Brahmanda Purana 3 by nitai

ANCIENT INDIAN TRADITION AND M Y T H O L O G Y SERIES [VOLUMES

RELEASED]

ŚIVA 1-4 LIŃGA 5-6 BHĀGAVATA 7-11 GARUDA 12-14 NARAD A 15-19 KŪRMA 20-21 BRAHMĀNDA 22-26 AGNI 27-30 VARĀHA 31-32 BRAHMA 33-36 VĀYU 37-38 PADMA 39-48 SKANDA, PARTS I-XIII, 49-61 • [VOLUMES U N D E R P R E P A R A T I O N ]

SKANDA, PARTS XIV-XXIV BHAVISYA BRAH MAVArVARTA DEVĪBHĀGAVATA KĀLIKĀ MĀRKANDEYA MATSYA VĀMANA V1SNU VISNUDHARMOTTARA

THE

BRAHMĀNDA PURĀNA

Translated

and

Annotated

DR. G.V. TAGARE

PART HI

MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED • DELHI

First

Edition:

Reprint:

Delhi,

1983

Delhi,

2000

ISBN: 81-208-0356-6

Also

available

MOTILAL

at:

BANARSIDASS

2 3 6 , 9 t h M a i n III B l o c k , J a y a n a g a r , B a n g a l o r e 5 6 0 O i l 41 U.A. Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi 110 007 8 Mahalaxmi Chamber, Warden Road, Mumbai 400 0 2 6 120 Royapettah H i g h Road, Mylapore, Chennai 6 0 0 0 0 4 S a n a s P l a z a , 1 3 0 2 Baji R a o R o a d , P u n e 4 1 1 0 0 2 8 C a m a c Street, Calcutta 7 0 0 0 1 7 A s h o k Rajpath, Patna 8 0 0 0 0 4 C h o w k , Varanasi 221 001

U N E S C O COLLECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE W O R K S — I n d i a n S e r i e s . This

book

has

Collection Nations

been

accepted

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of Representative

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Educational,

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and

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India

BY J A I N E N D R A PRAKASH J A I N AT SHRI J A I N E N D R A PRESS, A-45 N A R A I N A , P H A S E I , N E W D E L H I 1 1 0 0 2 8 A N D P U B L I S H E D B Y N A R E N D R A PRAKASH J A I N F O R • M O T I L A L B A N A R S I D A S S P U B L I S H E R S PRIVATE LIMITED, B U N G A L O W ROAD, DELHI 110 0 0 7

PUBLISHER'S N O T E T h e p u r e s t g e m s lie h i d d e n i n t h e b o t t o m o f the o c e a n o r i n the d e p t h o f rocks. O n e h a s t o d i v e i n t o t h e o c e a n o r d e l v e i n t o t h e rocks t o f i n d t h e m o u t . S i m i l a r l y , t r u t h lies concealed in the language which with the passage of time has b e c o m e o b s o l e t e . M a n h a s t o learn t h a t l a n g u a g e before h e discovers that truth. But he has neither the m e a n s nor the leisure to e m b a r k on t h a t c o u r s e . W e h a v e , therefore, p l a n n e d t o h e l p h i m a c q u i r e k n o w l e d g e b y a n easier c o u r s e . W e h a v e s t a r t e d the series o f Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology in E n g l i s h T r a n s l a t i o n . O u r goal is to universalize knowledge t h r o u g h the most popular international medium of expression. T h e publication of the P u r Ä n a s in E n g l i s h t r a n s l a t i o n is a s t e p t o w a r d s t h a t g o a l .

PREFACE The present volume c o n t a i n s the Brahmānda Parana, P a r t I I I ( C h a p t e r s 4 4 - 7 4 ) o f t h e t h i r d s e c t i o n , Upodghātapāda, of t h e t e x t in English Translation. T h i s is t h e T w e n t y - f o u r t h v o l u m e i n t h e Series w h i c h w e h a v e p l a n n e d o n Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology. T h e p r o j e c t o f t h e Series w a s e n v i s a g e d a n d f i n a n c e d i n 1970 by L a l a Sundar L a i J a i n of Messrs Motilal Banarsidass. H i t h e r t o t w e n t y t h r e e v o l u m e s o f t h e Series ( c o m p r i s i n g E n g l i s h t r a n s l a t i o n of Śiva, Lińga, Bhāgavata, Garuia, Nārada, Kūrma a n d BrahmSna'a Purānas) h a v e b e e n p u b l i s h e d a n d r e l e a s e d for s a l e . T h e present V o l u m e continues the story of P a r a ś u r ā m a from t h e p r e v i o u s v o l u m e . I t r e c o r d s t h e visit o f P a r a ś u r ā m a t o t h e h e r m i t a g e o f his f a t h e r J a m a d a g n i a n d his r e v i e w o f t h e b a t t l e w i t h k i n g K ā r t t a v ī r y a e n d i n g i n t h e l a t t e r ' s d e a t h , his v i s i t t o l o r d B r a h m a w h o a d v i s e d h i m t o see l o r d Ś i v a w h o g a v e h i m t h e p r o t e c t i v e m a n t r a Trailokya-Vijaya w h i c h h e r e p e a t e d for practice at the holy place named Puskara. I n t h e n e x t v i s i t t o l o r d Ś i v a P a r a ś u r ā m a m e e t s stiff r e s i s t a n c e from V i n ā y a k a , son o f l o r d Ś i v a . V i n ā y a k a a s a g u a r d is posted at the gate. He w o u l d not allow P a r a ś u r ā m a to enter t h e p a l a c e a t t h a t u n u s u a l h o u r . B u t i n t h e excess o f d e v o t i o n for the lord, P a r a ś u r ā m a can no longer w a i t and a furious c o m b a t ensues between V i n ā y a k a and Paraśurāma wherein the former loses h i s tusk. Pārvatī is extremely in rage. She threatens to desert Śiva i f t h e i n s u l t i s n o t a v e n g e d . A l l e n t r e a t i e s a r e o f n o a v a i l till R ā d h ā a n d K r s n a arrive to intervene. R ā d h ā succeeds in appeasing Pārvatī. Thus, an unpleasant situation created by u g l y i n c i d e n t i s c h a n g e d for t h e b e t t e r . S u c h incidents a r e no main parts of the story. T h e y a p p e a r t o h a v e b e e n i n s e r t e d l a t e r o n for e s t a b l i s h i n g h a r m o n y a m o n g t h e m u t u a l l y o p p o s i n g r e l i g i o u s sects. T h e e m e r g e n c e o f R ā d h ā a s a p o w e r f u l c e l e b r i t y w h o c o u l d pacify P ā r v a t ī w h e n o t h e r s h a d failed is, i n fact,t,he m o s t significant factor t h a t h a s b e e n in t r o d u c e d for a c c o m p l i s h i n g t h e r e l i g i o u s i n t e g r a t i o n o f different sects.

(

viii

)

A s a p a r t o f t h e m a i n story, J a m a d a g n i e p i s o d e p r e s e n t s p e r s o n s o f different c h a r a c t e r . J a m a d a g n i , b y n a t u r e , i s a p e a c e loving sage. He is not h a p p y at the cruel slaughter of innocent Ksatriyas. He advises P a r a ś u r ā m a to perform p e n a n c e for t w e l v e y e a r s . P a r a ś u r ā m a a g r e e s t o the p r o p o s a l and starts penance at the mount M a h e n d r a . Meanwhile, Śūra, s o n o f K ā r t t a v ī r y a , g o e s t o the forest o n h u n t i n g e x p e d i t i o n . H e e n t e r s t h e h e r m i t a g e o f J a m a d a g n i a n d kills the s a g e . R e n u k ā wife of J a m a d a g n i , immolates herself on the pyre. A f t e r c o m p l e t i n g his c o u r s e o f p e n a n c e , Paraśurāma r e t u r n s t o the h e r m i t a g e o f his father. O n k n o w i n g a b o u t the t r a g i c d e a t h o f his p a r e n t s h e i s e x t r e m e l y p a i n e d . H e g o e s t o M ā h i s m a t ī a n d kills Ś ū r a . T h e r e a f t e r , h e g o e s t o the m o u n t M a h e n d r a a n d p e r f o r m s p e n a n c e . T a k i n g a d v a n t a g e o f his a b s e n c e , t h e H a i h a y a s g a t h e r forces, d e v a s t a t e B h ā r g a v a s a n d t h e i r allies. W h e n P a r a ś u r ā m a r e t u r n s , h e i s i n f o r m e d o f t h e i r a c t i v i t i e s . H e r e p e a t s his e x p e d i t i o n s t w e n t y o n e times a n d s l a u g h t e r s K s a t r i y a s . H e c a t c h e s h o l d o f t w e l v e t h o u s a n d ksat r i y a k i n g s , kills t h e m a t K u r u k s e t r a , f i l l s u p f i v e t a n k s w i t h t h e i r b l o o d a n d offers l i b a t i o n s t h e r e o f t o his d e c e a s e d fore fathers w h o , h o w e v e r , a d v i s e h i m t o desist from v i o l e n c e . P a r a ś u r ā m a p e r f o r m s a horse-sacrifice, d o n a t e s a l l c o n q u e r e d l a n d a s gift t o his p r e c e p t o r K a ś y a p a . T h e rise o f t h e p o w e r o f H a i h a y a s k n o w n a s T ā l a j a ń g h a s s h o w s t h a t t h e effect o f R a m a ' s c o n q u e s t s w a s t e m p o r a r y . T ā l a j a ń g h a s r e c o v e r e d their k i n g d o m a n d d r o v e o u t t h e r u l e r o f A y o d h y ā w h o due to blood-relation with J a m a d a g n i w a s an ally of Paraśurāma. F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e a c c o u n t s h o w s t h a t the s a g e s w e r e e q u i p p e d w i t h t h e k n o w l e d g e o f m i l i t a r y science. F o r i n s t a n c e , k i n g S a g a r a o f A y o d h y ā h a d r e c e i v e d his m i l i t a r y t r a i n i n g u n d e r A u r v a a n d a t t a i n e d proficiency i n t h e fire missiles. A s a result o f this h e h a d e x t e n d e d his d o m i n i o n a s far a s A f g h a n i s t a n . T h i s v o l u m e c o n t a i n s t h e s t o r y o f S a g a r a i n d e t a i l , refers t o his h o r s e sacrifice w h e r e i n his p r o g e n y w a s d e s t r o y e d b y t h e f i r e o f s a g e K a p i l a ' s a n g e r . T h e r e a r e references t o B h a g ī r a t h a w h o h a d b r o u g h t G a ń g ā from t h e H i m a l a y a s t o t h e n o r t h e r n p l a i n s o f t h e c o u n t r y a n d sanctified t h e a s h e s o f his a n c e s t o r s w i t h h e r holy waters.

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)

T h e character of Paraśurāma is p o r t r a y e d a s mili tant, remorseless, aggressive revengeful a n d violent. His expeditions against the Haihayas, his conquests of the E a r t h r e p e a t e d t w e n t y o n e times, his f i l l i n g u p f i v e t a n k s a t K u r u k s e t r a w i t h the b l o o d o f K s a t r i y a r u l e r s s h o w h o w far his fury h a d r e a c h e d t o a v e n g e t h e d e a t h o f his f a t h e r . A s for further a c c o u n t s o f his e x p l o i t s , m e n t i o n m a y b e m a d e o f h o w h e h a d r e c o v e r e d t h e s u b m e r g e d l a n d from t h e s e a . F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e Section presents the a c c o u n t o f s o m e prominent royal dynasties from the birth of V a i v a s v a t a M a n u to the Future S ā v a r n a M a n u . These accounts are c o m m o n in all Purānas and they seem to be the part of U r - P u r ā n a . C h a p t e r s 61, 62 relate to the science of Music. H e r e the t e x t i s full o f c o r r u p t r e a d i n g s a n d o b s c u r i t i e s . T h e c o r r e s p o n d ing text in the V ā y u Purāna is comparatively better and we h a v e a c c e p t e d r e a d i n g s from t h e V ā y u Purāna. This has f a c i l i t a t e d t h e w o r k of t r a n s l a t i o n . S t i l l , a lot of confusion w i l l p e r s i s t till t h e o r i g i n a l t e x t i s r e s t o r e d w h i c h a t p r e s e n t i s n o t p o s s i b l e for w a n t o f m a n u s c r i p t s . Besides, t h e V o l u m e d e a l s w i t h the h i s t o r y o f k i n g s o f I k s v ā k u d y n a s t y , m a r k s t h e e x t e n t of their dominions, mentions h o w an important m e m b e r of their d y n a s t y a t t a i n e d B r a h m a n h o o d , states t h e n a m e s o f k s a t r i y a s w h o attained the status of sages by means of penance ( S e e p . 8 5 0 ) , records some interesting legends such as the legend of famous p h y s i c i a n k i n g D h a n v a n t a r i , the f o u n d e r o f A y u r v e d a (Indian M e d i c a l Science), the episode of the city of V a r a n a s i , h o w i t w a s c o l o n i z e d b y the R ā k s a s a K s e m a k a , h o w i t p r o s p e r e d b y the blissful patronage of Nikumbha—a prominent member a m o n g the a t t e n d a n t s o f L o r d M a h ā d e v a a n d f u r t h e r h o w i t b e c a m e d e s o l a t e b y t h e c u r s e o f t h a t v e r y g o b l i n , a n d still f u r t h e r , h o w l o r d M a h ā d e v a took u p his a b o d e i n the city a n d restored its prestine glory. T h e section contains the story of k i n g Y a y ā t i , requesting his sons to e x c h a n g e t h e i r y o u t h for a p e r i o d of 1 0 0 0 y e a r s for his old a g e . T h i s e p i s o d e o f m y t h o l o g i c a l c h a r a c t e r i s the g r e a t e s t c o n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e h i s t o r y o f p r e - V e d i c p e r i o d . T h e f i v e sons of Y a y ā t i — Y a d u , T u r v a s u , Druhyu, A n u a n d P ū r u are historical personages well known to the R g v e d a . T h e P u r a n i c records m a i n t a i n t h e o l d e s t t r a d i t i o n o f t h i s d y n a s t y . C h . 6 9 o f this s e c t i o n r e c o u n t s t h e l i n e o f Y a d u , t h e e l d e s t son o f Y a y ā t i — t h e

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)

line w h i c h w a s sanctified b y its a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h son o f V a s u d e v a a n d t h e foster-child o f N a n d a .

lord

Krsna,

T h e concluding chapters include the history of some royal dynasties a n d high personages such as Bārhadrathas, Pradyotas, Ś i ś u n ā g a s , N a n d a s , M a u r y a s a n d K ā n v a s . For t h e d e t a i l e d description of these dynasties the reader is referred to Introduc tion to V o l . x x i i , P a r t I of this P u r ā n a . Acknowledgement

of Obligations

It is our pleasant d u t y to p u t on record our sincere thanks to Dr. R. N. D a n d e k a r a n d the U N E S C O authorities for t h e i r k i n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t a n d v a l u a b l e h e l p w h i c h r e n d e r this w o r k m o r e useful t h a n i t w o u l d o t h e r w i s e h a v e b e e n . W e a r e e x t r e m e l y g r a t e f u l t o D r . G . V . T a g a r e for his c r i t i c a l Introduction, lucid translation and comprehensive anno tations. We t h a n k S h r i T . V . P a r a m e s h w a r I y e r for his valuable assistance i n t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f this w o r k . W e should also express our g r a t i t u d e to all those persons w h o h a v e offered s u g g e s t i o n s for i m p r o v i n g t h e s a m e . —Editor

CONTENTS

PART SECTION

III

U P O D G H A T A P A D A

(Continued)

C H A P T E R S

Pages 44.

Story of P a r a ś u r ā m a

721

45.

Story of P a r a ś u r ā m a (Continued)

724

46.

Story of P a r a ś u r ā m a (Continued)

726

47.

Story of P a r a ś u r ā m a (Continued)

48.

S a g a r a k e e p s his v o w

738

49.

Conquest of the world by S a g a r a

744

50.

Sagara's Visit to Aurva's Hermitage

750

51.

Banishment of Asamañjasa

756

52.

T h e S a c r i f i c i a l H o r s e i s l e t loose

762

53.

Destruction

54.

R e c o v e r y of the Sacrificial H o r s e

770

the

sons

Sagara

766

55.

Arńsumān installed as Crown Prince

775

56.

Descent of G a ń g ā

778

57.

V a r u n a visits B h ā r g a v a

784

58.

R ā m a r e c l a i m s l a n d from the s e a

790

59.

Birth of V a i v a s v a t a

60.

Progeny

61.

A Dissertation on Music

803

62.

Science of M u s i c

811

63.

The Iksvāku Dynasty

816

64.

Description of Nimi Dynasty

835

65.

Nativity of Soma and Saumya

838

66.

Description of A m ā v a s u Dynasty

842

67.

Origin of Dhanvantari

850

793 Vaivasvata

Manu

801

(

xii

)

68.

Story of Y a y ā t i

69.

Birth of K ā r t t a v ī r y a

70.

Dynasties

71.

Vrsni Dynasty

72.

P r a i s e of t h e L o r d :

73.

Description of the Glory of V i s n u

74.

R o y a l Dynasties

859 869 Jyāmagha

and

Vrsni

874 879

Conclusion

901 920 931

ABBREVIATIONS

C o m m o n a n d self-evident a b b r e v i a t i o n s s u c h a s c h ( s ) — c h a p t e r (s), p — p a g e , p p — p a g e s , v — v e r s e , v v — v e r s e s , F t n — footnote, H i s t . I n d . P h i l o — H i s t o r y o f I n d i a n P h i l o s o p h y a r e n o t i n c l u d e d in this list.

ABORI

Annals

Institute,

the

Bhandarkar

Oriental

Research

Poona.

AGP

S. M. A l i ' s The Geography of Purānas, P P H , New Delhi, 1973.

AIHT

Ancient Indian Historical Tradition, F. E. Pargiter, Motilal Banarsidass (MLBD),

AITM

Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology M L B D , Delhi, 1972 o n w a r d s .

Series,

Agni Purāna, G u r u M a n d a l Calcutta, 1957.

(GM)

Delhi.

Arch. S. Rep.

Atharva Veda, S v a d h y a y a

B d . P.

Brahmānia Purāna,

Bh. P.

Archaeological Survey Report.

AV BG-

Edition

Mandal, Aundh.

MLBD, Delhi

1973.

Bhagavadgiti. Bhāgavata

Purāna,

Bhagavat

Vidyapeeth,

Ahmedabad. Br.

Brāhmana ( p r e c e d e d Śatapatha).

Bs. P.

Bhavisya Purāna, V i s h n u S h a s t r i

B v . P.

Brahma

Caturvarga Cintāmani by

CVS

Carana

Vaivarta Purāna, G M , Vyūha

name

Devi Bhāgavata,

Bapat, W a i .

1955-57.

Hemadri.

Sūtra

by Ś a u n a k a ; Com.

GM,

1960-61.

Mahidāsa. DB

such

( De or G D A M I

The

)

Geographical

Mediaeval

Dictionary

N. L.

India,

Ancient

De,

and

Orienta

R e p r i n t , Delhi, 1971. Dh. S.

Dharma

(preceded

Sūtra

the

author's

n a m e such as G a u t a m a ) .

ERE

Encyclopaedia

Garuia

Grhya Sūtra ( P r e c e d e d by t h e

Religion Ed.

Parana,

and

Ethics—Hastings.

R. S.

Bhattacharya,

C h o w k h a m b a , V a r a n a s i , 1964. name

the

a u t h o r such a s A p a s t a m b a ) HD

History

of Dharma

The Indian

Antiquary.

IHQ.

The Indian

Historical

by P. V. K a n e ,

Śāstra

G.O.S.

Kaufiliya

Quarterly.

ArthaSāstra.

Kūrma Parana, V e n k a t e s h w a r a Press E d t . Bombay, also Kashiraj Trust Edt.,

Lińga Purāna, G M , 1 9 6 0 ; a l s o M L B D , Delhi,

Varanasi

1971.

MKP

1981. Manu Smrti. Mahābhārata, Gītā Press, 2014. Mārkandeya Purāna.

Mahābhārata

M t . P.

Matsya Purāna,

Manu Mbh.

Gorakhpur,

Gitā

Nāmānukramani,

Press,

Gorakhpur, V S 2016.

MW NP PGK P d . P. PE

GM,

1954.

Monier Williams Sk. E n g l i s h M L B D , Delhi, 1976. Nāradiya

or Nārada

Dictionary

Venkateshwar

Purāna,

Press, B o m b a y . Bhāratavarsiya Prācina

Caritrakośa,

Siddheshwar

S h a s t r i , Poona, 1968. Padma Purāna, G M ,

1957-59.

Puranic Encyclopaedia by V. M L B D , Delhi, 1 9 7 5 .

M a n i , English,

( PJ.

Purāna

(Journal

) of

the Kashirāj

Trust),

Varanasi. PR or P R H R C

Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and R. C. H a z r a , Calcutta, 1948.

R g Veda, S v a d h y a y a M a n d a l , A u n d h

Customs

Ś a t . Br

Satapatha

SC or S M C

Smrti

SEP

Studies in Epics and Purānas by A. D. P u s a l k a r Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(BVB), Bombay.

Brāhmana. Candrikā—Devanna

Bhatta.

CHAPTER The Vasistha

said

Story

FORTYFOUR of Paraśurāma

1 . T h u s t h e s c h o l a r l y scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h r g u , o f righteous Soul, proceeded (homeward) accompanied by A k r t a v r a n a , seeing on the w a y m a n y lands a n d territories, O king. 2. Seeing Bhārgava on the K s a t r i y a s hid themselves in their save their lives.

w a y , e v e r y w h e r e all the eagerness and anxiety to

3. Then, O leading king, R ā m a reached the h e r m i t a g e o f his father, t h a t e c h o e d w i t h the s o u n d o f t h e V e d i c M a n t r a s and that was abounding in animals of tranquil nature. 4. It w a s a place where the animals ( t h o u g h m u t u a l l y i n i m i c a l b y n a t u r e , l i k e lions, d e e r , c o w s , e l e p h a n t s , c a t s a n d m i c e , r o a m e d a b o u t i n j o y s i m u l t a n e o u s l y , l e a v i n g off t h e i r f e a r . 5 . O n s e e i n g the s m o k e a r i s i n g from t h e A g n i h o t r a rites, O ruler of the Earth, the p e a c o c k s c r y a l o u d a n d d a n c e d e l i g h t e d l y ( a s i f t h e y h a v e seen a c l o u d ) . 6. In the evening hours, the g r o u n d there w a s rendered s l u s h y ( ? ) w i t h w a t e r b y B r ā h m a n a s w h o u s e d t o offer w a t e r libations facing the setting Sun. 7. T h e Vedas, Scriptures and Sarhhitās w e r e joyously recited there, by the resident disciples strictly a d h e r i n g to the vow of celibacy. 8. Surveying the luxurious wealth of the hermitage w i t h g r e a t d e l i g h t i n his m i n d , O k i n g , R ā m a e n t e r e d i t a c companied by Akrtavrana. 9. On being welcomed and honoured by the Brāhmanas a n d t h e i r sons w h o u t t e r e d s u c h w o r d s a s " B e v i c t o r i o u s " , "Obeisance to y o u " , R ā m a became greatly delighted. 10. E n t e r i n g t h e i n n e r p r e c i n c t s o f t h e h e r m i t a g e , h i s o w n house, R ā m a s a w his f a t h e r , J a m a d a g n i , t h e v e r y store house of Penance. 11. T h e s a g e w a s o n e c a p a b l e o f c h a s t i s i n g o r b l e s s i n g . H e w a s s e a t e d t h e r e like B h r g u himself. R ā m a p r o s t r a t e d h i m -

Brahmānda

722

Purāna

self a t his feet t o u c h i n g the g r o u n d w i t h e i g h t p a r t s ( o f his body). 12. " I a m R ā m a , y o u r s l a v e " — U t t e r i n g this, O lord o f the E a r t h , R ā m a , the l e a d e r o f g o o d p e o p l e , d u l y t o u c h e d his feet. 13. T h e n h e m a d e o b e i s a n c e t o the feet o f his m o t h e r . W i t h p a l m s j o i n e d i n r e v e r e n c e , h e m a d e t h e f o l l o w i n g state ment which made them delighted. Rāma

said:

14. D u e to the p o t e n t i a l i t y of y o u r p e n a n c e , O father, K ā r t t a v ī r y a w h o w a s e x t r e m e l y i n a s s a i l a b l e (to his e n e m i e s ) w a s killed i n b a t t l e a l o n g w i t h his sons, a r m i e s a n d v e h i c l e s . 15. P u n i s h m e n t w a s s t e r n l y m e t e d o u t b y m e t o ( t h a t king) w h o c o m m i t t e d a n offence a g a i n s t y o u , o n b e i n g u r g e d by his w i c k e d m i n i s t e r , O l e a d i n g s a g e . 16. A f t e r b o w i n g d o w n to y o u , I a p p r o a c h e d B r a h m a . After duly b o w i n g d o w n to h i m I i n t i m a t e d to h i m m y p u r p o s e of seeing him. 17.

On hearing

advised me. " G o realization 18.

t h e r e p o r t from the b e g i n n i n g , t h a t lord

the

eternal

r e g i o n of God

Siva

for

the

of your object''. A f t e r h e a r i n g his w o r d s , O father, I b o w e d d o w n

Pitāmaha (god Brahma) and w e n t to Śivaloka with a

desire to

see Hara. 19.

O n e n t e r i n g it, O h o l y Sir, L o r d Ś i v a a c c o m p a n i e d

b y his c o n s o r t U m ā , us,

Siva

w h o b e s t o w s the

objects

desired

w a s duly saluted by me. 20.

ed by me.

his p r e s e n c e t h e w h o l e o f m y h i s t o r y w a s r e p o r t

With

great

Hearing

concentration

mind,

heard

everything. 21.

and

pondering

over

everything,

the

merciful l o r d g a v e me a Kavaca ( a n e s o t e r i c mantra as a c o a t of m a i l ) n a m e d Trailokyavijaya ( c o n q u e r o r o f t h e t h r e e w o r l d s ) . I t i s t h e b e s t o w e r o f success i n e v e r y t h i n g . 22-23.

O n o b t a i n i n g it, I b o w e d

down to him and went

t o P u s k a r a . T h e r e I p r a c t i s e d the Kavaca a n d b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d

in my mind.

After killing K ā r t t a v ī r y a

the battle, I w e n t to

2.3.44.24-34

723

ś i v a l o k a o n c e a g a i n . T h e r e S k a n d a a n d V i n ā y a k a w e r e seen b y m e a t the e n t r a n c e . 24-25. O sage conversant with Dharma, I attempted t o e n t e r after b o w i n g d o w n t o t h e m . On seeing me entering hurriedly, Ganeśa suddenly pre v e n t e d m e s a y i n g — " T h i s i s not t h e p r o p e r t i m e " . T h e r e f o r e , 0 father, a w o r d y w a r f a r e iook p l a c e b e t w e e n me and him. T h e n the s e i z u r e o f e a c h o t h e r ' s h a n d s a n d tugging at them followed. T h e r e a f t e r , the h u r l i n g of the a x e took p l a c e , O d e l i g h ter of the f a m i l y of ' B h r g u ' . 26-29. C o m i n g t o k n o w o f it, h e ( V i n ā y a k a ) seized m e w i t h his h a n d a n d w h i r l e d m e u p w a r d s a n d d o w n w a r d s . T h e n 1 w a s b r o u g h t b a c k (to m y o r i g i n a l p l a c e ) . O n s e e i n g h i m , t h e a x e w a s h u r l e d b y m e w i t h g r e a t a n g e r . H i s tusk w a s felled d o w n w h e n the lord c a m e .there. P ā r v a t ī b e c a m e a n g r y . T h e n K r s n a came there' accompanied by R ā d h ā . She (Pārvatī) was a p p e a s e d b y h i m a n d she g r a n t e d m e a b o o n . K r s n a w e n t a w a y after m a k i n g m e friendly w i t h h i m ( G a n e ś a ) . 30. T h e r e a f t e r , I b o w e d d o w n to P ā r v a t ī a n d t h e S u p r e m e L o r d Ś i v a , the s o v e r e i g n o f t h e D e v a s a n d h a v e n o w c o m e t o your presence accompanied by A k r t a v r a n a . " Vasistha

said

31. After s a y i n g this, O lord of t h e E a r t h , R ā m a , t h e scion o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u , s t o p p e d . J a m a d a g n i then s a i d t o R ā m a , the s l a y e r o f e n e m i e s . Jamadagni

said

32. Y o u h a v e b e e n affected b y t h e sin o f s l a u g h t e r i n g K s a t r i y a s . I n o r d e r t o r e m o v e the sin t h e r e o f , i t b e h o v e s y o u to perform expiation d u l y " . 33. O n b e i n g told t h u s , R ā m a , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g i n t e l l i g e n t persons, r e q u e s t e d his f a t h e r — " I t b e h o v e s y o u to point out to me the p r o p e r expiation thereof". Jamadagni

said

34. " P e r f o r m a p e n a n c e for t w e l v e y e a r s m a k i n g y o u r b o d y e m a c i a t e d b y m e a n s o f h o l y rites a n d observances and s u b s i s t i n g o n l y o n g r e e n s , roots a n d fruits for y o u r d i e t " .

724

Brahmānda

Vasistha

said

Purāria

35. O n b e i n g t o l d t h u s , the l e a d i n g m e m b e r o f t h e . f a m i l y o f B h r g u , b o w e d d o w n t o h i m a s w e l l a s t o his m o t h e r , O k i n g , a n d w e n t for p e r f o r m i n g p e n a n c e a c c o m p a n i e d b y Akrtavrana. 36-37. H e , t h e d e s t r o y e r o f e n e m i e s , w e n t t o the excel lent mountain M a h e n d r a . 1 He built a hermitage there and p e r f o r m e d a p e n a n c e v e r y difficult t o b e p e r f o r m e d b y o t h e r s . R ā m a o f n o b l e m i n d s p e n t s o m e y e a r s t h e r e performing, h o l y rites a n d o b s e r v a n c e s a n d t h e w o r s h i p o f t h e deities.

CHAPTER

FORTYFIVE

Tke Story of Paraśurāma Vasistha

said

(continued)

:—

1 . T h e n o n c e Ś ū r a (i.e. K ā r t t a v l r y a ' s s o n ) w h o h a d e s c a p e d to the H i m a l a y a n f o r e s t s — w e n t to the forest for h u n t i n g along w i t h Śūrasena a n d others a n d accompanied by t h e a r m i e s o f four different u n i t s . 2 . A f t e r e n t e r i n g t h e g r e a t forest, t h e y k i l l e d different kinds of animals. O v e r w h e l m e d by thirst at m i d d a y , they went t o the r i v e r N a r m a d ā . 3. T a k i n g their b a t h there a n d d r i n k i n g the waters of the river, they g o t rid of their fatigue. W h i l e g o i n g a w a y they saw the hermitage of J a m a d a g n i on the w a y . 4. On seeing the c h a r m i n g hermitage, they asked sages c o m i n g t h a t w a y — " w h o s e h e r m i t a g e i s this ? " I n t h a t t h e y w e r e u r g e d b y t h e i n e v i t a b l e future r e s u l t o f their a c t i o n s . 5 . T h e y r e p l i e d : " J a m a d a g n i o f g r e a t p e n a n c e lives i n this h e r m i t a g e . He is a s a g e of q u i e s c e n t soul a n d his son R ā m a is the most excellent one a m o n g the wielders of w e a p o n s . " ' 6. tioned, 1.

On hearing it and because R a m a ' s name was men they were overcome with fear a t t h e o u t s e t . M a d u r a i ' district.

includes the Eastern G h a t a n d the range extending from Northern Circars

T h e range of hills extending from

Gondwana—De,

119.

Orissa

2.3.45.7-17

725

Remembering their previous ruthless enmity, they w e r e exceedingly enraged. 7 . T h e n t h e y conferred w i t h o n e a n o t h e r — " S i n c e o u r father has been killed by P a r a ś u r ā m a , w h y should we not t a k e r e v e n g e b y k i l l i n g t h e f a t h e r o f the s l a y e r o f o u r f a t h e r ? Direct us n o w . " 8 . A f t e r s a y i n g this, t h e y e n t e r e d t h e h e r m i t a g e w i t h s w o r d s i n t h e i r h a n d s , a s the h e r o i c s a g e s h a d g o n e t o different p l a c e s . T h e y killed J a m a d a g n i . 9 . "After k i l l i n g h i m , t h e y took a w a y his h e a d l i k e the r u t h l e s s N i s a d a s ( h u n t e r s ) . T h o s e w i c k e d o n e s t h e n r e t u r n e d to their capital along with their armies. 10. O n s e e i n g t h e i r f a t h e r k i l l e d , the sons o f t h a t n o b l e s o u l e d s a g e l a m e n t e d , O g r e a t k i n g . Afflicted b y g r i e f t h e y stood s u r r o u n d i n g h i m , 11. O n s e e i n g h e r h u s b a n d fallen o n t h e g r o u n d after b e i n g k i l l e d , R e n u k ā i m m e d i a t e l y fell d o w n senseless like a creeper struck down by the thunderbolt. 12. After f a l l i n g u n c o n s c i o u s , s h e w a s b u r n t b y the f i r e of g r i e f in h e r m i n d . L i k e o n e w h o s e consciousness is lost, s h e b e c a m e s e p a r a t e d from h e r v i t a l a i r s . S h e d i e d i n s t a n t a n e o u s l y . 13. T h e sons w h o h a d r e g a i n e d consciousness s a w t h a t s h e d i d n o t u t t e r a n y w o r d . T h e y b e c a m e i m m e r s e d i n the o c e a n o f g r i e f a n d fell d o w n senseless o n t h e g r o u n d . 14. O t h e r s a g e s w h o w e r e l i v i n g i n t h a t p e n a n c e - g r o v e , c a m e t h e r e . T h e y too w e r e e q u a l l y g r i e v e d b u t t h e y consoled the sons of t h e s a g e . 15. A f t e r b e i n g c o n s o l e d b y t h e g r o u p s o f s a g e s the sons of J a m a d a g n i duly c r e m a t e d ' the bodies of their parents at their instance. 16" T h e y performed all the obsequies that should be per formed l a t e r o n a f t e r the d e a t h o f p a r e n t s . They were afflicted d a y a n d n i g h t b y t h e s o r r o w , d u e t o t h e d e a t h o f their parents. 17. I n d u e c o u r s e o f time, a t t h e e n d o f t h e p e r i o d o f t w e l v e y e a r s , R ā m a r e t u r n e d from his p e n a n c e . A c c o m p a n i e d b y his friend, h e w e n t t o t h e h e r m i t a g e o f his father.

Brahmānda

726

CHAPTER

FORTYSIX

The Story of Paraśurāma Vasistha said

Purāna

( Continued)

:—

1 -3. W h i l e c o m i n g a l o n g t h e p a t h , R ā m a h e a r d the d e t a i l s ( o f his f a t h e r ' s m u r d e r ) from t h e b e g i n n i n g , from the s a g e s s u c h a s the a t t e m p t (on his f a t h e r ' s life) b y t h e p r i n c e s , t h e p a s s i n g a w a y o f his p a r e n t s , t h e m u r d e r o f his father a n d t h e r e m o v a l o f t h e h e a d o f his father b y t h e m . O n h e a r i n g o f the d e a t h o f his mother due to his f a t h e r ' s d e a t h , R ā m a o f p o w e r f u l arms,- b e c a m e m i s e r a b l e a n d grieved and he lamented. A k r t a v r a n a w h o had been equally g r i e v e d consoled h i m . 4. T h r o u g h reasons pointed out in the scriptures, through h i n t s o f his h e r o i s m a n d c a p a c i t y a n d t h r o u g h c o g e n t a r g u ments and popular examples he alleviated R a m a ' s grief. 5 . O n b e i n g consoled, the h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h r g u , r e g a i n e d his c o u r a g e . H e p r o c e e d e d a h e a d , desirous o f s e e i n g his b r o t h e r s . H e w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y his friend. 6 . Himself, r e d u c e d i n p h y s i c a l s t r e n g t h d u e t o m i s e r y h e s a w t h e m ( h i s b r o t h e r s ) . H e b o w e d d o w n t o t h e m w h o too w e r e equally miserable. Continuously experiencing grief and a n g e r , h e s t a y e d w i t h t h e m for t h r e e d a y s . 7.

H i s f i e r c e w r a t h ( d u e t o t h e r e c u r r i n g ) recollection o f

the d e a t h o f his f a t h e r d e v e l o p e d soon s o m u c h t h a t i t

became

capable of annihilating the worlds. 8 . B e i n g truthful t o his v o w , h e reaffirmed i n his h e a r t t h e p l e d g e t a k e n b y h i m f o r m e r l y for the s a k e o f his m o t h e r . H e p r e p a r e d h i m s e l f for t h e m a s s a c r e o f all K s a t r i y a s . 9-10. B h ā r g a v a r e s o l v e d t h u s — " A f t e r k i l l i n g all those b o r n of K s a t r i y a r a c e , I w i l l p e r f o r m t h e l i b a t i p n offerings to m y p a r e n t s w i t h t h e b l o o d from t h e i r b o d i e s " . ^ [ e i n d i c a t e d his d e s i r e t o a l l his b r o t h e r s . B e i n g p e r m i t t e d b y t h e m a n d h a v i n g c o n c l u d e d a l l t h e o b s e q u i e s , h e s t a r t e d from his h o u s e .

2.3.46.11-22

727

11. A c c o m p a n i e d b y A k r t a v r a n a , h e w e n t t o M ā h i s m a t ī . Standing in a park at the outskirts of that city, he remembered Mahodara. 12. H e sent t o R ā m a a c h a r i o t , b o w e t c . a n d necessary requisites for fighting a l o n g with S a h a s ā h a .

all

the

13. R ā m a , t h e c o n q u e r o r o f e n e m i e s , b e c a m e r e a d y (for t h e b a t t l e ) w e l l - a c c o u t r e d . H e g o t i n t o t h e c h a r i o t . H e took u p his b o w a l o n g w i t h the a r r o w s a n d b l e w his c o n c h p r e s e n t e d by Rudra. 14. H e m a d e a t w a n g i n g s o u n d w i t h t h e b o w s t r i n g , making heaven and Earth tremble as it were. Sahasāha, the m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g t h e c h a r i o t e e r s , d r o v e the chariot. 15. O n a c c o u n t o f t h e s o u n d s o f t h e c h a r i o t a s w e l l a s the b o w - s t r i n g o f ( R ā m a ) w h o w a s furious d u e t o the s l a u g h t e r o f his p a r e n t s , t h e e n t i r e c i t y , the p e o p l e a n d e l e p h a n t s b e c a m e agitated. 16. O n c o m i n g t o k n o w t h a t R ā m a , t h e d e s t r o y e r o f a l l K s a t r i y a s , h a d c o m e , t h e sons o f the k i n g b e c a m e d e e p l y a g i t a t e d a n d t h e y m a d e full p r e p a r a t i o n s for f i g h t i n g w i t h h i m . 17. T h e n , O k i n g , t h e h e r o i c p r i n c e s S ū r a s e n a a n d others (seated) in five chariots, m a d e their e n d e a v o u r to fight with R ā m a . T h e y were accompanied by other kings as well. 18. E q u i p p e d w i t h a r m i e s c o n s i s t i n g o f four different u n i t s , t h o s e l e a d i n g K s a t r i y a s c o n f r o n t e d R ā m a like t h e locusts a p p r o c h i n g fire. 19. W i t h his s i n g l e c h a r i o t , B h ā r g a v a r e s t r a i n e d t h e m as they rushed on. Being a hero of boundless valour, he fought with all the kings in the battle. 2 0 . A b a t t l e took p l a c e once a g a i n b e t w e e n R ā m a a n d the k i n g s , w h e r e i n t h e i n f u r i a t e d s a g e of h i g h i n t e l l e c t , k i l l e d a hundred kings. 2 1 . A f t e r k i l l i n g Ś ū r a s e n a a n d others a l o n g w i t h t h e i r a r m i e s a n d vehicles, h e m a d e the e n t i r e g r o u p o f K s a t r i y a s fall on the g r o u n d in a m o m e n t . 22. T h e kings w h o survived, whose wishes h a d been frustrated and whose vehicles and armies h a d been killed fled in all d i r e c t i o n s .

728

Brahmānda

Purāna

23. After r o u t i n g t h e a r m i e s , k i l l i n g the e n e m i e s a n d w i n n i n g the b a t t l e , R ā m a killed h u n d r e d s o f k i n g s a n d h e r o e s b y m e a n s o f the f i r e from his e x c e l l e n t a r r o w s . 2 4 . O v e r w h e l m e d w i t h fury a n d d e s i r o u s o f b u r n i n g the entire city, B h ā r g a v a d i s c h a r g e d a missile t h a t h a d a l u s t r e s i m i l a r t o t h a t o f K ā l ā g n i (the f i r e o f w o r l d - d e s t r u c t i o n ) . 2 5 . T h e f i r e from t h a t missile b u r n e d t h e city a l o n g w i t h e l e p h a n t s , horses a n d m e n . T h e f l a m e s e n v e l o p e d t h e c l u s t e r s of the entire rampart-wall of the city. 26. O n s e e i n g t h e city b e i n g b u r n e d a n d d e s i r o u s o f s a v i n g his o w n life, P r i n c e V ī t i h o t r a b e c a m e frightened a n d fled q u i c k l y for t h e sake of life. 2 7 . A f t e r b u r n i n g the e n t i r e city b y m e a n s o f fire from t h e missile, a n d after k i l l i n g the e n e m i e s R ā m a a p p e a r e d l i k e the g o d o f D e a t h , the d e s t r o y e r w h o d e v o u r s all the worlds. 28. Accompanied by Akrtavrana and Sahasāha he went ahead m a k i n g the Earth tremble, as it were, by means of the ( r u m b l i n g ) s o u n d o f the c h a r i o t . 2 9 . A f t e r k i l l i n g all the K s a t r i y a s o n the s u r f a c e o f t h e Earth, R ā m a became calm. T h e n he went to the mountain M a h e n d r a d e t e r m i n i n g i n his m i n d t h a t h e s h o u l d p e r f o r m penance. 3 0 . I n t h e m e a n t i m e , i n t h i r t y t w o y e a r s (?) rose i n t o p r o m i n e n c e . ' T h e r e f o r e , h e r e t u r n e d (from a n d took t h e v o w o f k i l l i n g t h e m . 31. of

Ksatriyas penance)

K s a t r i y a kings were begotten of the w i d o w e d

those K s a t r i y a s b y B r ā h m a n a s .

Again

(Rāma)

wives killed

hundreds and thousands of such kings. 32. I n t w o y e a r s , R ā m a m a d e the E a r t h d e v o i d o f K s a t r i yas once again. At the end of it he performed penance of t w e n t y - f o u r y e a r s d u r a t i o n once a g a i n . 33. A g a i n , O k i n g , e n l i g h t e n e d K s a t r i y a s w e r e p r o c r e a t ed by the Brāhmanas. R ā m a k i l l e d t h e m e n t i r e l y like t h e g o d o f d e a t h , t h e d e s t r o y e r o n the E a r t h . 34.

In the course of so

many

born. Killing them R ā m a roamed for t w o y e a r s .

years

some

kings

were

o v e r the E a r t h c o n t i n u o u s l y

729

2.3.46.35—47.8

35. E n o u g h (of this r e p e t i t i o n of i n c i d e n t s ) O leading king. T h e Earth w a s rendered Ksattriya-less b y R ā m a w h o r e m e m b e r e d t h e d e a t h o f his f a t h e r . H e c l e a r e d the earth of K s a t t r i y a s for a l l t w e n t y o n e t i m e s . 36. S i n c e his m o t h e r b e a t h e r o w n b r e a s t t w e n t y o n e times, K s a t r i y a s o n t h e E a r t h w e r e e x t e r m i n a t e d b y R ā m a a s m a n y times.1

CHAPTER The Story Vasistha

said

FORTYSEVEN

of Paraśurāma

(Continued)

:—

1. "Thereafter, R ā m a captured alive twelve thousand kings w h o h a d u n m e a s u r e d s p l e n d o u r a n d w h o w e r e d u l y coronated. 2 . T h a t s a g e o f g r e a t s p l e n d o u r took these t h o u s a n d s of kings along with the sages to the pilgrimage centre K u r u k s e t r a w h i c h i s full o f p e n a n c e (i.e. s a g e s p e r f o r m i n g p e n a n c e ) . 3 . T h e l e a d i n g m e m b e r o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u c a u s e d five lakes to be d u g there. All around them, he g o t built holy b a t h i n g g h a t s o f c o m f o r t a b l e access. 4 . B h ā r g a v a killed the k i n g s there. W i t h t h e b l o o d flowing o u t o f their b o d i e s h e f i l l e d those f i v e l a k e s . 5 . T h e v a l o r o u s son o f J a m a d a g n i d u l y b a t h e d i n t h e m a n d p e r f o r m e d t h e r i t e of offering l i b a t i o n s to t h e m a n e s in ac c o r d a n c e w i t h the s c r i p t u r e s carefully. 6. He performed Ś r ā d d h a and other rites. O leading king, o f his d e p a r t e d f a t h e r a n d m o t h e r a s m e n t i o n e d i n t h e s c r i p t u r e s in the c o m p a n y of B r ā h m a n a s . 7. S u r m o u n t i n g all u n f a v o u r a b l e c i r c u m s t a n c e s thus, he s t a y e d i n the h o l y c e n t r e o f K u r u k s e t r a a b o u n d i n g i n a u s t e r i t i e s . I !c w a s a l e r t l y e n g a g e d in the w o r s h i p of P i u s . 8 . T h e n c e f o r w a r d , the h o l y spot c r e a t e d b y the son o f J a m a d a g n i i n the p e n a n c e g r o v e o f K u r u k s e t r a b e c a m e t h e most e x c e l l e n t of all e x c e l l e n t s a c r e d p l a c e s . 1.

T h i s seems to be the refrain of the traditional b a l l a d of P a r a ś u r ā m a .

730

Brahmānda

Purāna

9 . T h e p l a c e w h e r e the m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g the m e m b e r s o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u c a u s e d t h e e v e r l a s t i n g satisfac tion t o the m a n e s h a s c o m e t o b e k n o w n a s Syamantapañcaka o r Samantapañcaka. I t i s w e l l k n o w n i n a l l t h e t h r e e w o r l d s . 10. I t i s t h e p l a c e w h e r e all h i s P i t r s w e r e fully p r o p i t i a t e d b y h i m b y m e a n s o f h o l y b a t h s , c h a r i t a b l e gifts, p e n a n c e Homas, f e e d i n g of t h e B r ā h m a n a s a n d offerings of l i b a t i o n s . 11-13a. T h e P i t t s o b t a i n e d e v e r l a s t i n g satisfaction a n d t h e e t e r n a l w o r l d o f t h e Pitrs. T h e h o l y c e n t r e n a m e d Saman tapañcaka i s w e l l k n o w n i n t h e w o r l d a s d e s t r u c t i v e o f a l l sins a n d developed by m e a n s of great m e r i t . All the sins o f m e n w h o g o t h e r e a r e r e m o v e d e v e n f r o m a g r e a t d i s t a n c e like a d r y leaf in a s t r o n g w i n d . 13b-l5a. T h e opportunity to go to that pilgrim centre is never o b t a i n e d by b a d m e n , O g r e a t king, even after h u n d r e d s of births. T h e s a c r e d s p o t Samantapañcaka i n K u r u k s e t r a i s e x t r e m e l y sanctifying. A m a n w h o takes his holy b a t h t h e r e is (on a p a r w i t h ) a m a n w h o b a t h e s in all h o l y rivers a n d tanks. 15b-17a. Having fulfilled all h i s r e l i g i o u s a c t s v e r y w e l l , R ā m a felt c o m p l e t e l y satisfied i n r e g a r d t o his desires. T h e h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t s a g e s t a y e d t h e r e for s o m e t i m e w i t h g r e a t self-restraint. T h e n , a t t h e e n d o f a y e a r , the son o f J a m a d a g n i o f g r e a t self control, w e n t to G a y ā a c c o m p a n i e d by the B r ā h m a n a s in o r d e r t o offer t h e b a l l s o f r i c e t o the P i t r s . 17b-20a. After g o i n g there, the suppressor of enemies propitiated the Brāhmanas, greeted and honoured on behalf of t h e Pitrs in t h e Śr&ddha in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e s c r i p t u r e s . T h e r e is another holy spot there pertaining to Śiva, rem embered as C a n d r a p ā d a . A pilgrim centre that causes the satisfaction of t h e Pitrs like t h a t , does n o t exist in t h e w o r l d . T h e Pitrs w h o a r e w o r s h i p p e d t h e r e b y p e r s o n s

belonging

t o t h e i r families, e v e n t o t h e s l i g h t e s t e x t e n t i n a c c o r d a n c e with, their capacity,

will

a t t a i n e v e r l a s t i n g access

to their

t h r o u g h t h e offerings o f b a l l s o f r i c e a n d s i m i l a r o b j e c t s .

goal

731

2.3.47.20-31 20b-23a.

