Ayodhya with his letter, to communicate all duly unto the king, and bring him thither.

SECTION LXVIII.

Thus commissioned by Janaka, the envoys, having spent three nights on the way, entered the city of Ayodhya, with their conveyance afflicted with fatigue. And in accordance with the royal commission, entering the king's residence, they saw the aged king Dacaratha, resembling a celestial. And freed from apprehension, the envoys with clasped hands addressed the monarch in sweetly humble accents, saying,--"O mighty monarch, Mithila's lord king Janaka, in company with his priests, in sweet and affectionate words, repeatedly enquires after the complete welfare of thyself along with thy priests and servants. And having enquired after thy complete welfare, Mithila's lord, Vaideha, by permission of Kaucika addresses thee thus,--'Thou knowest the vow I had made formerly--_viz_, to confer my daughter upon him that would bend the bow,-- and the kings, in consequence of their having been deprived of prowess, and being baffled, have come to entertain spite against me. And that daughter of mine, O king, hath been won by thy son arrived here at will, headed by Vicwamitra. And, O mighty-armed one, that divine, jewelled bow hath been snapped in the middle by the high-souled Rama in the midst of a large assembly. And upon that high-souled one should I confer Sita, having prowess assigned for her dower, And in this wise will I free myself from my vow; and this thou shouldst permit. And, O mighty king, do thou, good betide thee, come speedily, headed by thy priests. It behoveth thee to see the Raghavas; and, O foremost of kings, to see me delivered from this vow. And do thou attain the joy incident to the nuptials of both thy sons,'--thus spoke sweetly the lord of Videha, permitted by Vicwamitra and staying by the opinions of Satananda." Hearing the words of the envoys, the king, exceedingly rejoiced, addressed Vasishtha and Vamadeva, as well as his counsellors, saying,-- "Protected by Kucika's son, that enhancer of Kaucalya's joy stayeth in Videha in company with his brother Lakshmana. And the high-souled Janaka hath witnessed the prowess of Kakutstha; and he wisheth to bestow his daughter upon Raghava. If this alliance with the high-souled Janaka is relished by ye, we shall speedily repair to his capital. Let there be no waste of time." Thereupon, the counsellors along with the Maharshis said,--"Excellent!' And the king highly delighted, said unto the counsellors,--"Our journey commenceth on the morrow." And excellently ministered unto, the counsellors of that foremost of monarchs (Janaka), endowed with every excellent quality, spent that night in joy.

SECTION LXIX.

Then when the night had been spent, king Dacaratha accompanied with his priests and adherents, well pleased spoke unto Sumantra, saying,--"To-day let the officers in charge of the treasury, taking plenty of excellent wealth, and furnished with various gems, go in advance under proper escort. And let the four-fold forces sally out with speed. And at my command let horses and conveyances and elegant vehicles march out. And let Vasishtha and Vamadeva and Javali and Kacyapa and Markandeya endowed with long life and the saint Katyayana--let these regenerate ones go forward. And do thou also yoke my car. Let not the proper time pass away; for the envoys urge speed upon me." At these words of the king, the four-fold forces together with the saints went in the wake of the monarch. And after bar- ing passed four days on the way, they arrived at Videha.