W h e n t h e B r ā h m a n a s h a d b e e n fully p r o p i t i a t e d

o n b e h a l f o f t h e Pitrs R ā m a w h o h a d

devotion

into

the

Pitrs

d u l y offered t h e b a l l o f r i c e . T h e r e u p o n , a l l t h e Pitrs b e g i n n i n g w i t h J a m a d a g n i c a m e from t h e Pitrloka a n d a c c e p t e d the r e v e r e n t w o r s h i p p e r f o r m e d by him. Delighted in their minds they a p p r o a c h e d the' delighter of the m e m b e r s of the family of Bhrgu (i.e. P a r a ś u r ā m a ) . A l l t h o s e Pitrs r e m a i n e d i n v i s i b l e in the sky a n d a d d r e s s e d h i m : The Pitrs said

23b-26a. " O h e r o i c one, a g r e a t d e e d h a s b e e n a c c o m p l i s h e d b y y o u w h i c h i s difficult for o t h e r s t o d o . You have d u l y a n d v e r y w e l l p r o p i t i a t e d us. B u t still y o u h a v e n o t g i v e n u s e v e r l a s t i n g p l e a s u r e ; s i n c e i t w a s after m a s s a c r e d K s a t r i y a s that you have achieved your aim. D u e t o t h e p o t e n t i a l i t y o f this h o l y c e n t r e a s w e l l a s t o your own devotion, we have been met by you a n d worshipped. B u t w e h a v e n o t e n j o y e d e v e r l a s t i n g benefits. 26b-28. H e n c e , for t h e s a k e o f d e s t r o y i n g t h e sin o f s l a u g h t e r o f h e r o e s a s w e l l a s o t h e r sins y o u s h o u l d p e r f o r m t h e d u e e x p i a t o r y rites a n d p e r p e t u a l D h a r m a . H e n c e f o r t h , desist from k i l l i n g t h e K s a t r i y a s . T h e y a r e n o t d i r e c t l y r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e offence a g a i n s t y o u r f a t h e r s i n c e the u n i v e r s e i s not u n c o n t r o l l e d . I t w a s o n a c c o u n t o f t h a t , t h a t the m u r d e r o f y o u r f a t h e r w a s c o m m i t t e d formerly. 29. W h o i s c o m p e t e n t t o kill w h o m ? W h o i s c o m p e t e n t t o s a v e w h o m i n this w o r l d ? I n these t w o affairs e v e r y o n e c a n at best be the instrumental cause alone in regard to everyone else. 30-31. Certainly every one acts in accordance w i t h p r e v i o u s K a r m a n . T h e r e i s n o d o u b t i n this r e g a r d t h a t people b e c a m e powerful befitting the proper time.

his the

W i t h o u t (the i n t e r c e s s i o n ) o f t h e fate, n o l i v i n g b e i n g o n t h e E a r t h i s c a p a b l e o f o p p r e s s i n g o t h e r l i v i n g b e i n g s , d e a r one, b e c a u s e e v e r y o n e d o e s his o w n a c t i o n i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h h i s ability.

732

Brahmātiia

Purāna

3 2 . H e n c e , g i v e u p y o u r furious a n g e r t o w a r d s t h e Ksatriyas. W i t h a d e s i r e t o d o w h a t i s p l e a s i n g t o us, r e g a i n quietism (restraint of passions). T h a t indeed is our great strength. Welfare unto y o u " . Vasistha

said:—

33. After t e l l i n g this to B h ā r g a v a a l l t h e Pitrs H e too r e s p e c t f u l l y a c c e p t e d t h e i r p r o p o s a l s . 34. A c c o m p a n i e d b y A k r t a v r a n a , from t h a t p l a c e t o S i d d h a v a n ā ś r a m a .

Rāma

vanished.

joyfully

went

35. A f t e r s t a y i n g t h e r e a l o n g w i t h t h e B r ā h m a n a s , k i n g , t h e n o b l e - m i n d e d m o s t e x c e l l e n t scion o f t h e f a m i l y Bhrgu, resolved to perform penance.

O of

36. H e sent off S a h a s ā h a a l o n g w i t h his c h a r i o t , t h e b o w s a n d o t h e r n e c e s s a r y r e q u i s i t e s after m a k i n g h i m a g r e e t o c o m e again (if and when necessary). 37-38. G o i n g a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d , h e took h o l y p l u n g e s i n a l l p i l g r i m - s p o t s a n d p e r f o r m e d t h e w o r s h i p o f Pitrs, D e v a s a n d others. I n this m a n n e r , O l e a d i n g k i n g , t h e d e l i g h t e r o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h r g u w e n t r o u n d t h e E a r t h t h r e e times, f o l l o w i n g t h e popular convention. 39. T h e n once again, O king, he went to M a h e n d r a , the excellent mountain in order to perform penance. He w a s surrounded by the B r ā h m a n a s then. 40. nent

Conversant with

abode

for

D h a r m a , h e m a d e there a p e r m a

h i m s e l f , O k i n g , as it w a s a

place

inhabited

by Sages and Siddhas. 4 1 . S a g e s l i v i n g i n all t h e h o l y c e n t r e s , t h e e x p o u n d e r s o f the B r a h m a n w i t h perfect Self-Control, c a m e t h e r e d e s i r o u s of seeing him as he performed penance. 42. T h o s e g r o u p s o f s a g e s s a w h i m w i t h his m i n d a t t a c h e d t o a u s t e r i t i e s like a f i r e t h a t h a d b e c o m e c a l m after b u r n i n g d o w n a forest of d e a d t r e e s in the form o f K s a t r i y a c o m p l e t e l y . 4 3 . O n s e e i n g those d i v i n e s a g e s full o f t h e p o w e r penance come, B h ā r g a v a honoured a n d welcomed them m e a n s of c o n v e n t i o n a l r e q u i s i t e s s u c h as Arghya etc.

of by

733

2.3.47.44-54

44. After enquiries about their mutual welfare (they t h e m s e l v e s ) e n g a g e d i n f a s c i n a t i n g stories a n d a n e c d o t e s t h a t were meritorious and leading to great advancement and prosperity. 45. T h e n , with the a p p r o v a l of these sages of purified s o u l s , he b e g a n p r e p a r a t i o n s for p e r f o r m i n g a horse-sacrifice, 1 t h e g r e a t e s t o f a l l sacrifices. 46-47. He collected the necessary requisites (for t h e s a c r i f i c e ) . H e w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y ( s a g e s like) A u r v a , V i ś v ā mitra, Bharadvāja, M ā r k a n d e y a a n d others. W i t h their appro v a l , h e m a d e K ā ś y a p a a s his p r e c e p t o r a n d p e r f o r m e d t h e g r e a t sacrifice c a l l e d horse-sacrifice, O k i n g . 48. I n t h a t sacrifice o f R ā m a w h o h a d r e a l i z e d t h e A t m a n , t h e A d h v a r y u w a s K ā ś y a p a , the U d g ā t r w a s t h e s a g e Gautama and the Hotr w a s Viśvāmitra. 49-52a. T h e great sage M ā r k a n d e y a did the work of Brahma. Bharadvāja, Agniveśya and other sages who had t h o r o u g h l y m a s t e r e d the V e d a s a n d t h e V e d ā ń g a s p e r f o r m e d other rites in their d u e order. A c c o m p a n i e d b y his sons, d i s c i p l e s a n d d i s c i p l e s o f h i s disciples and assisted by other sages, O king, the holy B h r g u p e r f o r m e d the w o r k of Sadasya (i.e. Sadasaspati, the P r e s i d e n t o f t h e sacrificial a s s e m b l y ) . T h e l e a d i n g scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h r g u ( i . e . P a r a ś u r ā m a ) c o n c l u d e d all r i t e s a l o n g w i t h t h e s e s a g e s a n d d u l y w o r s h i p p e d B r a h m a a l o n g w i t h his p r e c e p t o r . 52b-54.

A beautiful girl

ments to represent the

Earth.

was

duly

The

adorned

leading

with orna

member

O n e is surprised to find h o w Paraśurāma w h o was

o f the

never

anointed

as a king nor was married at any time b e c a m e eligible to perform A ś v a m e d h a . For

Apastamba

specifically

(XX.1.1)

prescribed

this

and for

Lāfyāyana (IX.10.17) a

crowned

king.

Out

Śrauta of the

required of a king, one must be a c r o w n e d queen ( L ā t y ā y a n a

Sutras h a v e four

Śrauta

queens Sūtra

IX.10.1-2). T h e wives of the kings are

round

the

crowned queen is to unite with the d e a d horse under (Āpastmba X X I I . why

11.3-4). W a s

horse

when

the cover of

killed. T h e a

mantle

this A ś v a m e d h a episode i n t r o d u c e d to e x p l a i n

P a r a ś u r ā m a g a v e all the c o n q u e r e d L a n d to K a ś y a p a ?

734 family

Brahmānda of Bhrgu

invoked

Purāna

the E a r t h c o n s i s t i n g o f h u n d r e d s o f

cities a n d v i l l a g e s , h a v i n g o c e a n s for its g a r m e n t s a n d g a r l a n d s , a n d i n c l u d i n g m o u n t a i n s , forests a n d p a r k s a n d g r a n t e d the s a m e t o K ā ś y a p a e x c e p t the e x c e l l e n t m o u n t a i n ( M a h e n d r a ) . R ā m a r e s e r v e d it for his o w n r e s i d e n c e t h e r e a f t e r , O l e a d i n g king. 55-56. He worshipped K ā ś y a p a in accordance with the injunctions of the sacred texts, by means of gold, gems, jewels, g a r m e n t s , horses, e l e p h a n t s , food a n d o t h e r t h i n g s . H e c o n c l u d e d the sacrifice (Tajña). A t t h e e n d o f t h e Tajña h e h a d h i s c e r e m o n i a l b a t h c a l l e d Avabhrtha. T h e n w i t h t h e s a g e ' s p e r mission, he performed the rite of A b a n d o n m e n t of wealth ( b y distribution of m o n e t a r y gifts). 5 7 . A f t e r g i v i n g t h e p r o m i s e o f f r e e d o m f r o m fear t o a l l living beings, the delighter of the family of B h r g u b e g a n to p e r f o r m p e n a n c e t h e r e itself o n t h e e x c e l l e n t m o u n t a i n . 58. All t h e sages of p r a i s e w o r t h y holy rites w h o h a d a c t e d a s Sadasyas ( m e m b e r s o f t h e s a c r i f i c i a l a s s e m b l y ) a n d s a c r i f i c i a l p r i e s t s (fltviks) took leave of h i m a n d r e t u r n e d t h e way they had come. 59. After they h a d gone, the holy lord ( R ā m a ) began the p e r f o r m a n c e o f a g r e a t p e n a n c e a n d l i v e d h a p p i l y t h e r e itself i n the c o m p a n y o f A k r t a v r a n a . 60-61. The Earth belonging to Kāśyapa and having m a n y rulers over it performed the holy observance called Dipapratisthā ( E s t a b l i s h m e n t o f lamps)., w i t h t h e permission of M ā r ī c a ( i . e . K ā ś y a p a ) for t h e s u p p r e s s i o n o f a l l m i s e r i e s . T h e r i t e h a d b e e n r e c o u n t e d b y V i s n u h i m s e l f . Dharani ( T h e E a r t h g o d d e s s ) b e c a m e perfectly r i d o f a l l m i s e r i e s . 62. T h u s t h e a p p e a r a n c e o f the s o n o f J a m a d a g n i h a s b e e n n a r r a t e d . O n h e a r i n g this story, a m a n i s r i d o f a l l sins. 63. I n t h e c o u r s e o f t h e story, t h e p r o w e s s o f K ā r t t a ' v ī r y a whose splendour h a d become renowned in the world, had been d u l y n a r r a t e d w i t h o u t b e i n g too b r i e f o r too p r o l i x . 64. T h a t king K ā r t t a v ī r y a had such great potentiality a n d influence o n the E a r t h t h a t t h e r e w i l l n e v e r b e a m a n like him in future. A m a n like h i m h a s n e v e r b e e n h e a r d o f i n the past.

735

2.3.47.65-75

6 5 . S i n c e h e h a d f o r m e r l y solicited from D a t t ā t r e y a t h e b o o n o f d e a t h a t the h a n d s o f Uttamapurusa ( L o r d V i s n u o r a n excellent person), he attained salvation on being killed in battle by Rāma. 6 6 . H i s f i f t h son w h o h a d b e e n w e l l - k n o w n b y t h e n a m e J a y a d h v a j a , O k i n g , h a d a p o w e r f u l son n a m e d T ā l a j a ń g h a . 6 7 . H e h a d a h u n d r e d sons w h o w e r e e x c e l l e n t a r c h e r s . T h e y w e r e k n o w n a s ' T ā l a j a ń g h a s ' . T h e eldest a m o n g t h e m was vītihotra. 68. T h e senior T ā l a j a ń g h a l i v e d for a l o n g t i m e in the m i d d l e o f H i m a l a y a n forests a l o n g w i t h his sons V ī t i h o t r a a n d others as well as H a i h a y a and other kings. 69. Formerly, w h e n he was fleeing, T ā l a j a ń g h a was hit o n his b a c k b y a n a r r o w o f R ā m a . W i t h a n e x c r u c i a t i n g p a i n he fell senseless on t h e g r o u n d . 70. B y c h a n c e , V ī t i h o t r a w h o w a s a l s o f l e e i n g s a w h i m . T a k i n g h i m i n his c h a r i o t , h e f l e d s p e e d i l y . 71. A l l o f t h e m l i v e d o n t h e H i m a l a y a s , afflicted b y g r e a t fear. T h e y h a d a lot o f sufferings a n d t h e y h a d o n l y g r e e n s , roots a n d fruits for food. 72.

Thereafter, when R ā m a calmed down with

his m i n d

e n g r o s s e d i n p e n a n c e s , T ā l a j a ń g h a a l o n g w i t h h i s sons r e g a i n e d his k i n g d o m . 1 73. T h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g , t h e s u p p r e s s o r o f his e s t a b l i s h e d t h e c i t y o n c e a g a i n a s before, s t a y e d t h e r e t e c t e d his o w n k i n g d o m . 74. R e c o l l e c t i n g t h e p r e v i o u s T ā l a j a ń g h a attacked your city along and armies.

enemies, and pro

enmity, O great king, w i t h his sons, followers

75. A c c o m p a n i e d b y his a r m y c o n s i s t i n g o f four u n i t s , that king approached the city of Ayodhyā, m a k i n g the Earth tremble as it were and yelled loudly. 1.

The

rise

the

power

retirement of Paraśurāma from active Paraśurāma's conquests.

Haihayas

life, s h o w s

Tālajańghas not only

(Tālajańghas) the

temporary

Paraśurāma.

effect

the of

recovered their k i n g d o m b u t

establishing their d o m i n a n c e on the Indo-gangetic plain, ruler of A y o d h y ā w h o , d u e to

after

they drove

blood relation with J a m a d a g n i , was an

out the ally of

736

Brahmāiida 76.

Your

father,

Purāna

e v e n t h o u g h o f futile a u t h o r i t y , c a m e

o u t o f the c i t y . A l t h o u g h h e w a s v e r y old, h e f o u g h t like a y o u n g m a n w i t h all those kings. 77-78. T h o u g h the old k i n g killed m a n y e l e p h a n t s , horses a n d soldiers, a n d d e s t r o y e d m a n y chariots, h e w a s d e f e a t e d b y his e n e m i e s . H e n c e h e d e c i d e d t o f l e e . A b a n d o n i n g h i s city a n d k i n g d o m a l o n g w i t h the t r e a s u r y , a r m y a n d v e h i c l e s , h e e n t e r e d the forest a c c o m p a n i e d b y y o u r mother who was pregnant. 79-80. He w a s staying on the outskirts of the hermitage of A u r v a . He had been weighed down by old a g e a n d w a s over w h e l m e d w i t h g r i e f a n d fury. H e w a s l o o k e d a t h e l p l e s s l y b y y o u r m o t h e r w i t h h e r t h r o a t c h o k e d w i t h tears. T h u s like a h e l p l e s s p e r s o n , O l e a d i n g k i n g , h e p a s s e d a w a y t o the h e a v e n l y w o r l d from this w o r l d . 8 1 . Y o u r m o t h e r , O k i n g , w a s full o f m i s e r y a n d g r i e f . W e e p i n g and crying she placed the corpse of her h u s b a n d on the funeral pyre. 82. S h e h a d b e c o m e e m a c i a t e d d u e t o s t a r v a t i o n a n d o t h e r m i s e r i e s , o v e r a n d a b o v e it, she w a s n o w a g i t a t e d o v e r the demise of her husband. Hence, she firmly resolved to i m m o l a t e h e r s e l f a n d t o e n t e r i n t o the funeral. 83. O n h e a r i n g a b o u t a l l these, A u r v a , t h e g r e a t sage, h i m s e l f c a m e o u t o f t h e h e r m i t a g e . R e s t r a i n i n g h e r from selfi m m o l a t i o n he s a i d t h u s : — 8 4 . " Y o u m u s t n o t d i e n o w , O q u e e n . T h e r e lies i n y o u r w o m b a son w h o w i l l b e t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g all Emperors". 85-86. O n h e a r i n g t h e s e w o r d s o f his, y o u r m o t h e r o f g r e a t f o r t i t u d e , a b s t a i n e d from d e a t h . T h e s a g e took h e r t o his h e r m i t a g e . D e s i r o u s o f s e e i n g y o u r lotus-like face, s h e c u r b e d her miseries and stayed comfortably within the bounds of his h e r m i t a g e . A t t h e p r o p e r time, s h e g a v e b i r t h t o y o u i n t h e hermitage of Aurva. 87. T h a t s a g e p e r f o r m e d all t h e p o s t - n a t a l h o l y rites for you. Y o u h a v e been brought up in the hermitage of Aurva. He took pity on y o u . 88-89. T h e s t o r y b e y o n d this i s a l r e a d y k n o w n O s u p p r e s s o r of e n e m i e s .

you.

13.47.90-100

737

K i n g K ā r t t a v ī r y a o f such p o t e n t i a l i t y a n d p o w e r r u l e d o v e r this E a r t h . D u e t o t h e p o w e r o f o b s e r v a n c e o f this h o l y vow, he b e c a m e famous in all the w o r l d s . Y o u r father w a s defeated by his d e s c e n d a n t s a n d he fled to the forest. 90. All details connected with him have been recounted to you b y m e . T h i s holy r i t e too w h i c h is the most e x c e l l e n t one a m o n g all holy rites, has b e e n fully recounted to y o u . 91-92. T h i s holy rite h a s been r e c o u n t e d a l o n g w i t h its M a n t r a s and T a n t r a s . It yields the benefit of all the w o r l d s . To a person w h o performs this holy rite, O k i n g , t h e r e is no desire a m o n g the fourfold a i m s of a m a n t h a t is difficult of a c c o m p l i s h m e n t in all the three w o r l d s . T h e h o l y r i t e o f k i n g H a i h a y a a n d the story o f s a g e J ā m a d a g n y a h a s b e e n succinctly recounted b y m e . W h a t else shall I tell you. ?" Jaimini

said

93-94. ' ' T h e r e u p o n , k i n g S a g a r a said t o the s a g e w i t h p a l m s j o i n e d in r e v e r e n c e — < l O h o l y lord, I w i s h to p e r f o r m this h o l y rite. I n s t r u c t m e w e l l i n this c o n n e c t i o n a n d g r a n t m e permission for u n d e r t a k i n g the s a m e . 95-97a. By m e a n s of this h o l y rite, I shall u n d o u b t e d l y be b l e s s e d . "

O Brahmanical sage,

O n b e i n g requested thus b y t h e k i n g , the g r e a t s a g e s a i d " S o b e i t " . H e i n i t i a t e d the k i n g a l o n g the p a t h m e n t i o n e d i n s c r i p t u r a l texts. O n b e i n g initiated b y V a s i s t h a , S a g a r a , the excellent k i n g , g a t h e r e d t o g e t h e r all the m a t e r i a l s a n d d u l y p e r f o r m e d t h e s p l e n d i d h o l y rite. 97b-100. F o l l o w i n g those injunctions, the k i n g w o r s h i p ped the lord of the U n i v e r s e . G e t t i n g t h e permission of t h e p r e c e p t o r , he c o n c l u d e d the s a m e in a befitting m a n n e r . T h e k i n g o f g r e a t intellect perform my life."

this

excellent

holy

t h e n took

the v o w — " I s h a l l

rite s t r e n u o u s l y for t h e w h o l e of

Brahmānda

738 After t a k i n g l e a v e o f t h e k i n g w h e n he

followed,

the

holy

sage

and

making

Purāna

him

return

V a s i s t h a w e n t b a c k t o his

hermitage.

CHAPTER FORTYEIGHT Sagara Jaimini said 1.

keeps his

vow

After t h e

d e p a r t u r e of

that excellent

the best of the kings, resided in A y o d h y ā

and

sage,

ruled

Sagara

over the

earth. 2 . H e w a s e q u i p p e d w i t h all t y p e s o f w e a l t h a n d assets. He was conversant with the p r i n c i p l e s o f Dharma a n d Artha ( p o l i t i c s a n d e c o n o m i c s ) . H e w a s a b o y o n l y i n y e a r s b u t i n his a c t i v i t i e s h e e a r n e d t h e appreciation of all elderly persons. 3 . B u t h e w a s a l w a y s d e j e c t e d i n his h e a r t . H e n e i t h e r t o o k food d u r i n g t h e d a y n o r d i d h e sleep d u r i n g the n i g h t . R e c o l l e c t i n g s o m e t h i n g , h e used t o h e a v e d e e p h o t sighs. 4 . O n h e a r i n g t h a t his k i n g d o m h a d b e e n a n n e x e d b y t h e e n e m i e s after v a n q u i s h i n g his father, t h a t h e h a d f l e d t o t h e d e n s e forest a l o n g w i t h his (king S a g a r a ' s ) m o t h e r a n d t h a t h e h a d p a s s e d a w a y i n t h e s a m e forest, t h e k i n g b e c a m e griefs t r i c k e n . H a b i t u a l l y , t r u e t o his p r o m i s e , h e a n g r i l y took the v o w o f e x t e r m i n a t i n g t h e e n t i r e r a c e o f his e n e m i e s . A k i n g b e l o n g i n g t o t h e f a m i l y o f I k s v ā k u i s u n a b l e t o b e a r the f i r e o f discomfiture. 5. Once, the king, h a v i n g celebrated a solemn ceremony, r e s o l v e d t o d e f e a t his e n e m y a n d t o c o n q u e r all t h e q u a r t e r s i n d u e order. 6 . S u r r o u n d e d o n a l l sides b y m a n y t h o u s a n d s o f c h a r i o t s a n d e l e p h a n t s , h o r s e s , c h a r i o t s , * a n d foot-soldiers, t h e k i n g set o u t from his e x c e l l e n t c i t y . •Repeated in the SK. Text.

739

2.3.48.7-13

7 . I n o r d e r t o d e s t r o y his e n e m i e s h e s t a r t e d w i t h his c o m b i n e d force c o n s i s t i n g o f six Ańgas1 (Parts, Units), which a p p e a r e d l i k e t h e o c e a n t h a t i s a g i t a t e d d u e t o different k i n d s o f a n i m a l s a n d series o f w a v e s , o n a c c o u n t o f t h e g a l l o p i n g horses; he a p p e a r e d to be moving along with the entire world c o n s i s t i n g of t h e g r o u p s ofKulagiris* on a c c o u n t of t h e h e r d s of elephants in r u t ; he a p p e a r e d to be m o v i n g along with the f i r m a m e n t b r i g h t e n e d b y t h e g o o d (i.e. w h i t e ) r a y s o f t h e m o o n , on account of the stream of w h i t e umbrellas a n d banners (of the a r m y o n m a r c h ) . 8 . A s t h e k i n g p r o c e e d e d a h e a d i n his c a m p a i g n , t h e l o w lying areas (depressions) of the earth were filled up with t h e d u s t p a r t i c l e s o f t h e m o u n t a i n r a n g e s p o u n d e d b y t h e feet o f t h e a r m i e s o f t h e front r a n k s . T h e g r o u n d t h u s r a i s e d t h e r e , a l w a y s b e c a m e a fence l i k e h e d g e , d u e t o t h e d u s t p a r t i c l e s r a i s e d s e v e r a l l y b y t h e a r m i e s c o n s i s t i n g o f t h e four u n i t s . 9 . H e killed m a n y h a u g h t y w a r r i o r s c o n f r o n t i n g t h e a r r a y s o f e l e p h a n t s , horses, a n d c h a r i o t s . H e w o r e t h e s p l e n d o u r o f the m o o n - c r e s t e d l o r d ( Ś i v a ) w h o k i l l e d the a r m i e s o f the h o r d e s o f A s u r a s ; d u r i n g t h e p e r i o d s o f e n c i r c l i n g a n d a t t a c k i n g the cities of the enemies, he u s e d to p r o c l a i m from a d i s t a n c e , t h e d u t i e s (of t h e e n e m y s o l d i e r s ) i n t h e c a s e o f defeat a n d m o r t i f i c a t i o n ; h e used t o g i v e t h e m sufficient t i m e t o m o v e a w a y q u i c k l y a n d h e used t o a s s u r e t h e m o f n o h a r m o r loss t o their l i v e s ( h e m a d e t h e m confident o f t h e safety t o their lives). 10-13a. T h e king w a s desirous of conquering the quarters (the entire world) . T h a t king whose realm he attacked, immedi a t e l y b o w e d d o w n t o h i m . After d e f e a t i n g a l l t h e k i n g s h e m a d e t h e m followers o f his footsteps. H e let s o m e g o o n some-condi tions i n d i c a t e d a n d r e t u r n e d their k i n g d o m t o t h e m .

The

six

<:h;iriots, c a v a l r y

units

the

army

are

: four usual units of elephants,

the unit

charge

iiiiimals a n d h u m a n beings a n d the unit i n charge

entertainment

a s d a n c i n g girls, 2.

a n d infantry as well as

food

for such

musicians, those w h o p l a y on instruments etc.)

Seven principal mountains such as Mahendra,

and. others.

Malaya,

Sahyādri

740

Brahmān4a T h u s , he went to various directions.

South,

remembered

the

Purina

W h e n he went to the enmity

and

marched

against the H a i h a y a s . 13b-14a. took place

A great battle

between him

complement

of chariots

causing

hairs to stand on ends^

a n d t h e H a i h a y a k i n g s w h o h a d full and

elephants

and

who were

great

warriors. 14b-17a. ated lord of

In that great battle, the powerful

the

Kosalas killed thousands

and

kings

and

infuri their

armies. The

king

taking revenge)

who

wanted

to put an end to the enmity (by

defeated the H a i h a y a kings, shattered a n d b u r n t

their city and entirely reduced it to ruins. Sweeping the whole of the land w i t h his e n t i r e a r m y , h e r e d u c e d

and

crushing

down

the k i n g d o m of the H a i h a y a s

to dust. 17b-18a. kings

who

L e a v i n g off t h e c i t y

survived

fled

and

everywhere

the

kingdom

those

with all their riches a n d

glory gone, and their lustre faded. 18b-19a.

T h e k i n g rushed against those fleeing kings a n d

killed them a l o n g with their followers like ated god

the

frantic,

infuri

of d e a t h killing the subjects.

19b.

S a g a r a whose anger h a d been roused a n d w h o slew his

enemies in battle discharged against them the extremely terrible B h ā r g a v a 1 missile that struck terror a m o n g the enemies. 20.

T h e kings were rendered

helpless

with

b e i n g b u r n e d by the flames of the B h ā r g a v a

their bodies

missile which was

d i s c h a r g e d b y h i m . T h e missile w h i c h w a s e x t r e m e l y terrific a n d which made

the

three

worlds frightened

shone

brilliantly.

Immediately they were rendered blind by the darkness due

the columns of smoke m a d e to whirl round by the V ā y u missile (one whose deity is the wind

1. contact

god).

T h e y wandered here and

As Sagara received his military training u n d e r with

P a r a ś u r ā m a , this

Bhārgava

missile

Aurva and had

no-

m i g h t be the fire-missile

d e v e l o p e d b y A u r v a w h o w a s a d v i s e d b y h i s pitrs n o t t o

finalise

it.

741

2.3.48.21-25 there and rolled a b o u t on the ground

where

for a short w h i l e

their limbs were hidden beneath a great deal of dust particles. 21. T h e movement of the kings w a s hindered by the b r i l l i a n t g l o w o f the Agneya missile. T h e y c o u l d n o t see t h e i r w a y a r o u n d . T h e y b e c a m e s e p a r a t e d from o n e a n o t h e r b e l o n g i n g to their group. T h e y b e c a m e helpless in their bodies. T h e i r m i n d s b e c a m e a g i t a t e d a n d confused. T h e y w e r e f r i g h t e n e d . T h e y a b a n d o n e d t h e i r clothes, w e a p o n s , c o a t s o f m a i l , o r n a m e n t s etc. W i t h t h e i r h a i r s let loose a n d d i s h e v e l l e d , t h e y e x h i b i t e d v a r i o u s c a p r i c e s o f i n s a n e p e r s o n s i n front o f t h e i r e n e m i e s . 22. A f t e r d e f e a t i n g a l l the H a i h a y a s i n b a t t l e , S a g a r a t h e p o w e r f u l K i n g , h a d t h e features o f a n a g i t a t e d o c e a n . H e m o v e d against the K ā m b o j a s . 23. K ā m b o j a s , 1 T ā l a j a ń g h a s , Sakas, Y a v a n a s , K i r ā t a s a n d o t h e r s — h i s e n e m i e s w h o h a d offended h i m formerly, b e c a m e u t t e r l y c o n f o u n d e d a s t h e y lost c o u r a g e o n h e a r i n g t h e sounds of the w a r d r u m s and various other musical instruments (of Sagara's a r m y ) . T h e y immediately abandoned their king d o m s , a r m i e s , cities a n d l a d i e s o f t h e i r h a r e m s . T h e y w a n d e r e d h e r e a n d t h e r e t o v a r i o u s d i r e c t i o n s d u e t o t h e i r fear (of a fresh d i s c h a r g e ) o f h i s a r r o w s a n d missiles. 24. T h e e n e m i e s o f t h a t k i n g w e r e f r i g h t e n e d . T h e i r b e c a m e b l i n d e d b y t h e flames o f t h e fire of his v a l o u r . T h e y a b a n d o n e d t h e i r h o m e s , r e a l m s etc. a l o n g w i t h their sons a n d others. Being attacked and chased by the armies of their e n e m i e s , t h e y f l e d t o t h e forest r e g i o n w h e r e a l s o t h e y w e r e s t u n n e d a n d stupefied b y a n o t h e r e n e m y w h o g o t u p from his sleep in the caves of the mountain.

vision

25. After exterminating the Tālajańghas along with their armies and vehicles, that king, the suppressor of enemies, g r a d u a l l y d e s t r o y e d their k i n g d o m .

Kāmbojas

were

people in

northern Afghanistan. T h e Shiaposh

tribe w h i c h n o w resides on the H i n d u k u s h is said to h a v e of ancient

been

K a m b o j a s — (De 8 7 ) . K ā m b o j a s , Ś a k a s , Y a v a n a s w e r e

the north-west Frontier. But they are b l u b b e d together w i t h from

North-eastern India, Tipārā, Sikkim

Tālajańghas from the N a r m a d ā valley.

(West)

and

descendants people

Kirātas

Eastern

(tribe

Nepal and

742

Brahmānda

Purāna

26. E x t r e m e l y infuriated he slew m a n y of the Y a v a n a s , Kāmbojas, K i r ā t a s a n d others as well as Palhavas1 and Pāradas. 2 7 . O n b e i n g s t r u c k d o w n b y h i m i n b a t t l e , those k i n g s b e c a m e f r i g h t e n e d . T h o s e w h o s u r v i v e d t h e s l a u g h t e r f l e d all round in groups. 2 8 . " I a m the son o f t h a t k i n g w h o s e k i n g d o m w a s taken a w a y by m a n y of you. I am desirous of w r e a k i n g revenge. I h a v e c o m e h e r e p u r p o s e l y as I h a v e t a k e n a v o w of k i l l i n g you all forcibly." T h u s the k i n g S a g a r a w h o h a d the virility of elephants a n d the splendour destructive of K s a t r i y a heroes, m a d e his e n e m y k i n g s h e a r his life s t o r y . H e t h u s r e m i n d e d t h e o t h e r k i n g s ( o f his p r e v i o u s h i s t o r y ) . 29-30. O n s e e i n g t h a t t h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g h a d t a k e n t h e v o w o f a n n i h i l a t i n g t h e r a c e s o f all h i s e n e m i e s , s e v e n o f t h e e n e m i e s of the excellent king, viz. Pāradas, P a l h a v a s and others w h o were born of royal families and w h o w e r e very famous, b e c a m e f r i g h t e n e d . I n o r d e r t o s a v e their o w n l i v e s t h e y s o u g h t r e f u g e i n V a s i s t h a the f a m i l y p r e c e p t o r o f t h e I k s v ā k u s a l o n g w i t h their womenfolk and children. 3 1 . *'Be o u r refuge, O B r ā h m a n a . W e a r e d i s t r e s s e d a n d w e d e s i r e f r e e d o m from fear. O u r b o d i e s a r e b e i n g b u r n t b y the f i r e o f S a g a r a ' s missiles. W e a r e a b o u t t o d i e . 3 2 . D e t e r m i n e d i n w r e a k i n g v e n g e a n c e , h e kills all o f u s w i t h o u t e x c e p t i o n . W e a r e d e s i r o u s o f p r e s e r v i n g o u r lives b y coming out of that d a n g e r . 33.

O u r kingdoms have been

split.

Our

pleasures and

prosperity h a v e been ruined. O u r wives, children

and

h a v e b e e n s e p a r a t e d from u s . I t i s o n l y for s a v i n g

o u r life

relatives that

we are seeking refuge in you. 34. T h e r e i s n o o t h e r p e r s o n i n t h e w o r l d w h o , b y friend l y p e r s u a s i o n o r b y t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f force, c a n t u r n h i m b a c k a n d p r o t e c t u s from this g r e a t d a n g e r . 1.

T h e P u r ā n a distinguishes between Palhavas a n d

Pāradas.

Pāradas

were Parthians (probably Prthus in R V ) . B u t De opines that Pāradas dwelt in northern Beluchistan

(De

part of the

(ancient Persian) empire.

for horses

Parthian (De. 143)

148)

Palhavas were a

tribe in M e d i a Their

(Mada)—a

country was

famous

743

2.3.48.35-43

35. Y o u h a d b e e n c h o s e n a s t h e f a m i l y p r e c e p t o r o f t h e k i n g s b o r n o f t h e s o l a r r a c e b y t h e k i n g s , his p r e d e c e s s o r s i n t h e f a m i l y . Y o u r p o w e r a n d influence i s s u c h . 36. T h e r e f o r e , r e s t r a i n e d b y the r e s p e c t for t h e g r e a t n e s s of his preceptor, he shall not transgress your behest like t h e g r e a t o c e a n t h a t does n o t trespass t h e b o u n d a r y o f t h e s e a shore. 37. O h o l y l o r d , y o u a r e o u r friend, f a t h e r a n d m o t h e r . Y o u are preceptor of all the people. Hence, O highly fortunate one, i t b e h o v e s y o u t o s a v e u s from this difficult s i t u a t i o n " . Jaimini

said

38. O n h e a r i n g t h e s e w o r d s o f theirs, t h e h o l y l o r d l y s a i n t V a s i s t h a s l o w l y s u r v e y e d t h o s e w h o s o u g h t refuge i n him. 39. O n s e e i n g , t h o s e p e r s o n s w h o w e r e b o r n o f r o y a l families, w h o h a d survived the general massacre and most of w h o m w e r e old m e n , w o m e n a n d c h i l d r e n t h e h o l y l o r d w h o w a s merciful towards all living beings, b e c a m e distressed. 40. After looking at them w i t h d u e honour, a n d m e n t a l l y p o n d e r i n g for a l o n g time, the h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t s a g e revived their lives with the slowly uttered w o r d s — " D o not be afraid". 41. T h e highly fortunate one, indued with great s y m p a t h y , spoke to them kindly a n d m a d e those persons w h o s o u g h t t h e i r lives t o a g r e e t o t h e c o n d i t i o n s o f t h e k i n g . 4 2 . I n o r d e r t o fulfil t h e v o w o f the k i n g , V a s i s t h a s t i p u l a t e d t h e c o n d i t i o n t h a t those p e r s o n s w h o h a d b e e n b u r n e d b y the a n g e r o f t h e k i n g s h o u l d b e d e n i e d a l l t h o s e h o l y r i t e s l a i d d o w n for p e r s o n s o f r o y a l families. H e w e n t t o t h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g h i m s e l f . H e pacified h i m s l o w l y i n f i t t i n g m a n n e r . H e t h e n r e q u e s t e d h i m for p e r m i s s i o n t o t h e s u r v i v i n g e n e m i e s t o g o a w a y for g o o d . 4 3 . T h o u g h t h e k i n g w a s still a n g r y , h e r e s p e c t e d t h e words of his preceptor. T h o s e enemies w e r e compelled to eschew the h o l y rites l a i d d o w n for t h e i r families a s w e l l a s t h e i r m o d e o f d r e s s . H e m a d e t h e m a c c e p t r i t e s different f r o m w h a t a r e l a i d d o w n in Śrutis a n d Smrtis. T h e y w e r e forsaken b t

744

Brahmānda

m a n a s . H e l e t off e a c h a n d no better than dead.

everyone

of those kings

Purāna

alive

but

4 4 . H e m a d e the Ś a k a s s h a v e off h a l f o f t h e i r h e a d s , h e m a d e the Palhavas g r o w moustache (and b e a r d ) . He m a d e the Y a v a n a s d e v o i d o f the m o u s t a c h e . H e m a d e t h e K ā m b o j a s t o r e t a i n t h e chin ( i . e . the b e a r d ) . 1 4 5 . I n this m a n n e r h e m a d e o t h e r s a l s o b o r n o f r o y a l families, v e r y u g l y . T h e y w e r e d e n i e d the r i g h t o f p e r f o r m i n g t h e h o l y rites m e n t i o n e d i n t h e V e d a s . T h e y w e r e forsaken b y the Brāhmanas. 46-48. A f t e r forcing t h e m t o a c c e p t these s t i p u l a t i o n s , h e left t h e m alive. T h o s e e n e m i e s a b a n d o n e d t h e i r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c features and m o d e of conduct. T h e y b e c a m e outcastes. T h e y w e r e c e n s u r e d b y t h e p e o p l e . o f all castes. A l l o f t h e m w e r e s l i g h t e d a n d i n s u l t e d . T h e y b e c a m e ruthless, s h a m e l e s s M l e c c h a barbarian tribes. T h e y r o a m e d a b o u t i n the w o r l d i n groups. 49. Released by that king these Ś a k a s , Yavanas, K i r ā t a s and others, immediately a b a n d o n e d their modes of d r e s s a n d c o n d u c t o f life. T h e i r o n l y r e s o r t s w e r e m o u n t a i n s , forests, c a v e s a n d s u c h o t h e r p l a c e s . E v e n t o d a y t h e y a r e cen s u r e d b y g o o d p e o p l e . T h e s e t r i b e s m a i n t a i n t h e m s e l v e s b y evil a c t i v i t i e s a n d w i c k e d p u r s u i t s . B u t t h e y k e e p u p the v o w o f the k i n g a n d p r e v e n t i t from b e i n g b r o k e n . "

CHAPTER FORTYNINE Conquest of the Jaimini

World

by Sagara

said: 1.

" T h e n taking

sage, Sagara

permission of Vasistha,

accompanied by a great army,

the excellent

marched

against

the Vidarbhas. 1.

T h e s e w e r e p r o b a b l y the fashions of hairstyles a m o n g

•which a r e a t t r i b u t e d t o

king Sagara's orders of punishment.

those

tribes

745

2.3.49.2-16

2 . T h e n w i t h g r e a t p l e a s u r e the k i n g o f t h e V i d a r b h a s offered t o h i m his s l a u g h t e r w h o s e n a m e w a s K e ś i n ī . She w a s u n p a r a l l e l e d i n beaUty etc., a n d therefore w a s s u i t a b l e t o h i m in e v e r y r e s p e c t . 3 . I n a n a u s p i c i o u s h o u r , t h a t r u l e r o f the e a r t h , a t i g e r a m o n g k i n g s d u l y took the h a n d o f K e ś i n ī , i n m a r r i a g e , w i t h the fire god as witness. 4. Honoured extremely well by the king of Vidarbhas, he s t a y e d in his p a l a c e for a few d a y s a n d t a k i n g l e a v e of h i m , he set off from t h a t p l a c e . 5. ( H e set off from t h a t p l a c e ) o n b e i n g p e r m i t t e d h i m . T h e n h e w a s w e l c o m e d b y the P ā r i b a r h a s . C o m i n g out their city, t h e k i n g a p p r o a c h e d the Ś ū r a s e n a s .

by of

6 . T h e n h e w a s h o n o u r e d b y the Y ā d a v a s , his m a t e r n a l uncles. A f t e r b e i n g p r o p i t i a t e d b y t h e m w i t h p l e n t y o f w e a l t h , h e s t a r t e d from M a d h u r ā ( P k t . form o f M a t h u r ā ) . 7 . T h u s b y c o n q u e r i n g the w h o l e o f the e a r t h h e m a d e a l l the kin|fs his v a s s a l s ( l i t e r a l l y , " m o v i n g a t his h i n t " ) p a y i n g revenues a n d tributes. 8 . T h e r e a f t e r , h e p e r m i t t e d the k i n g s t o g o b a c k t o their k i n g d o m s a l o n g w i t h t h e i r a r m i e s . T h e k i n g t h e n a l l o w e d his followers to return. 9 . A c c o m p a n i e d b y a g r e a t a r m y a n d his r o y a l r e t i n u e a n d c a m p - f o l l o w e r s , h e r e a c h e d his k i n g d o m s l o w l y w i t h o u t afflicting the r e a l m s i n b e t w e e n . 10. H e w a s h o n o u r e d b y the p e o p l e o f t h e v i l l a g e s a n d o u t l y i n g d i s t r i c t s w i t h m a n y gifts a n d p r e s e n t s . T h e n , h e q u i c k l y reached Ayodhyā. 11. O n c o m i n g t o k n o w a b o u t his a r r i v a l , t h e citizens b e c a m e e n t h u s i a s t i c o v e r t h e g r e a t festivities a n d t h e r e f o r e adorned the city. 12-16. T h e e n t i r e city p r e p a r e d itself for a g r e a t festival. The surface of the g r o u n d w a s sprinkled with w a t e r and swept clean. It h a d hundreds of pots filled w i t h w a t e r (signifying a u s p i c i o u s n e s s ) . H u n d r e d s o f tall f l a g s t a f f s w e r e r a i s e d . T h e c i t y w a s d e c o r a t e d w i t h b a n n e r s a n d e m b l e m s , fumes o f a g a l l o c h u m s p r e a d e v e r y w h e r e . T h e c i t y b e c a m e b r i g h t a n d res p l e n d e n t w i t h m a n y f l o w e r s o f different c o l o u r s . I t w a s

embel*

746

BrahmSnda

Purāna

Iished w i t h g e m - s t u d d e d o r n a m e n t a l g a t e w a y s , lofty t o w n g a t e s , t a l l m i n a r e t s a n d p a l a c e s . Its h i g h w a y s w e r e b e a u t i f i e d b y m e a n s o f s h o w e r s o f f l o w e r s a n d fried r i c e . E v e r y h o u s e i n t h e c i t y w a s p r e p a r e d for t h e g r e a t festivity. T h e c i t y h a d r o w s o f houses w h e r e all t h e d e i t i e s p r e s i d i n g o v e r t h e sites o f b u i l d i n g s had been worshipped. It was rendered beautiful all round b y the d e l i g h t e d citizens a n d v i l l a g e r s e a g e r t o s e e t h e k i n g w h o h a d c o n q u e r e d all the q u a r t e r s . 17-20. T h e n t h e m i n i s t e r s , c o u n s e l l o r s a s w e l l a s t h e residents of the h a r e m c a m e there, surrounded by groups of c o u r t e z a n s a n d l a d i e s o f the c i t y . A l l the c i t i z e n s a s s e m b l e d there. T h e k i n g m e t t h e m a n d r e c e i v e d h o n o u r , w e l c o m e a n d b l e s s i n g s from t h e m . T h e r e w e r e a lot o f d e a f e n i n g c h e e r s o f ' V i c t o r y ' reverberating in all the quarters. T h e sweet sounds o f different k i n d s o f m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s g o t m i x e d w i t h t h e m . T h e king loudly greeted them. Accompanied by those j o y o u s p e o p l e a n d d e l i g h t i n g his subjects, h e e n t e r e d t h e excellent city. 21-24. He was greeted and lovingly honoured by the Brāhmanas through sweet chants of the Vedic Mantras. He w a s w a r m l y and highly eulogised by heralds, bards and panegyrists. T h e residents of the outlying districts and countries uttered cries o f V i c t o r y a l l r o u n d . T h e s o n g s t e r s a n d m u s i c i a n s b e g a n s i n g i n g t o t h e a c c o m p a n i m e n t o f the s w e e t n o t e s o f t h e Vinās (lutes) a n d Venus ( f l u t e s ) a s w e l l a s t h e s o u n d p r o d u c e d b y beating the time. T h e harlots followed him dancing. A graceful white u m b r e l l a w a s spread over h i m . Showers of fried r i c e a n d f l o w e r s g r e e t e d h i m a l l r o u n d . T h u s h e e n t e r e d the city of A y o d h y ā like I n d r a entering his c i t y . 25. T h r o u g h a p a t h t h a t w a s Drstipūta (i.e. protected from impurity by sight by disallowing people of wicked v i s i o n a n d k e e p i n g i t spotlessly c l e a n ) , t h a t w a s r e n d e r e d frag rant t h r o u g h scents and that was traversed first by the Brāhmanas, he walked upto a magnificently decorated mansion in the middle of the city. 2 6 . A c c o m p a n i e d b y b o t h o f his w i v e s , h e g o t d o w n from t h e v e h i c l e a n d j o y o u s l y e n t e r e d t h e h o u s e o f his m o t h e r , where the people were delighted and well nourished.

2.3.49.27-40 27. W i t h humility, h e a p p r o a c h e d his m o t h e r s e a t e d i n a c o u c h . T o u c h i n g h e r feet w i t h h i s h e a d , obeisance to her.

747 who was he m a d e

28. After c o n g r a t u l a t i n g h i m w i t h blessings in w o r d s c h o k e d w i t h delight, she got u p with g r e a t e x c i t e m e n t a n d e m b r a c e d her son. 29. W i t h great pleasure, she blessed a n d c o n g r a t u l a t e d both the daughters-in-law. T h e king honoured her with m a n y a n a r r a t i v e a n d s t a y e d t h e r e for a l o n g t i m e . 30-32. Then, after b e i n g p e r m i t t e d b y h e r , h e set o u t t r o m h e r a b o d e . T h e r e a f t e r , a c c o m p a n i e d b y his followers, a n d fanned with white chowries, the glorious king slowly entered t h e assembly-hall like t h e k i n g o f t h e Suras. After e n t e r i n g t h e highly splendid assembly-hall resorted to by m a n y kings, he b o w e d d o w n t o all elderly persons. H e w a s blessed b y t h e m . T h e n the lord of m e n sat on a magnificent a n d splendid throne. 33-34a. He was a t t e n d e d u p o n by his vassal kings, t h e rulers of the various outlying territories. R e c o u n t i n g various tales the excellent king stayed there delightedly a l o n g w i t h his k i n s m e n . 34b-35a. By conquering the territories of the various q u a r t e r s , h e k e p t u p his vow. T h e r e u p o n , t h e l i b e r a l - m i n d e d k i n g d u l y m a i n t a i n e d t h e t h r e e Arthas (the three aims of w o r l d l y life v i z . w e a l t h , l o v e a n d r i g h t e o u s n e s s ) . 35b-38a. H e c o n q u e r e d his enemies b y m e a n s o f his o w n prowess. H e b e c a m e t h e overlord o f all t h e q u a r t e r s . L i k e V i s n u , h e r u l e d over t h e e a r t h u n d e r his single R o y a l u m b r e l l a . H e fulfilled d u l y t h e v o w t h a t h e h a d m a d e o n b e i n g i n f u r i a t e d by t h e discomfiture of his deceased father. After v a n q u i s h i n g all his e n e m i e s , he p r o t e c t e d the e a r t h consisting of seven c o n t i n e n t s , seven oceans, m a n y cities a n d villages a n d r o w s a n d rows of houses. 38b-39a. As time passed on thus, Vasistha, the lordly sage c a m e t h e r e desirous of seeing t h e k i n g once a g a i n . 39b-40a. On seeing the excellent sage come, t h e king g o t up excited. A c c o m p a n i e d by those vassal kings a n d w i t h t h e m a t e r i a l s o f w o r s h i p i n his h a n d s , h e g r e e t e d t h e s a g e .

748

Brahmānda

Purāna

40b-41a. T h e h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t k i n g , fully e n d u e d w i t h devotion t o his p r e c e p t o r , w o r s h i p p e d t h e s a g e d u l y w i t h a r t i c l e s of w o r s h i p , w a t e r for w a s h i n g feet (Arghya, Pādya) a n d other things and b o w e d down to him. 41b-44a. After blessing Sagara, Vasistha said—"Be s e a t e d " . T h e k i n g s a t i n his e x c e l l e n t g o l d e n s e a t a l o n g w i t h all t h o s e v a s s a l k i n g s a n d his w i v e s , after b e i n g p e r m i t t e d b y t h e sage. Ā p a v a V a s i s t h a slowly uttered these gentle words t o the e x c e l l e n t k i n g w h o s e a t e d n e a r h i m , e v e n a s t h e o t h e r k i n g s w e r e fistening. Vasistha said

44b-49a. — " O king, I hope that your kingdom is well-secured internally and externally; that your ministers and g r o u p s o f c o u n s e l l o r s a n d the p e o p l e i n t h e e n t i r e k i n g d o m a r e q u i t e w e l l . F o r t u n a t e l y all t h e e n e m i e s a l o n g w i t h t h e i r e n t i r e armies a n d vehicles h a v e been conquered by you without m u c h effort, i n y o u r b a t t l e s . H a v i n g t a k e n a p l e d g e b u t r e s p e c t i n g m y w o r d s , y o u m a d e t h e e n e m i e s c a s t off their o l d rites a n d let t h e m g o a l i v e . I h e a r d t h a t after d e f e a t i n g t h e m y o u w e n t , a l o n g w i t h y o u r v e h i c l e s a n d a r m i e s w i t h a d e s i r e for t h e conquest of the quarters, in order to v a n q u i s h others. H a v i n g heard n o w that you h a v e once again conquered the quarters a n d c o m e b a c k t o t h e city, O e x c e l l e n t k i n g , I h a v e n o w c o m e t o see y o u o u t o f l o v e . " Jaimini said

49b-50a. O n b e i n g told t h u s b y V a s i s t h a , S a g a r a , t h e conqueror of T ā l a j a ń g h a , replied to the great sage w i t h palms joined in reverence. Sagara said

50b-56a. " I n d e e d we are quite well in every respect, O g r e a t s a g e . T h e r e i s n o d o u b t a b o u t it. A l l t h e d e i t i e s a r e a l w a y s favourable to us, O sage. H o w can miseries and calamities befall m e s i n c e y o u r holiness a l w a y s m e n t a l l y w i s h e s for m y w e l f a r e . I h a v e been blessed by your holiness. I h a v e delighted

with

all

been

task fulfilled s i n c e , O p r e c e p t o r ,

made you

749

2.3.49.56-64

yourself h a v e come here to see me. Since y o u h a v e mentioned m y c o n q u e s t o v e r t h e e n e m i e s a n d s i m i l a r t h i n g s , let m e s a y that it has been carried out entirely d u e to your blessings. I think that everything is obtained by the kings d u e to y o u r f a v o u r . O t h e r w i s e , w h a t p o w e r d o I h a v e t o kill e n e m i e s of such types. E v e n m y little effort a n d e n d e a v o u r i s

rendered

big

you. E v e n a s m a l l q u a n t i t y o f fruits g i v e s p l e a s u r e t o t h e p e r s o n w h o p l a n t e d the t r e e . " Jaimini

said

56b-57a. Honoured thus very well by S a g a r a , V a s i s t h a , the g r e a t s a g e , took l e a v e o f h i m o n c e a g a i n a n d w e n t t o his hermitage. 57b-58a. After Vasistha, h a d gone b a c k , king S a g a r a , l i v e d i n A y o d h y Ä w i t h g r e a t d e l i g h t i n his m i n d a n d r u l e d o v e r the entire world. 58b-59a. He had two wives endowed w i t h beauty, nice behaviour and good qualities. W i t h t h e m he enjoyed worldly p l e a s u r e s c o n d u c i v e to his h a p p i n e s s , in a m a n n e r b e f i t t i n g h i s desire. 59b-61a. T h e two wives named Sumati and KeĹ&#x203A;inÄŤ were e q u a l l y b e a u t i f u l w i t h b l o o m i n g lotus-like faces. T h e y w e r e endowed with b s a u t y , liberal-mindedness and various other good qualities. T h e i r breasts were p l u m p and round. T h e y h a d bluish c u r l y tresses a n d t h e y w e r e a d o r n e d w i t h all t y p e s o f o r n a m e n t s . T h e y were richly e n d o w e d with all good characteristic features. T h e y w e r e i n their p r i m e o f y o u t h . T h e y w e r e v e r y d e a r t o h i m . T h e y were always near him. They were always engaged in w h a t i s p l e a s i n g t o h i m a n d w h a t i s c o n d u c i v e t o his w e l f a r e . 61b-64a. T h e y a l w a y s c a p t i v a t e d his m i n d b y their good conduct a n d graceful activities.

means of

D e l i g h t e d i n his m i n d a s the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n r e a c h e d t h e p i n n a c l e o f perfection, t h e k i n g s p o r t e d w i t h t h e m a s h e d e s i r e d a n d l i v e d i n t h e city.

750

Brahman 4a The

did

appellation

not suit other

Purāna

(one w h o d e l i g h t s a n d p l e a s e s )

'Rijā'

kings based

on their qualities b u t it fitted

well with the noble-minded Sagara. 64b-66. E v e n a s m a l l q u a n t i t y of Dharma b e c o m e s l a r g e , b u t to that k i n g wealth and love did not b e c o m e large in that m a n n e r ( ? ) . H e w a s n o t g r e e d y i n his m i n d . H e n c e , h e e n j o y e d wealth without affecting D h a r m a adversely. For the same p u r p o s e , O l e a d i n g k i n g , h e e n j o y e d l o v e w i t h o u t affecting t h e o t h e r t w o (i.e. w e a l t h a n d D h a r m a ) .

C H A P T E R FIFTY Sagara's Jaimini

continued

Visit

Aurva's Hermitage

1 . " T h u s t h a t k i n g d u l y p r o t e c t e d the e a r t h c o n s i s t i n g o f s e v e n c o n t i n e n t s v e r y w e l l , like a n o t h e r D h a r m a ( G o d o f Righteousness). 2 . H e d u l y e s t a b l i s h e d the B r ā h m a n a s a n d o t h e r castes in their respective duties separately. He protected them without g e t t i n g his s e n s e - o r g a n s affected a d v e r s e l y . 3 . T h e s u b j e c t s b e l o n g i n g t o all t h e different castes b e h a v e d w i t h d u e d e f e r e n c e t o the m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g t h e m ( t h e less d i s t i n g u i s h e d a m o n g t h e m followed a n d o b e y e d t h e m o r e d i s t i n g u i s h e d o n e s ) . T h e castes followed t h e d u e o r d e r o f s e n i o r i t y a n d e x c e l l e n c e . T h e y e n j o y e d t h e objects o f p l e a s u r e s in due order. 4. a

young

W h e n that king was ruling, child

while

death never

approached

an old m a n w a s alive. This w a s true of

all castes. 5 . T h e n t h e e n t i r e n a t i o n f l o u r i s h e d w i t h all h i n d r a n c e s r e m o v e d . T h e r e • w e r e m a n y o u t l y i n g c o u n t r i e s a n d districts fully i n h a b i t e d b y the p e o p l e o f t h e four c a s t e s .

2.3.50.6-16

JlKLTrt^-

751

6 . W h i l e t h a t k i n g r e i g n e d , the w h o l e r e a l m consisted o f m a n y h u n d r e d s o f h o u s e s a n d v i l l a g e s d i v i d e d into v a r i o u s zones and h a d m a n y residential apartments. 7 . A t t h a t t i m e n o B r ā h m a n a o n t h e e a r t h w a s Anāśramin (one w h o d o e s n o t follow the r i g o r o u s d i s c i p l i n e s of t h e four s t a g e s i n l i f e ) . A l l the e n t e r p r i s e s o f a l l the s u b j e c t s b e c a m e fruitful. „ 8 . M e n b e g a n o n l y t h o s e a c t i v i t i e s w h i c h befitted t h e m . T h e n the activities of the men w e r e in consonance with the four a i m s o f m e n i n life ( i . e . v i r t u e , w e a l t h , l o v e a n d salvation). 9 . P e o p l e i n h a b i t i n g t h e g r o u p s o f cities a n d v i l l a g e s w e r e a l w a y s e n g a g e d i n g r e a t festivities. T h e y w e r e e n d o w e d with devotion and loyalty to the king as well as were desirous of the welfare of one another. 10. N o o n e a m o n g t h e s u b j e c t s w a s d e s p i c a b l e , a c c u r s e d , impoverished, sickly, greedy or miserly. 11. P e o p l e w e r e d e l i g h t e d w i t h o t h e r ' s m e r i t s . They w e r e eager to h a v e contacts w i t h good people. T h e y bowed d o w n to elderly people and always indulged in learning good things. 12. T h e y w e r e afraid o f s l a n d e r o u s r e m a r k s o f o t h e r s . T h e y w e r e a l w a y s d e l i g h t e d i n the a m o r o u s s p o r t s w i t h only t h e i r o w n w i v e s . B y n a t u r e t h e y desisted from a s s o c i a t i n g w i t h w i c k e d people. T h e y adhered to righteous activities. 13. W h e n t h a t K s a t r i y a k i n g w a s g o v e r n i n g the s u b j e c t s a n d t h e e a r t h a c q u i r e d b y his o w n v a l o u r , t h e p e o p l e e v e r y w h e r e w e r e theists (or b e l i e v e r s i n V e d a s ) . 14-15. W h e n that mighty king was ruling over the r e a l m s , O h i g h l y f o r t u n a t e one, the seasons h a d the r e g u l a r normal timings. T h e whole of the earth yielded plenty of p a d d y and other plants. 16. His assembly-hall brilliantly illuminated by plenty of g e m s and j e w e l s shone like that of Ś a k r a ( I n d r a ) in h e a v e n . As Indra's assembly w a s occupied by the Devas on seats d e c o r a t e d w i t h p r e c i o u s s t o n e s , s o his h a l l w a s o c c u p i e d b y hundreds of kings a n d t h e o v e r l o r d s o f e i g h t e e n Mandalas (zones o r p o l i t i c a l d i v i s i o n s ) . T h e y u s e d t o visit h i m i n o r d e r

752

Brahman da

Purﾄ］a

to serve him. T h e y were well-renowned on account of their excessive v a l o u r and exploits. Those coronated kings were seated separately in seats studded w i t h gems. 17. H i s v a s s a l k i n g s o c c u p y i n g different t e r r i t o r i e s u s e d t o visit h i m w i t h p r e s e n t s . D u r i n g those occasions, t h e y u s e d t o k e e p the c a m p s o f t h e i r a r m i e s a l l r o u n d t h e c i t y s e p a r a t e l y . T h e y w e r e d e s i r o u s o f s e e i n g the k i n g a l o n g w i t h t h e i r sons. B u t f r e q u e n t l y t h e y h a d t o send t h e i n f o r m a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e g a t e k e e p e r s to the k i n g , as he t a r r i e d in t h e h a r e m for a l o n g time. 18. D u e to e x c e s s i v e friction of the series of c r o w n s of k i n g s w h o w e r e b o w i n g a t his feet, t h e feet o f t h a t k i n g a p p e a r e d to have got scarred thereby. 19. His a s s e m b l y h a l l s h o n e like t h e c a v e o f S u m e r u , d u e t o t h e p r e c i o u s g e m s a n d j e w e l s s c a t t e r e d all r o u n d , b y the g r o u p s o f l e a d i n g k i n g s w h o h a d t o a t t e n d o n h i m . 20. T h u s r i g h t e o u s l y r u l e d t h a t k i n g , the crest-jewel o f the s o l a r r a c e , t h e s u p p r e s s o r o f his e n e m i e s . H e r u l e d o v e r t h e e a r t h w i t h n o o n e else t o r u l e i t ( e x c e p t k i n g S a g a r a ) . 2 1 . T h o u g h k i n g S a g a r a p r o t e c t e d the e a r t h never h a d the pleasure that usually results on looking o w n son.

thus, he at one's

22-25. W i t h o u t t h a t p l e a s u r e h e w a s e x t r e m e l y distressed a n d m a n y t i m e s he b e g a n to p o n d e r . " A l a s , I am d e v o i d of a s o n . C e r t a i n l y , on a c c o u n t of this, o u r forefathers in this f a m i l y w i l l face t h e loss of t h e i r b a l l s of rice. W h e n a g o o d son is b o r n , it is said, t h e forefathers d e l i g h t e d l y h a s t e n to his h o u s e e v e n from the hell, b e c a u s e t h e y a r e e n t h u s i a s t i c o v e r the postﾂｭ natal holy ntes. A m a n m a y reach heaven, d u e to a great deal of r e l i g i o u s m e r i t s . E v e n t h e n , i f h e h a s n o son, t h e i m m o r t a l b e i n g s i n t h e h e a v e n , d o not k e e p the g a t e s o f h e a v e n o p e n to h i m . W h e n a g o o d son is b o r n , t h e father w i n s b o t h the w o r l d s (i.e. a t t a i n s p l e a s u r e i n this w o r l d a n d i n t h e n e x t ) a n d h i s g r a n d f a t h e r s i n b o t h t h e families a t t a i n h e a v e n l y w o r l d . 26-29. I will not attain that g o o d w h i c h belongs to those b l e s s e d w i t h sons. D u e to t h e fact t h a t I am issueless, certainly that goal is extremely inaccessible to m e .

753

2.3.50.30-38

M y p r o s p e r o u s a n d u n d i v i d e d k i n g d o m is, i t i s s a i d , n o t at all different from I n d r a ' s r e a l m . Since I h a v e no religious m e r i t even t h a t k i n g d o m is of no benefit to m e . This

throne

occupied

by my

ancestors

k i n g d o m will b e c o m e s u b s e r v i e n t t o o t h e r s o n

well as this

account

the

fact t h a t I a m issueless. 30a.

Hence,

accompanied

both

shall

of my

the

wives.

hermitage

Aurva

I shall propitiate

that

l e a d i n g s a g e for o b t a i n i n g a s o n . 30b-33a. souled sage

I shall go

there and

intimate

that noble-

t h e fact t h a t I h a v e n o i s s u e . U n d o u b t e d l y , I w i l l

carry out whatever he says." After t h i n k i n g like this, O king, t h e excellent k i n g S a g a r a , who

was aware of

his duties, d e c i d e d to go to the h e r m i t a g e

of Aurva. After e n t r u s t i n g the excellent m i n i s t e r w i t h t h e c h a r g e o f administration of the kingdom, he joyously went to the forest r i d i n g his c h a r i o t , a c c o m p a n i e d by b o t h of his wives. 33b-35. He proceeded ahead and due to the rumblings o u n d of the c h a r i o t he w a s observed w i t h motionless eyes by t h e peacocks on either side of the p a t h w a y (i.e. the peacocks thought, on hearing the rumbling sound of the chariot, that it was the r u m b l i n g sound of the cloud). O king, he pointed o u t t o h i s w i v e s t h e d e e r t h a t s t o o d m o t i o n l e s s for a m o m e n t , lifted u p t h e i r faces, a n d t h e n g o t r e a d y t o r u n a w a y . H e b e c a m e delighted on seeing the trees richly laden w i t h flowers a n d fruits. 36. T h e king e n t e r e d the penance-grove. All a r o u n d it consisted of m a n y trees w h e r e the blossoms h a d n o t faded, t h e fruits of w h i c h w e r e tasty, t h a t h a d a grassy g r o u n d s all r o u n d a n d which h a d plenty of tender sprouts a n d cool shades. 37. All a r o u n d , in every q u a r t e r , t h e cuckoos c o o e d loudly a n d sweetly, as t h e i r throats b e c a m e clear d u e to t h e i r h a v i n g tasted the t e n d e r sprouts at t h e tips of t h e m a n g o trees.

38. I t was e n d o w e d w i t h t h e f l o w e r s o f all t h e seasons. was embellished by the hovering bees. It contained m a n y

754

BrahmSnda

Purāna

trees r o u n d w h i c h t u r n e d t h e c r e e p e r s , s t o o p i n g d o w n w i t h bunches of flowers. 39. I t w a s c o v e r e d w i t h h u n d r e d s o f trees o c c u p i e d b y herds of monkeys. It contained multitudes of chirping birds s u c h a s t h e e x t r e m e l y d e l i g h t e d p e a c o c k s , Sārańga b i r d s a n d others. 40. It was very fascinating, d u e to the songs o f singing V i d y ā d h a r a maidens. It had m a n y sylvan caves where couples of K i n n a r a s used to w a n d e r about, m a k i n g them shine brilliantly. 4 1 . I t w a s s u r r o u n d e d b y lakes, t h e b a n k s o f w h i c h w e r e o c c u p i e d b y m a n y b i r d s o f s w e e t notes, s u c h a s t h e s w a n , the r u d d y goose, t h e p a r r o t s , t h e Kirandavas ( a sort o f d u c k ) and t h e Sārasas (a v a r i e t y of c r a n e ) . 42. T h e quarters were filled with gentle breezes wafting s l o w l y o v e r t h e l a k e s a b o u n d i n g i n lotuses a n d lilies o f v a r i o u s sorts. 4 3 . P r o c e e d i n g a h e a d t h u s i n his c h a r i o t a l o n g t h e p e n a n c e g r o v e that h a d the qualities described above, the king attained the greatest delight. 4 4 . H a v i n g r e a c h e d the p r e c i n c t s o f the h e r m i t a g e , h i s mind attained calmness. T h e glorious king then got d o w n accompanied by his wives. 45. " L e t the horses r e s t " — s o said the k i n g to the c h a r i o t e e r . T h e n h e c'amc t o t h e o u t s k i r t s o f the h e r m i t a g e o f t h e g r e a t s a g e o f sanctified soul. 46. F r o m the disciples of the sage, he h e a r d that the s a g e h a d c o n c l u d e d his d a i l y r o u t i n e o f h o l y r i t e s . I n o r d e r t o see the sage, he then entered the hermitage with an h u m b l e attitude. 4 7 . A c c o m p a n i e d b y his w i v e s , t h e k i n g d e l i g h t f u l l y b o w e d d o w n his h e a d t o t h e g r e a t s a g e s e a t e d i n t h e m i d d l e o f the s a g e s a n d a c c o m p a n i e d b y g r o u p s o f ascetics. 48. Sage A u r v a of great power and potentiality, directed t h e king w h o bowed d o w n to h i m along w i t h them (i.e. the t w o q u e e n s ) t o t a k e his s e a t s a y i n g l o v i n g l y — " S i t d o w n " . 49. After honouring him v e r y well by m e a n s Pidya etc. t h e g r e a t s a g e p l e a s e d h i m a l o n g w i t h his

o f Arghya, wives by

2.3.50.50-58

755

a c c o r d i n g h i m a hospitable reception befitting the sylvan envir o n m e n t [i.e. w i t h t h e p r o d u c t s o f t h e forest s u c h a s r o o t s , fruits a n d t h e l i k e ] , 50. After t h e h o s p i t a b l e r e c e p t i o n , t h e k i n g took rest for a w h i l e . T h e r e u p o n , h e b o w e d t o h i m a n d s a t i n f r o n t o f h i m . A u r v a t h e n addressed t h e following gentle w o r d s t o t h e king. 51. " I h o p e t h a t y o u r k i n g d o m i s all r i g h t e x t e r n a l l y a n d internally. I h o p e t h a t you p r o t e c t all your subjects righteously. 52. I h o p e t h a t y o u y e a r n p r o p e r l y to w i n over t h e trivarga ( t h r e e a i m s in life v i z . Dharma, Art ha a n d Kama) by m e a n s of p r o p e r e x p e d i e n t s . I h o p e all the e x p e d i e n t s in politic ( s u c h as alliance, war, d i p l o m a c y a n d others) a r e well practised by you a n d they yield p r o p e r results to you. 53. F o r t u n a t e l y , O excellent king, all t h e enemies h i v e been conquered by you. H o w glad I am that the entire kingdom is righteously protected by you. 5 4 . T h e r e i s n o loss o r d e s t r u c t i o n t o t h o s e w h o s t r i c t l y abide by D h a r m a . Does not D h a r m a save that person by w h o m it has been kept up a n d sustained ? 55. I have already heard that you have arrived at your c a p i t a l a l o n g w i t h y o u r a r m y after c o n q u e r i n g t h e w h o l e o f t h e earth and that you have married. 56-58. T h e p r o p e r p r o t e c t i o n of the subjects is the most excellent d u t y of kings. T h e y b e c o m e h a p p y here a n d hereafter only on that account. T h e n why, O king, have you a b a n d o n e d the duty of administration of the kingdom and approached me along w i t h y o u r wives ? Tell m e " . Jaimini said : On being asked thus by the sage, S a g a r a j o i n e d his p a l m s in reverence a n d words.

the excellent king spoke these sweet

756

Brahmﾄ］da

Purﾄ］ct

CHAPTER FIFTYONE The Sagara

said

Banishment

of Asamaﾃｱjasa

1. O great sage, t h e r e is no d o u b t in this t h a t I am quite well in every respect, since y o u r holiness, t h e most excell e n t a m o n g t h e d e s c e n d a n t s o f B h r g u , h a s s o l i c i t u d e for m y peace. 2. H o w can I, w h o have been formerly trained in such a m a n n e r i n w i e l d i n g missiles a n d w e a p o n s b y y o u , b e i n c a p able of restraining all the enemies n o w ? 3 . Y o u a r e m y p r e c e p t o r , friend, a n d well-wisher, d e i t y a n d k i n s m a n . N o r d o I k n o w a n y o n e else a s m y f a t h e r e x c e p t you. 4. siles, t h e of your defeated

All t h e k i n g s w e r e d e f e a t e d b y m e t h r o u g h t h e m i s use of w h i c h h a s been t a u g h t by you. It is the p o w e r p e n a n c e , r e m e m b e r i n g w h i c h , all o f t h e m h a d b e e n by me.

5. By m e a n s of y o u r p e n a n c e , y o u sanctify a n d protect the entire universe. U n d o u b t e d l y you are capable of creating a n d a n n i h i l a t i n g it also. 6. T h e potentiality of your penance is great. It is not c o m m o n t o a n y o n e else. H e r e , e v e n a p a r t o f it, i f s e e n , c a u s e s wonder. 7 . O h o l y l o r d , i n y o u r p e n a n c e - g r o v e , e v e r s i n c e its infancy t h e fawn, slowly b u t unhesitatingly a p p r o a c h e s t h e seat of the lion a n d drinks water. 8 . H e r e , d u e t o full c o n f i d e n c e , e v e n a s l i m d e l i c a t e h i n d offers h e r u d d e r t o h e r y o u n g o n e . T h e R u r u d e e r r e m o v e s t h e i t c h i n g s e n s a t i o n o f its c h e e k a t t h e t i p o f t h e h o r n s o f t h e black deer. 9 . I n o r d e r t o s u s t a i n itself, a t i g r e s s k i l l e d a h i n d w h i c h h a d r e c e n t l y g i v e n b i r t h t o its f a w n , i n a n o t h e r f o r e s t . B u t t h e s a m e tigress n u r t u r e s t h e y o u n g ones o f t h a t h i n d i n y o u r p e n a n c e grove. jungle

10. I t i s b e c a u s e o f y o u r p e n a n c e t h a t i n t h e o u t e r a lion was c h a s i n g a fleeing e l e p h a n t . B u t as soon as

2.3.51.11-22

757

t h e y e n t e r e d this p e n a n c e g r o v e , t h e y h a d s t o p p e d r u n n i n g . T h e y stand in the same place, afraid of you. 11-12. T h e mongoose, r a t s , cats, p e a c o c k s , r a b b i t s , s e r p e n t s , w o l v e s , b o a r s , tigers, the f a b u l o u s e i g h t - f o o t e d Ś a r a b h a s , b e a r s , m o n k e y s , j a c k a l s , Gavayas ( m o u n t a i n - o x ) , t h e cows, t h e d e e r a n d t h e buffaloes a b a n d o n t h e i r n a t u r a l e n m i t y a n d b e c o m e friendly. 13. A p o w e r of p e n a n c e like this, s t r i k i n g t h e w o r l d w i t h surprise, is not seen a n y w h e r e . O B r ā h m a n a , excepting in your case, it is difficult to be f o u n d e l s e w h e r e in t h e w o r l d . 14. D u e to your blessings, I h a v e c o n q u e r e d this e a r t h , O B r ā h m a n a sage, a n d h a v e c o m e b a c k t o m y o w n r e a l m alongwith my captive enemies. 15. I h a v e all m i n i s t e r s u n d e r my c o n t r o l . I h a v e s h o w n sufficient a n d s u i t a b l e c a r e a n d a p p l i c a t i o n t o t h e t h r e e Vargas ( v i z . v i r t u e , w e a l t h a n d l o v e ) . I h a v e protected the k i n g d o m very well a l o n g the path advised by you. 16. As I c o n t i n u e d my a c t i v i t i e s thus a n d s t a y e d on t h e k i n g d o m , O l e a d i n g scion of t h e f a m i l y of B h r g u , t h e r e a r o s e in me a d e s i r e to see y o u r holiness a n d t h a t too w i t h a p u r p o s e . 17. W i l l t h e p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e E a r t h a l o n g w i t h t h e offerings of b a l l s of rice be r e s t r i c t e d to me ? ( W i l l it s t o p w i t h me ?) W i l l it be so d u e to t h e fact t h a t I h a v e no issue ? 18. T h i s i s t h e e x c e s s i v e m i s e r y i n m y m i n d a n d i t c a n n o t b e r e m e d i e d . I h a v e a p p r o a c h e d y o u , t h i n k i n g t h a t , i n this w o r l d t h e r e c a n n o t b e a n y o n e else w h o w i l l b e a b l e t o r e m o v e it." 19. O n b e i n g told thus b y S a g a r a , t h e h o l y lord A u r v a r e m a i n e d s i l e n t for a m o m e n t t h i n k i n g w i t h i n h i m s e l f , a n d s p o k e t h e s e w o r d s a l o n g w i t h his d i r e c t i o n s . 20. " O b s e r v i n g r e s t r a i n t s , y o u s t a y o n h e r e for s o m e time along with your wives; thereby you will obtain your desire. No doubt need be entertained about this". 21. T h e righteous-souled k i n g stayed there along with his w i v e s . H e w a s d e l i g h t e d a n d e n d o w e d w i t h d e v o t i o n . H e w a s e a g e r l y e n g a g e d i n s e r v i n g h i m ( A u r v a ) for a l o n g t i m e . 22. By means of their humility, good conduct and devo t i o n , t h e w i v e s o f the k i n g a c c o r d e d g r e a t satisfaction t o t h e sage. T h e y were always alert.

Brahm&nda

758 23. T h e g r e a t and sincere service. words : 24.

PurÄ na

s a g e w a s satisfied with their devotion H e c a l l e d t h e q u e e n s a n d s a i d these

" O g e n t l e l a d i e s , let a n y b o o n b e c h o s e n

from

us;

w h a t e v e r y o u desire. I s h a l l g r a n t it e v e n if it is v e r y difficult to get. T h e r e i s n o d o u b t a b o u t i t " . 25. T h e n b o t h o f t h e m b o w e d d o w n respectfully s p o k e t o t h e g r e a t s a g e â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " O h o l y sons".

their heads and Lord, we desire

2 6 . T h e n the s a i n t s a i d t o t h e m : " ' D e s i r o u s o f d o i n g w h a t i s p l e a s i n g t o y o u b o t h a n d t o t h e k i n g , this d e s i r e d b o o n has been given by me. 27. D u e t o m y b l e s s i n g s , b o t h o f y o u s h a l l b e f o r t u n a t e e n o u g h t o h a v e sons, c e r t a i n l y . L e t t h e s e further w o r d s o f m i n e also be heard. 28.

O n e o f y o u w i l l b e a r a s i n g l e son. H e

will

not

v e r y v i r t u o u s . Still h e w i l l b e a l i v e till the e n d o f K a l p a . 2 9 . T h e o t h e r w i l l g i v e b i r t h t o s i x t y t h o u s a n d sons. E r e l o n g , all o f t h e m w i l l m e e t w i t h d e s t r u c t i o n w i t h o u t fulfilling their assigned work. 3 0 . T h e s e t w o b o o n s w i t h s u c h c h a r a c t e r i s t i c features h a v e b e e n g i v e n t o y o u b o t h . W h a t e v e r i s d e s i r e d b y either o f you, may voluntarily be recounted." 3 1 . W h e n this w a s s p o k e n b y t h e s a g e , t h e d a u g h t e r o f t h e V i d a r b h a k i n g c h o s e a son w h o w o u l d p e r p e t u a t e the line. T h e o t h e r q u e e n c h o s e t h e o t h e r b o o n o f b e g e t t i n g m a n y sons. 32. A f t e r g r a n t i n g this b o o n t o k i n g S a g a r a a n d h o n o u r Â i n g h i m a l o n g w i t h his w i v e s i n a s u i t a b l e m a n n e r , t h e g r e a t s a g e s e n t h i m off t o w a r d s t h e c i t y . 3 3 . P e r m i t t e d b y t h e s a g e , the r u l e r o f t h e E a r t h w h o w a s satisfied b e c a u s e his d e s i r e h a d b e e n fulfilled, g o t i n t o the c h a r i o t a l o n g w i t h h i s b e l o v e d o n e s a n d w e n t t o the city quickly. 34. delighted

A f t e r e n t e r i n g t h e b e a u t i f u l c i t y fully a n d well-nourished

people,

great j o y alongwith the people of the city.

inhabited

stayed

there

by with

759

2.3.51.35-46

3 5 . A t t h e s a m e t i m e , O k i n g , the t w o q u e e n s i n t i m a t e d t o t h e k i n g w i t h g r e a t j o y t h e fact t h a t t h e y h a d c o n c e i v e d . 3 6 . T h e foetus o f t h e q u e e n s d e v e l o p e d d a y b y d a y l i k e t h e m o o n i n the b r i g h t h a l f o f the l u n a r m o n t h , a l o n g w i t h the wealth of pleasure and contentment of the parents and the citizens. 37. W h e n the t i m e w a s c o m p l e t e , K e ś i n ī g a v e b i r t h , i n a n a u s p i c i o u s h o u r , t o a son o f u n m e a s u r e d l u s t r e a n d r e s p l e n d e n t like t h e fiery sun-stone. 38.

After the d u e p e r f o r m a n c e o f j ā t a k a r m a n ( p o s t - n a t a l

h o l y r i t e ) etc., the k i n g n a m e d h i m A s a m a ñ j a s a . 39. At t h a t t i m e , S u m a t i too gave b i r t h to a p o t - g o u r d l i k e foetus. O n s e e i n g i t b e i n g g i v e n b i r t h t o , t h e k i n g w i s h e d to throw it away. 4 0 . O n c o m i n g t o k n o w o f it, t h e h o l y s a g e A u r v a c a m e there as though by chance. Welcomed a n d honoured perfectly by the king, he hurriedly spoke to h i m thus. 4 1 . " T h i s foetus i n t h e f o r m o f a p o t - g o u r d , O k i n g , should not be thrown away. It does not desrve to be a b a n d o n ed because it contains the nucleus of y o u r sixty t h o u s a n d sons. 42. H e n c e , let i t b e c u t i n t o s m a l l p i e c e s a n d b e p r e s e r v ed carefully in pots of g h e e covered w i t h lids. T h e pieces should be kept in separate pots. 43. If this is d o n e p r o p e r l y , O king, y o u will h a v e sons a s a r e m e n t i o n e d before, d u e t o m y grace. T h e r e i s n o d o u b t a b o u t it. 4 4 . W h e n t h e t i m e i s c o m p l e t e , t h e y will b r e a k o p e n t h e pots a n d c o m e o u t separately. T h u s , O king, sixty t h o u s a n d s o n s will b e b o r n u n t o y o u " . 45.

After saying thus, the saintly

lord

A u r v a vanished

there. T h e K i n g carried out everything in the m a n n e r mentioned by Aurva. 46. After a y e a r was c o m p l e t e d , c h i l d r e n w e r e b o r n every d a y o u t of t h e pots of ghee, after b r e a k i n g t h e m open one by one.

Brahmānda

760

Purāna

4 7 . I n this m a n n e r t h e sons o f t h e k i n g w e r e b o r n a n d b r o u g h t u p i n g r o u p s , O k i n g , m a k i n g u p t h e total o f s i x t y thousand. 48. T h e y h a d great strength and valour. T h e y did not perform a n y rite separately. ( T h e y w o r k e d collectively in every respect). T h e y w e r e unassailable and ruthless in particular. 49. T h e k i n g , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g t h e i n t e l l i g e n t ones, w a s not very m u c h pleased w i t h them. But he considered the h o l y son o f Kes'inī a s his b e l o v e d son. H e h o n o u r e d h i m much. 5 0 . T h e k i n g d u l y c e l e b r a t e d his m a r r i a g e . H e too de l i g h t e d his friends b y m e a n s o f his g o o d q u a l i t i e s . 5 1 . A g l o r i o u s s o n w e l l - k n o w n b y the n a m e o f A r h ś u m ā n w a s born to that son of K e ś i n ī . . 5 2 . E v e n i n his infancy, h e w a s e x t r e m e l y i n t e l l i g e n t . B y m e a n s o f his e x a l t e d a n d n o b l e q u a l i t i e s , h e e x t r e m e l y d e l i g h t e d his friends a n d g r a n d - f a t h e r . 53. I n t h e m e a n t i m e t h a t son o f t h e k i n g , A s a m a ñ j a s a , w a s p o s s e s s e d b y a c e r t a i n Piśāca ( g h o s t ) . H e b e c a m e d e v o i d o f all good pursuits a n d activities. 54. In his f o r m e r b i r t h , he w a s a V a i ś y a in the r e a l m of a " c e r t a i n k i n g . H e w a s c o n v e r s a n t w i t h D h a r m a . H e possessed p l e n t y o f w e a l t h a n d food-grains. 55. O n c e , a s h e w a s w a n d e r i n g a b o u t i n the forest, h e s a w a n e x c e l l e n t t r e a s u r e - t r o v e . O v e r w h e l m e d b y the h a b i t u a l g r e e d of a Vanik ( m e r c h a n t ) , he b a g a n to t a k e possession of the same. 56. T h e n t h e p i ś ā c a w h o w a s k e e p i n g treasure-trove approached him and said :—

watch

over that

" I h a v e b e e n h u n g r y for a l o n g t i m e s t a y i n g h e r e a n d k e e p i n g w a t c h o v e r this t r e a s u r e - t r o v e . 57.

H e n c e , i n o r d e r t o a l l e v i a t e it, g i v e m e b e e f a n d

m y b e h e s t t a k e a w a y this t r e a s u r e a s y o u p l e a s e " . 58. H e p r o m i s e d t h e s a m e t o h i m s a y i n g — " I s h a l l g i v e y o u b e e f " , E n c o u r a g e d b y the P i ś ā c a , h e took possession o f the treasure-trove. 59. O n a c c o u n t o f his foolishness, h e d i d n o t g i v e t h e ghost w h a t h a d been promised. He did not take note of the

761

2.3.51.60-69 anger of the g h o s t a r i s i n g from his failure t o been promised, O king.

give

what

had

6 0 . After w a i t i n g for a l o n g t i m e w i t h a d e s i r e for food, t h e g h o s t from w h o m the w e a l t h h a d b e e n t a k e n a w a y b e c a m e distressed d u e to h u n g e r and died. 61. T h e V a i ś y a attained d e a t h at the p r o p e r time and w a s b o r n a g a i n a s t h e son a n d p e r p e t u a t o r o f the l i n e o f S a g a r a and Keśinī. 62. R e c o l l e c t i n g the p r e v i o u s e n m i t y , the b o d i l e s s o n e a s s u m e d t h e form o f w i n d , O K i n g , a n d e n t e r e d t h e b o d y o f t h e prince. 63-65a. O n b e i n g possessed b y the g h o s t the p r i n c e b e c a m e cruel-hearted. His mental balance w a s upset on being f o r c i b l y a t t a c k e d b y t h e g h o s t . L i k e a m e r c i l e s s fellow, h e b e g a n t o w o r k h a v o c i n t h e city w i t h o u t a n y p r o p r i e t y o r j u s t i c e . T h e w i c k e d fellow b e g a n t o kill b o y s , y o u n g m e n , o l d m e n a n d w o m e n . After killing them, the merciless one threw their bodies in the S a r a y ū . 1 65b-69. On being harassed by him m a n y times and o b s e r v i n g his i g n o b l e a c t i v i t i e s , t h e citizens w e n t t o t h e k i n g and appealed to him. O n h e a r i n g it, t h e k i n g w a s o v e r w h e l m e d w i t h g r i e f . H e c a l l e d the p r i n c e t o h i m a n d c o n s c i e n t i o u s l y f o r b a d e h i m o n v a r i o u s occasions. A l t h o u g h h e w a s p r e v e n t e d b y t h a t n o b l e s o u l e d f a t h e r m a n y times, t h e r e w a s n o p o s i t i v e r e s u l t . ( A l l his a d v i c e s ) b e c a m e l i k e b u r n t b a r l e y g r a i n s p u t i n h o t w a t e r (i.e. b e c a m e f r u i t l e s s ) . W h e n h e w a s n o t a b l e t o m a k e h i m desist from his sinful a c t i v i t y , the k i n g b a n i s h e d h i m from his r e a l m b e c a u s e he w a s afraid of the public o u t c r y " .

1. changed prince

T h e Piśāca motif is a d o p t e d by the author of Bd.P. attitude

Asamañjasa

prince Asamañjasa.

was

Yogi

who

According

the

children

hale

A s a m a ñ j a s a killed t h e m .

and

hearty

the

outwardly b e h a v e d in a censurable

m a n n e r ( p r o b a b l y a s p r e s c r i b e d for P ā ś u p a t a s ) . W h e n b a n i s h e d , all

justify

to Bh.P. IX.8.15.19,

their

parents

who

he returned believed that

Brahmānda

762

Purāna

CHAPTER FIFTYTWO The Sacrificial Horse is let loose Jaimini Said

1. " A f t e r b a n i s h i n g his son, the v i r t u o u s - s o u l e d L o r d S a g a r a t r a n s f e r r e d his l o v e for h i m t o the c h i l d A m ś u m ā n w h o s e conduct was righteous. 2 . A t t h e v e r y s a m e t i m e , O k i n g , t h e sons o f S u m a t i g r e w up collectively. All of them were amiable, devoted and faithful to o n e a n o t h e r . 3. T h e y h a d a d a m a n t i n e bodies. T h e y w e r e cruel, merci less a n d s h a m e l e s s . T h e y w e r e h a b i t u a l l y evil i n t h e i r activities. T h e y h a d the same n a t u r e and characteristics. 4. T h e y co-operated work. They were deluded irritable. T h e y could not be T h e y regularly harassed the

i n d o i n g s i m u l t a n e o u s l y the s a m e in their minds. T h e y w e r e easily easily assailed by any living being. people.

5 . T h e y h a d n o concern for h u m i l i t y , good c o n d u c t t h e p a t h o f v i r t u e . T h e y h a r a s s e d the e n t i r e w o r l d a r o u n d they pleased, like Asuras.

or as

6. Attacked and tormented by them, the whole world b e c a m e distressed a n d u n h a p p y in particular w i t h Y a j ñ a s a n d p a t h s of virtue destroyed. T h e people could not h a v e their r e g u l a r self-study o f t h e V e d a s n o r c o u l d t h e y p e r f o r m h o l y r i t e s by u t t e r i n g t h e Vasafkāra mantra. 7. W h e n everything w a s being completely destroyed by t h e sons o f S a g a r a w h o w e r e h a u g h t y o n a c c o u n t o f t h e b o o n s t h e y h a d b e e n g r a n t e d , the D e y a s , A s u r a s a n d t h e g r e a t serpents became extremely agitated. 8. T h e earth overwhelmed by the ocean began to q u a k e t h o u g h its n a m e i s Acalā ( i m m o v a b l e ) . T h e r e w a s a b r e a k a n d h i n d r a n c e i n t h e p e n a n c e a n d a b s t r a c t m e d i t a t i o n o f t h e ascetics. 9. D e p r i v e d of t h e Havya a n d Kavya offerings, the D e v a s a n d t h e Pitrs b e c a m e o p p r e s s e d b y g r e a t s o r r o w . T h e y w e n t t o the a b o d e o f B r a h m a . 10. A f t e r g o i n g t h e r e , t h e D e v a s w i t h Ś a r v a * ( p r o b . Ś a k r a ) at their head, d u l y reported to h i m the entire activities of the sons o f S a g a r a . •misprint for Śakra.

Vide V. 34 below where Vāsava

is mentioned.

763

2.3.52.11-21

11. O n h e a r i n g their w o r d s , B r a h m a , t h e g r a n d f a t h e r o f t h e w o r l d s , b e c a m e e n g r o s s e d i n t h o u g h t for a s h o r t w h i l e . T h e most excellent one a m o n g the Suras then said : 12. — " O D e v a s , listen, a t t e n t i v e l y t o m y w o r d s . W e l f a r e u n t o y o u . T h e r e i s n o d o u b t t h a t t h e sons o f S a g a r a w i l l b e d e s t r o y e d ere l o n g . 13. W a i t for a s h o r t t i m e . E v e r y t h i n g is b e i n g control led by time. E v e r y t h i n g else i s b u t a n i n s t r u m e n t a l . T h a t t i m e a l o n e i s t h e m a s t e r o f all. 14. H e n c e , O e x c e l l e n t S u r a s , w h a t I am g o i n g to s a y for y o u r w e l f a r e s h o u l d n o w b e c a r r i e d out b y all o f y o u w i t h o u t a n y slackness. 15.

The

holy lord K a p i l a ,

the

most excellent a m o n g

v i c t o r i o u s ones, t h e m o s t e x a l t e d a m o n g the l e a d i n g born

the

earth

with a

partial

Yogins, is

power of V i s n u ,

for t h e

welfare of the universe. 16. H e i s n o w s i t t i n g , m e d i t a t i n g i n a l o n e l y p l a c e some w h e r e i n t h e o c e a n , the w a t e r o f w h i c h h a d b e e n s u c k e d u p b y A g a s t y a . T h i s m e d i t a t i o n h a s b e e n g o i n g o n for t h e l a s t h u n d r e d y e a r s a c c o r d i n g t o the r e c k o n i n g o f h e a v e n - d w e l l e r s . 17. A t m y b e h e s t , a l l o f y o u g o t o t h e l e a d i n g s a g e K a p i l a . S t a n d n e a r h i m w i s h i n g for t h e c o n c l u s i o n o f h i s meditation. 18. A t t h e close o f his a b s t r a c t m e d i t a t i o n , y o u w i l l b o w d o w n t o h i m a n d tell h i m y o u r p u r p o s e i n full. H e w i l l d o w h a t is conducive to y o u r welfare. 19. O e x c e l l e n t D e v a s , do s o m e t h i n g w h e r e b y a b r e a k in the abstract meditation cf the sage can be caused t h r o u g h the sons o f S a g a r a " . Jaimini Said

20. O n b e i n g told thus b y him, the Devas b o w e d d o w n t o B r a h m a a n d w e n t t o K a p i l a , the m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g t h e B r ā h m a n a s ; with palms joined in reverence, they spoke to him : — The Devas said : 21.

" B e pleased with us,

excellent

sage.

have

764

Brahmānda

s o u g h t r e f u g e i n y o u . T h e w h o l e o f the t h e sons o f S a g a r a , i s p e r i s h i n g .

universe,

Purāna

harassed by

22. I t i s w e l l - k n o w n that y o u a r e t h e c a u s e o f t h e suste n a n c e a n d a n n i h i l a t i o n o f the w o r l d s . W i t h the p a r t i a l p o w e r of Visnu, you h a v e incarnated on the earth and you stay here as the leading Yogin. 23. A p h y s i c a l b o d y h a s b e e n v o l u n t a r i l y a s s u m e d b y y o u , o n l y for the d e s t r u c t i o n o f t h e g r e a t distress of men a f f l i c t e d b y the t h r e e t y p e s o f a g o n y . I n d e e d , y o u a r e the m o s t excellent a m o n g those w h o perform austerities. 24.

Undoubtedly, O

Brāhmana,

you

are

capable,

y o u r will, to mentally, create the entire universe, sustain it and a n n i h i l a t e it. 25.

Y o u are our creator and

dispenser

of our

destiny.

Y o u a r e o u r p r e c e p t o r . Y o u a r e our g r e a t e s t resort. Y o u a r e o u r protector. Put an end to our adversity. 2 6 . O l e a d i n g B r ā h m a n a , b e t h e r e s o r t a n d refuge o f the l e a d i n g B r ā h m a n a s i n p a r t i c u l a r , w h o r e s i d e i n t h e three w o r l d s a n d w h o a r e b e i n g p e r s e c u t e d b y t h e sons o f S a g a r a . 27. I n d e e d , t h e a c t i v i t i e s o f p e o p l e l i k e y o u w i l l b e o f Sattva ( v e r y g o o d ) n a t u r e . H e n c e , O s a g e of g o o d h o l y r i t e s , it b e h o v e s y o u t o s a v e u s a n d all t h e w o r l d . 28-3la. If not, O holy saint, the entire universe will destroyed prematurely." Jaimini

Said:

" O n b e i n g told t h u s b y all the D e v a s , K a p i l a s l o w l y o p e n e d his eyes. G l a n c i n g a t t h e m , h e s p o k e these p l e a s i n g w o r d s — " U t t e r l y b u r n e d b y t h e i r o w n actions, t h e sons o f S a g a r a will surely perish w h e n the proper time arrives. Let that time b e a w a i t e d b y y o u a l l . F o r the a c h i e v e m e n t o f y o u r p u r p o s e , O e x c e l l e n t S u r a s , I s h a l l b e c o m e t h e c a u s e of d e s t r u c t i o n o f those e v i l - m i n d e d ones. 31b-33. E r e l o n g , the sons o f S a g a r a , w h o s e m i n d s a r e i n c l i n e d t o w a r d s sinful a c t i v i t i e s a n d w h o s e intellects h a v e b e e n a d v e r s e l y affected b y K ā l a ( T i m e , God o f D e a t h ) w i l l b e b u r n e d b v t h e f i r e o f m y a n g e r . H e n c e , O D e v a s all t h e w o r l d s

765

2.3.52.34-43

s h a l l b e r i d o f distress. T h e y w i l l h a v e fear from n o w h e r e . L e t t h e m (sons o f S a g a r a ) b e w i c k e d i n t h e i r a c t i o n s . T h e y w i l l q u i c k l y m e e t w i t h t h e i r a n n i h i l a t i o n . S o b e free from fear a n d g o b a c k t o y o u r o w n c i t y . W a i t for s o m e t i m e . T h e r e a f t e r , y o u will realise w h a t you desire." 34-38. O n b e i n g told t h u s b y K a p i l a , all t h o s e D e v a s including I n d r a , b e c a m e delighted. After b o w i n g down, to him they went towards heaven. In the meantime, king Sagara, the Lord of the E a r t h d e s i r e d to p e r f o r m Vājimedha (Horse-Sacrifice), the g r e a t Yajña. W i t h the permission of Vasistha, he gathered together all t h e necessary requisites. A c c o m p a n i e d b y A u r v a a n d o t h e r B r ā h m a n a s h e d u l y took t h e i n i t i a t i o n for t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f sacrifice. F o r the p u r p o s e o f l e t t i n g t h e horse r o a m about, the k i n g o f g r e a t r e n o w n c a l l e d a l l his sons a n d c o m m a n d e d t h e m thus : " O m y sons, m a k e the h o r s e r o a m a b o u t all r o u n d t h e e a r t h . I t b e h o v e s y o u t o d o this i m m e d i a t e l y a n d b r i n g i t b a c k to m e . " Jaimini

Said

39-43. " A t the behest of their father they took the horse a n d m a d e i t w a n d e r o v e r the e n t i r e e a r t h . I t w a s o n l y b e c a u s e o f the d i r e c t i v e o f t h e V e d i c i n j u n c t i o n t h a t t h e h o r s e w a s m a d e t o g o r o u n d t h e e a r t h a n d n o t for the c o n q u e s t o f t h e q u a r t e r s n o r for l e v y i n g t a x e s a n d t r i b u t e s as the whole of the earth had already been conquered by that king. Kings had already been m a d e payers of tributes by king of exalted heroism in the battle-field. T h e n those princes reached the lower ground

that

surface

the salt ocean wherein there was no w a t e r . W i t h g r e a t

delight

t h e y e n c i r c l e d t h e horse a n d e n t e r e d t h e i n t e r i o r o f t h e e a r t h .

Brahminda

766

Purāna

CHAPTER FIFTYTHREE The destruction Jaimini Said

of the sons of Sagara

1. W h e n they reached there, the wind-god w h o h a d b e e n d i r e c t e d b y I n d r a , c a r r i e d a w a y the h o r s e t o the n e t h e r worlds within a moment. 2 . S t e a l i n g t h e h o r s e w i t h o u t b e i n g seen b y a n y o f t h e m , O k i n g , the w i n d g o d c a r r i e d i t a w a y a l o n g t h a t p a t h t o t h e vicinity of sage Kapila. 3-4. W h e n t h e h o r s e d i s a p p e a r e d , all t h o s e p r i n c e s b e c a m e p e r p l e x e d . S e a r c h i n g for t h e h o r s e , t h e y w e n t r o u n d a n d r o u n d t h e e a r t h . A f t e r s e a r c h i n g the e n t i r e e a r t h i n c l u d i n g t h e cities, m o u n t a i n s a n d forests, t h e y a t t a i n e d g r e a t s o r r o w , b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e still u n a b l e t o see t h e sacrificial a n i m a l . 5. T h e n they w e n t back to Ayodhyā, surrounded by the sages, m e t t h e i r f a t h e r , b o w e d d o w n t o h i m a n d i n t i m a t e d t o him everything. 6.

" T h e moment we entered the

o c e a n after

o v e r t h e w h o l e o f t h e e a r t h , t h e horse w a s t a k e n a w a y one

though it was

being

vigilantly

wandering by

some

guarded by us who were

on the w a t c h . " 7-8. O n b e i n g told t h u s b y t h e m t h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g b e c a m e i n f u r i a t e d a n d told t h e m — ' ' G o a w a y h e n c e , u n r i g h t e o u s ones, n e v e r t o r e t u r n a g a i n . H o w w a s i t lost b y y o u , w h i l e y o u w e r e a l i v e . Y o u w e r e i n d e e d e v i l - m i n d e d ones. T h e r e i s no question of your r e t u r n i n g without the horse h e r e " . 9 . T h e n a l l o f t h e m t o g e t h e r set-off from t h a t p l a c e a n d s a i d t o o n e a n o t h e r : " E v e n n o w the h o r s e i s not t o b e seen, w h a t shall w e d o ? " 10. T h e w h o l e o f the e a r t h w a s s e a r c h e d b y u s , i n c l u d i n g t h e m o u n t a i n s , forests a n d p a r k s . T h e horse i s n o t seen a n y w h e r e n o r its n e w s is h e a r d . 11. H e n c e , s t a r t i n g w i t h t h e o c e a n a n d e x t e n d i n g a s far a s t h e n e t h e r - w o r l d s , w e s h a l l split t h e e a r t h a n d d i g it. W e s h a l l e n t e r t h e n e t h e ŕ w o r l d s a n d s e a r c h for t h e h o r s e ' .

767

2.3.53.12-27

12. H a v i n g d e c i d e d thus, a l l t h o s e sons o f S a g a r a , o f cruel r e s o l v e , d u g the e a r t h e v e r y w h e r e b e g i n n i n g w i t h t h e sea shore. 13.

Being d u g by them, the earth b e c a m e greatly excited

a n d c r i e d a l o u d . O n s e e i n g t h e i r a c t i v i t y , all l i v i n g b e i n g s cried in d i s t r e s s . 14. A f t e r d i g g i n g t h e B h ā r a t a s u b - c o n t i n e n t a n d c a s t i n g it off on t h e g r o u n d , t h e y u n i t e d a t h o u s a n d Y o j a n a s of the e a r t h t o the o c e a n . 15. D i g g i n g the e a r t h u p t o t h e n e t h e r w o r l d s , the k i n g s a w t h e h o r s e g r a z i n g i n t h e n e t h e r w o r l d s . 16.

Delighted very

much

they

gathered

t h e sons o f

together

l a u g h e d out o f c o n t e n t m e n t . S o m e o f t h e m d a n c e d

with

and great

joy. 17-21. T h e y saw the noble-souled K a l p a of brilliant lustre w h o w a s v e r y o l d ; w h o w a s s e a t e d i n the lotus-posture, w i t h his e y e s fixed a t t h e t i p o f his nose, w h o h a d k e p t t h e h e a d a n d n e c k s t r a i g h t a n d l o n g ; w h o h a d k e p t the chest p r o j e c t i n g for w a r d , w h o w a s s h i n i n g w i t h his o w n s p l e n d o u r r a d i a t i n g a l l r o u n d in full like a l a m p p l a c e d in a w i n d l e s s s p o t ; w h o s e b o d y w a s full o f perfect k n o w l e d g e s h i n i n g w i t h i n h i m s e l f ; w h o s e m i n d w a s e n g a g e d i n a b s t r a c t m e d i t a t i o n ; w h o a p p e a r e d like the motionless ocean; w h o w a s duly engaged in the yogic exer cise; whose mind was engrossed in w h a t should be meditated u p o n ; w h o was the most excellent a m o n g leading Yogins a n d w h o l o o k e d like the f i r e w i t h its c l u s t e r s o f f l a m e s e x t i n g u i s h e d . O n s e e i n g h i m s t a y i n g there, t h e y c o n s u l t e d o n e a n o t h e r a b o u t h i m for a s h o r t w h i l e . For a s h o r t w h i l e , t h e y u n d e r w e n t excessive agitation. 22-23. T h i n k i n g t h a t i t w a s h e w h o stole the h o r s e , t h e e v i l - m i n d e d sons o f S a g a r a , i n d u c e d b y t h e G o d o f d e a t h , surrounded Kapila, the excellent sage. Encircling him they said, " T h i s i s t h e thief. T h e r e i s n o d o u b t a b o u t it. T h i s e v i l - m i n d e d r o b b e r o f the h o r s e d e s e r v e s t o b e k i l l e d b y u s " . Jamini said

24-27a.

" A l l those Sagaras

whose

intellect h a d become

768

Brahmānda

Purāna

deluded and whose death was imminent, suddenly molested the s a g e w h o w a s s i t t i n g like a n o r d i n a r y p e r s o n . T h e n sage K a p i l a w h o had never been dejected in mind, was overwhelmed with w r a t h , because he had been upset due t o t h e b r e a k i n his a b s t r a c t m e d i t a t i o n . H e w a s a g i t a t e d . A s s a i l e d b y t h o s e e v i l - m i n d e d ones, t h e u n a s s a i l a b l e s a g e K a p i l a b e c a m e a g i t a t e d . H e a s s u m e d a h u g e size like the f i r e t h a t i n c r e a s e s i n size a t the e n d o f the K a l p a o n a c c o u n t o f the g u s t s of wind. 27b-30a. T h e f i r e o f a n g e r a r i s i n g o u t o f his b o d y a s v a s t a n d m a j e s t i c a s t h e o c e a n , b u r s t forth like t h e S a m k a r s a n a f i r e i s s u i n g from t h e p o i s o n o f Ś e s a out t o b u r n d o w n t h e n e t h e r w o r l d s . H i s a n g e r w a s f u r t h e r k i n d l e d b y the recollection o f attack. T h e sage w h o had a lustre similar to t h a t of a wheel of fire (i.e. w h i r l i n g fire) o p e n e d his eyes. T h e n for a m o m e n t , O k i n g , his e y e s b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y r e d a n d s h o n e like the S u n a n d the M o o n s i m u l t a n e o u s l y a p p e a r i n g i n t h e sky a t d a w n . 30b-35. He looked at the princes w i t h rolling eyes g r a v e l y , like t h e God o f a n n i h i l a t i o n a t t h e close o f ( K a l p a ) p e r i o d . Sparks and flames of fire suddenly e m e r g e d from the eyes of that infuriated sage a n d s p r e a d all round in various directions c o n t i n u o u s l y , like t h e s p a r k s o f Kālāgni ( d e s t r u c t i v e f i r e a t the time of final annihilation). T h e sparks of fire of the S a g e ' s a n g e r p e r v a d e d t h e q u a r t e r s all r o u n d , w i t h c o l u m n s o f s m o k e p r o j e c t i n g f o r w a r d a n d e m i t t i n g f l o o d s o f s p a r k s fre quently. T h e s p a r k s e m a n a t i n g from his e y e s like t h e p o i s o n o u s f l a m e s w i t h the c a v i t y o f t h e b e l l y o f a p y t h o n , s h o n e l i k e t h e flames of the Vadavā-fire ( s u b m a r i n e fire) of the violent ocean. T h e fire of anger, O great king, that pervaded the spaces i n t h e q u a r t e r s b y m e a n s o f its f l a m e s , e n v e l o p e d t h e f i r m a m e n t a n d b u r n e d t h e sons o f S a g a r a . 36. T h e w o r l d b e c a m e e n v e l o p e d b y t h e c l u s t e r s o f f l a m e s of fire and smoke whirling round and round on account of the a n g r y (i.e. v i o l e n t ) b l a s t s o f w i n d t h a t b l e w w i t h a l o u d r e p o r t . I t b e c a m e f i l l e d w i t h the d u s t s o f t h e e a r t h too, t h a t w e r e b l o w n u p e x c e s s i v e l y . H e n c e , t h e w o r l d b e o a m e t o o m u c h afflicted. 37. All round, the fire a p p e a r e d to be scraping the firma m e n t b y m e a n s o f its f l a m e s s t r u c k b y t h e v e l o c i t y o f w i n d .

â&#x20AC;˘2.3.53.38-48 It immediately burned down completely w h o w e r e the enemies of the Suras.

769 t h e sons o f t h e k i n g

38. E v e n a s all the worlds were watching, the fire of Kapila's anger reduced the Sagaras to ashes completely, s p a r i n g o n l y t h e horse. 3 9 . T h u s t h e sons o f S a g a r a , o f sinful m i n d , w e r e b u r n e d s u d d e n l y o n a c c o u n t o f t h a t f i r e o f a n g e r l i k e t h e d r y trees t h a t g e t c o n s u m e d i n t h e forest c o n f l a g r a t i o n . 40. On seeing the annihilation of those evil-minded S a g a r a s , the D e v a s s p o k e t o o n e a n o t h e r i n w o n d e r , a l o n g w i t h the Sages. 41-42. ' ' O the ultimate bad result o f those p e r s o n s w h o h a v e c o m m i t t e d t e r r i b l e sins h a s n o t b e e n d e l a y e d . I n Â d e e d , i n this w o r l d , m e n o f w i c k e d souls h a v e t o m e e t w i t h a b a d end. T h e s e wicked and cruel-minded persons, huge in size l i k e m o u n t a i n s , h a v e s u d d e n l y a n d f o r c i b l y p e r i s h e d l i k e dry grass in fire. 43. T h e y h a d caused anxiety a n d torture to all l i v i n g beings. T h e y w e r e extremely censured by good m e n throughout t h e i r lives. F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e y h a v e m e t w i t h t h e i r d e s t r u c t i o n . 4 4 . W h i c h m a n c a n a t t a i n h a p p i n e s s i n this w o r l d a f t e r c o m m i t t i n g an inauspicious action that is censured by the w o r l d s a n d t h a t causes h a r a s s m e n t to o t h e r s ? 4 5 . T h e s e s i n n e r s h a d m a d e all l i v i n g b e i n g s c r y a l o u d . T h e y have now been struck dead by means of B r a h m a d a n d a (the punishing rod of a B r Ä h m a n a ) . Hence, on account of their o w n e v i l actions, t h e y h a v e g o n e t o hell w h e r e t h e y w i l l b e spending many m a n y years. 46. Hence, only good actions should be performed by intelligent persons. T h e other type of actions censured by the w o r l d s h o u l d b e cast off far a w a y (i.e. c o m p l e t e l y a v o i d e d ) . 4 7 . A s l o n g a s o n e i s a l i v e , o n e s h o u l d s t r i v e for t h e a t t a i n m e n t o f f i n a l b e a t i t u d e . T h i s s h o u l d b e d o n e b y o n e whok n o w s w h a t i s g o o d for h i m . O n e s h o u l d n o t h a r m o r i n j u r e a n y o n e , as life is t r a n s i t o r y . 48. This body is non-permanent. Riches are extremely fickle. T h e entire worldly existence is utterly worthless. H o w m a y the learned one believe it (otherwise) ?"

770

Brahmānda

Purāna

49. Even as the leading Suras and sages were telling o n e a n o t h e r t h u s , the sons o f S a g a r a p e r i s h e d after b e c o m i n g t h e fuel to t h e fire of the a n g e r of t h e s a g e . 50. T h e sons o f S a g a r a w h o s e b o d i e s w e r e b u r n t d o w n s u d d e n l y , ( a s if) p a r a l y s e d the e a r t h w i t h their ashes a n d i n s t a n t a n e o u s l y fell i n t o h e l l d u e t o t h e i r sinful d e e d s . 5 1 . A f t e r b u r n i n g those sons o f S a g a r a e n t i r e l y , the f i r e a r i s i n g from his a n g e r w a s o n t h e p o i n t o f b u r n i n g a l l t h e w o r l d s s u d d e n l y in a m o m e n t . 52. T h e Devas w h o became frightened gathered together a n d stood b y i n t h e f i r m a m e n t . B e i n g d e s i r o u s o f s u p p r e s s i n g the f i r e o f a n g e r , t h e y e u l o g i s e d t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d s a g e . "

CHAPTER FIFTYFOUR Recovery Jaimini Reported* 1.

of the

Sacrificial Horse

" I t b e h o v e s .you, O L e a d i n g B r ā h m a n a

i m m e d i a t e l y this f i r e o f a n g e r . I f n o t ,

the

entire

restrain

universe

likely to be b u r n t by it untimely. 2. Y o u r greatness has been seen. T h e whole w o r l d i n c l u d i n g t h e m o b i l e a n d the i m m o b i l e b e i n g s h a s b e e n p e r v a d e d b y this f i r e o f y o u r a n g e r . F o r b e a r , p l e a s e r e s t r a i n this anger, O leading B r ā h m a n a . Obeisance to y o u . " 3.

On being

eulogised

thus,

the

saintly

lord

Kapila,

immediately controlled the extremely terrible fire of anger. 4 . T h e r e u p o n , t h e e n t i r e u n i v e r s e i n c l u d i n g the m o b i l e and the immobile beings became calm. D e v a s a n d the ascetics b e c a m e free from distress. •This is not correct. It is the gods w h o should be : Gods prayed

:—

are p r a y i n g

Kapila.

Hence it

771

2.3.54.5-16

5 . I n t h e m e a n t i m e , the s a i n t l y lord N ā r a d a , O K i n g , c a s u a l l y w e n t t o A y o d h y ā from t h e D e v a l o k a (the w o r l d o f t h e Devas). 6. On seeing that N ā r a d a had arrived, S a g a r a worship p e d h i m perfectly i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the i n j u n c t i o n s o f t h e s c r i p t u r e s , w i t h Arghya, Pādya a n d o t h e r m a t e r i a l s of w o r s h i p . 7 . A c c e p t i n g t h a t h o n o u r a n d w o r s h i p , N ā r a d a sat o n the e x a l t e d seat a n d s p o k e these w o r d s , O K i n g , t o S a g a r a the t i g e r a m o n g k i n g s . Nārada

said

8 . " Y o u r sons w h o h a d g o n e t o t a k e h o r s e a r o u n d the w o r l d , O e x c e l l e n t k i n g , h a v e b e e n s t r u c k d o w n b y t h e c u r s e of a B r ā h m a n a . All of t h e m h a v e p e r i s h e d . 9 . Y o u r sacrificial h o r s e , O K i n g , t h a t w a s b e i n g g u a r d e d by all of t h e m w a s t a k e n s o m e w h e r e in , the h e a v e n w i t h o u t b e i n g noticed b y a n y o n e , a s o r d a i n e d b y fate. 10. T h e y b e g a n to s e a r c h for t h e lost h o r s e all o v e r the e a r t h . For a l o n g t i m e , O k i n g , t h e y d i d n o t g e t a n y i n f o r m a t i o n of its w h e r e a b o u t s . 11. T h e r e u p o n , t h e y d e c i d e d to s e a r c h for the h o r s e underneath the e a r t h . B e g i n n i n g e a r n e s t l y , those S a g a r a s d u g u p the s u r f a c e o f the e a r t h . 12. W h i l e d i g g i n g t h e e a r t h , O K i n g , t h e y s a w the h o r s e in P ā t ā l a (Netherworlds) a n d near it they saw the great sage K a p i l a , the l e a d i n g Y o g i n . 13. On s e e i n g h i m , t h e y c o m m i t t e d a sinful d e e d . A l l of t h e m b e i n g u r g e d b y K ā l a (God* o f d e a t h ) , s a y i n g — " T h i s i s the r o b b e r o f the h o r s e " , t h e y m a d e K a p i l a sufficiently infuriated. 14. T h e r e u p o n , y o u r sons p e r i s h e d w i t h t h e i r b o d i e s as fuel to t h e fire e m a n a t i n g from his e y e s a n d c a u s e d by his a n g e r , the fire t h a t b u r n e d the q u a r t e r s . 15. Y o u n e e d n o t g r i e v e o v e r t h e m . I t d o e s not b e h o v e you t o g r i e v e o v e r t h e m , O l e a d i n g K i n g , b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e cruel, o f sinful c o n d u c t a n d w e r e c r e a t i n g t r o u b l e s a n d i m p e d i ments to all people. 16.

R e t a i n y o u r c o u r a g e a s y o u r asset, a s t h e o c c u r r e n c e

772

Brahman da

of everything concerning you was inevitable.

Learned

Purāna men do

n o t b e w a i l o v e r w h a t i s lost, w h a t i s d e a d a n d w h a t h a s p a s s e d by. 17.

Hence, O excellent king,

e n t r u s t this b o y A r h ś u m ā n ,

y o u r g r a n d s o n o f g r e a t intellect, w i t h the

mission

of fetching

the h o r s e b a c k . " 18. A f t e r s a y i n g this t o S a g a r a , the t i g e r a m o n g k i n g s who was accompanied by the members of the holy assembly a n d the sacrificial p r i e s t s , s a g e N ā r a d a v a n i s h e d i n a trice e v e n as they were watching. 19. O n h e a r i n g t h o s e w o r d s o f N ā r a d a , t h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g o f e x a l t e d i n t e l l e c t b e c a m e afflicted w i t h m i s e r y a n d g r i e f . H e r e m a i n e d e n g r o s s e d in t h o u g h t for a l o n g t i m e . 20. A s h e s a t i n t h e a s s e m b l y , p o n d e r i n g o v e r his fate, w i t h his h e a d b e n t d o w n , V a s i s t h a w h o w a s c o n v e r s a n t w i t h w h a t s h o u l d b e d o n e a t t h e p r o p e r t i m e a n d p l a c e , s a i d t o the king consoling him. 2 1 . " W h a t i s this ? I f g r i e f w e r e t o f i n d p l a c e i n t h e h e a r t o f c o u r a g e o u s p e o p l e like y o u , its benefit h a s n o t b e e n attained by courage (i.e. courage has become futile). 22. G i v e u p d e j e c t i o n i n y o u r m i n d . C o n s i d e r t h a t e v e r y t h i n g follows t h e d i c t a t e s o f d e s t i n y . T h u s i t u n d o u b t e d l y behoves you to carry out the subsequent duties." 23. O n b e i n g a d v i s e d thus b y V a s i s t h a , t h e k i n g w h o knew the true essential nature of objectives and duties on h a n d , r e g a i n e d his i n h e r e n t v i t a l i t y a n d f o r t i t u d e . A n d h e replied— "So be it". 24. He called his grandson Arhśumān w h o h a d been h a b i t u a l l y m o d e s t a n d s l o w l y s p o k e t o h i m t h u s , i n the assem bly of Brāhmanas and Ksattriyas. 25. ' ' D e a r c h i l d , all o f y o u r u n c l e s h a v e b e e n s t r u c k d o w n b y t h e c u r s e o f a B r ā h m a n a . H a v i n g c o m m i t t e d sinful d e e d s ; t h e y h a v e fallen i n t o hell t o r e m a i n t h e r e for m a n y m a n y years. 26. Y o u a l o n e a r e t h e c h i l d , a p e r p e t u a t o r o f m y line. Y o u a l o n e a r e t h e p r o t e c t o r o f this k i n g d o m . M y w e l f a r e b o t h h e r e a n d hereafter is solely and w h o l l y d e p e n d e n t upon you.

773

2.3.54.27-39

27. H e n c e , y o u go, a t m y b e h e s t , t o t h e p r o x i m i t y o f K a p i l a at Pātāla. T a k e up the g r e a t responsibility of fetching b a c k t h e sacrificial h o r s e . T r y s t r e n u o u s l y for t h e s a m e . 28. R e q u e s t h i m d u l y . P a r t i c u l a r l y , t a k e g r e a t c a r e t o m a k e h i m p l e a s e d . I t b e h o v e s y o u , d e a r one, t o r e t u r n q u i c k l y , taking the horse with y o u " . Jaimini

said

29. " O n b e i n g i n s t r u c t e d t h u s b y h i m , A m ś u m ā n b o w e d d o w n t o the f a t h e r o f his f a t h e r a n d s a i d — " S o b e i t . " T h e h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t b o y set off t o t h e p r o x i m i t y o f K a p i l a . 30. H e a p p r o a c h e d t h e s a g e d u l y . H e b o w e d d o w n t o him in accordance w i t h the injunctions of the Śāstras as w e l l a s his o w n m i n d . B e n d i n g d o w n i n h u m i l i t y , h e s p o k e thus slowly : 3 1 . " B e p l e a s e d , O g r e a t a m o n g B r ā h m a n a s . I seek refuge in you. Restrain i m m e d i a t e l y y o u r a n g e r that has caused d e s t r u c t i o n o f the w o r l d s . 3 2 . I f y o u a r e furious, the e n t i r e u n i v e r s e w i l l m e e t w i t h destruction. Be pleased to calm down quickly. Let all the w o r l d s b e rid o f p a i n a n d m i s e r y . 33. B e p l e a s e d w i t h u s , O h i g h l y f o r t u n a t e a n d e x a l t e d o n e . L o o k a t u s w i t h g e n t l e eyes. K n o w m e t o b e t h e c h i l d i n the f a m i l y o f t h o s e w h o h a v e b e e n c o m p l e t e l y b u r n e d d o w n by the fire of your anger. 34-35a. M y n a m e i s A m ś u m ā n a n d I a m the g r a n d s o n o f k i n g S a g a r a . I h a v e c o m e h e r e a t his b e h e s t a s w e l l a s w i t h a desire to gain your favour, and-also to take b a c k the horse if you are pleased to return i t . " 35b-36a. O n h e a r i n g these w o r d s o f his, the s a g e , t h e leading Yogin, became pleased. Glancing at A m ś u m ā n he spoke thus— 36b-39. " W e l c o m e to you, O dear one. H o w g l a d am I that you h a v e come. H u r r y u p . This horse m a y be taken b a c k t o S a g a r a . L e t his sacrifice t h a t h a d b e e n h e l d u p i n t h e m i d d l e , function w e l l . A n y b o o n t h a t y o u m a y h a v e i n y o u r m i n d c a n b e c h o s e n from m e . Satisfied w i t h y o u r d e v o t i o n , I s h a l l g r a n t i t t o y o u e v e n i f i t b e v e r y difficult t o o b t a i n . G o

774 and

Brahman da tell

Sagaras

your and

grand-father

that it

does not

about behove

the

destruction

Purāna

of these

h i m to lament over the

d e a t h of these sinners". 40-41 a . T h e n , b o w i n g down to the leading Yogin, A m ś u m ā n spoke thus. ' ' I f you wish to grant me a boon, O great S a g e , I s h a l l r e q u e s t y o u thus. If I d e s e r v e a b o o n from y o u , be p l e a s e d t o g r a n t this o n e . 41b-42. All of my uncles h a v e been b u r n e d d o w n by the f i r e o f y o u r a n g e r . T h e y a r e s u r e t o fall i n t o hell, O B r a h m a n a , a n d r e m a i n t h e r e for m a n y l o n g y e a r s . N o offering o f t h e balls of rice or w a t e r libations can save those w h o a r e struck d o w n b y the c u r s e o f a B r ā h m a n a . 43-44. T h o s e w h o are devoid of balls of rice and w a t e r l i b a t i o n in this w o r l d , O g r e a t - s a g e , c a n n o t e x p e c t t h e a t t a i n m e n t o f t h e w o r l d o f a n c e s t o r s (Pitrs) as laid d o w n in the Śrutis. B u t d u e t o y o u r b l e s s i n g s let t h e m h a v e a n e v e r l a s t i n g s t a y in h e a v e n . O h o l y L o r d , I s h a l l be c o n t e n t e d w i t h this b o o n . 45. H e n c e , b e p l e a s e d t o tell m e t h e m e a n s o f g e t t i n g t h e m a p l a c e i n h e a v e n . P l e a s e tell m e t h e w a y s a n d m e a n s w h e r e b y t h e y c a n b e r e d e e m e d from t h e a d v e r s e effects o f the fire of your a n g e r . " 46-47. T h e r e u p o n , t h e l e a d i n g Y o g i n told h i m w i t h g r e a t d e l i g h t i n his m i n d — " T h e i r r e d e m p t i o n from hell, O d e a r o n e , c a n n o t b e c a r r i e d o u t b y y o u . T h o s e p e r s o n s o f sinful a c t i v i t i e s m u s t n e c e s s a r i l y s t a y i n hell. L e t p r o p e r t i m e b e w a i t e d for, w h e n a g r a n d s o n w i l l b e b o r n t o y o u . 48. At the end of that period, O d e a r one, a h i g h l y intelligent grandson will be born to you. He will be known by t h e n a m e o f k i n g B h a g ī r a t h a . H e w i l l b e c o n v e r s a n t w i t h the principles of D h a r m a and Artha. 49. P r o m p t e d b y his r e v e r e n c e t o his a n c e s t o r s , p u t forth g r e a t efforts. H e w i l l p e r f o r m a g r e a t s t e a d y a n d bring Gańgā from heaven.

he will penance

50. All your ancestors will attain heavenly goal, w h e n t h e a s h e s o f t h e i r l i m b s a n d b o n e s a r e sanctified b y its w a t e r s . 5 1 . S u c h i s t h e g r e a t n e s s o f G a ñ g ā , O p r i n c e , she w i l l b e c o m e w e l l - k n o w n i n this w o r l d a s ' B h ā g ī r a t h ī ' .

775

2.3.54.52—55.3

52. If the ashes of bones, hairs a n d nails of a n y embodied b e i n g a r e f l o o d e d w i t h its w a t e r s , i t w i l l g o t o t h e h e a v e n l y w o r l d from e v e n hell a n d r e m a i n t h e r e p e r m a n e n t l y . 53. H e n c e , y o u g o . W e l f a r e u n t o y o u . Y o u d o n o t d e s e r v e t o g r i e v e o v e r a n y t h i n g . G i v e this h o r s e t o y o u r grand-father". Jaimini

said

: highly intelligent

Arhśumān said, " S o be

it", and bowed down to him devoutly.

54-56.

"The

Permitted by the sage,

he went back to the city of Sāketa (Ayodhyā). He

approached

Sagara

and

bowed

down to him duly.

H e then r e p o r t e d t h e d e t a i l s a b o u t h i m s e l f , t h e s a g e

and those

uncles. He

gave him

the h o r s e

that

he had brought back with

g r e a t effort. F i n a l l y h e s a i d t o h i m — " W h a t i s

be done

m e hereafter ? "

CHAPTER FIFTYFIVE Amśumān Jaimini

said 1.

installed as

Crown

Prince

Then

Sagara

was

beside

himself with

excessive

affection. H e e m b r a c e d his g r a n d s o n , blessed h i m , f o n d l e d h i m very m u c h and praised him. 2. T h e n a c c o m p a n i e d by t h e Rtviks (sacrificial priests) a n d t h e sadasyas ( m e m b e r s o f t h e h o l y a s s e m b l y ) w h o h a d m a s t e r e d t h e V e d a s , the e x c e l l e n t k i n g r e s u m e d t h e Y a j ñ a i n accordance with the prescribed injunctions. 3 . T h e n t h e sacrifice e n d o w e d w i t h t h e e q u i p m e n t s a n d articles of good quality, a n d c o n d u c t e d very well by V a s i s t h a , A u r v a a n d o t h e r sages, b e g a n t o b e c e l e b r a t e d .

776

Brahminda

Purina

4 . T h e altar w a s m a d e o f gold. T h e r e w e r e b i g and small v e s s e l s i n full c o m p l e m e n t . I n t h a t sacrifice e v e r y t h i n g w a s l u x u r i o u s l y plentiful a n d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e d i c t a t e s o f t h e scriptures. 5 . A l l t h e R t v i k s w i t h the Y a j a m ā n a ( t h e p e r f o r m e r o f sacrifice) a t t h e h e a d , i n d u e o r d e r o f p r o c e d u r e , c o n c l u d e d sacrifice t h a t b e g a n t h u s . 6 . A f t e r c o n c l u d i n g t h e sacrifice, t h e k i n g , w h o w a s the m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g t h o s e w h o w e r e c o n v e r s a n t w i t h the injunctions of s c r i p t u r e s , offered d u e D a k s i n ā s ( m o n e t a r y gifts) to the Rtviks. 7. T h e n he distributed money to every one of them m o r e than w h a t he (the receiver of Daksinā) expected, to the Rtviks, to the sadasyas a n d to the B r ā h m a n a s w h o came as suppliants. 8 . A f t e r p r o p i t i a t i n g the B r ā h m a n a s a n d o t h e r s thus, i n d u e o r d e r , b y m e a n s o f m o n e t a r y gifts, h e fell a t t h e feet o f p r e c e p t o r s a n d S a d a s y a s a n d s o u g h t t h e i r f o r g i v e n e s s (for his a c t s of o m i s s i o n s a n d c o m m i s s i o n s ) . 9-12a. T h e n , a c c o m p a n i e d b y his f o l l o w e r s a n d k i n s m e n , he w e n t to S a r a y ū a n d performed the concluding holy b a t h c a l l e d Avabhrtha. H e w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e B r ā h m a n a s a n d people of other castes a n d Rtviks. He w a s followed by g r o u p s of courtesans, heralds, b a r d s and panegyrists. T h e ladies ( o f t h e h a r e m ) w e r e w i t h h i m . H e h a d all t h e r o y a l p a r a p h e r n a l i a like the white umbrella, chowries a n d furry fans s h a k e n t o a n d fro. H e s h o n e w e l l w i t h all t h e s e a c c o m p a n i m e n t s . T h e s o u n d s o f t h e different k i n d s o f m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s deafened (as it were) the various quarters. He joyously p e r f o r m e d t h e h o l y v a l e d i c t o r y a b l u t i o n (i.e. Avabhrtha) in accordance w i t h the injunction in the scriptures as well as conventional practice. 12b-14. A f t e r t h e h o l y b a t h , a c c o m p a n i e d b y his w i v e s , friends a n d the B i ā h m a n a s , he re-entered the beautiful city, where there were thousands of delighted a n d well-nourished persons. T h e r e w e r e t h e s w e e t notes o f Vina ( L u t e ) , Venu ( F l u t e ) , Mrdańga ( a k i n d o f t a b o r ) a n d d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f other musical instruments. There were loud sounds of auspicious chanting of the V e d i c Mantras sung by the B r ā h m a n a

777

2.3.55.15-24 folk. H e w a s b e i n g p a n e g y r i s e d b y t h e h e r a l d s , a n d other panegyrists standing all round him.

Sūtas,

bards

15. T h e r e were white fans, good umbrellas and colourful b a n n e r s , f l a g s a n d festoons d i s p l a y e d i n t h e c i t y . The grounds, bazaars and other places h a d been swept and sprinkled clean w i t h w a t e r a n d they a p p e a r e d v e r y splendid. 16. T h e city s h o n e s p l e n d i d l y o n a c c o u n t o f the r o w s o f m a n s i o n s , lofty a n d b r i l l i a n t like t h e K a i l ā s a m o u n t a i n . T h e quarters were rendered fragrant by m e a n s of the sweet scent a r i s i n g from fumes o f A g u r u . 17-18. H e a p s o f fried rice w e r e s h o w e r e d o n h i m f r e q u e n t l y b y t h e w o m e n f o l k o f t h e c i t y all r o u n d . H e w a s d e l i g h t e d l y v i e w e d b y t h e citizens. H e w a s h o n o u r e d a t v a r i o u s places by the m e r c h a n t community with m a n y kinds of presents. T h u s h e w e n t into the c i t y s l o w l y . 19. A f t e r e n t e r i n g his b e a u t i f u l a b o d e t h a t h a d b e e n e m b e l l i s h e d w i t h all k i n d s o f o r n a m e n t a l fittings, he honoured w e l l , all his f r i e n d s a n d B r ā h m a n a s too. 20. B e i n g s e r v e d a n d a t t e n d e d u p o n b y t h e k i n g s , t h e r u l e r s o f different c o u n t r i e s , S a g a r a t h e t i g e r a m o n g k i n g s s t a y e d i n t h e r e like a n o t h e r I n d r a . 21. H a v i n g fulfilled his d e s i r e t h u s i n t h e c o m p a n y o f his friends a n d allies, S a g a r a t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g k i n g s r e j o i c e d t h e r e a c c o m p a n i e d b y his t w o w i v e s . 22. W i t h a p p r o v a l o f V a s i s t h a , t h e k i n g g l a d l y c r o w n e d A m ś u m ā n , his g r a n d s o n , w h o w a s h u m b l e a n d m o d e s t , b y disposition as the heir-apparent. 23. O n a c c o u n t o f h i s e x a l t e d l i b e r a l q u a l i t i e s , h e b e c a m e a g r e a t f a v o u r i t e w i t h friends, k i n s m e n a n d t h e r e s i d e n t s o f t h e city as well as the outlying districts a n d r u r a l territories, O king. 24. T h e s u b j e c t s w e r e d e l i g h t e d w i t h h i m a n d t h e y loved him because, though he was a boy, he h a d unmeasured v a l o u r a n d p r o w e s s , j u s t a s o n e l o v e s t h e fresh c r e s c e n t o f t h e m o o n t h a t h a s risen j u s t a t t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e b r i g h t h a l f o f the lunar month.

778

Brahmānda

Purāna

2 5 . A c c o m p a n i e d b y h i m , his friends a n d a l l i e s a s w e l l a s the two wives w h o suited him in every respect, the glorious king r e j o i c e d a n d l i v e d for a l o n g t i m e . 26. T h e m i g h t y k i n g , S a g a r a , w h o w a s like a n o t h e r D h a r m a himself, p r o t e c t e d t h e e a r t h i n c l u d i n g t h e m o u n t a i n s , forests a n d p a r k s , a s t h o u g h h e w a s y o u n g . 27. person

T h u s t h e g r e a t lord o f the

shone

precious

Northern

g e m in

o f t h e s o l a r r a c e , d e l i g h t e d the m i n d s o f all the full m o o n .

Kosalas

the crown

whose kings

w o r l d s like t h e

A l o n g w i t h all his s u b j e c t s h e r e j o i c e d v e r y w e l l .

C H A P T E R FIFTYSEX The Jaimini

Said

Descent

of Gañgā

1 . " T h e life s t o r y o f the n o b l e - s o u l e d S a g a r a h a s b e e n r e c o u n t e d t o y o u i n full, e l a b o r a t e l y a s w e l l a s s u c c i n c t l y . T h i s s t o r y is c o n d u c i v e to the d e s t r u c t i o n of sin. 2 . T h i s s u b c o n t i n e n t n a m e d B h ā r a t a lies extensively from S o u t h t o N o r t h . I t s e x p a n s e i s n i n e t h o u s a n d Y o j a n a s ( ? ) . 3 . A t h o u s a n d Y o j a n a s w e r e d u g u p b y t h e sons o f the king S a g a r a w h o were in search of the horse. T h e remaining e i g h t t h o u s a n d Y o j a n a s w e r e m a d e t o fall(?) 4 . S i n c e t h e a b o d e o f s h a r k s (i.e. ocean) w a s d u g u p a n d d e v e l o p e d b y t h e sons o f S a g a r a , i t o b t a i n e d t h e n a m e S a g a r a i n the w o r l d s since t h e n . 5 . T h e o c e a n s p l a s h e d its w a t e r s all r o u n d a n d f l o o d e d t h e e a r t h i n c l u d i n g the h o l y centres, f i e l d s a n d forests u p t o B r a h m a p ā d a (the foot o f B r a h m a ) . 6 . T h e n , all t h e D e v a s , A s u r a s a n d h u m a n b e i n g s l i v i n g t h e r e w e r e s c a t t e r e d h e r e a n d there. T h e y b e c a m e a f f l i c t e d with great sorrow.

779

2.3.56.7-15 7.

T h e r e is a w e l l - k n o w n

w h i c h is w o r s h i p p e d by shore

of t h e

Western

all

holy

the

ocean.

place

Suras.

Gokarna1

named

It is s i t u a t e d on t h e

extends

one

and a half

Yojanas. 8. abodes

T h e r e a r e i n n u m e r a b l e h o l y spots

there.

There

are

of sages and Devas. M a n y groups of siddhas have b e e n

l i v i n g in t h a t h o l y c e n t r e from t h e earliest times, O k i n g . 9.

T h a t h o l y spot i s famous t h r o u g h o u t the w o r l d .

splendid and

It is

i t d e s t r o y s sins. T h a t h o l y spot l a y i n the S o u t h

w e s t e r n p o r t i o n o f the sea. 10. I t i s t h e p l a c e w h e r e the s a g e s o f w e l l p r a i s e d h o l y rites p e r f o r m e d p e n a n c e a n d a t t a i n e d the h i g h e s t l i b e r a t i o n f r o m w h i c h t h e r e is no c o m i n g b a c k a g a i n (in sarhsāra). 11. Śańkara

Due stays

the

there

potentiality of that holy

place,

god

forever w i t h great delight along with the

goddess, the groups of goblins and Devas. 12. If people decide to go on p i l g r i m a g e to that holy s p o t , a n d m a k e t h e p r o p o s e d j o u r n e y , t h e i r sins p e r i s h l i k e a d r y l e a f in a s t o r m y w i n d . 13. A d e s i r e to resort to t h a t h o l y spot n e v e r o c c u r s to t h e e v i l - m i n d e d ones w h o m a y e v e n r e s i d e v e r y n e a r it. 14. O n l y , t h r o u g h g r e a t r e l i g i o u s m e r i t c a n m e n h a v e the desire a n d pleasure of m a k i n g a holy p i l g r i m a g e to that sacred holy spot. Never otherwise, O king. 15. If, o u t o f c o m p u l s i o n , the m o b i l e a n d t h e i m m o b i l e living beings die there, O king, they attain p e r m a n e n t a b o d e in heaven immediately.

G o k a r n a — a holy place in n o r t h K a n a r a , K a r w a r Dist. of K a r n a t a k .

It is 30 miles from G o a between K a r w a r

and Kumta.

It contains

of M a h ā d e v a called Mahabaleśvara,

established by R ā v a n a .

that

Ātma-lińga t o L a ń k ā . D u e

R ā v a n a was taking god

easing,

Siva's

the temple

T h e l e g e n d goes to

urgency of

he h a d to entrust it to a bystander w h o was g o d G a n e ś a in

disguise.

He d i d not w a n t that the A t m a l i ń g a should be w i t h a d e m o n . He placed on

the

ground.

When

Rāvana

returned,

earth. But in vain. He went a w a y disappointed.

tried

to wring it out of the

But d u e to

physical

wring

i n g by R ā v a n a , it got the shape s o m e w h a t resembling a c o w ' s ear. T h e l e g e n d tries t o e x p l a i n the p e c u l i a r s h a p e o f this Ś i v a - l i ń g a .

780

Brahmānfa

Purāna

16. It is t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t h o l y spot a m o n g all sacred c e n t r e s ; b y r e c a l l i n g i t ( m e n t a l l y ) a m a n b e c o m e s r i d o f all sins. I t i s t h e a b o d e o f all s a c r e d T ī r t h a s ( h o l y w a t e r s ) . 17. S o m e s a g e s d e s i r o u s o f s p i r i t u a l a c h i e v e m e n t u s e d t o l i v e there, t a k i n g t h e i r h o l y b a t h i n a l l t h e s e T i r t h a s a n d always worshipping Śiva. 18. T h o s e w h o a r e d e v o i d o f l u s t a n d a n g e r , w h o in them without rivalry, attain that Siddhi ere long.

live

19. T h o s e w h o s t a y t h e r e e n g a g e d i n J a p a , and Homa •will a t t a i n t h e d e s i r e d S i d d h i . T h e y m u s t b e q u i e s c e n t , selfrestrained a n d observe the vow of celibacy. 2 0 . I f h o l y rites s u c h a s t h e w o r s h i p o f t h e P i t r s , D e v a s a n d B r ā h m a n a s , c h a r i t a b l e gifts, H o m a s , J a p a s etc. a r e p e r f o r m e d i n this h o l y s p o t , O K i n g , t h e fruit t h e r e - o f w i l l b e t e n m i l l i o n t i m e s m o r e t h a n t h a t ( p e r f o r m a n c e o f these a c t s ) i n the other holy spots. 21-23a. W h e n that extremely sacred holy spot became s u b m e r g e d i n t h e w a t e r s o f the sea, t h e s a g e s e n d o w e d w i t h g r e a t penance, w h o lived there climbed on to the Sahya, the e x c e l l e n t m o u n t a i n , for t h e s a k e o f a r e s i d i n g p l a c e . S t a y i n g t h e r e , all o f t h e m c o n s u l t e d o n e a n o t h e r a n d g o t r e a d y t o g o to R ā m a who was performing penance on the mountain Mahcndra. The King enquired

23b-26. A f t e r the w a t e r s o f t h e o c e a n h a d b e e n d r u n k b y Agastya, when the holy spot including holy sacred waters, h e r m i t a g e s a n d forests h a d b e e n m a d e t o fall d o w n , w h e n t h e k i n g ' s sons (i.e. S a g a r a s ) d u g u p all r o u n d , w h e n t h e o t h e r p a r t s o f the e a r t h s u c h a s cities, v i l l a g e s , m i n e s etc. a n d t h e countries lying near the ocean were destroyed, O excellent sage, w h a t the persons with their abodes there, do ? Did they reside t h e r e a l o n e w i t h e v e r y g r e a t difficulty o r d i d t h e y g o e l s e w h e r e ? W h a t w a s t h e d u r a t i o n o f t h e p e r i o d i n w h i c h t h e o c e a n be c a m e f i l l e d w i t h w a t e r o n c e a g a i n ? B y w h a t m e a n s (did i t b e c o m e full)? O B r ā h m a n a , m e n t i o n this t o m e . " Jaimini

replied 27-29.

: When

the

marshy places lying near

the

ocean

781

2.3.56.30-39

w e r e d e s t r o y e d b y those e v i l - m i n d e d ones, p e r s o n s h a v i n g t h e i r a b o d e t h e r e i n w e n t h e r e a n d there. S o m e o f t h e p e r s o n s residing in the holy spots continued to live there w i t h great difficulty. At the s a m e time, O king, a son was born to w h o became wellknown on the earth as Dilīpa. r i g h t e o u s soul.

Amśumān He was a

30. T h e h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t k i n g A m ś u m ā n h a d p e r f e c t l y e n j o y e d t h e w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s , c r o w n e d D i l ī p a (as the r u l e r ) of t h e k i n g d o m a n d w e n t to t h e forest w i t h a d e c i s i o n in his mind to perform penance. 31. T h e n t h e g l o r i o u s D i l ī p a p r o t e c t e d t h e e n t i r e r i g h t e o u s l y a f t e r d e f e a t i n g all t h e e n e m i e s .

earth

3 2 . H i s son n a m e d B h a g ī r a t h a b e c a m e v e r y f a m o u s t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o r l d . H e w a s c l e v e r i n c o m p r e h e n d i n g all t h e topics c o n c e r n i n g h o l y rites a n d v i r t u e . H e w a s r e s p l e n d e n t a n d his v a l o u r a n d e x p l o i t s w e r e u n m e a s u r e d . 33-35. A f t e r c e l e b r a t i n g his ( B h a g ī r a t h a ' s ) c o r o n a t i o n i n t h e r e a l m , K i n g D i l ī p a too w e n t t o the forest. B h a g ī r a t h a p r o t e c t e d t h e e a r t h v e r y w e l l after e x t e r m i n a t i n g all t h o r n s (i.e. e n e m i e s w i t h i n a n d w i t h o u t ) . He rejoiced enjoying different k i n d s of w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s like t h e l o r d of D e v a s in h e a v e n . T h a t k i n g h e a r d a b o u t t h e fact t h a t f o r m e r l y his a n c e s t o r s h a d to fall i n t o t e r r i b l e hell as a r e s u l t of t h e fury o f a B r ā h m a n a . O n h e a r i n g t h a t all his a n c e s t o r s w e r e s t r u c k d o w n by the curse of a B r ā h m a n a , he b e c a m e extremely sad and dejected. 36-38a. He became frustrated a n d extremely disinterest e d i n t h e k i n g d o m , his k i n s m e n a n d t h e e n j o y m e n t s o f a l l worldly pleasures. He entrusted the kingdom to the care of his excellent minister. T h e excellent king w a s desirous of taking his a n c e s t o r s t o h e a v e n a n d s o w e n t t o the forest for p e r f o r m i n g p e n a n c e . A t t h e outset h e p r o p i t i a t e d t h e l o t u s - b o r n l o r d B r a h m a b y m e a n s o f g r e a t p e n a n c e for s e c u r i n g l o n g e v i t y . F r o m h i m he g o t as l o n g a life as he d e s i r e d . 38b-39.

Thereafter,

great

king,

G a ñ g ā a n d m a d e her pleased. From her he got the s h e w o u l d c o m e d o w n t o t h e e a r t h from h e a v e n .

propitiated boon that Afterwards

782

Brahmānda

he propitiated Śiva by means of penance in order to b y m e a n s o f his h e a d .

Purāna

hold

her

40-45a. The lord w h o f a v o u r s his d e v o t e e s g r a n t e d t h a t b o o n t o h i m . A s G a ń g ā fell d o w n from t h e t o p o f M e r u a l o n g w i t h crocodiles, a l l i g a t o r s a n d s h a r k s , t h e lord o f t h e w o r l d s (i.e. Ś i v a ) c a u g h t h e r b y m e a n s o f his h e a d . Al though she w a s flowing w i t h great rapidity, she got m e r g e d d e e p into his r e s p l e n d e n t m a t t e d h a i r after r e a c h i n g his h e a d . B y s e e i n g h e r d i s a p p e a r i n the h e a d o f the l o r d Ś a m b h u l i k e w a t e r w i t h i n the c u p p e d p a l m o f the h a n d , h e o n c e a g a i n p r o p i t i a t e d H a r a t o g e t her r e l e a s e d . 45b-46a. By the favour of Śarva, he got back Gańgā o n c e a g a i n . A s s h e r e a c h e d the e a r t h , B h a g ī r a t h a took h e r t o w a r d s t h a t spot w h e r e the sons o f S a g a r a h a d b e e n b u r n e d . F o l l o w i n g the k i n g s h e f l o o d e d t h e e n t i r e sacrificial p r e m i s e s o f a s a i n t l y k i n g ( J a h n u ) w h o w a s p e r f o r m i n g sacrifice o n t h e w a y . W h e n the e n t i r e sacrificial c h a m b e r a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n g o t s u b m e r g e d , the s a i n t l y k i n g b e c a m e a n g r y . H e d r a n k t h e entire river, as though it had been mouthful of water.1 46b-48a. W i t h g r e a t efforts B h a g ī r a t h a r e n d e r e d service to t h a t n o b l e - s o u l e d s a i n t l y k i n g for a h u n d r e d y e a r s . W h e n h e b e c a m e p l e a s e d , t h e k i n g g o t b a c k G a ń g ā once a g a i n . Since G a ń g ā • r e m a i n e d w i t h i n the b e l l y ( o f J a h n u ) for a l o n g time a n d e m e r g e d thereafter from it, h e r other n a m e J a h n a v ī became famous on the earth. 48b-51a. T h e c e l e s t i a l r i v e r followed B h a g ī r a t h a a n d w i t h h e r o w n w a t e r s s h e s p l a s h e d the a s h e s o f the b o n e s o f all

T w o places c l a i m t o b e the spots o f j a h n u ' s sacrificial p l a c e

G a ń g ā was Garhwal

-'drunk'

(U.P.)

(2) Gaibinath

Jahnu (1)

Bhairava ghāti

below

where

Gangotri

at the junction of Bhāgīrathī a n d Jāhnavī.

Sultanganj, Mahādeva

the

there

west

w h i c h is

h e r m i t a g e is on rock w h i c h comes

out

Bhāgalpur supposed

the

(Bihar); the

temple of

t o b e o n t h e site o f J a h n u ' s

bed of

Gańgā

front

Sultanganj. I f t h e l e g e n d o f t h e G a ń g ā b e i n g b r o u g h t b y efforts o f 3-4 g e n e r a t i o n s o f the k i n g s of the solar race be correct, it m u s t h a v e b e e n a sort of

canal constructed by those kings to b r i n g waters from the H i m a l a y a s parched plains of north

India.

that

case

obstruction

B h a i r a v a g h ā t i by J a h n u is feasible a n d not at Sultanganj.

the

ancient to

canal

the at

783

2.3.56.51-57

his a n c e s t o r s . W h e n t h e ashes o f t h e b o n e s w e r e s p l a s h e d w i t h its w a t e r s , t h e sons o f S a g a r a b e c a m e r i d o f t h e i r sins a t t h e v e r y s a m e m o m e n t . T h e y w e n t t o h e a v e n from h e l l . 51b. A f t e r h a v i n g l e d all t h e S a g a r a s t o t h e h e a v e n , t h u s , t h e g r e a t r i v e r w e n t t o t h e E a s t e r n o c e a n b y the s a m e p a t h . T h e c e l e s t i a l r i v e r h a d f l o w e d t o w a r d s the four q u a r t e r s from t h e t o p o f M e m after b e i n g split i n t o four c h a n n e l s . 52. G a ń g ā r e c e i v e d four n a m e s due t o t h e s e four different channels viz. Sītā, Alakanandā, Sucaksus and Bhadrāvatī.1 53. T h o u g h t h e i r w a t e r s h a d b e e n d r i e d u p w h e n A g a s t y a d r a n k u p t h e w a t e r s , t h e four o c e a n s b e c a m e full w i t h the w a t e r s of Gańgā, once again. 54. W h e n t h e o c e a n e x t e n d e d b y t h e sons o f S a g a r a became filled up, m a n y countries lying nearby became sub merged. 55-57. T h e h o l y spots too l y i n g a t the o u t s k i r t s o f t h e o c e a n all r o u n d b e c a m e s u b - m e r g e d . T h e p e o p l e w h o h a d t h e i r a b o d e s t h e r e i n w e n t h e r e a n d t h e r e . T h e h o l y spot G o k a r n a a b o u t which I h a v e told you, became s u b m e r g e d in the ocean, as it was near the ocean. Therefore, all those persons w h o h a d their a b o d e s t h e r e i n d e s i r e d to uplift itj O K i n g . T h e y w e r e d e s i r o u s o f m e e t i n g the m i g h t y scion o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u a n d s o s t a r t e d from t h e S a h y a m o u n t a i n .

M . A l i identifies the rivers as follows:

Sitā=Yarkand-Tarim-Hwang-Ho Alakanandā= Gańgā Su-Caksus=The Bhadrāvatī

Oxus

or B h a d r a s o m ā — S y r d a r i a

(Geog.

o f Purānas,

201)

784

Brahmānda

Purāna

CHAPTER FIFTYSEVEN Varum Jaimini

continued

visits

Bhārgava

"Thereafter,

Śuska,

Sumitra,

p r a i s e w o r t h y h o l y v o w s a n d rites, w e n t

and

other

towards

sages

the

mountain

M a h e n d r a w i t h a d e s i r e t o see B h ā r g a v a R ā m a . 2. etc.,

Passing through

those leading

very

sages

many

countries,

gradually

reached

forests, r i v e r s the

excellent

mountain. 3-5.

After climbing

slowly,

r e n o w n e d h e r m i t a g e a n d its p r e c i n c t s .

they reached All

the

his w e l l -

cruel

beasts

prey therein h a d b e c o m e quiescent. T h e splendid penance grove the middle, was very fascinating on account of groves laden

with

the

of trees

fruits a n d f l o w e r s o f all seasons. T h e s h a d e w a s

l o v i n g l y cool a n d p l e a s i n g . It w a s one

without

anything

to be

compared with. T h e wind was very fragrant and pleasant. It was echoing with With

their

the sounds of the chanting faces

hermitage with

very

of the V e d i c M a n t r a s .

m u c h delighted,

the elderly ones at

they

the head,

entered

in the

the

order of

seniority in age. 6.

Those

ascetics

s e a t e d o n a Brahmāsana a soft

deerskin

saw

Rāma

(mat m a d e

placed

over

it.

who

of the He

was

comfortably

Darbhagrass)

was very calm

with

and was

surrounded by his disciples. 7.

He a p p e a r e d like a

person

engaged

the e x t e n u a t i o n of the defect (sin) of b u r n i n g the deliberately

at t h e

outset,

t h e Kālāgni

penance three

(fire

for

worlds e n d of a

Kalpa). 8.

After a p p r o a c h i n g the excellent scion of the family

Bhrgu who was engaged in sages w h o were by

nature

the

great vow of sagehood,

humble

their

conduct,

those saluted

h i m w i t h their heads b o w i n g down, due to devotion. 9.

On seeing those sages come,

the family of B h r g u ,

respectfully

the

leading

worshipped

them

member very

w i t h t h e m a t e r i a l s o f w o r s h i p s u c h a s Argha, P&dya e t c .

well,

2.3.57.10-19

785

10. W h e n the h o s p i t a b l e r e c e p t i o n w a s o v e r a n d t h e s a g e s w h o h a d c o m e from o t h e r c o u n t r i e s w e r e s e a t e d com f o r t a b l y , R ā m a the b r a v e s t a m o n g the m e m b e r s o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h r g u , s p o k e t o t h e m these w o r d s s m i l i n g l y . 11. " W e l c o m e u n t o y o u all, O h i g h l y e x a l t e d o n e s o f g r e a t fortune, y o u h a v e c o m e h e r e . T e l l m e w i t h o u t h e s i t a t i o n w h a t should be done by u s . " 12. After b o w i n g d o w n t o R a m a , t h o s e s a g e s s a i d t h u s : — " O excellent sage, understand that w e are the sages w h o had our homes in Gokarna. 13.

T h a t great holy place along

with

the

sacred

etc. w a s c a u s e d t o fall into the w a t e r s o f t h e o c e a n b y of

Sagara

who

were

digging

Earth

ponds

the

sons

for s o m e o t h e r

reason. 14. U n d o u b t e d l y , w e d e s i r e a n d e x p e c t from y o u t o r e g a i n t h a t h o l y spot t h a t sanctifies e v e r y o n e , after c a u s i n g t h e waters of the ocean to recede. 15. I t i s w e l l k n o w n t h a t y o u w e r e b o r n i n the f a m i l y of B h r g u , w i t h the p o t e n t i a l i t y of a p a r t of V i s n u . T h e r e f o r e , there is nothing in the three worlds which cannot be carried out b y you. 16. W e h a v e h e a r d t h a t y o u a l o n e a r e t h e p e r s o n c a p a b l e o f p r e s e n t i n g this d e s i r e d o b j e c t i n the w h o l e w o r l d . I t w a s t o r e q u e s t y o u for this, O R ā m a , t h a t w e h a v e all c o m e h e r e . 17. It b e h o v e s y o u , O l e a d i n g B r ā h m a n a , to g r a n t t h a t e x c e l l e n t h o l y spot n o w , after c a u s i n g the w a t e r s o f t h e o c e a n to recede, by your o w n p r o w e s s " . Rāma

said

18. " A l l t h e s e t h i n g s a r e c o m p l e t e l y k n o w n t o m e , O ascetics. T h e t a s k t h a t y o u a l l h a v e set could a l s o b e c a r r i e d out b y m e . N o d o u b t n e e d b e e n t e r t a i n e d a b o u t this. 19.

B u t this t a s k d e s i r e d a n d e x p e c t e d b y

you

exces

s i v e l y t e r r i b l e i n the w o r l d . E v e n b y m e , i t c a n b e c a r r i e d only by taking up arms a n d not otherwise.

out

786

Brahmānda

Purāna

20. I h a v e g r a n t e d t h e b o o n o f f r e e d o m from fear t o everyone. I h a v e laid d o w n my w e a p o n s . I am quiescent n o w . A c c o r d i n g t o a n e a r l i e r b e h e s t o f m y father, I h a v e t a k e n u p the v o w to perform penance. 21-22. F o r m e r l y , I h a d t a k e n this v o w in the m i d s t of good m e n — " I w i l l never take up a r m s " . After that, I h a v e c o m e h e r e to p e r f o r m a p e n a n c e . Since the object of y o u r desire can be achieved only by taking up arms, my mind is in a dilemma. It is vacillating like a moving s w i n g . " Suska

said

2 3 . " T h e t a k i n g u p o f a r m s for t h e p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e g o o d does n o t m a k e a n y o n e g o a s t r a y from truthfulness ( t o his vows) as mentioned by B r a h m a formerly. 24. H e n c e , for t h e s a k e o f o u r w e l f a r e , weapons should be taken up by you. T h e r e b y a great righteous action shall be carried out by y o u . " Jaimini

said

25-26. On being earnestly requested by the sages thus, t h e i n t e l l i g e n t scion of t h e f a m i l y of B h r g u a c c e d e d to it, for the s a k e o f D h a r m a * o n l y i n his v i e w . A l o n g w i t h t h e m , t h e excellent sage proceeded towards the South-Western direction, O k i n g , w i t h a d e s i r e to see t h e l o r d of r i v e r s ( V a r u n a ) . 27. T h e l e a d i n g scion o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u , the n o b l e m i n d e d s a g e R ā m a d e s c e n d e d from S a h y a , t h e excellent m o u n t a i n a n d r e a c h e d the w e s t e r n s h o r e o f the l o r d o f r i v e r s . 28-30. E v e r y w h e r e r o u n d h i m the h i g h l y f o r t u n a t e s a g e s a w the o c e a n t h a t w a s a g i t a t e d b y t h e w i n d ; t h a t w a s a m i n e o f all p r e c i o u s g e m s ; t h a t w a s b e i n g f i l l e d w i t h w a t e r con tinuously; the majesty, depth a n d v a s t n e s s of which could never be understood, like that of the minds of g r e a t m e n ; that w a s v e r y difficult t o b e crossed b y e v e r y o n e ; t h a t c o n t a i n e d different kinds of crocodiles; that could never be assailed in the world l i k e D h ā t r (the c r e a t o r a n d d i s p e n s e r o f d e s t i n y ) .

2.3.57.31-44

787

31-34. T h a t w a s like t h e soul i n p e r v a d i n g e v e r y t h i n g ; that had slighted everything and b e c o m e h a u g h t y ; that w a s a s u p p o r t t o a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s ; t h a t w a s the k i n g o f r i v e r s ; t h a t h a d a c h a i n o f h u n d r e d s o f e x t r e m e l y u n s t e a d y a n d lofty b i l l o w s , t h a t w a s r e n d e r e d s p l e n d i d a n d b e a u t i f u l b y the m a s s o f foams o f h u n d r e d s o f w a v e s w h i c h split a n d d i s p e r s e d , d u e t o t h e i r h a v i n g d a s h e d i n t o the c a v i t i e s w i t h i n h e a p s o f rocks a t t h e sides, a n d t h a t h a d a d e e p r u m b l i n g s o u n d . H e s a w the o c e a n a l o n g w i t h the g r o u p s o f s a g e s . I t w a s a s t h o u g h h e w a s s e r v e d b y t h e c o d s p a r k l i n g s p r a y s from the w a v e s . For a short w h i l e , O l e a d i n g k i n g , t h e p o w e r f u l s a g e took r e s t on the shores of the lord o f r i v e r s . H e w a s desirous o f m e e t i n g P r a c e t a s (Varuna). 35. T h e n R ā m a g o t u p a n d s t o o d f a c i n g the s o u t h . H e s p o k e these w o r d s t o V a r u n a i n d e e p r e s o n a n t tone l i k e t h e sound of r u m b l i n g cloud. 36. " I h a v e c o m e h e r e a l o n g w i t h t h e g r o u p s o f s a g e s w i t h a d e s i r e to see y o u . H e n c e , t a k e up y o u r o w n form O Pracetas, and g r a n t me your vision." 3 7 . E v e n after h e a r i n g these w o r d s V a r u n a , the l o r d o f a q u a t i c b e i n g s , O k i n g , d i d n o t m o v e from his p l a c e . H e became bolder. 38. A l t h o u g h h e w a s r e p e a t e d l y c a l l e d b y R ā m a , t h e k i n g o f w a t e r s d i d not g r a n t his v i s i o n n o r d i d h e g i v e a n y reply. 39. His ( R a m a ' s ) i n t r a n s g r e s s a b l e r e q u e s t w a s d i s r e g a r d e d b y V a r u n a . H e t r e a t e d i t w i t h indifference b e c a u s e h e knew that R ā m a w a s very m u c h 'a suppliant. 40. T h i n k i n g t h a t his r e q u e s t h a d b e e n d i s r e g a r d e d b y V a r u n a , R ā m a , the m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g t h e w i e l d e r s o f w e a p o n s , looked a t h i m a n g r i l y . 4 1 . B e i n g m u c h i n f u r i a t e d , h e a s s u m e d a form s i m i l a r t o that o f a g i t a t e d o c e a n a n d w i s h e d t o m a k e t h e o c e a n d e v o i d o f w a t e r s b y r e s o r t i n g t o his o w n i n h e r e n t p o w e r . 42-44. T h e n h e s a t n e a r his b o w ' V i j a y a ' a n d s i p p e d the w a t e r c e r e m o n i o u s l y . R ā m a b o w e d d o w n m e n t a l l y t o Ś a r v a a n d took u p t h e g r e a t b o w . W i t h eyes t u r n e d r e d d u e t o a n g e r ,

788

Brahmāna'a

Purāna

h e d r e w t h e b o w . S t r o k i n g the e x c e l l e n t b o w a l o n g w i t h its string, the excellent m e m b e r of the family of B h r g u m a d e a t w a n g i n g s o u n d w i t h t h e s t r i n g , e v e n a s a l l the l i v i n g b e i n g s were watching. T h e loud report of the b o w string w a s heard t o u c h i n g the v a u l t s o f h e a v e n w i t h g r e a t h a r s h n e s s . 45-47. T h e entire Earth consisting a n d o c e a n s shook t h e r e b y .

of seven

continents

T h e n w i t h g r e a t force, R ā m a f i x e d t o the b o w a n a r r o w w i t h g o l d e n feather h e a d s , a n e x c e l l e n t a r r o w c o m p a r a b l e t o t h e Kālānala (fire at the e n d of the w o r l d ) . He j o i n e d to it a v e r y t e r r i b l e missile, b e l o n g i n g t o B h r g u a n d h a v i n g t h e f i r e g o d for its d e i t y . T h e b r a v e s t a m o n g t h e d e s c e n d a n t s o f B h r g u j o i n e d a missile for t h e c h a r g i n g o f w h i c h a n d t o d i s c h a r g e which he chanted the requisite M a n t r a . Thereupon, the Earth i n c l u d i n g the m o u n t a i n s , forests a n d p a r k s q u a k e d a n d t r e m b l e d . 48-50. Devas, Asuras a n d the great serpents b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y a g i t a t e d . O n s e e i n g t h e e x c e l l e n t scion o f the f a m i l y o f B h r g u w h o h a d j o i n e d t h e m i s s i l e (to the b o w ) a n d w h o s e e y e s w e r e e x t r e m e l y r e d d u e t o a n g e r , t h e m o b i l e a n d the immobile beings b e c a m e bewildered and perplexed in their minds. T h e quarters became covered up with layers and layers of clouds along with the b u r n i n g of quarters. R o u g h gusts of winds blew, m a k i n g loud reports and s p r e a d i n g dust particles. T h e s u n ' s r a y s b e c a m e d i m a n d its d i s c b e c a m e r e d . 51-53. T h e r e w a s a h e a v y down-pour of bloody-coloured r a i n w a t e r a l o n g w i t h t h u n d e r b o l t a n d t h e fall o f m e t e o r s . E v e r y o n e b e c a m e b e w i l d e r e d s a y i n g " W h a t i s this ? " R ā m a pulled out a great arrow that was terribly emitting s m o k e s a n d fumes, a n d o n which the d i v i n e m i s s i l e w a s charged. A s R ā m a w a s d r a w i n g t h e b o w w i t h a n a r r o w a t the t i p of w h i c h there w e r e shooting flames, the sages saw h i m resem b l i n g t h e f i n a l f i r e a t the close o f K a l p a . 54. H i s terrifying b o d y seen standing within the circle' m a d e b y t h e b o w the s t r i n g o f w h i c h w a s d r a w n u p t o his ears, b e c a m e u n a p p r o a c h a b l e to all. 55. His terrible form as he d r e w the b o w w a s like t h e h a l o - e n c i r c l e d d i s c o f t h e s u n , r i s i n g a t t h e close o f Kalpa.

2.3.57.56-67

789

56. A s h e shook w i t h a n g e r , his b o d y , w h i c h w a s t e r r i b l e w i t h its f l a m e s l i k e t h e f i r e a t t h e e n d o f K a l p a , a p p e a r e d l i k e t h e c i r c u l a r face o f V i s n u ' s d i s c u s . R ā m a a t t a i n e d t h e e x c e s s i v e l y terrific form the guise of Man-lion, w h e n he was surrounded by the brilliant flame of the fire of anger.

of Visnu in (as it w e r e )

57-58. A s h e d r e w t h e b o w , R a m a ' s b o d y w i t h t h e face with the eye-brows knitted, b e c a m e like that of Śiva desirous o f b u r n i n g the T r i p u r a s f o r m e r l y . O n -seeing h i m w i t h b l a z i n g b o d y , all t h e s a g e s b e g a n t o e u l o g i s e h i m s u d d e n l y d u e t o fright s a y i n g — " O R ā m a , b e pleased : be v i c t o r i o u s . " 59-60. T h e e n t i r e h a r e m o f the o c e a n - g o d b e c a m e ( a s if) e n g u l f e d a s i t w a s h i d d e n u n d e r t h e l a y e r s o f s m o k e e m e r g i n g from t h e f i r e o f t h e m i s s i l e . S t r u c k b y t h e h e a t o f b l a z i n g f i r e o f t h e missile, t h e waters of the ocean b e c a m e stirred up and the tide b e g a n to flow. 61-62. T h e l i v i n g b e i n g s i n t h e d e e p w a t e r s such a s b i g w h a l e s , s m a l l w h a l e s , a l l i g a t o r s , c r o c o d i l e s , f i s h e s , snakes a n d tortoises b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y d i s t r e s s e d . W h e n t h e w a v e s w e r e tossed u p a s t h e v a r i o u s l i v i n g b e i n g s j u m p e d u p , fell d o w n a n d l a y e x h a u s t e d i n it, the o c e a n became suddenly and extremely agitated. 63-64. Along with the water that flowed, the living beings m o v i n g about within the waters m a d e a great up-roar d u e t o fright. T h e y w e r e d i s t r e s s e d a n d r e n d e r e d e x h a u s t e d d u e t o t h e h i g h tide. T h e n f l a m e s a n d s p a r k s e m e r g e d from t h a t a r r o w terrify i n g t o e v e r y o n e w i t h their h i s s i n g s o u n d . T h i s w a s o b s e r v e d t h a t they spread in all directions. 65-67.

V i o l e n t g u s t s o f w i n d w h i r l e d all r o u n d .

Since i t

w a s full of flames of fire, it a p p e a r e d l i k e a r e d c a n o p y . As the waters of the ocean agitated by the fire of the mis sile i n c r e a s e d i n q u a n t i t y l i k e those o f t h e o c e a n a t t h e t i m e o f d e l u g e , the w a v e s m o v e d t o w a r d s t h e s h o r e . T h e ocean a p p e a r e d to deafen the quarters ' through the excessive r u m b l i n g sound of the waters hit a n d stirred up by the fire of missile.

790

Brahman da

Purāna

68-69. T h e mountain S a h y a w a s rendered obscure and d a r k i s h b y t h e w a t e r s e n c i r c l e d b y t h e f l a m e s o f fire o f t h e missile all r o u n d , a s t h e y r e s o r t e d t o t h e m o u n t a i n s u d d e n l y . O n s e e i n g R ā m a w i t h t h e b o w s t r i n g d r a w n a s far a s h i s e a r s , t h e o c e a n b e c a m e v e r y s a d a n d g l o o m y like a sinner a t the sight of Y a m a , the god of Death. 70a. W i t h a l l his l i m b s q u a k i n g w i t h fear the l o r d r i v e r s g a v e u p his n a t u r a l c o u r a g e a n d b e c a m e a c o w a r d .

70b-73a. H e a s s u m e d his r e a l f o r m . H e w a s b e d e c k e d i n his o r n a m e n t s . V a r u n a w a d e d t h r o u g h his o w n w a t e r s . P r a c e t a s (i.e. V a r u n a ) a p p e a r e d n e a r B h ā r g a v a w i t h p a l m s o f his h a n d s j o i n e d i n r e v e r e n c e . H e c a m e h u r r i e d l y n e a r B h ā r g a v a a s t h o u g h h e w a s e x t r e m e l y afraid o f t h e swift a r r o w . 73b-75. H a v i n g fallen a t t h e lotus-like feet ( o f R ā m a ) w h o h a d d r a w n the bow, the extremely frightened ( V a r u n a ) spoke with words faltering d u e to excitement. " P r o t e c t m e , O b r a v e s t a m o n g the m e m b e r s o f t h e f a m i l y of Bhrgu, protect me w i t h s y m p a t h y . I h a v e sought refuge in y o u . F o r g i v e this offence o f m i n e , O R ā m a , c o m m i t t e d b y me in ignorance. I stand by biding your directive. Command m e — W h a t shall I do ?"

CHAPTER FIFTYEIGHT Rāma Jaimini

continued

reclaims

land from

the

sea

1 . O n s e e i n g V a r u n a w h o s a i d this a n d fell o n t h e g r o u n d a t his feet, t h e i n t e l l i g e n t l e a d i n g m e m b e r o f t h e family of Bhrgu, w i t h d r e w the missile. 2. After w i t h d r a w i n g the missile, R ā m a looked at V a r u n a s t a n d i n g i n front o f h i m . A n g e r h a v i n g s u b s i d e d , h e said to him smilingly. 3. " T h e s e l e a d i n g sages w h o h a d their homes in Gokarna h a d c o m e t o m e before, O l o r d o f r i v e r s , w h i l e I was staying on the mountain Mahendra.

791

2.3.58.4-18 4. T h e holy spot Gokarna inhabited c a u s e d t o fall d o w n i n t o y o u r w a t e r s f o r m e r l y , S a g a r a w h o w e r e digging the Earth.

by the sages w a s b y t h e sons o f

5 . A f t e r h a v i n g a p p r o a c h e d m e , t h o s e s a g e s , the resi dents of that holy place have rushed down here to regain o n c e a g a i n t h a t h o l y spot w h i c h i s v e r y d e a r t o Ś i v a . 6 . I t w a s for the s a k e o f these s a g e s t h a t I h a v e c o m e d o w n from t h e e x c e l l e n t m o u n t a i n M a h e n d r a a l o n g w i t h t h e s e l e a d i n g s a g e s , t o see y o u . 7 . H e n c e , for m y sake, i t b e h o v e s y o u t o m a k e y o u r w a t e r s recede and restore to them that holy spot in the w a t e r as before." Jaimini

said

O n h e a r i n g these w o r d s

of R ā m a ,

Varuna

t h e lord*

o f a q u a t i c b e i n g s c o n s i d e r e d e v e r y t h i n g i n his m i n d a n d

spoke

these w o r d s t o R ā m a o n c e a g a i n . Varuna

said

" M y waters

cannot

Such is the boon granted to me

be made to

recede

formerly by

by anyone.

Viriñci

(i.e. god

Brahma). 10. given

But on account of y o u r all

my n a t u r a l

courage.

brilliant

splendour

I have

b e c o m e afraid, Q

B h ā r g a v a , a n d h a v e fallen u n d e r y o u r c o n t r o l . 11.

H o w c a n I fail to p e r f o r m this task, O a n n i h i l a t o r of

t h e families o f K s a t r i y a s , after

having

been

especially

urged

by y o u for t h e s a k e of t h e s e s a g e s ? 12.

Hence, I shall hold back on the g r o u n d as

m u c h of

my w a t e r as you m a y have intended in your m i n d . " 13.

O n h e a r i n g his w o r d s , B h ā r g a v a s a i d

"so be it". He

b r o k e his b o w a n d t h r e w a w a y his a r r o w . 14. T h e n h e m e n t a l l y d e c i d e d t h e b o u n d a r y . W i s h i n g top o i n t it out, O k i n g , he took up his Sruvā (the sacrificial l a d l e ) . T h e intelligent sage w a s desirous of t h r o w i n g it in the ocean. 15-18. A f t e r m a k i n g h i m ( R ā m a ) d e l i g h t e d i n his m i n d a n d d e v o i d o f a n g e r t o w a r d s h i m s e l f (i.e. V a r u n a ) , t h e l o r d o f r i v e r s d i s a p p e a r e d . W h e n h e h a d g o n e , R ā m a stood f a c i n g

792

Brahmātfda

t h e n o r t h . H e w h i r l e d h i s Sruvā

with

Purāna

great speed and hurled it

i n t o t h e b r i n y s e a . W h e n i t w a s h u r l e d i n t o t h e o c e a n , t h e Sruvā w e n t two hundred Yojanas in the direction of O king,

and

Śūrpāraka

fell d o w n .

That

(Sopārā, in Dist.

place

is the

Thana,

the

north-west,

holy

spot n a m e d

M a h a r a s h t r a ) . It is con

d u c i v e to rid oneself of all sins. It is on the shore of the lord of rivers and well known in the three worlds. ficial ladle)

The

Sruvā

(sacri

s l i p p i n g d o w n f r o m R a m a ' s h a n d s fell, O g r e a t k i n g

between that holy spot ( a n d

the

shore of the ocean), t h e r e b y

indicating R a m a ' s exploit. 19-22.

T h e place, O king, w h e r e the

ground created by

R ā m a w a s established is the holy place Śūrpāraka, glorious and renowned in all

the

worlds.

The

ocean withdrew

its w a t e r s

so far. After g r a n t i n g the E a r t h to R ā m a , O king, he stood aside. R ā m a (the leading m e m b e r of Bhrgu's family) transgressed the

bounds

of decency

a g r e e m e n t a c c e p t e d b y h i m s e l f (i.e. is the

e a s t e r n (?)

made

w h o never

h i m stand by this

Varuna),

b o u n d a r y on the Earth,

knowing that it

the

ocean yielded

the ground. 23-25. Rāma.

All the

gods

w e r e surprised to see the exploit of

(Defective T e x t ) W h e n

the w a t e r of the ocean receded

there on the Sahya mountain, there

were

here

and

there

(at

some places) some markings of boundaries of towns and villages as before ( t h e i r s u b m e r g i n g in the sea). These he observed there by chance, lent

d u e to their lower level. Thereafter, the most excel

m e m b e r of the family of Bhrgu,

lovingly

gave

t h e i r res

p e c t i v e places as desired by t h e m to the sages of purified souls. 26. Fully

Then

contented,

all those they

sages

became delighted very much.

worshipped

Rāma

a u d expressed their

g o o d w i s h e s for h i m . 27-30.

Then,

being

permitted

them,

Rāma

who

a c c o m p l i s h e d for t h e m all desires, w e n t a w a y . W h e n t h e e x c e l l e n t s a g e R ā m a h a d g o n e t o his h e r m i t a g e from that country, all those sages collected

together

and went

to the shore of t h e sea. After c i r c u m a m b u l a t i n g that place w i t h g r e a t effort, O k i n g , t h e y s a w it

the

was eternal

Earth

situated

ocean,

since

Devas,

(the holy spot) d i d not b e c o m e ruined

the earth was d u g up and it

within

the

and the place of a b o d e of all the

was

utterly although

c a u s e d t o fall into t h e o c e a n ,

793

2.3.58.31—59.5

a n d a l t h o u g h i t w a s lost i n t h e w a t e r u n d e r w h i c h i t r e m a i n e d for a l o n g t i m e . T h i s h a p p e n e d d u e t o the p o w e r o f R u d r a . 3 1 . T h e h o l y spot e m e r g i n g from the w a t e r s r e g a i n e d i t s o r i g i n a l s t a t e , O e x c e l l e n t k i n g . T h i s is t h e c a p a c i t y of l o r d Ś i v a w h i c h c a n n o t b e a d e q u a t e l y t h o u g h t of. 32. T h u s t h e E a r t h w a s r e c l a i m e d ( l i t . c r e a t e d ) o n c e a g a i n out of the ocean. From the south to the north, O king, it e x t e n d s t o four h u n d r e d Y o j a n a s . 33. Even today the ocean does not transgress the bound ary. His great b o w was never drawn ahd kept ready by R ā m a the great sage. 34-37. Such is the potential p o w e r of R ā m a a n d the k i n g S a g a r a w h o s e sons c a u s e d t h e s u b - c o n t i n e n t o f B h ā r a t a t o fall i n t o t h e o c e a n e x t e n d i n g i t m o r e b y a t h o u s a n d Y o j a n a s a n d d e v e l o p e d t h e g r e a t o c e a n . T h e l a n d e x t e n d i n g t o six h u n d r e d Yojanas w a s created once a g a i n . S i n c e t h e a b o d e o f a l l i g a t o r s ( i . e . t h e sea) b y t h e sons o f S a g a r a , i t g o t t h e n a m e S a g a r a a l l t h e w o r l d s e v e r since t h e n .

was extended well-known in

38. T h u s the story of great m e n viz. R ā m a , K ā r t t a v ī r y a a n d king S a g a r a has been well recounted to you by me.

CHAPTER FIFTYNINE The Birth Brhaspali

said

Vaivasvata

;

1 . T h e s a g e s w h o w e r e told t h u s a t t a i n e d g r e a t d e l i g h t . Thereafter, they further asked with a desire to hear more. The

Sages

requested

2. " P l e a s e narrate the details of the races of kings of u n m e a s u r e d p r o w e s s , t h e i r life a n d t h e i r p o w e r s a n d m a j e s t y , to us as we ask in the proper o r d e r . " 3-5. On b e i n g requested thus by them, L o m a h a r s a n a , an e x p e r t i n n a r r a t i o n o f stories, w e l l c o n v e r s a n t w i t h statements,

794

Brahmānda

s p o k e these w o r d s e v e n a s the s a g e s w e r e to the later narratives. Sūta

desirous

Purāna

of listening

said:

" J u s t as the sage of great wisdom (viz. V y ā s a ) n a r r a t e d to me w h e n I a s k e d h i m , I too s h a l l n a r r a t e in d u e o r d e r the d e t a i l s o f t h e r a c e s o f k i n g s o f u n m e a s u r e d p r o w e s s , their lives, g r a n d e u r a n d efficacy. U n d e r s t a n d t h e m from m e . 6 . I t i s r e l a t e d t h a t V a r u n a ' s wife, goddess Stutā ( S u n ā in Vāyu 8 4 - 6 - 8 ) , w a s a celestial d a m s e l of g r e a t b e a u t y . H e r sons w e r e K a l i a n d V a i d y a . 7 . J a y a a n d V i j a y a w e r e the sons o f K a l i . T h e y w e r e e x t r e m e l y v a l o r o u s . G r u n i a n d M u n i w e r e t h e sons o f V a i d y a . T h e y were very powerful. 8. T h e y used to devour girls given in m a r r i a g e to t h e m o r t h o s e w h o l o v e d t h e m . T h e y d e v o u r e d one a n o t h e r . After d e v o u r i n g o n e a n o t h e r , t h e y m e t w i t h d e s t r u c t i o n . 9 . K a l i ( t h i s i s e v i d e n t l y a n o t h e r one not t h e one m e n tioned in 7) s h o u l d be k n o w n as S u r a ' s ( ? ) son. H i s son is r e m e m b e r e d a s M a d a . H i r ń s ā w a s t h e eldest wife o f K a l i . S h e i s r e m e m b e r e d a s w i c k e d a n d dishonest. 10. F o u r o t h e r sons w e r e b o r n t o K a l i . T h e y w e r e c a n n i b a l s . T h e y w e r e N ā k a , a n d V i g h n a w h o w e r e v e r y famous, a s well as Bhadrama and V i d h a m a . 11. V i g h n a w a s s o c a l l e d b e c a u s e h e h a d n o h e a d . N ā k a h a d n o b o d y . B h a d r a m a h a d only o n e h a n d . V i d h a m a i s remembered as single-legged. 12. T ā m a s ī a n d P ū t a n ā w e r e the w i v e s o f B h a d r a m a ( o r P ū t a n ā o f d a r k a n d foul n a t u r e w a s t h e w i f e o f B h a d r a m a ) . R e v a t ī w a s t h e w i f e o f V i d h a m a . T h e sons o f t h e s e t w o w e r e thousands in number. 13. Ś a k u n i w a s the wife o f N ā k a a n d A y o m u k h ī the w i f e o f V i g h n a . T h e i r sons w e r e R ā k s a s a s o f g r e a t v i g o u r a n d vitality. T h e y used to r o a m about d u r i n g the twilight at d u s k and dawn. 14. T h e sons o f R e v a t i a n d P ū t a n ā a r e r e m e m b e r e d a s N a i r r t a s b y n a m e . A l l t h o s e R ā k s a s a s a r e Grahas ( E v i l d e m o n s a t t a c k i n g c h i l d r e n a n d m a k i n g t h e m suffer from c o n v u l s i o n s ) particularly in regard to children.

795

2.3.59.15-26 15-16. L o r d S k a n d a i s t h e o v e r l o r d o f all as allowed by Brahma.

those

Nairrtas

B r h a s p a t i h a d a sister n a m e d V a r a s t r ī . S h e o b s e r v e d the v o w o f c e l i b a c y . S h e h a d a c h i e v e d y o g i c p o w e r s . S h e then used to w a n d e r over the entire universe w i t h o u t a n y attach m e n t . S h e u l t i m a t e l y b e c a m e t h e wife o f P r a b h ā s a w h o w a s the eighth a m o n g the V a s u s . 17-20. (Partially defective text). Viśvakarman, a Deva was born of her. He is the Prajāpati (Creator) of artisans and c r a f t s m e n . H e h a d e v o l v e d t h e forms o f V i r ā t ( t h e s u p r e m e being). Another name o f this l i b e r a l - m i n d e d g r a n d s o n o f D h a r m a is Tvastr. B y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r , h e h a d c r e a t e d t h o u s a n d s o f a r t i s t i c w o r k s for t h e D e v a s . I t w a s h e w h o c r e a t e d t h e a e r i a l c h a r i o t s o f the D e v a s . H u m a n b e i n g s d e p e n d u p o n t h e a r t i s t i c c r e a t i o n s o f this noble-souled one. (They imitate t h e m ) . V i r o c a n ā , f a m o u s a s the d a u g h t e r o f P r a h r ā d a w a s the w i f e o f T v a s t r . S h e w a s t h e sister o f V i r o c a n a a n d t h e m o t h e r of Triśiras, the great and intelligent V i ś v a r ū p a w h o w a s the preceptor of the Devas. 21. M a y a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e son o f V i ś v a k a r m a n . H e w a s h i m s e l f V i ś v a k a r m a n ( c a p a b l e o f all c r e a t i v e w o r k ) . H i s y o u n g e r sister w a s w e l l k n o w n a s S u r e n u . 22-24. T h e daughter of Tvastr who became well-known a s S a m j ñ ā a n d t h e wife o f S a v i t r ( t h e S u n ) g a v e b i r t h t o M a n u , t h e e l d e s t son o f g r e a t f o r t u n e a n d e x a l t e d d i g n i t y , o f V i v a s v ā n (the s u n ) . T h e n she g a v e birth to the twins viz. Y a m a and Y a m u n a (See v v 31-32 w h e r e Y a m a a n d Y a r n ! a r e t h e n a m e s m e n t i o n e d ) . S h e a s s u m e d the form of a m a r e a n d w e n t to the K u r u s . T h a t l a d y o f g r e a t f o r t u n e g a v e b i r t h t o t w o sons, t h e A ś v i n s . T h e y w e r e the sons o f t h e sun-god w h o had- a s s u m e d the form of a horse. She g a v e b i r t h to the sons through t h e n o s t r i l s i n t h e a t m o s p h e r e itself. T h e t w o sons M ā r t a n d a w e r e N ā s a t y a arid D a s r a . " The

sages

enquired

25-26.

" W h y w a s V i v a s v ā n called M ā r t a n d a b y scholars?

796

Brahmānda

Purāna

W h y s h o u l d t h a t fair l a d y d e l i v e r t h r o u g h h e r nostrils ? w i s h t o u n d e r s t a n d this. N a r r a t e i t t o u s w h o a s k y o u . " Sūta

replied

27-29. " E v e n for a l o n g t i m e after i t h a d b e e n p r o d u c e d , the egg (the foetus) remained unbroken. T h a t e g g w a s broken b y T v a s t r . B e w i l d e r e d b y the d e s t r u c t i o n o f t h e e g g ( f o e t u s ) a 3 h e m i s t o o k it, K a ś y a p a f l e d from t h e r e . W h e n the e g g w a s split into two, T v a s t r looked at it a n d said thus. " T h i s e g g c a n n o t b e deficient, O sinless o n e , y o u b e Mārtanda." T h e father affectionately s a i d — " I n d e e d he is not d e a d (JVa Mrta) t h o u g h he is w i t h i n t h e Anda ( e g g ) . " On h e a r i n g these w o r d s o f his, t h e y s a i d t h a t t h e n a m e w a s t r u e t o its meaning. 30. W h e n the e g g w a s split into two, he w a s t o l d — " B e M ā r t a n d a " e v e n a s h e w a s w i t h i n t h e e g g . S o the s u n i s con sidered M ā r t a n d a by those conversant w i t h the Purānas. 31-32. H e n c e f o r t h , I s h a l l m e n t i o n t h e p r o g e n y of V i v a s v ā n known as M ā r t a n d a . S a m j ñ ā , the wife of Savitr, g a v e b i r t h t o t h r e e sons ( c h i l d r e n ) v i z . M a n u , Y a m ī a n d Y a m a . C h ā y ā (the s h a d o w ) g a v e b i r t h t o T a p a t ī a n d Ś a n a i ś c a r a (the P l a n e t S a t u r n ) . T h e s e a r e r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e sons o f M ā r t a n d a . 33-34. V i v a s v ā n (the sun-god) of great fame w a s born o f D ā k s ā y a n ī (i.e. d a u g h t e r o f D a k s a ) a n d K a ś y a p a . T h e gentle l a d y S a m j ñ ā , the d a u g h t e r of T v a s t r , became the wife of V i v a s v ā n . O r i g i n a l l y she was well-known as Surenu but later on she became famous as S a m j ñ ā . It w a s she w h o b e c a m e the wife of lord M ā r t a n d a of excessive brilliance. 35. " I n d e e d , h e d i d n o t d i e i n s i d e t h e e g g " s a i d K a ś y a p a fondly b u t unwittingly. Hence the sun is called M ā r t a n d a . 36. T h e b r i l l i a n c e a n d s p l e n d o u r o f V i v a s v ā n i s a l w a y s v e r y e x c e s s i v e . I t i s w i t h t h a t , t h a t t h e son o f K a ś y a p a s c o r c h e d the three worlds. 37-38.

Ravi,

the

sun

god,

begot

of Samjñā

three

c h i l d r e n , t w o sons o f g r e a t p o w e r a n d v i g o u r a n d o n e d a u g h t e r . It is k n o w n M a n u w a s the eldest of the sons of Sun-god.

797

2.3.59.39-52

Thereafter (was born) Y a m a (otherwise known as) Śrāddhad e v a . M a n u w a s a Prajāpati. T h e n Y a m a and Yarn! were born as twins. 39. O n s e e i n g t h a t f o r m o f u n b e a r a b l e s p l e n d o u r o f V i v a s v ā n S a m j ñ ā c o u l d n o t b r o o k it. S h e c r e a t e d h e r o w n C h ā y ā ( s h a d o w ) o f t h e s a m e c o l o u r a n d c o m p l e x i o n (Savarnā) as hers. 40. T h a t l a d y o f g r e a t f o r t u n e , b o r n o u t o f h e r s h a d o w , joined her palms in great reverence and purity of mind and spoke to Sarhjñā. 41-44. " T e l l me. W h a t work has to be carried out by me ?". S a m j ñ ā said to h e r — " W e l f a r e unto you. I am going to the a b o d e of my own father. Y o u alone m u s t r e m a i n in my h o u s e w i t h o u t a n y h e s i t a t i o n . T h e s e t w o sons o f m i n e a n d t h i s daughter of excellent complexion should be brought up by y o u . T h i s a r r a n g e m e n t s h o u l d n o t b e disclosed t o t h e l o r d (and m y two sons) b y you. S a m j ñ ā w a s t h e n told ( b y C h ā y ā ) . T h e s e t w o a r e m y sons too. S o b e i t . ( I s h a l l d o a s you s a y ) . " On b e i n g told thus, that l a d y of pitiable plight went near T v a s t r as if greatly ashamed. On seeing her come back, the father b e c a m e a n g r y and spoke to S a m j ñ ā . 45-49. " G o to your h u s b a n d " . On being directed thus a g a i n a n d a g a i n , she a s s u m e d t h e form o f a m a r e a n d c o n c e a l e d her real form. T h a t praiseworthy, uncensured lady w e n t to the Northern K u r u s a n d grazed the grass. T h i n k i n g the second S a m j ñ ā to be the real S a m j ñ ā , the s u n p r o c r e a t e d t w o sons h a v i n g t h e s a m e l u s t r e a s his. T h o s e two lords w e r e equal in comparison to M a n u the eldest son. Of these two, Śrutaśravas will become Sāvarnī M a n u . Ś r u t a k a r m a n ( t h e s e c o n d one) s h o u l d b e k n o w n a s t h e p l a n e t Ś a n a i ś c a r a (the S a t u r n ) . H e w h o b e c a m e M a n u i s c a l l e d S ā v a r n i also. 50. S a m j ñ ā o f e a r t h l y n a t u r e (i.e. t h e s h a d o w ) l o v e d h e r o w n s o n s m o r e t h a n t h e e l d e r sons. 51-52. M a n u f o r g a v e all t h a t b u t Y a m a d i d n o t . H i g h l y d i s t r e s s e d a t h e r e n m i t y b e c a u s e s h e w a s a co-wife (for his mother), he began to

grumble

much

a n d o n m a n y occasions.

798

Brahm&nda

Purāna

D u e t o his a n g e r a s w e l l a s t h e force o f i n e v i t a b l e future, Y a m a , t h e son o f V i v a s v ā n , t h r e a t e n e d C h ā y ā w i t h his foot (i.e. k i c k ) . T h e n out of anger that mother of Sāvarnī cursed Y a m a . / 53-57. " Y o u a r e t h r e a t e n i n g w i t h y o u r foot, all on a s u d d e n , the w i f e o f g r e a t r e n o w n o f y o u r o w n f a t h e r . H e n c e , this foot o f y o u r s w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y d r o p d o w n . Y a m a b e c a m e h i g h l y afflicted i n his m i n d o n a c c o u n t o f t h a t c u r s e . A c c o m panied by M a n u , the virtuous-souled one ( Y a m a ) intimated e v e r y t h i n g to h i s f a t h e r : "I h a v e been vanquished (humiliated) by the o f S a m j ñ ā . I h a v e b e c o m e d i s t r e s s e d d u e t o the c u r s e . O f course, t h e foot w a s r a i s e d b y m e a g a i n s t w a s n o t a l l o w e d t o fall o n h e r b o d y . W h e t h e r this my childishness or out of delusion, it behoves you to

statements fear o f the her, but it was due to forgive me.

O l o r d of t h e w o r l d s , O m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g t h o s e w h o blaze a n d scorch, I have been cursed by my step-mother. I h a v e y o u r b l e s s i n g t o p r o t e c t u s from this g r e a t d a n g e r . 58-61. O n b e i n g told thus, l o r d V i v a s v ā n s a i d t o Y a m a : " U n d o u b t e d l y , m y son, t h e r e m u s t b e a g r e a t r e a s o n for this, since y o u b e c a m e infuriated d e s p i t e b e i n g c o n v e r s a n t w i t h D h a r m a and r e m a i n i n g truthful in speech. Nor can the words o f y o u r m o t h e r b e falsified. W o r m s will take your flesh a n d go to the Earth. T h e n , O h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t o n e , y o u r foot w i l l a t t a i n h a p p i n e s s . T h u s y o u r m o t h e r ' s w o r d s w i l l b e m a d e t r u e . B y the a v o i d a n c e o f the effects o f t h e curse, y o u w i l l also b e s a v e d . " 6 2 . T h e s u n t h e n s p o k e t o S a m j ñ ā (i.e. t o C h ā y ā m i s t a k e n b y h i m t o b e S a m j ñ ā ) " W h e n all the sons a r e e q u a l to us, how is it that one is loved by you m o r e than the others." 63. P a r r y i n g t h a t q u e s t i o n , she d i d n o t m e n t i o n t h e r e a l situation to V i v a s v ā n . T h e n he entered into meditation himself a n d found o u t t h e t r u t h b y m e a n s o f his y o g i c p o w e r . 64. T h e lord b e c a m e a n g r y a n d wished to curse her with u t t e r a n n i h i l a t i o n . T h e n she m e n t i o n e d a l l t h e facts t o V i v a s v ā n . 65-70. O n h e a r i n g it, V i v a s v ā n b e c a m e s o furious t h a t he rushed to T v a s t r . Tvastr duly honoured Vibhāvasu (Sun-god). As he was •desirous o f b u r n i n g h i m furiously, T v a s t r pacified h i m s l o w l y —

2.3.59.71-79

799

" T h i s form o f yours e n d o w e d w i t h excessive refulgence •does n o t a p p e a r s p l e n d i d . U n a b l e t o b e a r it, S a m j ñ ā i s g r a z i n g the g r a s s i n t h e m e a d o w s i n t h e forest. Y o u s h a l l see y o u r w i f e •of a u s p i c i o u s c o n d u c t t o d a y . Y o u shall see her r i c h l y e n d o w e d w i t h p r a i s e w o r t h y p r i m e o f y o u t h , O lord o f r a y s , b y r e s o r t i n g to your yogic power. It shall be favourable to everyone if t h e f o l l o w i n g a g r e e m e n t is a s s e n t e d to. O s u p p r e s s o r of e n e m i e s , I s h a l l c h a n g e this e x c e l l e n t ( e x c e s s i v e l y r e f u l g e n t ) form of y o u r s t h a t y o u a r e h a v i n g from t h e b e g i n n i n g . O r i g i n a l l y the form o f V i v a s v ā n w a s s o r e f u l g e n t t h a t t h e rays spread sideways as well as upwards and downwards. T h e g e n t l e l a d y S a m j ñ ā w a s afflicted b y t h a t f o r m o f t h e l o r d o f F i r m a m e n t (i.e. t h e sun). T h e r e b y y o u r w o n d e r f u l form shall have rays spreading even in circular direction. 71. T v a s t r w a s a l l o w e d t o c h a n g e the form. T h e r e upon T v a s t r undertook t o c h a n g e t h e form o f M ā r t a n d a V i v a s v ā n (the sun-god). 72. H e placed him on the (circular moving) w h e e l (i.e. a l a t h e ) a n d p r u n e d ( t h e slices of the i r r e g u l a r superfluous p a r t of) his b r i l l i a n c e — w h e n his r e f u l g e n c e w a s t a k e n a w a y , the sun h a d his b r i l l i a n c e u p r o o t e d ( i . e . r e d u c e d ) . 73.

Prabhākara (the sun) of splendid appearance wished

t o see his wife. B y r e s o r t i n g t o his y o g i c p o w e r , h e s a w his w i f e in t h e form of a m a r e . 74. T h o u g h s h e w a s i n v i s i b l e t o all l i v i n g b e i n g s o n account of her holy observance, and brilliance he saw her by m e a n s of his y o g i c p o w e r . In t h e form of a h o r s e , M ā r t a n d a h a d s e x u a l i n t e r c o u r s e w i t h h e r t h r o u g h the m o u t h . 75. R e l a x i n g a t the e n d o f t h e i n t e r c o u r s e s h e h a d a suspicion that it w a s another person (not her h u s b a n d ) . H e n c e , she e x p e l l e d t h e S e m e n V i r i l e o f V i v a s v ā n t h r o u g h h e r nostrils. 76-79. From it w e r e born the Devas, the twin A ś v i n s , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t p h y s i c i a n s . Born of Dvādaśamūrti (the s u n god) they are r e m e m b q ( | d as Nāsatya and Dasra. These w e r e t h e sons o f M ā r t a n d a , t h e e i g h t p r a j ā p a t i s . B h ā s k a r a ( t h e s u n ) s h o w e d h i m s e l f t o h e r w i t h his m o r e p l e a s i n g form. O n s e e i n g his wife, h e b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d a n d c o n t e n t e d . He told

800

Brahmānda

Purāna

h e r t h u s — " Y a m a h a d b e c o m e v e r y m u c h afflicted i n his m i n d on account of that curse. H e d e l i g h t e d o t h e r s t h r o u g h his D h a r m a . Hence, he is called D h a r m a r ā j a . On account of that auspicious action, he obtained the greatest s p l e n d o u r — the overlordship of the Pitrs (Manes) a n d Lokapālatva ( t h e s t a t e o f b e i n g t h e g u a r d i a n o f a q u a r t e r i.e. s o u t h ) " . 80-81. T h e eldest M a n u w a s a Prajāpati. T h e other one S ā v a r n i of g r e a t renown shall b e c o m e M a n u in the future M a n v a n t a r a called Sāvarnika. T h e holy lord is performing a severe penance even today on the top of M e r u . 82-84a.

His brother Śanaiścara attained the

state

of a

planet. W i t h t h a t form the discus of V i s n u . 1 obstructed anywhere.

(the p r u n i n g s o f t h e sun) T v a s t r e v o l v e d It

had

great

splendour. It w a s never

It was a great defending weapon

against

Dānavas. T h e y o u n g e r sister o f those t w o , Y a m u n a o f g r e a t f a m e , became the excellent river Y a m u n a , t h e sanctifier o f t h e worlds. 84b-86. T h e eldest a m o n g them w a s M a n u of great s p l e n d o u r . I t i s his c r e a t i o n t h a t w e a r e h a v i n g n o w . 2 I s h a l l recount in detail the creation of M a n u V a i v a s v a t a (son o f S u n g o d ) . I f a n y o n e listens t o o r r e a d s a b o u t this n a t i v i t y o f t h e D e v a s , the s e v e n c h i l d r e n o f g r e a t p r o w e s s o f V a i v a s v a t a , h e s h a l l g e t r e l e a s e d from t h e m i s h a p i n w h i c h h e m a y f i n d himself. He will attain g r e a t fame. 1. This creation of Sudarśana, the discus of Visnu, from the p r u n e d part of the sun-god is given in Vp.III.2.11. 2. T h e description of dynasties of kings is an integral part of a Purāna. T h o u g h here the accounts are scattered at different places, they are given here from the b e g i n n i n g of the birth of Vaivasvata M a n u to the future S ā v a r n i k a M a n u s . T h e story of the sun-god a n d his wives Sarhjñā a n d C h ā y ā a n d his p r o g e n y f r o m t h e m , the p r u n i n g of the s u n g o d a n d his a p p r o a c h t o his m a r e f o r m e d wife a n d b i r t b ^ o f A ś v i n g o d s — t h e s e are tradi t i o n a l a c c o u n t s f o u n d i n t h e Mbh. Ādi 7 6 , ^Kidsana 150, V p . I I I . 2 a n d o t h e r Purānas w i t h slight variations. T h e progeny of Vaivasvata M a n u a n d other legendary dynastic accounts are p r o b a b l y a part of the ur-Purāna. Hence we find them c o m m o n i n all Purānas.

801

2.3.60.1-14

CHAPTER SIXTY The Sūta

continued

Progeny

Vaivasvata

Manu

Thereafter,

when the Cāksusa

M a n v a n t a r a elapsed

a l o n g w i t h the gods, he (Brahma ?) allotted the overlordship

the Earth to V a i v a s v a t a , the great one. 2-3. T e n sons w e r e b o r n o f V a i v a s v a t a M a n u . T h e y were equal to him. They were :— Iksvāku, Nrga, Dhrsta, Śaryāti, Narisyanta, Prārhśu, N ā b h ā g a , Dista, K a r ū s a and P r s a d h r a . T h e s e ten a r e r e m e m b e r e d a s M ā n a v a s . 4.

U r g e d a n d instructed formerly by B r a h m a ,

the king

b e g a n to p e r f o r m a horse-sacrifice a c c o r d i n g to his w i s h . 5-6. D e s i r o u s of g e t t i n g a son, t h e P r a j ā p a t i p e r f o r m e d a sacrifice. H e d r o p p e d A h u t i (ghee-offering) i n t h e f i r e a t the spot allotted to Mitra and V a r u n a . It is mentioned in the Śruti that Ilā was b o r n at that spot w e a r i n g divine robes, bedecked in divine ornaments and having divine physical body. 7-9. M a n u , D a n d a d h a r a (wielder of the sceptre) spoke to h e r — " O Ilā, follow me, welfare unto y o u " Ilā replied to h i m w h o w a s d e s i r o u s o f a son, t h e s e w o r d s c o n s i s t e n t w i t h a n d conveying D h a r m a — " O most excellent one a m o n g the eloquent ones, I a m b o r n i n t h e s p o t a l l o t t e d t o M i t r a a n d V a r u n a . I a m g o i n g n e a r t h e m . H e n c e , let n o t D h a r m a kill after b e i n g itself destroyed". A f t e r s a y i n g this, t h e g e n t l e l a d y w e n t n e a r t h e m . 10-14. After g o i n g n e a r them, the excellent l a d y spoke these w o r d s w i t h palms joined in r e v e r e n c e — " O Devas, I am b o r n i n t h e p a r t p e r t a i n i n g t o y o u . W h a t s h a l l I d o for y o u ? I h a v e b e e n told b y M a n u — ' F o l l o w m e ' . W h e n t h e c h a s t e lady Ilā spoke thus, the two Devas, M i t r a a n d V a r u n a said t h e s e w o r d s — " O l a d y o f e x c e l l e n t h i p s a n d v e r y fair c o m p l e x i o n , O l a d y conversant with Dharma, we are very much delighted with your m o d e s t y and control over your sense-organs as well as truthfulness. O d a u g h t e r of exalted fortune, y o u will attain o u r fame and reputation. Y o u will b e c o m e a m a n well-renowned a n d honoured in the three worlds as S u d y u m n a . Y o u w i l l

802

Brafanānda

Purāna

become a favourite of the whole universe, righteous by a n d the perpetuator of the line of M a n u " .

nature,

15. T h a t gentle l a d y went back towards her father (i.e. M a n u ) after o b t a i n i n g t h e b o o n from M i t r a a n d V a r u n a . M a n u ' s son, l o r d S u d y u m n a a g a i n a t t a i n e d the form o f a lady.* 16-17. Budha approached her later on and she was s e c r e t l y e n t r e a t e d for a s e x u a l i n t e r c o u r s e by B u d h a . P u r u r a v a s , t h e son o f I l ā , w a s t h u s b o r n o f B u d h a , t h e son o f S o m a , (Moon). A f t e r g i v i n g b i r t h t o a son t h r o u g h B u d h a , s h e r e s u m e d t h e form o f S u d y u m n a . S u d y u m n a h a d t h r e e h e i r s a n d successors w h o w e r e extremely virtuous. 18-20. They were Utkala, Vinata and Gaya. Utkala a c q u i r e d the r e a l m U t k a l a a n d V i n a t a got the western t e r r i t o r y . G a y a , r o y a l s a i n t , a c q u i r e d the c i t y G a y ā i n t h e eastern direction. After creating the progeny, w h e n Manu e n t e r e d the s u n (i.e. passed a w a y ) , h e d i v i d e d the E a r t h i n t o t e n p a r t s e a c h u n d e r a K s a t r i y a . (?) T h e h e i r I k s v ā k u got t h e tenth portion. 21-23. S i n c e h e h a d the s t a t e o f a g i r l , S u d y u m n a d i d n o t get a n y s h a r e i n t h e r e a l m . A t t h e i n s t a n c e o f V a s i s t h a , t h e h i g h l y lustrous p r i n c e w a s i n P r a t i s t h ā n a * * . T h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e noble-soujed v i r t u o u s k i n g S u d y u m n a was in P r a t i s t h ā n a . O n h e a r i n g this, the s a g e s a s k e d S ū t a : — " H o w d i d S u d y u m n a , the son o f M a n u , a t t a i n the s t a t e o f a woman ? ' n Sūta

said:

24-26a.

"Formerly,

the

eternal bachelors Sanaka

and

o t h e r s c a m e t o I l ā v r t a i n o r d e r t o see M a h e ś v a r a . T h e y s a w t h e

•The

former

half

of the printed verse must

be really the latter

half

a n d vice versa. , **Jhusi (near 1. Manu,

The is f o u n d

Allahabad).

strange in

Mbk.

story

bisexual Ilā-Sudyumna, child of Vaivasvata

Ādi 7 5 , Anuiāsana

147,

Bh.P.IX.l

2.3.60.26—61.5

803

b u l l - e m b l e m e d l o r d i n d u l g i n g i n a m o r o u s sports w i t h U m ā i n a secluded spot. All of them turned back. Śiva then b e c a m e a s h a m e d . T h e b e l o v e d t h e n s a i d t o h e r l o v e r t h e s e w o r d s for t h e sake of her own pleasure :— " O l o r d , the m a n w h o e n t e r s m y h e r m i t a g e w i l l b e c o m e a w o m a n . T h a t w o m a n w i l l b e s p l e n d i d a n d e q u a l t o celestial damsels." 26b-27a. A l l t h e l i v i n g b e i n g s t h e r e , the P i ś ā c a s a n d t h e a n i m a l s b e c a m e females. T h e y b e g a n t o s p o r t a l o n g w i t h R u d r a like the A p s a r a s (celestial d a m s e l s ) . 27b-28. T h a t k i n g S u d y u m n a , w h o h a d b e e n out for h u n t i n g e n t e r e d U m ā v a n a (the p a r k o f U m ā ) . W h e n R u d r a h a d a s s u m e d the s t a t e o f a w o m a n a l o n g w i t h t h e P i ś ā c a s a n d Bhūtas (goblins), t h a t k i n g S u d y u m n a too a c q u i r e d t h e form of a w o m a n o n c e a g a i n . D u e t o t h e f a v o u r of M a h ā d e v a h e r e g a i n e d m a n h o o d , (the s t a t e o f b e i n g t h e son o f M a n u ) . "

CHAPTER SIXTYONE A Sūta

said

dissertation

Music

1-3. U n d e r s t a n d the g e n e a l o g y o f the sons o f M a n u i n d e t a i l . P r s a d h r a injured t h e c o w o f his p r e c e p t o r a t n i g h t . A t the close o f it, h e i n c u r r e d t h e c u r s e o f the n o b l e - s o u l e d C y a vana and became a Śūdra. T h e descendants of Karūsa were (Kārūsas) Ksatriyas w h o could not be suppressed in battle ( w h o w e r e h a u g h t y due to their c a p a c i t y for w a r f a r e ) . T h e successors o f N ā b h ā g a Ksatriyas w h o were valorous.

were

a thousand groups of

B h a l a n d a n a the son o f D i s t a w a s a g r e a t s c h o l a r . 4 . B h a l a n d a n a ' s son n a m e d P r ā r h ś u w a s v e r y p o w e r f u l . Prārhśu had an only son w h o b e c a m e equal to a Prajāpati. 5. He w a s taken to heaven by Saihvarta along with friends a n d k i n s m e n . I n this c o n n e c t i o n a g r e a t d i s p u t e a r o s e between Sarhvarta and Brhaspati.

804

Brahm&nda

Purāna

6-7. On seeing the magnificence of Yajña, B r h a s p a t i became angry with him. During the Yajña, performed by S a m v a r t a , h e b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y f u r i o u s for t h e d e s t r u c t i o n o f all t h e worlds. B u t he was pacified by t h e gods : M a r u t t a t h e e m p e r o r o b t a i n e d N a r i s y a n t a a s his heir. 8. sceptre

N a r i s y a n t a ' s successor w a s k i n g D a m a w h o (rod of c h a s t i s e m e n t ) . His

well-known 9.

held

son R ā s t r a v a r d h a n a was

the a

king.

S u d h r t i w a s his son a n d N a r a w a s b o r n o f

Sudhrti.

K e v a l a w a s his s o n . B a n d h u m ā n w a s t h e son o f K e v a l a . 10-11. T h e son of B a n d h u m ā n w a s the righteous-souled k i n g V e g a van. B u d h a w a s the son o f V e g a van and T r n a b i n d u w a s t h e son o f B u d h a . H e b e c a m e a k i n g a t t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h i r d T r e t ā y u g a . I d a v i d ā w a s his d a u g h t e r w h o b e c a m e t h e mother of Viśravas. 12. V i ś ā l a , t h e son w h o w a s b o r n t o h i m b e c a m e a k i n g e x t r e m e l y v i r t u o u s , l i b e r a l i n gifts a n d w e l l r e n o w n e d for h e r o i s m and g r e a t power. T h e city o f V i ś ā l ā ( V a i ś ā l ī ) w a s built b y him. 13. T h e son o f V i ś ā l a w a s H e m a c a n d r a , a k i n g o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h . T h e successor o f H e m a c a n d r a b e c a m e f a m o u s b y t h e name Sucandra. 14. S u c a n d r a ' s son w a s a r e n o w n e d k i n g n a m e d D h ū m r ā ś v a . T h e learned S r ñ j a y a w a s b o r n as t h e son of Dhūmrāśva. 15. T h e g l o r i o u s S a h a d e v a o f g r e a t e x p l o i t s w a s t h e son o f S r ñ j a y a . K r ś ā ś v a , t h e son o f S a h a d e v a , w a s e x t r e m e l y righteous. 16. T h e son o f K r ś ā ś v a , v i z . S o m a d a t t a w a s e x c e s s i v e l y brilliant a n d valorous. T h e son of the saintly king S o m a d a t t a was Janamejaya. . 17-20. J a n a m e j a y a ' s son n a m e d P r a m a t i w a s w e j l - r e n o w n e d . O n a c c o u n t o f p o t e n t i a l i t y o f T r n a b i n d u all t h e V a i ś ā l a k a kings with V i ś ā l ā as their capital were long-lived, noble-souled, heroic a n d v e r y virtuous. Śaryāti b e g o t twins. T h e son w a s w e l l - r e n o w n e d b y t h e n a m e o f A n a r t a . H i s d a u g h ter was' S u k a n y ā w h o b e c a m e the wife of C y a v a n a . A n a r t a ' s

805

2.3.61.21-28 heir named Reva

was very

powerful.

His

realm was

called

A n a r t a a n d the capital city w a s K u ś a s t h a l ī (later D v ā r a k ā ) . R a i v a t a w a s t h e son o f R e v a . A n o t h e r n a m e Kakudmin. He was virtuous.

o f his w a s

21-22. H e w a s t h e eldest o f a h u n d r e d b r o t h e r s . A f t e r o b t a i n i n g the kingdom a n d the capital Kuśasthalī, he w e n t n e a r B r a h m a a c c o m p a n i e d b y his d a u g h t e r . I n t h e p r e s e n c e o f B r a h m a , h e l i s t e n e d t o G ā n d h a r v a M u s i c for a s h o r t w h i l e (A M u h ū r t a i.e. 48 minutes) as reckoned by the lord of the Devas, but m a n y Y u g a s according to human calculation. He r e t u r n e d t o his c i t y still a y o u n g m a n . T h e city t h e n w a s i n h a bited by the Y ā d a v a s . 23. It h a d been renamed Dvārāvati. It w a s protected by the Bhojas, V r s n i s a n d A n d h a k a s , the chief of w h o m w a s Vasudeva. 24. O n h e a r i n g t h e s t o r y w i t h a l l facts, R e v a t a ( R a i v a t a ) t h e s u p p r e s s o r o f foes g a v e his d a u g h t e r o f g o o d h o l y r i t e s named Revatī to Baladeva in marriage. Thereafter, he w e n t to the peak of M e r u and b e c a m e engaged in penance. 25.

R ā m a , t h e n o b l e one, s p o r t e d w i t h R e v a t ī .

On hearing that story the sages asked him subsequently. The

sages

asked

26-28. H o w w a s i t t h a t old a g e d i d n o t affect R e v a t ī o r K a k u d m i n , O h i g h l y i n t e l l i g e n t o n e , e v e n a f t e r t h e l a p s e of a long time viz. m a n y Y u g a s ? W e a r e d e s i r o u s o f l i s t e n i n g t o this. T e l l u s ( t h e science o f M u s i c ) too. Sūta

said

Gāndharva

T o a p e r s o n w h o g o e s t o the w o r l d o f B r a h m a t h e r e i s n e i t h e r o l d a g e n o r h u n g e r n o r t h i r s t n o t e v e n t h e fear from d e a t h . N o a i l m e n t s afflict h i m . S i n c e I h a v e b e e n a s k e d a b o u t G ā n d h a r v a (the science o f M u s i c ) . O g r e a t a n d excel lent s a g e s of g o o d h o l y rites, I s h a l l e x p l a i n it a c c u r a t e l y in details.

806

Brahmānda

29. T h e Svara-mandala1 ( t h e w h o l e g r o u p n o t e s ) consists of s e v e n n o t e s (Svaras), t h r e e t w e n t y o n e Mūrcchanās3 a n d

scales),

1. (known

The as

w o r d mandala s u g g e s t s (seeV.

svara-saptaka)

Grāma

the ascent

of seven

T h e y are, the

a n d t h e Gāndhāragrāma- T h e s e t h r e e w e r e t h e JWa-scale

and

the Ga-scale

notes respectively. T h e

had

the

three

Tānas.*

descent

Sa-scale w o u l d

notes.

of seven notes

basic

the

Śadjagrāma,

notes

scales. T h e

Sā-scale,

Sā, Ri, Ga,

the

Ma, Pa,

Pa, Dha, JVi, Sa, Ri, Ga

Ma,

Purānas

Madhyamagrāma

Sā, M a a n d G a a s t h e s t a r t i n g

h a v e notes,

Ni; t h e A / a - s c a l e w o u l d h a v e t h e n o t e s Ga-scale

and

in regard to Gramas2 (Basic

30)

Grāma m e a n s t h e g r o u p

three G r a m a s are m e n t i o n e d .

forty-nine

Purāna

w o u l d h a v e t h e n o t e s Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni,

Sā,

Out

Ri.

Dha,

and of

the these

basic scales, t h e Ga-scale fell i n t o disuse a f t e r w a r d s . T h e a n c i e n t scholar

D a t t i l a states that it is n o t f o u n d in this w o r l d . T h e later scholars say it w e n t

into

heaven.

The

reason . of

its

that

d i s a p p e a r a n c e is given as it h a d

e x t r e m e l y h i g h a n d l o w n o t e s . B u t f r o m its d e s c r i p t i o n g i v e n

the

authors like Śārńgadeva, it seems that it was not

perfect

the

aspect

consonance,

the melodic music of India.

which

was

Bharata in

his

basis of the

consonance

the

fifth

essential

Nāfya-iāstra d e s c r i b e s t h e (Sa-Pa

of the fourth

Sarhvādaj.

was more prominent the Afa-Scale

vitally

Sa-scale a n d t h e Afa-scale (Sa-Ma Samtsādd)

the

(Sa-Pa, Ri-Dha a n d

(5a-Ma,

for

Sa-scale

and

the

a n d Ri-Pa). T h e n u m b e r o f

the

consonance

of the (the

irutis

fourth in

microtones)

i n t h e Saptaka f i x e d b y B h a r a t a i s 2 2 . T h e S V u f i - i n t e r v a l s w e r e d i s t r i b u t e d t h e notes as follows Sa

scale

Ma-scaXt The

Ga Dha

^Ma Ni

consonance

Sa-Ma

c o n s o n a n c e t h a t of 3.

^Ma

the c o n s o n a n c e of the fifth

while that

Ga-Ni)

later

Dha

Ni=22

has

Ga=22

the

i n t e r v a l o f 9 irutis a n d t h e

Sa-Pa

irutis.

Mūcchanā: The

Mūrcchanā w a s t h e g r a d u a l a s c e n t a n d

descent of the

seven notes of

t h e basic scale. T h e w o r d i s d e r i v e d f r o m the r o o t — A / ū m r A - m e a n i n g t o increase o r t o p e r v a d e . A s t h e Mūrcchanās s t a r t e d f r o m were

s e v e n Mūrcchanās

Gramas n u m b e r e d E.g.

each

scale.

S ā Ri Ni

the

note

the

Mūrcchanās

scale, t h e r e

the

three

twentyone. be

Ga Ma Pa Dha M . . .

Sā Ri

( 3 ) Dha JVt

each

Thus

T h e S a - s c a l e Mūrcchanās w o u l d

• (1) (2)

Dha...

S ā Ri Ga Ma Pa .

etc.

T h e Sāman-scale w a s d e s c e n d i n g h a v i n g t h e n o t e s Ma JVi P a a s p e r t h e Nāradiya-iiksā ( 1 . 5 .

a n d 2 ) . D u e to

the

influence

Sā of

Dha the

2.3.61.30-32 30.

807 [ T h e n a m e s of t h e notes :] Sadja

Gāndhāra

(Ga),

Madhyama

Nisāda

and also notes).

(Ma),

Pañcama

should

(Ni)

(Sā), Rsabha

(Pa),

(Ri),

Dhaivata

(carefully)

(Dha)

known (as the

31-32. (and part of 33) : [The T e x t is corrupt a n d o b s c u r e . A s e m e n d e d from V ā P . a n d o t h e r P u r ā n a s , i t g i v e s the n a m e s of Mūrchhanās of the M a - s c a l e as follow •] T h e Mūrcchanās of t h e Ma-scale a r e k n o w n as Sauvīrā, M a d h y a m a - g r ā m ā , H a r i n ā s y ā (HarināSca in B d . P. is w r o n g ) , K ā l o p a b a l o p e t ā (also k n o w n a s ' K ā l o p a n a t ā ' ) , Ś u d d h a - m a d h y a m ā , Ś ā r ń g ī a n d P ā v a n i (nagnim ca paufā oai in t h e t e x t is n o t correct) a n d H r t y a k ā Drstvā k ā m ' in the text), in order. Corud. from p. 806 Sāman-scale,

there

was

starting notes of the

the

descending The

Mūrcchanās.

different types .of songs. T h e y also and

high

registers

(Tāra)

order

brought

Ri tGa

%Pa

accordingly, Dha

jVi'=22

would

be Ni

Sādhārana n o t e s . when

the

The

Sādhāranīkrta 4.

the

Mūrcchanās

case basis

of of

with

the

irutis. called

restricted. two

be indicated a s —

Antara

Their

Its

Ga. two

consonant

were called the

employment

was

allowed

Ga a n d t h e t w o śrutī Ni notes in s m a l l

iruti these

two

notes were called

Sādhārana

Mūrcchanās. Tāna

dropped.

had

taking

would

irutis c a l l e d Kākali Ni. T h e s e

T h e i r use w a s

songs

measure.

rendered then it

T h i s g i v e s t h e G ā n d h ā r a of 4 Śrutis note

the the

in, the notes of the l o w ( M a n d r a )

I f t h e f i r s t Mūrcchanā o f t h e A f a - s c a l e i s

in as

(Sthānas).

Sadja a n d t h e r e m a i n i n g n o t e s #Sa

followed served

Mūrcchanās

is like

Mūrcchanā

W h e n o n e s p e c i f i c Svara

which

(note)

( o n e c o n s i s t i n g o f six notes)

and when

two

called

consisting

Auduva

there were

(one

Tuna

one

T h u s the

two

specific notes are Sādava

specific notes a r e d r o p p e d , five

t w e n t y Tānas o f M a d h y a m a g r ā m a ,

fifteen of G ā n d h ā r a g r ā m a .

is d r o p p e d , it is c a l l e d

Tāna it

n o t e s ) . A c c o r d i n g to P u r ā n a s , fourteen of Sadjagrāma

n u m b e r of

and

Tānas o f t h e t h r e e gramas

g i v e n as forty-nine. According to Bharata the

single

note

Sa,

(Nāfyaiāstra Pa

JV»

(Baroda edition Vol.

P. 27),

Mūrcchanās o f t h e

dropped from the

Sadjagrāma, there w o u l d take place twentyeight S i m i l a r l y w h e n the n o t e Sa Ri or Ga Madhyamagrāma, By

dropping

t w e n t y - o n e Sādava

Tānas w o u l d

Ga,Ni

Ri,Dha

t w e n t y - o n e Auduva Tānas w o u l d

effected

Ga, N i a r e

Sa,Pa,

dropped

place fourteen

Auduva

Sādava

is d r o p p e d f r o m t h e be

Tānas

(7x4=28).

by later

the

( 7 X 3 = 21).

f r o m t h e Mūrcchanās o f t h e S a - s c a l e (7x3=21).

When

Ri,Dha

f r o m t h e Mūrcchanās o f t h e A f a - S c a l e , t h e r e w o u l d t a k e Tānas

( 7 x 2 = 14).

Thus the

total n u m b e r of the

o f t w o gramas i s e i g h t y - f o u r a c c o r d i n g t o B h a r a t a . T h e s e a r e g i v e n Tānas

Mūrcchanās

effected

when

Acāryas.

Tānas Śuddha

808

Brahmānda

Purāna

3 3 - 3 4 a . N o w u n d e r s t a n d t h e M ū r c c h a n ā s o f Sa-Scale {Saaja-grāma) : ( l ) U t t a r a — m a n d r ā , (2) R a j a n ī a n d a l s o as ( 3 ) T J t t a r ā y a t ā (for Unnarāyatā of B d . P . ) , ( 4 ) Madhya-Sadja ( b u t V ā . P. Buddha Sadja) a n d a l s o t h e o t h e r o n e is ( 5 ) A b h i r u d g a t ā (for Abhi-mudganā in t h e Bd. P. *) 34b.

K n o w the M ū r c c h a n ā s of

grāma)** v i z . 35-37.

the

Ga-scale (Gāndhāra

Ś y ā m ā as a r e d e s c r i b e d . ( T h e n a m e s of t h e Tānas a r e as follows

(1) A g n i s t o m i k a , (2) V ā j a p e y i k a , [ V ā . P . a d d s ( 3 ) P a u n d Taka, (4) A ś v a m e d h i k a ] , ( 5 ) R ā j a s ū y a k a (conjectural e m e n d a t i o n for 'yava-rātasūyastu, i n t h e t e x t ) . T h e s i x t h i s ' S u v a r n a k a , ' t h e Seventh is 'Gosava', the eighth is M a h ā v r s t i k a , the ninth is ' B r a h m a d ā n a , ' the next (10) is Prājāpatya, (11) Nāgayaksāś r a y a , ( 1 2 ) G o t t a r a , (13) P a d a k r ā n t a ( V ā . P . ' H a y a - K r ā n t a ' ) , ( 1 4 ) M r g a k r ā n t a , ( 1 5 ) t h e c h a r m i n g V i s n u k r ā n t a , (16) t h e m o s t d e s i r a b l e (varenya) S ū r y a k ā n t a ( V ā . P. r e a d i n g for t h e o b s c u r e Sūryakānta-dharenya in B d . P. is a c c e p t e d ) , ( 1 7 ) the w e l l known Mattakokila (Matta-kokila) o f V ā . P . i s a c c e p t e d for Santakokila in t h e t e x t ) . 3 8 a . * * * : O b s c u r e a n d untraced in Vā P. and elsewhere. 38b. ( T h e n a m e s of Tānas c o n t i n u e d :) ( 1 8 ) S ā v i t r a , ( 1 9 ) A r d h a - s ā v i t r a ( 2 0 ) S a r v a t o b h a d r a [After 38-b. h e r e - o f V ā . P. a d d s t h e f o l l o w i n g Tānas : S u v a r n a , Sutandra, Visnu, Vaisnuvara, Sagara and Vijaya which is charming to all]. 39. pata

(21) T h e charming A d h ā t r y a ,

(23) Alambusesta,

•Note—The Purāna Matsarīkrtā and ASvakrāntā. ••Strangely enough,

(22)

does this

not

Text

mention

and

Vā.

the P.

remaining are

M ū r c c h a n ā s of this scale. T h e N P . II. 50.35b.36a records Nādi,

visālā

Sumukhi,

Citrā,

Citravatī,

•Ga-scale w i t h m e n t i o n o f o n e M ū r c c h a n ā , t h e T h e omissions in the Bd.P. are m a d e g o o d

Mukhā text n o w

• • • T h e l i n e is as follows :

silent

two

about other

t h e m as and

viz.

Balā.

follows : Leaving

enumerates

Tānas.

by reference to V ā . P.

T h e P u r ā n i c c o n c e p t o f a Tāna i s d i f f e r e n t f r o m one. tenavānityapavaśapiiācātivanahyapi.

Gandharvānu-

(24) Visnu (25) V a i n a v a r a .

that of the present d a y

809

2.3.61.40-46 40a. (26) 'Sāgaravijaya' which is charming beings (Vā. P. gives 'Sagara' and ' V i j a y a ' ) . 40b.

(27)

Hatosrsta

all

and (28) know the likable 'Skan-

dha'* 41. (Repeats mostly the a b o v e verse A l a m b u s e s t a a n d also (29) N ā r a d a - p r i y a .

and adds)

42a. As recounted by Bhīmasena (30) N ā g a r a p r i y a ( d e a r t o c i t i z e n s ) , [nāgarān&myathāpriyah i n V ā . P . I t i s m o r e c l e a r t h a n t h e o b s c u r e 'nāgaratānayapriyah' i n t h e t e x t ) . 42b. **(The Tāna) Śrīh ( 3 2 ) B h ā r g a v a p r i y a .

called

(31) Vikalopanita-vinatā

43a*** T h e fourteen; similarly they desire here fifteen (according to) Nārada. 43b. ( O b s c u r e b u t from V ā . P . i t a p p e a r s t h a t t h e p r e s i d i n g d e i t i e s o f t h e Mūrcchanās a r e n o w e n u m e r a t e d . T h e Bd. P. text m a y tentatively be interpreted—on the basis of V ā . P. as f o l l o w s ) by god

(Mūrchanā Gāndhārī) along with Sauvīrā is hence Brahma.

sung

44a. A n d a l s o o f the U t t a r ā d i - S v a r a , g o d B r a h m a i s t h e p r e s i d i n g d e i t y h e r e . [devatāstrayaK of t h e B d . P. is p r o b a b l y 'devatātra

ca\

as in V ā .

44b. 45a.

P.]

Harināsyā is o r i g i n a t e d in t h e The

Mūrcchanā

Harināsyā

has

the

r e g i o n of H a r i . Moon-god

the

presiding deity ( b u t I n d r a as per V ā . P.) 45b. The Mūrcchanā Karopanitavitatā is sung by M a r u t s i n t h e svara-mandala ( g r o u p o f n o t e s ) . 46a. T h a t is Kalopanilā a n d h e n c e its p r e s i d i n g D e i t y is M ā r u t a e m e n d e d as : Mārutaścātra daivatam, as in V ā . P . ) . 46b.

Śuddha-madhyamā ( e m e n d e d

mātmanā) m ū r c c h a n ā is o r i g i n a t e d (After 46 b V ā . P. a d d s :) *For

40b

here

of,

Vā.

p e r V ā . P . f o r Śuddha-

Manu

reads : Harhsa,

(Maru)

deśa

Jyestha and Tumburu-

priya. **For

this

Vā.

T h e r e are t w e n t y (Tānas)

adds :

Abhiramya,

* * * F o r this V ā . P . states: T h e y d e s i r e £a-grānia.

Sukra,

Punya,

Punyāraka.

i n A/a-scale a n d f o u r t e e n i n Sa-scale. similarly

fifteen

belonging to

810

Brahmānda

Purāna

Śuddha Madhyamā is the n o t e h e r e a n d t h e d e i t y is G a n d h a r v a . I t m o v e s a l o n g w i t h t h e d e e r for t h e g u i d a n c e o f Siddhas. 47a. H e n c e , on a c c o u n t of Mrgas ( d e e r ) it c h a n ā is c a l l e d Mārgī a n d t h e L i o n is its d e i t y . 47b : Obscure :

(the

Mūrc

(Tentative m e a n i n g : ' T h a t is associated with hermitages and various h u m a n voices' (?)] 48a. As t h e Mūrcchanā is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h rajas (atmos p h e r e / m i s t ) , it is c a l l e d Rajani. 48b. O b s c u r e ( I f allied with V ā . P. ;) Uttaramandrā is k n o w n as h a v i n g Sadja as its d e i t y . 4 9 . O b s c u r e (If a l l i e d w i t h V ā . P . ) : H e n c e Uttara-tāla is k n o w n first as w e l l e x t e n d e d . H e n c e , it is Uttara-mandrā w h o s e d e i t y i n d e e d is D h r u v a . 50. O b s c u r e ( e m e n d e d from V ā . P.) B e c a u s e of its e x t e n s i o n a n d b e i n g l a t e r (in the order) Uttarāyatā h a v i n g Dha (Dtaivata) as t h e s t a r t i n g p o i n t , is t h e Mūrcchanā, t h e d e i t y of w h i c h is the m a n e s , the deities of Śrāddha. 5 1 a . T h e g r e a t s a g e s w o r s h i p the F i r e - g o d w i t h t h e Śuddha S a d j a (Pure Sa-) n o t e . H e n c e , o n e s h o u l d k n o w it as ŚuddhaSadjikā ( V ā . P. : T h i s Mūrcchanā s t a r t s from the Pañcama n o t e ) . 51b. i s o b s c u r e , h e n c e t h e r e a d i n g i n V ā . P . i s followed. 52a. In this m a n n e r e m p l o y i n g t h e s e Mūrcchanās in w h i c h he has got such B h ā v a n ā (particular faith). 52b. T h e mūrcchanās belong to Yaksis (female Yaksas) a r e c a l l e d Yaksikā m ū r c c h a n ā s (Ya i n t h e M s s e e m s t o h a v e b e e n r e a d as Pa, as in w r i t i n g in D e v a n ā g a r ī script Pa & Ya look s i m i l a r ) . 53a ( O b s c u r e b u t if allied with V ā . P.) T h e M ū r c c h a n ā s d o n o t a p p r o a c h the s o n g s affected the p o i s o n o u s s i g h t o f t h e s e r p e n t s ( N ā g a s ) .

53b ( C o r r u p t a n d obscure b u t with the help of V ā . P.) A n d t h e r e a r e m a n y Sādhārana mūrcchanās* ( a n d a l s o s i x * Mūrcchanās

w i t h Sādhārana Svaras a r e c a l l e d s o .

The

are : ( I ) Antara (II) K ā k a l i

Gāndhāra

i.e.

Modern

Nisāda= Mod.

Tīvra

Śuddha Nisāda.

Gāndhāra.

Sādhārana

Svaras

811

2.3.62.1-5 o n l y (?) a r e k n o w n t h o r o u g h l y ,

(The

reading Vadavātrividas-

t a t h ā in t h e t e x t is o b s c u r e . V ā . P. g i v e s Sadevānuvidastathā).

CHAPTER

SIXTYTWO

The

of Music

Science

After k n o w i n g the v i e w s of

earlier

teachers, I shall

expound the well-known embellishments in music in

due

order.

P l e a s e listen t o t h e m , w h i l e I a m e x p l a i n i n g . 2. T h e embellishments are to be spoken of along w i t h their Varnas ( m o v e m e n t s o f notes s u c h a s ' s t e a d y ' , ' a s c e n d i n g a n d others) a s t h e i r specific b a s i s a n d a l s o a l o n g w i t h t h e i r a s s o c i a t e d c o n f i g u r a t i o n (sarhsthāna), a l w a y s i n r e g a r d t o d r a m a t i c 1 p e r f o r m a n c e etc. 3a.

The

fulfilment

the i m p l i c a t i o n s o f sentences

embellishment2

and

connotations

achieved by

the

word-

combinations. 3b.

T h e words of the song are said to be

either preced

ing or following the embellishment. 4a : (Bd. P. t e x t c o r r u p t & o b s c u r e b u t V ā . P. r e a d s ) O n e should k n o w that the following three a r e the places of U t t e r a n c e s v i z . t h e chest, t h r o a t a n d h e a d . 8 4b.

I n t h e s e t h r e e places, t h e b e s t p r o c e d u r e ( o f p r o d u c

i n g notes)

functions.

5a.

In t h e o r i g i n a l s t a g e (Prakrtau), t h e r e a r e four Varnas

( t o n e - p a t t e r n s ) h a v i n g fourfold m o v e m e n t s .

jānīyāt

Vide

Vā.P. reading

B d . P. r e a d s S t h a t o n i t i r a r o n i d d i m a n a h . V ā . P. r e a d s

urāk

Mfyaśāstra

(Baroda) :

Vol.

IV.

pp.79-92-

alańkārasya a c c e p t e d . : sthñ āni trini n

etc.

As the w h o l e chapter is

full

corrupt

readings

and

obscurities the

reading from the Vā.P. are accepted. But the readings are not quoted d o n e a b o v e in ch.61

but simply translated indicating the source viz. Vā.P.

Brahmānda

812 5b.

The

alternative

movements

Purāna 1

are

eightfold ;

and

gods k n o w t h e m as sixteenfold. 6.

( T h e n a m e s o f Varnas:)

The

first

i s Sthāyin, t h e

Varna

t h i r d is Avarohana ( = Avarohin) by

the

experts

in the

second

a n d the fourth

knowledge

the

Prasañcārin,

Varna

known

t o b e Ārohana*

Varnas

(=Ārohin).

7a.

T h e r e i s o n e (Varna i.e.

e m p l o y m e n t . T h e Sañcāra i s 7b. as

which

Sthāyin)

has

steady

the m i x e d m o v e m e n t .

O n e s h o u l d i n d i c a t e t h e d e s c e n t o f Varnas ( i . e . Svaras)

Avarohana.

8a. know

( V ā . P . ) A n d t h e e x p e r t s i n t h e k n o w l e d g e o f Varnas

(that v a r n a ) 8b.

Varnas.

a s t h e Āroha-Varna b y t h e a s c e n t o f n o t e s .

N o w k n o w then t h e e m b e l l i s h m e n t s o f these specific

T h e r e a r e four

embellishments

rejana, Pramāda a n d Apramāda. of these.

viz.

I shall explain

Sthāpanī,

Krama-

the characteristics

10.

(Names

continue

Alańkāras

Visvara, Asfakala w h i c h h a s a n i n t e r v a l o f o n e

place

o r i g i n a l p l a c e ? ) ; Āvarta a n d Kramotpatti—These

two

follows:) (from

its

should

O n e s h o u l d k n o w t h e o t h e r o n e t o b e Kumāra

and

effected a c c o r d i n g to their p r o p o r t i o n . 1 la. also

Vistara.* lib.

And

this

indeed

Kutareka ( ? ) p o s s e s s e s o n e m o r e 12a.

1. 2.

Apāńga

These

axe

referred

and

(alañkāra)

(Time-measure)

( V ā . P . ) Śyena i s o r i g i n a t e d a s h a v i n g o n e

a n d s i t u a t e d in t h e m i d s t

mention

the

Kalā

interval

Mātrās of a Kalā.

only

in the Purānas.

Later writers do not

them. T h e exigencies of metre h a v e

order should have been (1) e t c . ) , Avarohin

Sthāyin

( e . g . ni dha pa e t c . )

led to the change

(i.e. Sā Sā Sā), and

in the order.

( 2 ) Ārohin

(e.g.

( 4 ) Sañcārin

( e . g . Sa ri sa ri

(I.

i n t h e Sańgita

The

Sā ri ga

ga sa

etc. • A l t h o u g h t h e Section on

Alańkāras

r e f e r r e d t o , t o i n t e r p r e t t h e s e alaiikāras o n l y a

Vi.)

f e w l i k e Śyena (p.

Ralnākara i s

133 of S. R . )

t h r o w some light. T h o u g h S. R. is m u c h later t h a n Bd. P. or V ā . P. preserved s o m e of the P u r ā n a traditions. 3.

But the anthor has not given them anywhere.

T h e texts of B d .

P. a n d V ā . P. are obscure here.

has

815

2.3.62.12-22

12b. ( V ā . P . ) In it there abides the increase in the o r d e r of t h e n o t e different from it (e.g. Sā—Pi,—Ri—Dha, Ga— ni).

13a.

(Vā.P.)

T h e d e s c e n t of t h e Śyena A lañkāra is c a l l e d

Uttara.

13b. ( V ā . P . ) T h e Alańkira c a l l e d Bindu i s o r i g i n a t e d d u e to the measure of Kalās. 14a. O n e Kalā ( a m e a s u r e o f t i m e ) s h o u l d b e e m p l o y e d of t h e Varnas. T h e n it w o u l d be Sthāpita ( e s t a b l i s h e d ? ) . 14b. Durghafita i s t h a t w h i c h h a s t h e n o t e e v e n reverse order. 15a.

the

Ekottara-Svara h a s t h e h i g h e s t n o t e f r o m Sadja.

15b. Āksepāskandana s h o u l d b e effected a s amplitude like the (harsh) crowing of the crow. 16a.

The

t w o Santāras b e l o n g t o Sañcārin

having

high

Varna e i t h e r

t h e c a u s e o r t h e effect. 16b. (Avarohin)

Āksipta b e l o n g s t o t h e c a t e g o r y o f

the

descending

Varna.

17. T h e Alañkāra c a l l e d P r e ń k h o l i t a h a s the twelfth place of K a l ā h a v i n g one interval. T h u s it is e n d o w e d w i t h the notes (?) 18a.

( V ā . P . ) Puskala i s s a i d t o b e d u e t o t h e t r a n s f e r o f

notes. 18b.

19a.

Praksipta

is d u e

to Kalā... (?)

It is c a l l e d Bhāsita in w h i c h t h e r e is

t h e u s e of t w o

Kalās as b e f o r e . 19b. ascendance. 20a.

Visvarārūdliā

(Visarārūdhā)

has got eight

Vāpa (?) c e r t a i n l y is d u e to t h e

descent

notes

from t h e

high or low register (?). 20b.

These are placed verily with one interval and h a v e

the same note at the end. 2 1 . Maksi-praccheda (?) is d e c l a r e d to h a v e a g r o u p of four Kalās. T h u s , t h e s e a r e t h e t h i r t y A l a ń k ā r a s e x p l a i n e d . 2 2 . D u e t o e m p l o y m e n t o f Varna a n d Sthāna m e a s u r e of Kalā a n d Mātrā a r e t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n , modification and characteristics.

having the proportion,,

814

Brahmānda

23-24a.

Purāna

This should be known as the purpose of embel

l i s h m e n t w h i c h i s fourfold 1 . J u s t a s i n t h e case o f e m b e l l i s h m e n t if it is u s e d at the w r o n g p l a c e it is c e n s u r e d , s i m i l a r l y to b e a u t i f y e v e n t h e Varnas u n f a v o u r a b l y , the producer by oneself ( ? ) w o u l d be b l a m e d . 24b-25a. J u s t as d u e to the use of various ornaments, a •woman gets h e r s e l f b e a u t i f i e d , the e m b e l l i s h m e n t is t h e d e c o r a tion o f V a r n a b o r n o f itself ( ? ) . 2 5 b . T h e e a r - r i n g i s n o t seen ( w o r n ) the girdle round the neck.

the

feet,

nor

26. T h u s the embellishment if used in a w r o n g place is c e n s u r e d . W h e n t h e e m b e l l i s h m e n t i s effected, i t s h o u l d indi c a t e the Rāga ( m e l o d y ) . 2 7 a . J u s t a s the c h a r a c t e r i s a t i o n o f t h e p a t h i n t e n d e d t o be undertaken is enjoined by indicating it with a brush. 27b. (?) 28a. I s h a l l d e s c r i b e r e a l i s t i c a l l y ( a s it i s ) . ... ? 28b. Obscure. 29a. O b s c u r e ( b o t h i n the B d . P . a n d V ā . P.) 29b. T h e d i v i s i o n of these t w o (viz. Sadja and Madhyamd) as the dominant notes brings about the C h a r m o f the s o n g s . 30a. Obscure. 30b. ( V ā . P.) T h e r e v e r s e w o u l d t a k e p l a c e i n t h e o f the o r d e r o f s e v e n notes. 31a.

(Vā. P.)

The

four

Madraka

Gitas

In Madraka Gitas we k n o w

the

case

are sung with

Gāndhāra as t h e k e y n o t e . 31b-32a. (Pa),

Madhyama(Ma),

Dhaivata

(Dha),

Nisāda

notes

(Ni),

Pañcama

Sadja

(Sā)

a n d Rsabha (Ri) as t h e r e m a i n i n g notes. 32b. O n e s h o u l d k n o w t w o Aparāntika S o n g s Rest is obscure). 33a.

In t h e Aparāntika songs Gāndhāra

in t h e o r i g i n a l (Suddha)

vide

Sańgīta-ratnākara

(The

employed

f o r m a n d its m o d i f i e d f o r m .

33b. ( V ā . P . ) ThePada h a s g o t Kaiśiki s o n g h a s s e v e n forms.

(Ga)

(?)

1.6.64

which

thiee

forms

(?).

e n u m e r a t e s Rakti-lābha

etc.

The

815

2.3.62.34-41

34a. W i t h t h e e n t i r e use of Gāndhāra as t h e k e y n o t e p r o cedure of which is declared. 34b. T h i s is a l s o t h e o r d e r i n t e n d e d for its Madhyama as the keynote. 35. T h e songs which h a v e been mentioned and parti c u l a r l y t h o s e o f fourfold form (?) s h o u l d b e effected w i t h s e v e n notes a n d t h e Kaiśiki of s e v e n f o l d form. 36a. This is called as the pointing out of the components (of s o n g s ? ) . (The Topic of Tāla :) There are Caturasra (of four b e a t s a n d e i g h t M ā t r ā s ) b e a t s a n d six M ā t r ā s ) .

two even measures a n d Tryasra (four

36b. O b s c u r e (in B d . P. & V ā . P.) 37. ( V ā . P) In Uttara songs in t h e o r i g i n a l f o r m , t h e M ā t r ā i s t h u s d e l e t e d ( t h e rest i s o b s c u r e ) . 3 8 . W i t h o n e foot i n t h e M ā t r ā a n d d e f i c i e n c y i n o n e foot... w h e n t h e r e is t h e Upahanana ( e r r o r ?) of n u m b e r s in it, it is c a l l e d Yāna. 39. T h e s e c o n d b r e a k i n t h e foot i s w e l l - e s t a b l i s h e d w i t h Graha ( t h e s t a r t i n g p o i n t of t h e s o n g ) a n d in t h e Aparāntika t h e first, e i g h t h , t h i r d a n d s e c o n d a r e e s t a b l i s h e d w i t h Graha ? 40. In t h e Uttara a n d in Mandraka s o n g s in t h e i r o r i g i n a l form, t h e Pāda-bhāga1 a n d a l s o a l o n g w i t h o n e a n d a q u a r t e r ( o f a

Pāda)

(?)

4! a. the

Daksina

Dvikala

e.g.

Uttara a n d

Mandraka.

means and

Ekakala

K a l ā exists as

explained of

also.

mārga*

1 . Pādabhāga Ekakala,

I n Mandraka songs t h e

the

fourth

part.

Three

forms

t h e Tāla w e r e

Catuskala.

Tāla w a s i n d i c a t e d

S S S S ; Dvikala a s

: SS

S S S S S S , a n d Catuskala a s

SSSS SSSS SSSS

SSSS. \ = Laghu=OTic

mātrā;

w a s t h e t i m e r e q u i r e d for

Guru=2

mātrās;

the utterance

f o r m t h e r e w e r e Pāda-bhāgas o f t w o Gurus four

Gurus 2.

mātrās

three

Dakfina h a v i n g

respectively.

associated

S = Pluta = 3 five

each,

short and

mātrās. syllables. Catuskala

Mātrā In

Dvikala

form,

each.

There were

Vārttika a n d

with

Mārgas.

Mārgas

the The

Kalā

(ways of

forms

of the two Ekakala,

Tāia-procedure) mātrās,

f o u r mātrās

Dvikala

and

namely

Cilra,

and

eight

Catuskala

were

816

Brahmānda

41b.

O b s c u r e (in b o t h t h e P u r ā n a s ) .

42a.

O b s c u r e (in both the P u r ā n a s ) .

42b-43a.

W h e n t h e r e i s the use o f o n e a n d

t w o , O best o f B r ā h m a n a s , a n d w h e n t h e r e i s

Purāna

the

use

the combination

of m a n y , P a t ā k ā 1 etc. are declared. 43b.

There

are

three

Vrttis—Citrā,

Vrtti

Daksinā2

and

44a. ( V ā . P . ) T h e samavāyas ( c o m b i n a t i o n s eight and similarly, the Mūrcchanā is Sauvīrī.

of (?)

44b. O b s c u r e : L a s t foot. T h u s t h e Svara-mandala whole g r o u p of notes in music) is explained.

are (the

CHAPTER SIXTYTHREE The Sūta

said

Iksvāku

Dynasty*

:—

W h e n R a i v a t a , otherwise known as K a k u d m i n , w e n t

t o t h a t w o r l d ( o f B r a h m a ) , his c i t y , K u ś a s t h a l ī , w a s c o m p l e t e l y over-run and captured by Punyajanas (Yaksas)

and Rāksasas.

2. T h e hundred brothers of that virtuous and nobles o u l e d k i n g w e r e afflicted b y a r r o w s . T h e r e f o r e , t h e y f l e d i n e v e r y d i r e c t i o n d u e t o fear.

Patākā w a s o n e o f t h e e i g h t mātrās, w h i c h w a s i n d i c a t e d

t h e h a n d u p w a d r s . T h e s e mātrās specifically 2.

T h e Vrttis ( s t y l e s :

Citra,

subservient; *mdt

rendering

Vrtti a n d Daksinā. T h e y

Vārtika a n d Daksina,

I n Citrā t h e m u s i c subservient,

employed

the

by m o v i n g as

Mārgas

directed.

t h r e e n a m e l y Citrā, Mārgas

were

in and

Daksinā, in

the

stringed the

song

songs

with

were

associated

three

Layas ( t e m p i ) ,

instrument was

accompaniment) were

was

prominent

Vrtti b o t h w e r e e m p l o y e d e q u a l l y .

Vā.P.Ch.88.

with

and

the

three

a n d Grahas e t c . and

song

instrumentation

817

2.3.63.3-11 3.

O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s , the d y n a s t y of these K s a t r i y a s

w h o fled d u e to excessive fright, is v e r y great. T h e y are present i n different p l a c e s . 1 4 . T h e y a r e w e l l - k n o w n i n all t h e q u a r t e r s a s Ś a r y ā t a s . T h e y a r e r i g h t e o u s . T h e l i n e o f D h r s t a i s called D h ā r s t i k a . A l l the members were bold a n d aggressive in battle. 5-6. of three

T h a t c l a n o f those n o b l e - s o u l e d K s a t r i y a s consisted thousand

named

Nābhāga.

(families). N a b h ā g a ' s

heir

was

A m b a r ī s a w a s the son o f N ā b h ā g a .

the

hero

His son

w a s V i r ū p a . P r s a d a ś v a w a s the son o f V i r ū p a a n d his son

was

Rathītara. 7. These were born of Ksatriyas but are remembered as h a v i n g become Ańgiras. T h e excellent members of Rathītara family were Brāhmanas as well as Ksatriyas. 8. Formerly, when M a n u sneezed, Iksvāku w a s born. I k s v ā k u 2 h a d a h u n d r e d sons w h o d i s t r i b u t e d m u c h w e a l t h a s r e l i g i o u s gifts. 9 . V i k u k s i , Nimi a n d D a n d a , these t h r e e w e r e the m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g t h e m . H e h a d f i f t y sons, t h e c h i e f o f w h o m was Śakuni. 10-11. They were the kings protecting U t t a r ā p a t h a Northern territory. Forty-eight of them, the father of w h o m was V i r a t a were the defenders of Daksināpatha (Southern territory), in the Southern quarter.

V V . 3-7.

Though

the

I k s v ā k u dynasty, these verses

present

mention

period

i.e. b e f o r e C i r c a 3 0 0 0 B . C . a s

Vidya

Bhavan,

Thus

Saryātas the

per

deals

mainly

d y n a s t i c list Vedic Age p . 2 7 6

with

the

in the pre-Yayāti (BVB=Bharatiya

Bombay). ruled

Anarta

its c a p i t a l a t Kus'asthali o r D w a r k a (between

chapter

the

Bias

and

Sutlej)

(Gujarat a n d part of Malwa)

(De, 7 ) , in

P a n j a b (De, 15).

N ā b h ā g a were probably in the m i d l a n d s of special feature w a s the attainment of

with

Dhārstfkas ruled over V ā h i k a

the

T h e descendants of

Gangetic

doab,

but

their

Brahminhood as Ańgirasas, indicating

t h e fluidity of caste system of that p e r i o d . 2. sons

F r o m V. 8, the author describes

Vikuksi,

Videha

(Bihar)

Nimi

and

Danda

the dynasty of Iksvāku. His three

founded

dynasties

and Dandaka (North Deccan).

at A y o d h y ā (U.P.) „

818

Brahmānda

O n c e , a t t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f t h e Asfaka1 Śrāddha), I k s v ā k u c o m m a n d e d V i k u k s i t h u s . The

King

said

Purāna

kind

:—

12. " F e t c h flesh for the s a k e of Śrāddha, O h i g h l y p o w e r ful one, a f t e r k i l l i n g a n i m a l s . T h e Srāddha of Asfaka h a s to be performed by me surely." 13. A t t h e i n s t a n c e o f t h e i n t e l l i g e n t o n e , h e w e n t for h u n t i n g . After k i l l i n g t h o u s a n d s o f a n i m a l s , the p o w e r f u l prince became tired. 14-15. V i k u k s i w h o h a d g o n e for h u n t i n g , a t e a r a b b i t . W h e n V i k u k s i r e t u r n e d w i t h t h e m e a t a n d his a r m y , t h e k i n g u r g e d V a s i s t h a saying " L e t the meat be sprinkled (with holy - w a t e r ) " . V a s i s t h a s a i d " S o b e i t " . O n b e i n g u r g e d t h u s the m e a t was duly presented by the king. On seeing the meat polluted, Vasistha became angry and spoke to him :— 16-13. " T h i s m e a t h a s b e e n defiled b y y o u r son, O k i n g . By eating the rabbit, O king of great splendour, the meat c a n n o t r e m a i n u n p o l l u t e d . O sinless o n e , r a b b i t h a s b e e n e a t e n e a r l i e r b y this w i c k e d f e l l o w . T h e r e f o r e , O e x c e l l e n t k i n g , t h i s m e a t i n t e n d e d t o b e offered t o t h e P i t r s i s d e f i l e d " . Thereupon, Vikuksi :

Iksvāku

became

furious a n d

spoke

this t o

19-21. "Directed by me in connection with the holy r i t e o f t h e M a n e s , y o u w e n t for h u n t i n g . But y o u a t e t h e f l e s h o f t h e r a b b i t i n t h e forest e a r l i e r t o - d a y . Y o u h a v e b e e n u n k i n d ( i n this c o n t e x t ) , H e n c e , I a m b a n i s h i n g y o u . G o a n y w h e r e else a l o n g w i t h y o u r o w n f a t e " . Thus he was abandoned by Iksvāku. He came to be k n o w n b y t h e n a m e Ś a ś ā d a (one w h o e a t s r a b b i t ) . L a t e r , t h e son b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y v i r t u o u s . W h e n I k s v ā k u p a s s e d a w a y h e g o t the e n t i r e E a r t h a t t h e i n s t a n c e o f V a s i s t h a . H e b e c a m e the ruler of Ayodhyā. 1.

As{aka is a Ś r ā d d h a performed on the 8th d a y of

of the months of

Mārgaśīrsa,

II.4.1), but most other Flesh

Grhya

offered

Paūsa,

Māgha,

Phālguna

sūtras r e g a r d t h e f i r s t t h r e e

the

dark

halves

(Āśvalāyatia

Gr.S.

as the A s ( a k a days.

to Pitrs in this Ś r ā d d h a ( G o b h i l a

Gr.S.III.10.48).

H e n c e , I k s v ā k u ' s o r d e r t o V i k u k s i t o b r i n g f l e s h vide v . 1 2 . N o w , served in Śrāddha.

flesh

2.3.63.22-29

819

22-23.

Urged and guided by Vasistha, he ruled over the

k i n g d o m for s o m e t i m e . kingdom,

the

Even

king was

when

fully

was

afflicted

t i m e , h e fell i n t o t h e h e l l , h a v i n g

ruling

over

the

by this sin. After s o m e

waves

of urine

and

faeces.

After r e a d i n g this anecdote, a l e a r n e d m a n should u n d e r s t a n d (its

implications).

Vedic

should

not

eat anything against the

injunction. 24. 1

L e a r n e d m e n explain the

(flesh)

Māmsa

thus

etymological

meaning

(The b e i n g ) whose flesh I am eating here shall (Mārh—me,

sa—he

eat)

bhaksayitā—shall

T h i s i s t h e Māmsatva 25-26.

:— in

the

eat

birth.

(state of b e i n g flesh) of m e a t .

Śaśāda's

heir

was

heroic

king

named

K a k u t s t h a . F o r m e r l y , t h e r e w a s t h e Adibaka* f i g h t . I n i t I n d r a took the form of a bull.

This king seated himself on

of the

(Kakut—hump,

bull

(Indra).

the h u m p and

tstha—occupant)

won

Hence, he is remembered as Kakutstha.2

the w a r .

K a k u t s t h a ' s son w a s A n e n a s a n d

Prthu

was

the son

Anenas. 27-28.

Di sada^'va w a s t h e son

(king) A n d h r a (came) ofAndhra. king

Rapti

of Prthu.

powerful successor

Ś r ā v a s t a w a s b o r n a s his s o n .

Śrāvasta

w h o m the city of Śrāvasti [ M o d .

River

Bi h a d a ś v a 29.

The

after h i m . Y u v a n ā ś v a w a s the

became

Sahet-Mahet on the

in O u d h U.PJ was founded. Śrāvasta's

heir

was

of great renown. B r h a d a ś v a ' s son w a s r e n o w n e d a s K u v a l ā ś v a .

This

king later on came to be known as D h u n d h u m ā r a since he slew the demon Dhundhu.

popular

A quotation from *Ādibaka—The .'"Iter

assuming

e t y m o l o g y — a special feature of this P u r ā n a .

Manu deadly the

combat

form

fought

Kālidāsa,

however,

vamśyah

kakudam

place

nrpānām

Vasistha

and

this is

Viśvāmitra

Ādi a n d Baka ( t w o a q u a t i c b i r d s ) .

A s u r a s f o u g h t w i t h e a c h o t h e r after t a k i n g sides occupies a prominent

But

V.55.

explains

the

a m o n g kings', kakutstha

Devas and

of Vasistha a n d Viśvāmitra. e p i t h e t Kakutstha vide Raghuvamśa

ityāhitalolcsanobhūt.

(as VI.71

'one w h o Iksvāku-

820 The

Brahmānda sages

requested

Purāna

:—

30. We w i s h to h e a r in detail, O sage of g r e a t intelli gence, how D h u n d h u w a s killed, on a c c o u n t of w h i c h Kuvalāśva came to be called Dhundhumāra.

Sūta

replied

:—

31-33. K u v a l ā ś v a h a d t w e n t y - o n e t h o u s a n d sons. A l l o f t h e m w e r e e x p e r t s i n different l o r e s . T h e y w e r e s t r o n g a n d unassailable. All of them w e r e righteous. T h e y performed sacrifices a n d d i s t r i b u t e d p l e n t y o f m o n e t a r y gifts. B r h a d a ś v a the elderly ruler enthroned K u v a l ā ś v a in that realm. K u v a l ā ś v a w a s very powerful, excellent and virtuous. After t r a n s f e r r i n g t h e r o y a l p o s i t i o n a n d s p l e n d o u r t o h i s son, t h e k i n g e n t e r e d t h e forest. 34. U t t a ń k a t h e B r a h m i n i c a l s a g e , p r e v e n t e d t h e g r e a t king B r h a d a ś v a w h o w a s brave, excellent and virtuous, from g o i n g t o t h e forest.

Uttańka

said

35.

:—

"The

duty

of protecting people should be

out by you. It behoves y o u to do it.

O king, I

carried

unable

perform penance unperturbed. 36.

Near the precincts

my hermitage, on the other

side of M e r u , the o c e a n is filled w i t h sand, O king. 37-38. A great Asura named Dhundhu is lying under ground there hidden by the sands. He cannot be killed by the Devas. He has a huge body and is very powerful. He is t h e son o f R ā k s a s a M a d h u . A f t e r p e r f o r m i n g t e r r i b l e p e n a n c e , h e s t a y s t h e r e for t h e d e s t r u c t i o n o f t h e p e o p l e . 39.

W h e n he exhales at the end of a

year,

the

ground

t h e r e q u a k e s a n d s h a k e s a l o n g w i t h t h e forests. 40-41. A great column of dust is raised by the air exhaled by him. It envelops the path of the sun. T h e Earth q u a k e c o n t i n u e s for a w e e k . I t i s e x t r e m e l y t e r r i f y i n g , a s i t i s

2.3.63.42-51

821

a c c o m p a n i e d b y s p a r k s , f l a m e s a n d fumes. H e n c e , O k i n g , I a m unable to stay within my hermitage.1 42. Resist him, O k i n g of g r e a t powerful arms, w i t h a d e s i r e for t h e w e l f a r e o f t h e w o r l d s . Y o u r b r i l l i a n t s p l e n d o u r i s a l r e a d y great. V i s n u will develop it further by contribution of his own splendour. 43. Indeed, y o u alone are capable of slaying him, O lord of the Earth. Let the worlds become h a p p y and relieved w i t h that A s u r a slain. 44-45. O sinless o n e , f o r m e r l y , a b o o n h a d b e e n g r a n t e d to me (that you would help me by killing him). Indeed, Dhundhu of excessive virility a n d power, cannot be over-powered completely by a n y one of insignificant brilliance or even by r u l e r s o f t h e E a r t h , t h o u g h t h e y m a y f i g h t w i t h h i m for hundreds of years. His prowess a n d strength is very g r e a t , difficult t o b e a p p r o a c h e d e v e n b y t h e D e v a s " . 46. On b e i n g told thus by the noble-souled U t t a ń k a , t h a t s a i n t l y k i n g g a v e h i m K u v a l ā ś v a for the t a s k o f w a r d i n g off D h u n d h u . 47. "O holy lord, I h a v e laid down my arms. m y son, O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a . H e w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y the slayer of D h u n d h u " .

This is become

4 8 . H e o r d e r e d his son t o c a r r y o u t t h e t a s k o f s l a y i n g D h u n d h u w i t h a n y s t e p . T h e k i n g o f p r a i s e w o r t h y h o l y rites, w e n t t o t h e forest i t s e l f for t h e s a k e o f p e n a n c e . 49-51. A b i d i n g b y t h e o r d e r o f his f a t h e r , K u v a l ā ś v a a c c o m p a n i e d b y h i s t w e n t y - o n e t h o u s a n d sons a n d U t t a ń k a p r o c e e d e d a h e a d for r e s i s t i n g D h u n d h u . L o r d V i s n u e n t e r e d h i m w i t h his o w n d i v i n e s p l e n d o u r . When, being urged by U t t a ń k a a n d w i t h a d e s i r e for t h e w e l f a r e o f t h e w o r l d , t h e unassailable king m a r c h e d out, there arose a great din a n d c o m m o t i o n in the sky.

B.C. L a w r e g a r d s this l e g e n d as a n a t u r a l

phenomenon.

jectures that this v o l c a n i c pit n e a r the western sea w a s s u b - m e r g e d w i t h water a n d the volcanic action ceased by Ancient India, p . in

Rajasthan

t h e efforts o f K u v a l ā ś v a

126), w h i l e Pargiter regards which

this as

prevented Aryan expansion

con sea

(Tribes

a shallow sand-filled

sea

( A I H T . p p . 260-61).

822

Brahmānda

Purāna

52. " T h i s k i n g s h a l l b e c o m e D h u n d h u m ā r a (slayer o f D h u n d h u ) w i t h effect from t o d a y " . T h e D e v a s s h o w e r e d h i m all round w i t h divine flowers. 53-55. Then the divine sounded loudly.

Dundubhis

(war-drums)

were

T h e h e r o i c lion a m o n g m e n w e n t a l o n g w i t h his sons a n d d u g up the vast inexhaustible ocean filled with sands. D h u n d h u w h o had concealed himself beneath the sands, w a s found o u t b y his sons w h o w e r e d i g g i n g t h e s a n d s o n t h e W e s t e r n side. T h a t infuriated A s u r a appeared to upset the worlds b y m e a n s o f f i r e c o m i n g o u t o f his m o u t h . 56. B y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r t h a t g r e a t a n d e x c e l l e n t A s u r a l e t f l o w w a t e r l i k e t h e g r e a t o c e a n b l e n d i n g its c u r r e n t s a n d w a v e s together at the time of moon-rise. 57-60a. A l l his sons w e r e b u r n t d o w n c o m p l e t e l y ; o n l y three survived that battle. Then that king of enormous strength and great splendour a p p r o a c h e d that immensely m i g h t y R ā k s a s a D h u n d h u w h o killed his k i n s m e n . T h e k i n g , O d e a r o n e , w h o w a s a Y o g i n , s u p p r e s s e d his forceful f l o o d o f w a t e r let loose b y h i m m y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r a n d s u b d u e d f i r e b y m e a n s o f w a t e r . I n the end the k i n g killed that aquatic demon of huge body, by means of his prowess. After accomplishing his task the k i n g pointed the R ā k s a s a to U t t a ń k a . 60b-63. U t t a ñ k a granted boon to that noble-souled k i n g t h a t t h e m o r e h e g a v e a s gifts t h e m o r e w o u l d b e h i s wealth ever lasting. T h e other boons he g r a n t e d were the invincibility (in battle) by the enemies, perpetual interest in D h a r m a and never-ending residence in the heaven. He granted the everlasting worlds in h e a v e n to his sons w h o w e r e killed by the demon. O u t o f t h e t h r e e o f h i s sons w h o s u r v i v e d , t h e e l d e s t i s called Drdhāśva. Bhadrāśva and Kapilāśva are remembered as t h e y o u n g e r ones. D r d h ā ś v a i s k n o w n a s D h a u n d h u m ā r i (i.e. son o f D h u n d h u m ā r a ) a n d H a r y a ś v a w a s his s o n . 64. H a r y a ś v a ' s son w a s N i k u m b h a w h o w a s always devoted to the duties of a Ksatriya. Samhatāśva, w h o was an e x p e r t i n b a t t l e , w a s t h e son o f N i k u m b h a .

823

2.*3.63.65-79

65-66. K r ś ā ś v a a n d A k r t ā ś v a w e r e t h e t w o sons o f Sariih a t ā ś v a . H i s wife w a s t h e chaste" H a i m a v a t ī a n d his m o t h e r D r s a d v a t i w a s w e l l - k n o w n i n t h e t h r e e w o r l d s . H i s ( ? ) son w a s Prasenajit. Y u v a n ā ś v a , his son, w a s f a m o u s i n t h e t h r e e worlds. 67.

H i s wife G a u r ī w a s a n e x t r e m e l y v i r t u o u s a n d c h a s t e

l a d y . B u t she w a s c u r s e d b y her

husband

and

was

converted

into the river B ā h u d ā * . 68.

Her

son

Gaurika

(i.e.

son o f G a u r l ) b e c a m e a n

e m p e r o r . M ā n d h ā t r , t h e son o f Y u v a n ā ś v a ,

was

king

who

c o n q u e r e d the t h r e e w o r l d s . 69-72.

I n this c o n t e x t the B r ā h m a n a s w e l l - v e r s e d i n

the

P u r ā n a s cite t h e f o l l o w i n g s t a n z a :—• T h e e n t i r e s p a c e w h e r e the sun rises a n d e s t a b l i s h e s i t s e l f i s c a l l e d the t e r r i t o r y o f M ā n d h ā t ā , son o f Y u v a n ā ś v a . His wife w a s the d a u g h t e r o f G i t r a r a t h a (?) a n d Ś a ś a bindu. She w a s a chaste lady n a m e d Bindumatī. In b e a u t y she w a s u n r i v a l l e d o n t h e E a r t h . T h i s c h a s t e l a d y w a s the e l d e s t s i s t e r o f ten t h o u s a n d b r o t h e r s . L o r d M ā n d h ā t ā b e g o t o f h e r t h r e e sons v i z . P u r u k u t s a , A t n b a r i s a a n d M u c u k u n d a w h o w a s well-known. 73. A n o t h e r Y u v a n ā ś v a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s the h e i r o f A m b a r ī s a . H e w a s b o r n o f N a r m a d ā . S a m b h ū t a w a s his s o n . 74. T h e v a l o r o u s A n a r a n y a w a s t h e b o s o m - b o r n son o f S a m b h ū t a . H e w a s killed b y R ā v a n a b y w h o m all the t h r e e w o r l d s h a d b e e n c o n q u e r e d before. 7 5 . ( D e f e c t i v e t e x t ) T e n a d r ś y a (?) ( p r o b . T r a s a d a s y u ) w a s t h e son o f A n a r a n y a * * . H a r y a ś v a w a s T r a s a d a s y u ' s s o n . K i n g Sumati was born of Drsadvati and H a r y a ś v a . ) 7 6 . H i s son w a s a v i r t u o u s k i n g n a m e d Tridhanva. T h e son o f T r i d h a n v a w a s t h e s c h o l a r l y l o r d T r a y y ā r u n i . 77-79.

son

of great strength n a m e d S a t y a v r a t a w a s

born to him. After killing the heaven-dwellers

(?),

Vidrabha's

• m o d . B u r h a - R ā p t i , a feeder of R ā p t i river in O u d h . •• 88.75

The

reads

Text

tenadrśyonaranyqya

Trasadasyonaranyasya'—Trasadasyu

is was

wrong. the

Identical son

verse

Vā.P.

of A n a r a n y a ' .

824

Brahmānda

Purāna

w i f e w a s a b d u c t e d b y h i m . T h i s sin w a s c o m m i t t e d b y t h a t i n t e l l i g e n t one o u t o f l u s t , s t r e n g t h a n d g r e a t d e l i g h t , forcibly o u t o f d e l u s i o n a n d d u e t o t h e p o w e r o f the i n e v i t a b l e future. T h i s w a s d o n e b y h i m w h e n the M a n t r a s o f the w e d d i n g cere m o n y h a d not been c o n c l u d e d . * His father T r a y y ā r u n a b a n i s h e d h i m b e c a u s e h e h a d b e e n sinful. 80-81. Becoming infuriated w i t h him, he exclaimed m a n y times " T h i s is disgrace and degradation". H e a s k e d his f a t h e r a g a i n a n d a g a i n , " I a m a l o n e . W h e r e shall I g o ? " . T h e f a t h e r told h i m , " G o a n d l i v e a l o n g w i t h C ā n d ā l a s , O defiler of t h e f a m i l y . W i t h y o u as my son, I am n o t a s e e k e r of a son n o w . A l t h o u g h I seek sons, they should not b e like y o u " . 82. O n b e i n g told thus, h e w e n t out o f the c i t y a t t h e i n s t a n c e o f the l o r d , t h e k i n g . V a s i s t h a , the e x a l t e d s a g e , d i d n o t p r e v e n t h i m from g o i n g . 83. Satyavrata w h o was intelligent and bold, lived n e a r the abodes of C ā n d ā l a s o n b e i n g a b a n d o n e d b y his f a t h e r . H i s f a t h e r w e n t t o the forest. 8 4 . O n a c c o u n t o f this sin, I n d r a d i d n o t s h o w e r r a i n i n t h a t c o u n t r y for full t w e l v e y e a r s . 8 5 . V i ś v ā m i t r a , a s a g e of g r e a t p e n a n c e , left his w i f e in the territory of that king and performed extensive penance i n the m a r s h y s h o r e s o f t h e S e a . 8 6 . H i s w i f e t i e d h e r o w n b o s o m - b o r n m i d d l e son w i t h a r o p e r o u n d h i s n e c k a n d offered h i m for s a l e in e x c h a n g e for a h u n d r e d c o w s . S h e w a n t e d to sell h i m in o r d e r to s u s t a i n a n d b r i n g u p t h e r e m a i n i n g sons. 87-88. T h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g o f h o l y rites a n d v i r t u o u s soul s a w t h e son o f t h e g r e a t s a g e tied r o u n d t h e n e c k a n d offered for sale. T h e r e u p o n , h e r e l e a s e d h i m . F o r t h e s a k e o f s a t i s f y i n g V i ś v ā m i t r a a n d a r o u s i n g his s y m p a t h y , S a t y a v r a t a , of g r e a t intellect, sustained h i m and b r o u g h t h i m u p too. 89. T h a t boy w h o h a d been tied round the neck became a sage of great penance named Gālava. T h a t Kauśika * V i d e verse N o . 96 below.

2.3.63.90-101

825

(one b e l o n g i n g t o t h e f a m i l y o f K u ś i k a ) w a s r e d e e m e d b y t h a t heroic king. 9 0 . O n a c c o u n t o f his (?) h o l y v o w , d e v o t i o n , m e r c y a n d solemn declaration, the king w h o a d h e r e d to rules of discipline, sustained V i ś v ā m i t r a ' s wife also. 9 1 . H e u s e d t o kill d e e r , b o a r s , b u f f a l o e s a n d a q u a t i c b e i n g s a n d b r i n g t h e i r m e a t n e a r the h e r m i t a g e o f V i ś v ā m i t r a . 92-93. A t the i n s t a n c e o f s a g e V a s i s t h a S a t y a v r a t a ' s f a t h e r u n d e r t o o k Upāmśuvrata (a s e c r e t v o w ) a n d for t h a t p u r p o s e took i n i t i a t i o n e x t e n d i n g t o t w e l v e y e a r s . W h e n t h e k i n g w e n t t o t h e forest, V a s i s t h a p r o t e c t e d A y o d h y ā , t h e h a r e m a n d t h e w h o l e r e a l m from the e v i l c o n t a c t a n d i n j u s t i c e a r i s i n g from S a t y a - v r a t a . 9 4 . O n a c c o u n t o f his c h i l d i s h n e s s a s w e l l a s d u e t o t h e force o f i n e v i t a b l e future, S a t y a v r a t a b o r e a g r u d g e a g a i n s t V a s i s t h a due to grief. 95. W h e n S a t y a v r a t a w a s b a n i s h e d from t h e r e a l m b y t h e f a t h e r , S a g e V a s i s t h a d i d n o t p r e v e n t this, d u e t o a specific reason. 9 6 . T h e c o n c l u s i o n o f the w e d d i n g M a n t r a s s h a l l b e only at the seventh step (Saptapadi). T h i n k i n g thus Satya v r a t a a b d u c t e d h e r (?) a t t h e s e v e n t h step. 97. "Despite being conversant w i t h Dharmas, V a s i s t h a w i s h e s for fresh c h a n t i n g o f the M a n t r a s " , — s a y i n g thus S a t y a v r a t a b e c a m e a n g r y w i t h V a s i s t h a , i n his m i n d . 9 8 . T h e S a i n t l y l o r d V a s i s t h a p e r f o r m e d p e n a n c e for their welfare. But S a t y a v r a t r a did not u n d e r s t a n d his secret vow. 9 9 . T h e fury o f his n o b l e - s o u l e d f a t h e r w a s e x c e s s i v e l y d i r e c t e d t o his son. T h e r e f o r e , I n d r a d i d n o t shower rain for t w e l v e y e a r s . 100-101. " A t o n e m e n t can be m a d e in the family by me i f I t a k e u p i n i t i a t i o n w h i c h i s v e r y difficult t o u n d e r t a k e on the earth n o w " . So thought V a s i s t h a . He did not prevent t h e b a n i s h m e n t o f t h e son b y t h e f a t h e r t h i n k i n g t h u s — " w h e n h e p a s s e s a w a y , I s h a l l c r o w n h i m " . I n the m e a n t i m e t h a t k i n g of potentiality undertook initiation extending to twelve years.

826

Brahmānda

Purāna

102-105. W h e n there w a s no m e a t readily available, t h e son o f t h e k i n g e s p i e d t h e d i v i n e c o w o f t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d V a s i s t h a that milked e v e r y o n e of desires of devotees. T h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g p o w e r f u l ones, w h o w a s h u n g r y d u e t o f a t i g u e , a d o p t e d the p o l i c y o f t h i e v e s a n d k i l l e d t h e c o w o n a c c o u n t o f his a n g e r ( t o w a r d s V a s i s t h a ) a n d d e l u sion too. H e h i m s e l f m a d e i h e sons o f V i ś v ā m i t r a e a t the m e a t . O n h e a r i n g a b o u t it, V a s i s t h a cast h i m off. T h e h o l v l o r d V a s i s t h a said thus to the prince. 106-108. " I f y o u h a d not a l r e a d y h a d t h r e e sins, O b a s e o n e a m o n g m e n , ī w o u l d h a v e m a d e y o u fall d o w n , O c r u e l one, after i n f l i c t i n g a n o t h e r sin. Y o u h a v e c o m m i t t e d sins i n t h r e e w a y s v i z . — " Y o u m a d e y o u r f a t h e r dissatisfied, you killed the cow of your p r e c e p t o r , y o u m a d e use o f w h a t h a d n o t b e e n sacrificed b y the sprinkling of holy w a t e r . " Thus the sage of great power of penance saw the three sins (Śańkus) a n d c a l l e d h i m T r i ś a ń k u . T h e r e f o r e , t h e k i n g i s remembered as Triśańku. 109-112. V i ś v ā m i t r a w h o r e t u r n e d (from h i s p e n a n c e ) became delighted with T r i s a ñ k u because he h a d sustained his wife ( d u r i n g t h e a b s e n c e o f t h e s a g e ) . H e g r a n t e d h i m a b o o n . W h e n he was pressed to choose a b o o n the prince chose h i m a s h i s p r e c e p t o r a n d r e q u e s t e d for this b o o n — " I s h a l l g o t o h e a v e n a l o n g w i t h this physical b o d y . " W h e n t h e r e w a s a danger of d r a u g h t extending to twelve years, the sage crowned h i m in his h e r e d i t a r y k i n g d o m . E v e n as the D e v a s as well as Vasistha were watching, the lordly saint Viśvāmitra made him ascend heaven. 113-114. It w a s all the more surprising because it h a p p e n e d e v e n a s V a s i s t h a w a s w a t c h i n g . I n this c o n t e x t p e r s o n s w e l l - v e r s e d in t h e P u r ā n a s cite this s t a n z a : " D u e to V i ś v ā m i t r a ' s favour and on account of the blessing of that intelligent sage, Triśańku of great splendour s h i n e s i n h e a v e n a l o n e w i t h the D e v a s . 115. His wife n a m e d S a t y a v r a t a , b o r n of the family of K a i k e y a s , g a v e b i r t h t o H a r i ś c a n d r a , a sinless son. 116.

K i n g Hariścandra is

well

known as

Traiśańkava

827

2.3.63.117-126

(son of T r i ś a ń k u ) . As a p e r f o r m e r of R ā j a s ū y a sacrifice, he became famous as an Emperor. 117. H a r i ś c a n d r a h a d a h e r o i c a n d p o w e r f u l son n a m e d R o h i t a . H a r i t a w a s the son o f R o h i t a a n d C a ñ c u i s m e n t i o n e d as the son of H a r i t a . 118. V i n a y a a n d S u d e v a w e r e t h e t w o s o n s o f C a ñ c u . S u d e v a w a s the c o n q u e r o r of all K s a t r i y a s . H e n c e , he is remembered as Vijaya. 119. R u r u k a w a s his s o n . H e w a s a k i n g p r o f i c i e n t i n d e t a i l s r e g a r d i n g D h a r m a a n d W e a l t h (Artka). Vrka was the son of R u r u k a a n d Bāhu was born of him. 120. S i n c e t h a t k i n g i n d u l g e d i n v i c e , h e w a s d e t h r o n e d b y the H a i h a y a s , T ā l a j a ń g h a s , Ś a k a s , Y a v a n a s , K ā m b o j a s , Pāradas and Pahlavas. 121. E v e n w h e n t h e Y u g a w a s c o n d u c i v e t o t h e d e v e lopment of virtue, that king w a s not much of a righteous p e r s o n . S a g a r a w a s the son o f B ā h u . H e w a s b o r n a l o n g w i t h poison.1 122-123. I t w a s a t the h e r m i t a g e o f B h r g u t h a t h e w a s b o r n . H e w a s p r o t e c t e d b y A u r v a . A f t e r a c q u i r i n g t h e Āgneya Astra (a m i s s i l e t h e d e i t y of w h i c h is fire-god) f r o m t h e g r a n d son o f B h r g u (viz. A u r v a ) k i n g S a g a r a w e n t o v e r t h e w h o l e o f the E a r t h a n d k i l l e d T ā l a j a ń g h a s a n d Haihayas. T h e un e r r i n g king repudiated the D h a r m a (code of conduct the Śakas a n d Pahlavas.

etc.)

124-125. (Sagara) w h o w a s conversant w i t h the r e a l D h a r m a c a s t o u t t h e D h a r m a o f the K s a t r i y a s c a l l e d ( P ā r a d a s ) i.e. e x c o m m u n i c a t e d t h e m f r o m K s a t r i y a - h o o d . The

sages

enquired

:—

H o w w a s the king S a g a r a born along w i t h poison ? W h a t for d i d t h e i n f u r i a t e d k i n g w h o n e v e r c o m m i t t e d a f a u l t b a n i s h t h e m from the hereditary a n d traditional codes of conduct of Śakas a n d others w h o were K s a t r i y a s of g r e a t prowess ? Sūta

explained:

126. 1.

—

It has already been mentioned

Sa-gara ( w i t h p o i s o n )

that the

kingdom

: T h e e t y m o l o g y of the K i n g ' s n a m e .

828

Brahmānda

Purāna

of Bāhu w h o indulged in vice, h a d been formerly seized by the H a i h a y a s a n d T ā l a j a ń g h a s w h o came along w i t h the Śakas. 127. T h e Y a v a n a s , P ā r a d a s , K ā m b o j a s . P a h l a v a s ( a n d Ś a k a s ) , t h e s e f i v e c l a n s (of kings) a t t a c k e d for a n d o n b e h a l f of the H a i h a y a s . 128. W h e n h e h a d b e e n d e p r i v e d o f his k i n g d o m , B ā h u r e n o u n c e d his a b o d e a n d e n t e r e d t h e forest. Accompanied by his wife, the n o b l e - s o u l e d k i n g p e r f o r m e d a p e n a n c e . 129.

Once

that king,

though

disabled,

w a t e r . On account of old a g e and weakness, he

went

t o fetch

passed away in

the m i d d l e . 130.

His wife, a m e m b e r of

the family

of Y a d u ,

was

p r e g n a n t a n d s h e h a d g o n e after h i m . Poison h a d b e e n a d m i n i s tered

t o h e r b y h e r co-wife w i t h a d e s i r e t o kill t h e

child

the womb. 131. t o it.

S h e lit t h e funeral p y r e o f h e r h u s b a n d a n d g o t o n

O n s e e i n g h e r , A u r v a , the g r a n d - s o n o f B h r g u , m a d e h e r

d e s i s t from i t o u t o f m e r c y . 132. S h e g a v e b i r t h t o t h e c h i l d d e v e l o p e d i n her w o m b a l o n g w i t h t h e p o i s o n . S h e g a v e b i r t h t o a r i g h t e o u s son named Sagara w h o became very powerful. 133. A u r v a p e r f o r m e d Jātakarman a n d o t h e r p o s t - n a t a l holy rites of the noble-souled prince. He t a u g h t him V e d a s a n d S a c r e d s c r i p t u r e s . T h e r e a f t e r , h e t a u g h t h i m h o w t o dis c h a r g e missiles a n d miraculous w e a p o n s . 134.

After that the king determined

to exterminate

the

Śakas, Yavanas, Kāmbojas, Pāradas, and Pahlavas. 135. O n b e i n g h i t , h u r t a n d k i l l e d b y t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d , heroic S a g a r a , all of them sought refuge in V a s i s t h a , desirous of shelter. 136.

On seeing them filled w i t h humility, the g r e a t sage

g r a n t e d t h e m f r e e d o m from fear a n d r e s t r a i n e d S a g a r a . 137. R e m e m b e r i n g his o w n v o w a n d o n h e a r i n g t h e p r e s c r i p t i v e w o r d s o f i h i s p r e c e p t o r , S a g a r a s t r u c k off t h e i r •customary o b s e r v a n c e s o f c a s t e a n d o t h e r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , a n d m a d e them change their guise and garments.

2.3.63.138-150

829

138-139.1 H e s h a v e d h a l f o f the h e a d s o f Ś a k a s a n d d i s c h a r g e d t h e m . H e s h a v e d off t h e h e a d s o f Y a v a n a s a n d Kāmbojas completely. T h e Pāradas w e r e compelled to keep their hairs dishevelled and the Pahlavas w e r e m a d e to g r o w their moustache a n d beard. All of them w e r e deprived of the study of the V e d a s and the utterance of the V a s a t k ā r a Mantras, by that noble-souled king. 140-141. T h e Śakas, Yavanas, Kāmbojas, Pahlavas, Pāradas, Kalisparśas, Māhisikas, Dārvas, Colas and K h a ś a s — t h e customary observations of their castes a n d conventions of all these groups of K s a t r i y a s w e r e prohibited formerly by the n o b l e - s o u l e d S a g a r a a t t h e i n s t a n c e o f V a s i s t h a . 142. A f t e r c o n q u e r i n g t h e w h o l e o f t h e E a r t h b y m e a n s o f r i g h t e o u s v i c t o r y , t h e k i n g took i n i t i a t i o n for t h e h o r s e sacrifice a n d m a d e t h e sacrificial h o r s e g o r o u n d t h e w o r l d . 143. A s h e m a d e i t g o r o u n d , t h e h o r s e w a s stolen a w a y n e a r t h e shore o f t h e S o u t h - E a s t e r n O c e a n a n d m a d e to enter b e n e a t h the earth. 144-145. T h e king got that place completely dug up b y his sons. D i g g i n g u p t h e b e d o f t h e g r e a t o c e a n , t h e y m e t w i t h the p r i m o r d i a l being, Lord V i s n u in the form of K a p i l a , the l o r d H a r i , K r s n a , t h e l o r d o f subjects, l o r d H a m s a , lord N ā r ā y a n a . 146. A f t e r c o m i n g w i t h i n t h e p a t h o f h i s v i s i o n a n d b e i n g afflicted b y its f i e r y s p l e n d o u r , a l l those p r i n c e s w e r e b u r n e d ; o n l y four sons s u r v i v e d . 147. T h e y w e r e B a r h i k e t u , S u k e t u , D h a r m a r a t h a a n d the h e r o i c P a ñ c a j a n a . T h e y p e r p e t u a t e d t h e l i n e o f t h e l o r d . 148-150. H a r i , Nārāyana granted him boons v i z — ever l a s t i n g s t a t u s t o his r a c e , a b i l i t y t o p e r f o r m h u n d r e d h o r s e sacrifices, t h e a l l p e r v a d i n g o c e a n a s a son, a n d t h e e t e r n a l residence in heaven. Fetching the horse w i t h him, the ocean, the lord of r i v e r s , s a l u t e d h i m . B y t h a t a c t i v i t y o f his, h e g o t t h e n a m e Sagara. 1.

V V . 138-139 d e s c r i b e the w a y s of hair-dressing

etc.

of these tribes.

830

Brahmānda

Purāna

A f t e r g e t t i n g b a c k t h e sacrificial h o r s e f r o m t h e o c e a n , t h e k i n g p e r f o r m e d horse-sacrifices a g a i n a n d a g a i n m a k i n g u p the total of one hundred. 151-152. H i s s i x t y t h o u s a n d sons were burned by t h e a n g e r o f the l o r d K a p i l a . W e h a v e h e a r d t h a t the n o b l e - s o u l e d s i x t y t h o u s a n d sons e n t e r e d t h e b r i l l i a n t l u s t r e o f Nārāyana. The

Sages

asked

:—

153. Tell us by w h a t procedure were the numerous, h i g h l y m i g h t y a n d v a l o r o u s sons o f S a g a r s , s i x t y t h o u s a n d i n number were born. Sūta

replied

154> by means of daughter of 155. She was throughout

:—

S a g a r a h a d t w o w i v e s w h o h a d d i s p e l l e d t h e i r sins their penance. T h e elder of the t w o w a s the V i d a r b h a named Keśinī. His y o u n g e r w i f e w a s t h e d a u g h t e r o f A r i s t a n e m ī . extremely virtuous and unparalleled in beauty the world.

156-159a. On b e i n g propitiated by means of austerities, the lordly sage A u r v a g r a n t e d them these boons v i z . — O n e of them w o u l d give birth to a desired son w h o w o u l d p e r p e t u a t e the line and the second would give birth to sixty t h o u s a n d sons. O n h e a r i n g t h e w o r d s o f the s a g e , K e ś i n ī c h o s e t h e s i n g l e e x c e l l e n t son w h o w o u l d p e r p e t u a t e t h e l i n e , O k i n g , i n t h e a s s e m b l y . S u m a t i , t h e sister o f S u p a r n a , o f e x a l t e d g o o d for t u n e , d e l i g h t e d l y c h o s e t h e s i x t y t h o u s a n d sons. 159b-160. A s t i m e p a s s e d on, t h e e l d e r q u e e n g a v e b i r t h t o t h e e l d e s t son o f S a g a r a w e l l k n o w n b y t h e n a m e o f A s a m a ñ j a , the scion of t h e family of K a k u t s t h a . S u m a t i of g r e a t r e n o w n g a v e b i r t h to a p o t - g o u r d like the l u m p of foetus. 161. T h e s i x t y t h o u s a n d sons e m e r g e d f r o m t h e like l u m p o f foetus. H e t h e n p l a c e d t h e m ( t h e pieces foetus) i n t h e p o t f i l l e d w i t h g h e e .

gourdof the

162-163. T h e king engaged as m a n y nurses (as there w e r e pieces) i n o r d e r t o n u r t u r e t h e m individually. T h e r e a f t e r ,

2.3.63.164-176

831

i n n i n e m o n t h s , all t h o s e sons o f e x a l t e d f o r t u n e fully d e v e l o p e d comfortably increasing the pleasure of S a g a r a . After a long time, they entered the p r i m e of youth. 164-165. T h e o t h e r son o f S a g a r a b o r n o f K e ś i n ī w a s Barhiketu of great strength well known as A s a m a ñ j a . Since he was engaged against the interests of citizens, he was b a n i s h e d f r o m t h e c i t y b y h i s f a t h e r . T h e h e r o i c son o f A s a m a ñ j a was named Amśumān. 166. H i s n o b l e - s o u l e d son w a s w e l l k n o w n a s D i l ī p a . Bhagīratha, a hero of great splendour, w a s born of Dilīpa. 167. I t w a s b y h i m t h a t G a ń g ā , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t of all rivers, rendered splendid by aerial chariots, w a s b r o u g h t h e r e ( i n this w o r l d ) a n d a s s i g n e d the s t a t u s o f h i s d a u g h t e r b y the l o r d o f S u r a s ( B r a h m a ) . 168-169. I n this c o n t e x t , p e r s o n s w e l l - v e r s e d i n t h e P u r ā n a s c i t e this v e r s e . " B y m e a n s o f his a c t i v e e n d e a v o u r Bhagīratha b r o u g h t G a ń g ā t o the E a r t h . Hence Gańgā is called Bhāgīrathī by those excellent persons w h o are c o n v e r s a n t w i t h g e n e a l o g y . " B h a g ī r a t h a ' s son w a s n a m e d Śruta. 170. N ā b h ā g a w a s his h e i r . H e w a s a l w a y s e n g a g e d i n v i r t u o u s a c t i v i t i e s . A m b a r ī s a w a s his s o n . a n d S i n d h u d v ī p a w a s the next king. 171-172. It is well k n o w n that persons ot yore conversant w i t h the P u r ā n a s a n d g e n e a l o g y sing thus : — ' T h e E a r t h pro t e c t e d b y the a r m s o f A m b a r ī s a , son o f N ā b h ā g a b e : a m e p e r f e c t l y free f r o m t h e t h r e e d i s t r e s s e s " . A y u t ā y u w a s t h e h e r o i c son o f S i n d h u d v ī p a . 173. R t u p a r n a o f g r e a t r e n o w n w a s the h e i r o f A y u t ā y u . This strong king who was conversant with the divine Mantra Aksahrdaya ( t h e h e a r t of d i c e ) w a s a friend of N a l a . 174. T w o N a l a s o f s t e a d f a s t h o l y v o w s a r e w e l l k n o w n in the P u r ā n a s : the o n e , t h e son of V ī r a s e n a a n d the o t h e r the prominent m e m b e r of the family of Iksvāku. 175. S a r v a k ā m a , t h e lord o f t h e p e o p l e , w a s the son o f R t u p a r n a . K i n g S u d ā s a , his son, b e c a m e a friend o f I n d r a . 176. S u d ā s a ' s son, the k i n g n a m e d S a u d ā s a b e c a m e w e l l k n o w n as K a l m ā s a p ā d a . He is known by the n a m e Mitras a h a also.

832

Brahman da

Purāna

177. For the perpetuation of the line of Iksvāku, V a s i stha of great brilliance, b e g o t A ś m a k a of the wife of K a l m ā sapāda. 178-179. M ū l a k a w a s t h e b o s o m - b o r n son o f A ś m a k a . I n this c o n t e x t t o o t h e y cite this, c o n c e r n i n g k i n g M ū l a k a : — " I n d e e d , because he w a s afraid of P a r a ś u r ā m a , that king remained surrounded by w o m e n . Desirous of protection, t h e l o r d w h o w a s d e v o i d o f r o b e s h a d w o m e n for h i s c o a t o f mail. 180. T h e r i g h t e o u s - s o u l e d k i n g Ś a t a r a t h a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s the son o f M ū l a k a . I d a v i d a , the p o w e r f u l k i n g , w a s b o r n of Śataratha. 181. T h e v a l o r o u s K r t a v a r m ā w a s t h e g l o r i o u s son I d a v i d a . H i s son V i ś v a s a h a w a s b o r n o f P u t r l k a s ī ( ? ) .

182-183. D i l ī p a 1 w a s his son. H e b e c a m e w e l l k n o w n a s K h a t v ā ń g a . H a v i n g a t t a i n e d a s p a n of life e x t e n d i n g to a Muhūrta, h e r e t u r n e d from H e a v e n and combined the three worlds on account of his intelligence a n d truthfulness. D ī r g h a b ā h u w a s his s o n . R a g h u w a s b o r n o f h i m . 184. A j a w a s t h e son o f R a g h u . T h e h e r o i c k i n g n a m e d D a ś a r a t h a w a s b o r n o f h i m . H e w a s t h e d e l i g h t e r o f the m e m bers of the family of Iksvāku. 185. R ā m a , B h a r a t a , Ś a t r u g h n a a n d L a k s m a n a o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h w e r e t h e sons o f D a ś a r a t h a . R ā m a w a s h e r o i c , con versant with D h a r m a and well-known in the worlds. 186. Ś a t r u g h n a w e n t t o M a d h u v a n a a n d k i l l e d L a v a n a , son o f M a d h u . T h e r e the c i t y o f M a t h u r ā w a s f o u n d e d b y Śatrughna. 187. S u b ā h u a n d Ś ū r a s e n a w e r e t h e sons o f Ś a t r u g h n a . T h e y w e r e b o r n o f t h e p f incess o f V i d e h a . T h e y r u l e d o v e r t h e city of M a t h u r ā . 188. A ń g a d a a n d C a n d r a k e t u w e r e t h e t w o sons o f L a k s m a n a . T h e i r territories at the border of the H i m a l a y a mountain were very prosperous and flourishing. 189. I n t h e t e r r i t o r y o f K ā r ā p a t h a (?) t h e c i t y g a d a w a s called A ń g a d a . Candracakra, the splendid Candraketu is well known. 1.

T h i s is Dilipa II. Dilīpa I

of Ań city of

w a s t h e father of B h a g ī r a t h a (see v . 1 6 6 ) .

833

2.3.63.190-200 1 9 0 . T h e h e r o i c T a k s a a n d P u s k a r a w e r e t h e sons B h a r a t a . T h e cities o f those t w o n o b l e souls w e r e s i t u a t e d t h e r e a l m o f the G a n d h a r v a s .

of in

191. T h e c i t y o f T a k s a w a s w e l l k n o w n i n a l l t h e quarters by the n a m e of T a k s a ś i l ā . T h e city of the heroic Puskara was well known as Puskarāvatī. 192. T h o s e p e o p l e w h o a r e c o n v e r s a n t w i t h t h e P u r ā n a s s i n g this G ā t h ā ( l y r i c a l v e r s e ) . I t concerns R ā m a . I t consists o f facts d u e t o t h e g r e a t n e s s o f t h a t i n t e l l i g e n t o n e . 193-195. " R ā m a w a s dark-complexioned and youthful. H e h a d r e d e y e s a n d b r i g h t face. H e w a s a p e r s o n o f few w o r d s . H i s a r m s e x t e n d e d a s far a s his k n e e s . H e h a d s p l e n d i d face, l e o n i n e s h o u l d e r s a n d l o n g b r a w n y a r m s . H e r u l e d o v e r t h e k i n g d o m for ten t h o u s a n d y e a r s . I n his k i n g d o m t h e s o u n d o f t h e c h a n t i n g o f M a n t r a s of Rk, S ā m a n and Yajus as well as that o f — " L e t it be given, let i t b e e n j o y e d " w a s i n c e s s a n t a n d u n b r o k e n . W h i l e l i v i n g i n J a n a s t h ā n a (Nasik i n M a h a r a s h t r a ) R ā m a a c c o m p l i s h e d a task o f t h e D e v a s . 196. E a r l i e r , p r o c e e d i n g i n s e a r c h o f S ī t ā ' s w h e r e a b o u t s , R ā m a t h e b u l l a m o n g m e n (the p o w e r f u l l e a d e r ) , the k i n g o f great fame slew ( R ā v a n a ) the descendant of Pulastya, the d e m o n w h o h a d c o m m i t t e d sins. 197. H e h a d S a t t v a (purest) q u a l i t i e s ( o r h e h a d g r e a t inherent strength). He w a s richly endowed w i t h good qualities. H e s h o n e w i t h his o w n b r i l l i a n c e . T h u s R ā m a , t h e son o f D a ś a r a t h a , s h o n e s u r p a s s i n g t h e s u n a n d fire. 198. T h e t w o sons o f t h a t p o w e r f u l k i n g w e r e l i k e h i m . T h e y are well known as Kuśa and Lava. Understand their territories. 199. K o ś a l a w a s the k i n g d o m o f K u ś a a n d his c i t y w a s K u ś a s t h a l ī . 1 T h i s b e a u t i f u l c i t y w a s b u i l t b y h i m o n t h e sidesa n d ridges of the V i n d h y a mountain. 200. U t t a r a k o ś a l a w a s the k i n g d o m of the noble-souled L a v a . His city ŚrāvastI is well k n o w n in all the w o r l d s . U n d e r s t a n d the line of K u ś a . 1.

De identifies it w i t h U j j a i n b u t

of the V i n d h y a mountain.

o u r text

locates it on

the

ridges-

834

Brakmānda

Purāna

201. A t i t h i , t h e v i r t u o u s - s o u l e d s o n o f K u ś a w a s f o n d o f e n t e r t a i n i n g guests. T h e famous k i n g n a m e d N i s a d h a w a s the son of Atithi. 202. N a l a w a s t h e s o n o f N i s a d h a . N a b h a s w a s t h e s o n o f Nala. P u n d a r i k a w a s the son o f N a b h a s a n d K s e m a d h a n v a n i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e k i n g after h i m . 203. T h e Ksemadhanvan.

valorous k i n g D e v ā n ī k a w a s the son L o r d Ahīriagu w a s the son o f D e v ā n ī k a .

204. A h ī n a g u ' s h e i r w a s P ā r i y ā t r a o f g r e a t f a m e . w a s his son. K i n g Bala w a s b o r n o f h i m .

Dala

205. T h e noble-souled son o f Bala w a s U l ū k a . 1 V a j r a n ā b h a w a s his son a n d his son w a s Śańkhana. 206.

Ś a ń k h a n a ' s son w a s a scholar w e l l k n o w n as V y u s i -

tāśva. It is said that k i n g V i ś v a s a h a w a s the son of V y u s i t ā ś v a . 207. H i r a n y a - n ā b h a alias Kauśalya (belonging to K o ś a l a ) w a s his m o s t excellent son. In the Prācya Sāman Mantras, he is r e m e m b e r e d as the disciple of Pausyañji. 2

208.

He learned five hundred Samhitās from Pausyañji.

Y o g a w a s l e a r n t from h i m b y t h e

intelligent Yājñavalkya.

2 0 9 . P u s p a ( P u s y a ) , his son, w a s a scholar. H i s son w a s Dhruvasandhi. S u d a r ś a n a w a s his son. A g n i v a r n a w a s b o r n o f Sudarśana. 210-211. Ś ī g h r a w a s t h e s o n o f A g n i v a r n a , M a r u i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e son* o f Ś ī g h r a . M a r u p r a c t i s e d Y o g i c ex ercises a n d stayed i n K a l ā p a g r ā m a . T h i s lord was the person w h o m a d e the Ksatriyas function in the twentyfirst Prayuga (? subsidiary Y u g a ) . Prabhusuta (Prasuśruta-Vā.P.) was a n d S u s a n d h i w a s his son.

1. kings

Vā.P.88.205

(p. 149) 2.

the son

of Maru

calls h i m A i i ń k h a w h i l e i n t h e A I H T list o f

Ayodhyā

he is recorded as Uktha.

Pau?yaāji—a teacher of Sāma-veda. He was a disciple of Sukarman

Jaimini. H e

taught 500

branches

Sāmaveda ( P C K — P r i c l n a

carita

1.9.624). I t i s seen' t h a t m o s t o f t h e k i n g s i n this c h a p t e r a r e listed i n AIHT,

pp.145-149.

Pargiter's

835

2.3.63.212—64.5

212. Susandhi's son w a s M a r s a ( A m a r s a ?) otherwise k n o w n by the n a m e of Sahasvān. T h e son of Sahasvān w a s a king named Viśrutavān. 213-216. K i n g B r h a d b a l a w a s the son of V i ś r u t a v ā n . T h e s e a r e the sons a n d heirs o f I k s v ā k u . T h e y arc r e m embered to be hundreds in number. Those w h o were very i m p o r t a n t h a v e been recounted on account of their importance. If a person reads this creation of A d i t y a V i v a s v ā n (the sun) he becomes e n d o w e d w i t h children. He attains Sāyujya m e r g i n g w i t h M a n u , the son o f V i v a s v ā n , w h o i s k n o w n as L o r d Ś r ā d d h a d e v a a n d w h o grants n o u r i s h m e n t to the subjects. H e s h a l l b e r i d o f h i s sins a n d Rajas q u a l i t i e s . H e s h a l l b e c o m e long-lived. He shall never swerve from the righteous path.

CHAPTER SEKTYFOUR The Sūta

said

Description

Nimi

Dynasty. *

:—

1-2. U n d e r s t a n d (the details of) the l i n e of N i m i w h o was the y o u n g e r brother of Vikuksi. He b u i l t a city w e l l - k n o w n by the n a m e Jayanta, c o m p a r a b l e to the city of the Devas. ( I t was) near the h e r m i t a g e of G a u t a m a . It w a s in his f a m i l y that there was b o r n the excellent king Janaka. 3. Iksvāku of profound brilliance h a d a son n a m e d N i m i , a h i g h l y pious soul w h o w a s saluted by all l i v i n g beings a n d w h o b e c a m e a great king. 4-5. O n a c c o u n t o f t h e c u r s e o f V a s i s t h a , h e b e c a m e Videha ( d e v o i d o f p h y s i c a l b o d y ) . H i s s o n n a m e d M i t h i w a s p r o d u c e d in the course of three Parvans. T h i s k i n g of great f a m e w a s b o r n o f Arani ( t h e w o o d f r o m w h i c h f i r e i s k i n d l e d for sacrificial p u r p o s e ) w h i l e it w a s b e i n g c h u r n e d . He is w e l l •This chapter corresponds to chapter 89 of Vā.P.

836

Brahminda

Purina

known by the n a m e Mithi. He b e c a m e J a n a k a d u e to the act of Janana ( p r o c r e a t i o n i n s u c h a 6.

way).

Mithi w a s indeed a k i n g of g r e a t prowess. It is

his n a m e that

this

capital

city

became known

A n o t h e r n a m e o f this k i n g w a s J a n a k a

and

from

as Mithilā

Janaka's

successor

was Udāvasu. 7.

T h e virtuous-souled

of Udāvasu. The

valorous

son

and

Nandivardhana

virtuous

son

was

named

born

Suketu

was born of Nandivardhana. 8.

T h e noble-souled son o f g r e a t

born of Suketu.

The

strength, Devarāta w a s

pious-souled son w e l l

known

Biha-

duktha was born of Devarāta. 9.

Mahāvīra

was

the

valorous

son

of Brhaduktha.

D h r t i m ā n w a s t h e son o f M a h ā v ī r y a a n d S u d h r t i w a s h i s .son. 10.

Dhrstaketu, the suppressor of his enemies,

noble-souled son o f S u d h r t i . T h e son o f D h r s t a k e t u known by the n a m e 11.

was was

the well-

Haryaśva.

M a r u w a s the son o f H a r y a ś v a . P r a t i m b a k a 2 w a s the

son of M a r u . It is r e m e m b e r e d that the

righteous-souled

king

K i r t i r a t h a w a s the son o f P r a t i m b a k a . 12. name

The

son

Devamīdha.

Mahādhrti was 13.

Kīrti-ratha

Vibudha

was

the

also son

known

the

of Devamīdha.

the son of V i b u d h a .

T h e son o f M a h ā d h r t i w a s the v a l o r o u s k i n g

Kīrti-

rāta. T h e l e a r n e d son o f K ī r t i r ā t a w a s w e l l - k n o w n b y the n a m e Mahāroman. 14.

T h e famous king

r o m ā . T h e son o f

Svarnaromā was

Svarnaromā

named

born

of Mahā-

Hrasvaromā

became

a king. 15.

T h e l e a r n e d son of H r a s v a r o m ā w a s

Sīradhvaja. Sītā of great reputation,

rose

out

wellknown of

the

ground

w h e n t h a t k i n g p l o u g h e d it. ID-18.

She w a s the chaste queen of R ā m a .

She w a s

lady of g o o d h o l y rites a n d v o w of self-restraint. 1.

Modern

Tirhut,

also

called

Janakpur,

Darbhañgā

Bihar. 2.

Pargiter records P r a t ī n d h a k a for this

( A I H T . p. 147)

DisU

837

2.3.64.19-24 Vaiśampayana

enquired

:—

H o w w a s S ī t ā o f g r e a t r e p u t a t i o n r a i s e d u p from t h e g r o u n d o n b e i n g p l o u g h e d . W h a t for d i d the k i n g p l o u g h ? W h e r e w a s the field ? Sūta

replied

T h e site o f the sacrificial f i r e i n t h e horse-sacrifice of the noble-souled king w a s b e i n g ploughed energetically in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e i n j u n c t i o n . S h e r o s e u p from it. T h e P r i n c e o f M i t h i l ā n a m e d B h ā n u m ā n w a s the y o u n g e r son o f Sīradhvaja. 19. H i s b r o t h e r w a s K u ś a d h v a j a . H e w a s t h e k i n g a n d o v e r l o r d o f Kās'ī. ( S a r h k ā ś y a P r a d y u m n a w a s t h e v a l o r o u s son of Bhānumān. 20. M u n i w a s his s o n . I t i s r e m e m b e r e d t h a t Ū r j a v a h a w a s born of him. S a n a d v ā j a was born of Ūrjavaha and Śakuni w a s his s o n . 2 1 . S v ā g a t a w a s t h e son o f ś a k u n i . 1 I t i s p r o c l a i m e d t h a t S u v a r c a s w a s his son. H i s h e i r w a s S u t o y a 2 a n d his son was Suśruta. 22. J a y a w a s t h e son o f S u ś r u t a . V i j a y a w a s t h e son o f J a y a . K r a t u 3 w a s the son o f V i j a y a . S u n a y a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e son o f K r a t u . 23. V ī t a h a v y a w a s b o r n o f S u n a y ā . D h r t i w a s t h e son o f V ī t a h a v y a . B a h u l ā ś v a w a s b o r n o f D h r t i . K r t i * w a s the son o f Bahulāśva. 2 4 . T h e line o f t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d scions o f t h e f a m i l y o f J a n a k a c a m e t o a close w i t h h i m . T h u s t h e M a i t h i l a s h a v e b e e n recounted. Understand the line of Soma now.

It appears our

text

j u m p e d twelve

generations

downwards

d e c l a r e d S v ā g a t a a s the son o f Ś a k u n i . A I H T , p . 144. 2.

P a r g i t e r records the n a m e Śruta for

R t a according

Pargiter—ibid.

K r t a k s a n a i n A I H T , p . 149.

S u t o y a o f o u r text.

and

838

Brahminda

Purina

CHAPTER SLXTYFIVE The Nativity of Soma Sūta said

and Saumya

:—

1-3.

T h e lordly

sage

moon, O Brāhmanas.

Atri

became

He stayed

steady

the

father

of'the

surrounded

his

o w n brilliance. He performed only auspicious things, mentally, verbally a n d physically. He stood steady like wood, a wall or a piece of rock w i t h his

arms

raised.

refulgence.

heard

that

three

have

thousand

years according

possessed

f o r m e r l y for

excessive

period of

to the reckoning of

performed a penance that was very

difficult

to be

gods, he performed

by the worlds. 4.

That

Brāhmana

was

highly

intelligent.

s u b l i m a t e d his sexual urge. H e stood w i t h o u t e v e n

had

winking

his

eyes. His b o d y a t t a i n e d t h e status o f S o m a . 5.

T h e sage of sanctified soul in the state

of S o m a rose

u p to t h e sky. 6.

T e n d e l i g h t e d d i v i n e l a d i e s (i.e. t e n q u a r t e r s ) g a t h e r e d

there together a n d d u l y b o r e that foetus i n

their

wombs.

But

t h e y w e r e u n a b l e t o h o l d it. 7.

T h e foetus h e l d u p b y those ten ladies,

ters, fell d o w n i l l u m i n a t i n g t h e w o r l d s .

the ten quar

It was the cool-rayed

m o o n , the sanctifier of all. 8.

W h e n the

ten

ladies

were

unable

hold that

foetus, t h e m o o n fell d o w n t o t h e E a r t h a l o n g w i t h t h e m . 9.

Seeing h i m falling d o w n , Brahma, the grand-father of

the worlds, placed h i m in a chariot, w i t h a desire for the welfare of the worlds. 10.

Brāhmanas,

righteous-souled

one,

w i t h the Vedas.

truthful seated

have to

his

heard

that

promise, a n d

was

identical

himself in a chariot yoked w i t h a

t h o u s a n d horses. 11-13.

W h e n that son o f A t r i o f great soul h a d fallen, the

Devas, the seven famous m e n t a l sons of B r a h m a , the

Añgirasas

and the sons o f Bhrgu, eulogised h i m b y m e a n s o f m a n y Rks, Yajus, A t h a r v a n and Angirasa Mantras.

2.3.65.14-24

839

T h e satisfying, n o u r i s h i n g a n d d e v e l o p i n g r e f u l g e n c e o f the lustrous m o o n w h o w a s b e i n g eulogised, e x t e n d e d t o all t h e worlds around. 14. B y m e a n s o f t h a t p r o m i n e n t c h a r i o t , h e c i r c u m a m bulated the ocean-encircled Earth twentyone times ( a n d b e c a m e ) excessively famous. 15. T h e i n c r e a s e d a n d d e v e l o p e d r e f u l g e n c e ( o f t h e m o o n ) that reached the Earth, created the m e d i c i n a l herbs. T h e firmament is ablaze w i t h that brilliance. 16. T h i s m o o n n o u r i s h e s t h e w o r l d s a n d t h e f o u r t y p e s of living beings. O excellent Brāhmanas, lord Soma is i n d e e d the nourisher of the Universe. 17. T h e h i g h l y f o r t u n a t e o n e p e r f o r m e d p e n a n c e for n i n e h u n d r e d years. B y m e a n s o f p e n a n c e , b y m e a n s o f h i s o w n K a r m a n s a n d o n a c c o u n t o f those e u l o g i e s h e a c q u i r e d m o r e brilliance. 18. B y m e a n s o f his o w n K a r m a n a s w e l l a s t h r o u g h j o y o f those g o l d - c o m p l e x i o n e d goddesses w h o sustain Universe, lord S o m a b e c a m e famous.

the the

19. T h e n , O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s , g o d B r a h m a , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g those w h o k n o w B r a h m a n , g r a n t e d h i m t h e k i n g d o m o f seeds, m e d i c i n a l h e r b s , B r ā h m a n a s a n d w a t e r s . 20. O n b e i n g c r o w n e d the exceedingly brilliant k i n g o f kings w h o was e n d o w e d w i t h great refulgence a n d w h o w a s the most excellent one a m o n g those w h o b l a z e d , sanctified t h e w o r l d s through his great k i n g d o m . 2 1 . D a k sa, t h e s o n o f Pracetas, g a v e i n m a r r i a g e t o t h e M o o n the twentyseven Dāksāyanīs (daughters of D a k s a ) of g r e a t h o l y rites, w h o m t h e y k n o w a s t h e stars. 22. After getting that b i g k i n g d o m , S o m a the lord o f t h o s e w h o possess S o m a ( j u i c e ) , b e g a n a R ā j a s ū y a sacrifice where a hundred thousand gold coins w e r e distributed as m o n e t a r y gifts. 23-24. Hiranyagarbha acted as Udgātr (the chanter of M a n t r a s ) , g o d B r a h m a t o o k u p t h e p o s t o f B r a h m a ( i n sacrifice t h e p r e s i d i n g d i g n i t a r y ) . T h e m e m b e r o f t h e sacrificial c o u n c i l consisted of lord Hari Nārāyana, surrounded by the ancient B r a h m i n i c a l sages w i t h S a n a t - k u m ā r a as their leader.

840

Brahmānda

Purāna

25. We h a v e heard, O Brāhmanas, that Soma gave t h r e e w o r l d s as m o n e t a r y gifts to Sadasyas ( m e m b e r s of the sacrificial a s s e m b l y ) consisting of important Brahmanical sages. 2 6 . N i n e g o d d e s s e s s e r v e d h i m v i z . Sinī, K u h ū , 1 V a p s u , Pusti, Prabhā, Vasu, Kīrti, Dhrti and Lakshmi. 27. A f t e r u n d e r g o i n g t h e h o l y v a l e d i c t o r y b a t h c a l l e d Avabhrtha, t h e l e a d i n g R ā j a n (i.e. t h e m o o n ) w h o w a s d e v o i d of agitation a n d w h o w a s w o r s h i p p e d by the Devas and sages, e x c e l l e d i n his l u s t r e i l l u m i n a t i n g t h e ten q u a r t e r s . 28. W h e n h e a c q u i r e d t h a t l u x u r i o u s g l o r y w h i c h w a s difficult t o g e t a n d w h i c h w a s p r a i s e d b y t h e s a g e s , O B r ā h m a n a s , his m i n d b e c a m e i n v o l v e d i n u n r i g h t e o u s n e s s a n d h e n c e w e n t a s t r a y from t h e p a t h o f m o r a l d i s c i p l i n e . 29. H e d i s r e g a r d e d t h e sons o f A ń g i r a s a n d s u d d e n l y a b d u c t e d t h e r e n o w n e d wife o f B r h a s p a t i n a m e d T ā r ā . 30. E v e n a f t e r b e i n g r e q u e s t e d b y the D e v a s a n d d i v i n e s a g e s , h e n e v e r let-off T ā r ā t o B r h a s p a t i , t h e son o f Ańgiras. 31-33. U ś a n a s took u p his ( S o m a ' s ) side a n d B h a v a ( Ś i v a ) t h a t o f A ń g i r a s (i.e. B r h a s p a t i ) , for t h a t p e r s o n o f g r e a t brilliance w a s the disciple of the father of B r h a s p a t i formerly. I t w a s o u t o f this affection t h a t l o r d R u d r a b e c a m e t h e a l l y o f B r h a s p a t i a n d took t h e b o w A j a g a v a . A g r e a t m i r a c u l o u s missile n a m e d B r a h m a ś i r a s w a s dis c h a r g e d b y t h a t n o b l e - s o u l e d o n e after a i m i n g a t t h e D e v a s , whereby their reputation was destroyed. 34. T h e r e a w e l l - k n o w n b a t t l e b e t w e e n t h e D e v a s a n d D ā n a v a s took p l a c e . I t w a s k n o w n a s T ā r a k ā m a y a 2 ( c o n c e r n i n g T ā r ā ) . It w a s destructive of the worlds. 35.

1. day

T h e f i r s t t w o v i z . : Sinī a n d K u h ū a r e deities

preceding

visible

crescent

invisible 2. war.

T h e D e v a s w h o s u r v i v e d this b a t t l e a r e r e m e m b e r e d

the

new

(Sinīvālī)

moon

presiding

over

the

d a y o n w h i c h t h e m o o n rises w i t h s c a r c e l y

a n d the

new

moon

day

when

the

moon

(Kuhū). O u t of the twelve

w a r s b e t w e e n D e v a s a n d Asuras, this w a s t h e 5 t h

F o r o t h e r w a r s see I n t r o d u c t i o n

: V a i s n a v i s m , last footnote.

841

•2.3.65.36-47

as Tusitas. T h e y sought refuge in god Brahma, the primordial lord, the grandfather of the world. 36. T h e n the g r a n d f a t h e r (i.e. B r a h m a ) h i m s e l f c a m e t h e r e a n d p r e v e n t e d U ś a n a s a n d R u d r a , from f i g h t i n g . H e restored T ā r ā to Ańgiras (Brhaspati). 37.

seeing

p r e g n a n t , the

Tārā,

Brāhmana

the

lady

of moon-like

Brhaspati s a i d — " Y o u

cast

face,

off t h e

foetus i m m e d i a t e l y . 38. child

Your w o m b belongs to me

should

ever

and

be born there".

therefore Tārā

other

discharged the

child in the w o m b that w a s b l a z i n g like fire. 39. . T h e

moment he

was

the body of the Devas. Therefore

born

that

lord

assumed

the Suras became suspicious

a n d told T ā r ā . 40-41. ' T e l l t h e t r u t h w h o s e i s t h e son ? O f t h e m o o n o r of Brhaspati ?' O u t o f s h y n e s s she d i d n o t s a y a n y t h i n g t o t h e D e v a s g o o d o r b a d . T h e n t h e b o y Dasyuhantama (the g r e a t e s t d e s t r o y e r of demons) was about (lit. began) to curse her. Preventing him, B r a h m a a s k e d T ā r ā r e g a r d i n g his s u s p i c i o n . 42-44.

Tārā

speak

out

what

W h o s e son i s this ? " W i t h p a l m s j o i n e d i n

the truth here ?

reverence

she

said

to lord B r a h m a , the bestower of boons. " O f the M o o n " . S h e s a i d this r e g a r d i n g t h e son n a m e d D a s y u h a n t a m a .

noble-souled

T h e r e a f t e r , sniffing a t t h e h e a d o f his son, t h e l o r d S o m a , t h e P r a j ā p a t i , n a m e d his i n t e l l i g e n t son ' B u d h a ' . Every day Budha

( M e r c u r y ) rises i n t h e s k y .

45. T h e d a u g h t e r o f the k i n g (i.e. Ilā) g a v e b i r t h t o his son. T h e r e f o r e P u r u r a v a s , t h e son o f I l ā , b e c a m e his son o f great splendour. 46-47. Urvaśī.

S i x sons o f v e r y g r e a t p o w e r s w e r e b o r n t o h i m b y

At t h a t time, violently attacked by p u l m o n a r y consump tion, h e ( S o m a ) b e c a m e h e l p l e s s . T h e n o v e r - w h e l m e d b y con s u m p t i o n , t h e m o o n ' s disc b e c a m e p a l e a n d w e a k . H e t h e r e fore, s o u g h t r e f u g e i n his o w n f a t h e r A t r i .

842

Brahmānda 48-50.

freed

Atri of great fame

from

pulmonary

subdued

consumption.

Purina

his disease. He w a s

shone

with

splen

d o u r all round. This is excellent

the nativity

Brāhmanas.

recounted by m e , The

Soma recounted

Understand

his race

unto

which

you is

being

O excellent Brāhmanas.

nativity of

Saumya

wealth, health a n d longevity.

(Mercury)

It is

conducive to

h o l y a n d i t d i s p e l s sins. O n

h e a r i n g this, o n e gets r i d o f all sins.

CHAPTER SLXTYSIX Description Sūta said 1-3.

of Amivasu

Dynasty

:— B u d h a w a s the son of the M o o n

was Pururavas. He w a s brilliant a n d liberal

and

Budha's

son

i n c h a r i t a b l e gifts.

H e u s e d t o p e r f o r m sacrifices d i s t r i b u t i n g m u c h w e a l t h a s m o n e tary

gifts.

was an

expounder

of Brahman.

valorous exploits, he was i n v i n c i b l e to the

enemies

This king

and

Yajñas. was

regularly

performed

Agnihotra

He w a s truthful in speed a n d very

Possessing in

battle.

m a n y (other)

righteous

mind.

lustrous. H i s sexual i n d u l g e n c e w a s o n l y in secret. In

handsomeness

was

perfectly unrivalled

in all

the

three

worlds. 4. ed

Setting aside her personal prestige, Urvaśī, t h e reput

(celestial d a m s e l ) , c h o s e a s h e r h u s b a n d t h a t e x p o u n d e r o f

B r a h m a n w h o h a d c o m p l e t e control o f his c o n v e r s a n t w i t h dharma, a n d t r u t h f u l i n 5-7.

sense

organs,

was

speech.

T h a t v i g o r o u s k i n g s t a y e d w i t h h e r for a

period of

ten years, e i g h t years, s e v e n years, six years, s e v e n years, e i g h t years, ten years a n d eight years at the Caitraratha beautiful Kubera), (foothills)

bank

Viśālā, of

the

Mandākinī,

Nandana,

mount

the

Alakā excellent

Gandhamādana,

the

forest,

(Capital park, peak

the

city of

the

feet

the

843

2.3.66.8-15 excellentmost Kalāpi

m o u n t Meru,

Northern K u r u s a n d the

village

vigour

Urvaśī

(respectively). T h e king

of great

accompanied

sported w i t h excessive j o y in these i m p o r t a n t parks

a n d forests

frequented by the Suras. The sages

enquired :—

Tell us the misdemeanour of the king

Gandharva

for

which

the

d i v i n e l a d y U r v a ś ī left o f f t h e k i n g o f h u m a n b i r t h

and came back to heaven. Sūta

said

:—

10.

O v e r w h e l m e d w i t h the curse of a B r ā h m a n a

(or

B r a h m a ) , she c a m e to the w o r l d of h u m a n beings. For the sake of getting herself released from the curse, she stipulated certain conditions. 11-13.

{Defective text). " N o t seeing h i m

naked, sexual

i n t e r c o u r s e w i t h o u t p a s s i o n (?) a n d s h e w o u l d k e e p near her b e d . 1 (She then s a i d ) — " M y sole diet and

that

too

once

a day,

a g r e e d to, O k i n g , a n d as l o n g stipulation, I shall continue

goats

ghee

king. If these conditions are

as to

two

shall

you stay

closely with

adhere

you.

to this

T h i s is

our

m u t u a l a g r e e m e n t . " T h e k i n g strictly a d h e r e d t o h e r stipulation. had

inter

course w i t h h i m . D e l u d e d by the curse a n d on account

14-15.

T h u s she stayed w i t h the son of Ilā a n d

of her

d e v o t i o n t o h i m , she s t a y e d for sixtyfour years. Urvaśī came to the mortal world. Hence the Gandharvas became worried.

Urvaśī

a s h e r n a m e i m p l i e s w a s a r e s i d e n t o f TJr, a n

i n t h e m i d d l e east. I t a p p e a r s t h a t f a s h i o n a b l e used

keep

Background

a pair the

rams

Mahibhirata

ladies

tomb

3300

B.C.

ancient

town

B.C. 3300

of Ur

as pets : A.J. K a r a n d i k a r in his (marathi) (Mahābhāralāci

Pārśvabhūmi,

q u o t e s f r o m sir L e o n a r d W o o l e y ' s e x c a v a t i o n s a t U r . queen's

deposited

Poona

A m o n g the

1980.

finds

q u e e n , "The strangest p e r h a p s w a s a pair of rams. T h e y w e r e beautifully intricately

made.

Their

bodies

h e a d s a n d legs w e r e o f gold'* be

the

cause

were

c o v e r e d w i t h fleece of shell. .

(Intro, t o K a r a n d i k a r ' s b o o k

of importance

between Pururavas a n d Urvaśī.

attached

therein for t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t o f t h e

this

term

p. 8).

and

their

This

may

of contract-marriage

844 The

Brahmānda Gandharvas

said

Purāna

:—

O f o r t u n a t e ones, t h i n k a b o u t t h e w a y s a n d m e a n s w h e r e by that excellent l a d y U r v a ś l , the o r n a m e n t of H e a v e n , m a y come b a c k once a g a i n to the Devas. 16-19. T h e n a G a n d h a r v a of very great intellect n a m e d V i ś v ā v a s u r e m o v e d the t w o y o u n g kids b e l o n g i n g to her. After t h a t , s h e left for h e a v e n . T h e k i n g b e g a n t o w a n d e r ( h e r e a n d t h e r e ) o n a c c o u n t o f s e p a r a t i o n from h e r a n d s a w h e r a t K u r u k s e t r a . H e h a d a t a l k w i t h h e r . S h e told h i m . . . " R u s h u p t o t h e G a n d h a r v a s " . H e d i d so. T h e n t h e y g a v e h i m a p o t o f fire. The king of great martial competency (literally—of great c h a r i o t ) w e n t t o H e a v e n w i t h it. O r i g i n a l l y t h e r e w a s o n l y o n e f i r e . B u t the son o f I l ā m a d e i t t h r e e . 20-21. T h e son of I l ā , O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s , w a s a king of such ability and potentiality. T h e king of great fame e s t a b l i s h e d his k i n g d o m a t P r a y ā g a o n t h e n o r t h e n b a n k o f Y a m u n a in the city of Pratisthāna (modern Jhusi, near Allaha b a d ) in a holy realm a d o r n e d by g r e a t sages. 22-23. S i x sons w e r e b o r n t o h i m . T h e y h a d t h e i r s p l e n d o u r c o m p a r a b l e t o t h a t o f I n d r a . T h e y a r e w e l l - k n o w n i n the world of Gandharvas viz.—Āyus, Dhīmān, Āmāvasu, Viśvāvasu, Ś r u t ā y u s a n d G h r t ā y u s . T h e s e w e r e t h e sons o f U r v a ś ī . T h e formidable king Bhīma, the conqueror verse, w a s b o r n of A m ā v a s u . 1

of the

Uni

24. T h e glorious king K ā ñ c a n a p r a b h a was the heir of B h ī m a . T h e l e a r n e d S u h o t r a o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h w a s the son o f K ā ñ c a n a (i.e. K ā ñ c a n a p r a b h a ) . 25-27a. of Suhotra.

J a h n u , b o r n o f t h e w o m b o f K e ś i n ī w a s the

son

W h i l e h i s e l a b o r a t e sacrificial r i t e w a s g o i n g on, t h e river G a ń g ā turned her course a n d flooded that territory on account of the vision of inevitable future. O n s e e i n g t h e sacrificial c h a m b e r e n t i r e l y f l o o d e d w i t h (the w a t e r s of) t h e G a ń g ā , t h e i n f u r i a t e d son o f S u h o t r a , the king, d r a n k up the Gańgā. 1.

noted

Pargiter,

k i n g d o m ( A I H T . p. 144).

Amāvasu

was the founder of Kānyakubja

2.3.66.27-42

845

27b-28. On seeing the Gańgā drunk up by the saintly king, the celestial sages b r o u g h t out the h i g h l y fortunate river ( G a ń g ā ) a s his d a u g h t e r ( a n d k n o w n a s ) J ā h n a v l . J a h n u m a r r i e d K ā v e r ī the g r a n d - d a u g h t e r of Y a u v a n ā ś v a . 29. T h r o u g h the curse of Y u v a n ā ś v a , G a ń g ā g a v e birth from h a l f o f h e r p a r t t o K ā v e r ī t h e p r a i s e - w o r t h y wife o f J a h n u , the most excellent of all rivers. 30. J a h n u b e g o t o f K ā v e r ī a b e l o v e d son o f g r e a t v i r t u e n a m e d S u n a h a . H i s son w a s A j a k a . 31. Ajaka's heir B a l ā k ā ś v a of g r e a t fame, b e c a m e a h a b i t u a l h u n t e r . K u ś a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s his son. 32. K u ś a h a d four sons o f d i v i n e l u s t r e a n d r e f u l g e n c e viz. K u ś ā m b a , Kuśa-nābha, A m ū r t a r a y a s a and V a s u . 33. K u ś i k a ( ? K u ś a n ā b h a ) the e x c e l l e n t k i n g p e r f o r m e d a p e n a n c e s e e k i n g a son. W h e n a h u n d r e d y e a r s w e r e c o m p l e t ed, I n d r a n o t i c e d h i m . 34-35. On seeing him performing severe penance, the t h o u s a n d - e y e d l o r d I n d r a , the e t e r n a l o n e w h o w a s h i m s e l f c a p a b l e o f c a u s i n g a son t o b e b o r n u n t o h i m b e c a m e h i s son himself. T h e chastiser of P ā k a (i.e. I n d r a ) b e c a m e t h e s o n of K u ś i k a under the n a m e Gādhi. 36. Paurukutsī (daughter ofPurukutsa) became the wife o f G ā d h i . A t first a s p l e n d i d g i r l o f e x a l t e d f o r t u n e w a s bom of her known by the name of S a t y a v a t ī . 1 37-38. K i n g G ā d h i g a v e her (in m a r r i a g e ) t o R c ī k a w h o w a s d e s i r o u s o f a son. B e i n g p l e a s e d w i t h h e r , h e r h u s b a n d , the delighter of the m e m b e r s of the family of Bhrgu, himself a descendant of Bhrgu, prepared Caru (consecrated cooked r i c e ) for t h e s a k e of a son to h i m s e l f as w e l l as to G ā d h i . T h e n R c ī k a , the d e s c e n d a n t o f B h r g u , s p o k e t o his w i f e . 39-42a. This Caru should be eaten by you, O splendid lady a n d that C a r u by y o u r mother. To her will be born a l u s t r o u s son. a b u l l a m o n g K s a t r i y a s , w h o c a n n e v e r b e con quered by Ksatriyas in battle and w h o will be able to slay e v e n p r o m i n e n t K s a t r i y a w a r r i o r s . S o y o u also, O l a d y o f 1.

Pargiter gives K u ś ā ś v a as the n a m e of K u ś a ' s son

Kuśāśva's son

(AIHT, p.H4).

and Kuśika

was.

846

Brahmānda

good

weal,

courage,

this

Caru

will

great ascetic

Purāna

cause the b i r t h of a son of great

of quiescent

nature,

excellent

Brāhmana. A f t e r s a y i n g this t o his wife, R c ī k a , t h e members of the family of Bhrgu w h o

was

delighter

always

engaged

the in

p e n a n c e , e n t e r e d t h e f o r e s t for p e n a n c e . 42b-45a.

At that time, in the course of

his

G ā d h i , the king, a c c o m p a n i e d by his wife c a m e to

pilgrimage, the

hermi

tage o f R c ī k a i n o r d e r t o see his d a u g h t e r . T a k i n g u p vessels of consecrated C a r u

of the sage, t h e

the

delighted

two

Satya-

vatī i n t i m a t e d t o her m o t h e r the w o r d s o f h e r h u s b a n d quietly, without any excitement. A s f a t e w o u l d h a v e it, t h e m o t h e r g a v e h e r o w n C a r u her daughter. Due to Caru

herself.

she

Then

conceived

w i t h her bright a n d lustrous her w o m b a

annihilator of Ksatriyas.

splendid

She became

the excellent B r ā h m a n a spoke to "O

son,

terrible

seeing h e r a n d reflecting b y m e a n s o f his complexion

Yogic

b o d y Satyathe

future

behold.

power,

Rcīka

his wife, the l a d y of excellent

:—

gentle lady, you have been deceived by your

by the inter-change of the Carus. An extremely cruel activities w i l l be b o r n to you. to

swallowed her daughter's

45b-50. vatī

ignorance

an ascetic

mother

terrible son o f

Your mother will give birth

of s u c h a nature as I

have

mentioned

T h e entire B r a h m i n i c a l splendour h a d b e e n

instilled

before. into

the

the Caru b y m e through m y p o w e r o f penance". On being told thus by her husband,

Satyavatī of exalted

fortune a n d dignity sought the favour of her h u s b a n d " A b a s e B r ā h m a n a like this s h o u l d

not

born

saying— m y son

through you". 51.

On b e i n g told thus, the sage said "O excellent lady,

this h a s n e v e r b e e n t h o u g h t o f b y m e o r b y y o u .

T h i s e x c h a n g e o f caru s e e m s a n

This has never

explanatory device

militant nature of the Brahmin Paraśurāma and the Brahmanical ation in the Ksatriya Viśvāmitra.

justify

the

transform

2.3.66.52-64

847

b e e n w i s h e d for b y m e o r b y y o u . A son s h a l l b e c o m e ruthless in his activities usually on account of his m o t h e r or father". 52-55. O n b e i n g told thus, SatyavatI s p o k e a g a i n l i k e t h i s — " i f y o u w i s h , O sage, y o u c a n create e v e n w o r l d s , why n o t a s o n ? It b e h o v e s y o u , O h u s b a n d to g i v e me a s o n of quiescent nature. If it cannot be altered, O excellent Brāh m a n a , o f g o o d h o l y rites, let o u r g r a n d s o n b e l i k e this (i.e. terrible a n d ruthless)". T h e r e u p o n , by m e a n s of the p o w e r of his penance, he m a d e her pleased a n d contented s a y i n g — " W h e t h e r it is my son or my grandson, O lady of excellent complexion, I d o n o t see a n y difference. I t s h a l l b e a s y o u h a v e s a i d , O g e n t l e lady". 56. T h e r e f o r e , S a t y a v a t i g a v e b i r t h t o J a m a d a g n i , a son of the B h r g u family, of quiescent nature, h a v i n g perfect c o n t r o l o v e r h i s sense-organs a n d d e v o t e d t o t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of penance. 57. F o r m e r l y , t h e r e h a d b e e n a n i n t e r c h a n g e o f t h e C a r u s b e l o n g i n g t o R u d r a a n d V i s n u . Since h e a t e (i.e. s i n c e h e w a s b o r n a s a result o f h i s m o t h e r e a t i n g ) t h e f i r e ( C a r u ) b e l o n g ing to Visnu, he became Jamadagni 58. A f t e r g e t t i n g V i ś v ā m i t r a a s h i s h e i r , G ā d h i t h e s o n o f K u ś i k a (or d e s c e n d a n t o f K u ś i k a ) a t t a i n e d t h e status e q u a l t o t h a t o f a B r a h m i n i c a l sage. H e w a s c h o s e n b y B r a h m a (as such). 59-60a. S a t y a v a t i o f g r e a t s a n c t i t y a n d d e v o t e d t o t r u t h ful v o w s a n d observances flowed as the great river n a m e d Kauśikī. Kauśikī the most excellent a n d distinguished river b e g a n to flow. 60b-64. T h e r e was a k i n g n a m e d R e n u k a born in the f a m i l y o f I k s v ā k u . His d a u g h t e r o f g r e a t f o r t u n e R e n u k ā w a s o t h e r w i s e k n o w n b y t h e n a m e o f K a m a l ī . B y m e a n s o f his p o w e r of penance, fortitude a n d concentration of m i n d , J a m a d a g n i , t h e s o n o f R c ī k a , b e g o t o f R e n u k ā alias K a m a l ī a s o n o f g r e a t terrific n a t u r e ( n a m e d ) R ā m a w h o w a s v e r y e x c e l l e n t , w h o (later) m a s t e r e d a l l lores a n d t h e s c i e n c e o f a r c h e r y , w h o was to kill the Ksatriyas w h o resembled well-kindled b l a z i n g fire.

Brahmānda

848

Purāna

T h u s J a m a d a g n i o f lofty ( n o b l e ) m i n d , the m o s t excel lent one a m o n g t h e k n o w e r s o f B r a h m a n , w a s b o r n o f S a t y a v a t i , d u e to the v i g o u r of t h e p e n a n c e of R c ī k a , son of A u r v a . Śunahśepha w a s t h e m i d d l e a n d Ś u n a h p u c c h a w a s the y o u n g e s t son* 65. V i ś v ā m i t r a o f n o b l e soul w a s o t h e r w i s e k n o w n b y the n a m e V i ś v a r a t h a . I t w a s t h r o u g h t h e g r a c e o f ( t h e scion o f the f a m i l y of) B h r g u t h a t h e w a s b o r n a s t h e p e r p e t u a t o r o f the line o f K a u ś i k a s . 1

66-67. V i ś v ā m i t r a ' s son Ś u n a h ś e p h a w a s a s a g e . He w a s i n t e n d e d ( a p p o i n t e d ) a s t h e sacrificial a n i m a l i n t h e Tajña o f H a r i ś c a n d ŕ a . H e w a s g i v e n b a c k t o V i ś v ā m i t r a b y the D e v a s . Since Sunahśepha w a s g i v e n back by the D e v a s he became Devarāta. 2

68-69. A m o n g t h e sons o f V i ś v ā m i t r a , Sunahśepha is r e g a r d e d a s the eldest. M a d h u c c h a n d a a n d others, K r t a d e v a , D h r u v a , A s t a k a , a n d P ū r a n a also w e r e the sons o f V i ś v ā m i t r a . T h e s p i r i t u a l lines ( G o t r a s ) o f those noble-souled K a u ś i k a s are numerous. 70-73.

T h e y a r e a s follows : —

Pārthivas, Devarātas, Yājñavalkyas, S a m a r p a n a s , U d u m baras, V ā t a d y a s , T a l a k ā y a n a s , Gāndravas, Lohinīs, Renus, K ā r ī s u s , B a b h r u s , P a n i n s , D h y ā n a - J a p y a s , Syāmāyanas, H i r a n yāksas, S ā n k r t a s , G ā l a v a s , D e v a l a s , Y ā m a d ū t a s , Sālańkāyanas, Bāskalas, L ā l ā t y a s , B ā d a r a s a n d others b e l o n g e d t o t h e Gotras o f the intelligent V i ś v ā m i t r a . M a n y d e s c e n d a n t s o f K a u ś i k a s (i.e. those o f the s p i r i t u a l lines o f V i ś v ā m i t r a ) w h o h a v e t o e n t e r into m a r r i a g e a l l i a n c e w i t h other s a g e s a r e a l s o p r o c l a i m e d .

* l n V ā . P. 91.92 also Ś u n a h ś e p a a n d Ś u n a h p u c c h a are Jamadagni's 1.

the

names

of*

brothers. Aitareya

notes

Brāhmana

Sunahśepa

was

adopted

as a son by

Viśvāmitra. 2.

comparison

this list w i t h t h a t g i v e n

Mt.P.,

Baudhāyana,

Āśvalāyana, Ā p a s t a m b a a n d K ā t y ā y a n a shows that our author is not tive

406-409)

giving

the

Gotras

the Kuśika

clan,

(vide

exhaus

'Mt.P.—a Study'

pp.

849

2.3.66.74-85 74-75.

T h e y are

Kauśikas,

Sauśrutas, Saindhavāyanas

a n d o t h e r s . T h e y b e l o n g t o t h e Gotra o f

the holy

Brahminical

sage K a u ś i k a , the lord of Yogic practice. A m o n g t h e sons o f V i ś v ā m i t r a , Ś u n a h ś e p h a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s the e l d e s t . A s t a k a w a s t h e son o f D r s a d v a t i a n d m i t r a . L a u h i w a s t h e son o f A s t a k a .

Viśvā

T h u s the g r o u p o f J a h n u

has been recounted by me. The

sages

enquired

:—

76-78. T h e status of B r ā h m a n a s has been acquired by V i ś v ā m i t r a a n d o t h e r k i n g s . W h a t i s t h e n a t u r e o f Dharma (virtue, piety), penance or learning through which they acquired this ? U n d e r w h a t n a m e s d i d the K s a t r i y a s a t t a i n t h e s t a t u s o f a B r ā h m a n a ? W e w i s h t o k n o w t h e difference t h r o u g h p e n a n c e o r c h a r i t a b l e gifts. O n b e i n g a s k e d t h u s , h e s p o k e these m e a n i n g f u l w o r d s . 79. A rich m a n desirous of religious m e r i t a n d virtue m a y invite excellent B r ā h m a n a s a n d perform Y a j ñ a s w i t h w e a l t h a c q u i r e d by unjust m e a n s . But he does n o t a t t a i n t h e benefit of t h e righteous act. 80-82. A person overwhelmed by passion and delusion, w h o h a d been always without any check or restraint due to c o v e t o u s n e s s for w e a l t h , m a y i n t h e e n d d e s i r e t o s a n c t i f y h i m s e l f a n d for this p u r p o s e h e m a y p e r f o r m Japa ( c h a n t i n g o f M a n t r a s e t c . ) i n t e n s e l y a n d d i s t r i b u t e gifts a l s o . B u t t h e c h a r i t a b l e gifts m a d e b y h i m m a y b e c o m e fruitless. T h a t w i c k e d " m a n prone to violence m a y be inclined to perform meritorious deeds. After a c q u i r i n g w e a l t h thus ( b y unjust m e a n s ) , h e m a y d i s t r i b u t e c h a r i t a b l e gifts a n d p e r f o r m Tajñas o u t o f d e l u s i o n . T h e t a r n i s h e d gift o f t h a t w i c k e d soul d o e s n o t s t a n d in good stead. 83-85a. accumulated distributes

If a m a n gives to the d e s e r v i n g persons through

gifts

just means, if a

without

cherishing

person

desires

wealth

worships in

a c q u i r e s t h e fruit o f t h o s e c h a r i t a b l e gifts. T h a t gift r e s u l t s pleasure and happiness.

and

his m i n d , he in

O n e attains worldly pleasures t h r o u g h

850

Brahmā>}$a Purātfa

c h a r i t a b l e gifts. One

pervades

One the

goes to

heaven through

truthfulness.

stands eternally

by means of

worlds and

penance performed duly. 85b.

Truthfulness

is more conducive

welfare

than

p e n a n c e . K n o w l e d g e i s r e m e m b e r e d w e i g h t i e r , m o r e efficacious than

that. 86a-90.

were

born

It is reported that

penance. (For example) Kapi,

Kāśya,

Ajamīdha,

the

Ksattriyaś achieved king

Purukutsa,

castes

who

through

Viśvāmitra, Māndhātr, Sańkiti,

Śala,

Bhargavyoma,

twice-born

(Brahminhood)

lord G r t s a m a d a ,

Kaksīvān,

Rathāntara, Śaunaka, Visnuvrddha

Auśija

and

Ārstisena,

king

Śiśira,

other kings had been

Ksatriyas, b u t these are r e m e m b e r e d to h a v e attained the status of sages by

means

attained great

of penance.

Siddhis

All

(spiritual

these

saintly kings had

accomplishments).

Henceforth, I shall recount the line of

the

noble-souled

A y us.

CHAPTER SIXTYSEVEN The

Origin

Dhanvantari*

Ayus had five noble-souled

sons

of great

strength.

T h o s e kings were born of Prabhā, the d a u g h t e r o f S v a r b h ā n u . 2.

Nahusa

was

the

eldest

among

them.

v r d d h a is r e m e m b e r e d as the son next to h i m .

Ksatra-

Rambha,

Raji

a n d Anenas are well-known in the three worlds. 3. tion.

K s a t r a v r d d h a ' s son w a s Ś u n a h o t r a

of great

reputa

Ś u n a h o t r a - h a d three sons w h o w e r e v e r y m u c h righteous. 1.

T h i s is an e v i d e n c e of social m o b i l i t y in ancient India.

" T h i s chapter describes the line

of A y u that

•dynasty w a s b o r n D h a n v a n t a r i , t h e f a m o u s A y u r v e d a . He learnt the science f r o m

ruled

physician-king,

Bharadvāja but due

presentation of that science, d u e credit is

given to h i m .

Kāśī. the

t o his

Hence,

this

founder

systematic

the

title

this c h a p t e r specially refers t o D h a n v a n t a r i . His p e r i o d v i z . : ' ' s e c o n d D v ā p a r a Y u g a " is merely a Purānic w a y of stating time.

2.3.67.4-19

851

4 . T h e y w e r e K ā ś a , Sala and lord Gptsamada. T h e s o n o f G r t s a m a d a w a s ś u n a k a from w h o m Ś a u n a k a w a s b o r n . 5. Brāhmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaiśyas and born in his family, O B r ā h m a n a s , on account of Karmans.

Śūdras were their diverse

6 . A r s t i s e n a w a s Ś a l a ' s son. H i s son w a s Ś i ś i r a . T h e Śaunakas and the Ārstisenas were Brāhmanas mixed with Ksatriyas. 7-8. K i n g D ī r g h a t a p a s w a s t h e r u l e r o f K ā ś l a n d son o f K ā ś y a . D h a n v a w a s the son of Dīrghatapas a n d the scholar. D h a n v a n t a r i w a s b o r n o f h i m . T h i s b r i l l i a n t son w a s b o r n t o t h e i n t e l l i g e n t k i n g i n his old a g e , a t the close o f his p e n a n c e . T h e r e u p o n , the sages spoke these words to Sūta. The

sages

said

:—-

9. W h o i s D h a n v a n t a r i , the l o r d w h o w a s b o r n a m o n g h u m a n b e i n g s ? W e w i s h t o k n o w this. R e c o u n t t h a t u n t o u s , O s c o r c h e r of e n e m i e s ( ? ) Sūta

replied

:—

10-13a. Let the origin of D h a n v a n t a r i be heard, O Brāhmanas. He was born formerly w h e n the ocean was b e i n g c h u r n e d , for t h e s a k e o f n e c t a r . A t the o u t s e t , h e w a s b o r n before t h e K a l a ś a ( p o t ) . H e w a s e n c i r c l e d b y a h a l o o f g l o r y all r o u n d . O n s e e i n g h i m h a v i n g a c c o m p l i s h e d his t a s k s u d d e n l y , Visnu who was standing by s a i d — " Y o u are born of w a t e r " . H e n c e , he is r e m e m b e r e d as Abja ( w a t e r - b o r n ) . Abja s a i d to V i s n u — " O l o r d , I a m y o u r son. A l l o t m e m y s h a r e a n d p l a c e in the world, O excellent g o d . " 13b-19. O n b e i n g told thus, the lord s a i d after r e v i e w i n the factual position, " T h e d i v i s i o n o f t h e Y a j ñ a h a s a l r e a d y b e e n m a d e b y t h e sons o f D i t i a s w e l l a s t h e S u r a s . T h e d u e p e r f o r m a n c e o f Homas e t c . h a s b e e n l a i d d o w n i n t h e V e d a s b y t h e g r e a t s a g e s . I t i s n o t p o s s i b l e t o g e t Homa p e r f o r m e d u n t o you at a n y time. As you are born subsequent to Vedas O god, you have no M a n t r a (assignable to y o u ) . O lord, in y o u r second i n c a r n a t i o n you will e a r n r e p u t a t i o n i n t h e w o r l d . T h e n y o u will a t t a i n the s u p e r - n a t u r a l p o w e r s like Animā ( m i n u t e n e s s ) a n d o t h e r s . O lord, y o u w i l l a t t a i n D e v a -

852

Brahmānda

Purāna

h o o d w i t h this s e l f s a m e b o d y . B r ā h m a n a s ( a n d o t h e r t w i c e - b o r n o n e s ) s h a l l w o r s h i p y o u w i t h Caturmantras (i.e. M a n t r a s from t h e four V e d a s ) , g h e e offerings a n d Gavyas ( m a t e r i a l s of w o r s h i p o b t a i n e d from m i l k , m i l k p r o d u c t s ) . Y o u w i l l o n c e a g a i n reproduce the Ayurveda ( t h e S c i e n c e of M e d i c i n e ) . These incidents and events are inevitable and have a l r e a d y been visualised by the lotus-born lord ( B r a h m a ) e a r l i e r . U n d o u b t e d l y y o u w i l l b e b o r n i n the s e c o n d D v ā p a r a Y u g a " . T h e r e f o r e , after g r a n t i n g t h e b o o n , V i s n u d i s a p p e a r e d . 20. W h e n t h e second D v ā p a r a a r r i v e d , k i n g D ī r g h a tapas, the ruler of K ā ś ī , a descendant of Ś u n a h o t r a being d e s i r o u s of a son, p e r f o r m e d a p e n a n c e . 2 1 . T h e k i n g d e s i r e d t o p r o p i t i a t e l o r d D h a n v a n t a r i for the s a k e o f a son. T h e r e u p o n , D h a n v a n t a r i u r g e d t h e k i n g t o choose a boon as he pleased. The

king

said

:—

2 2 . " O l o r d , i f y o u a r e p l e a s e d w i t h . m e , b e m y son,, bestower o f m y g o a l " . After saying " S o b e i t " , the lord vanished t h e r e itself. 23-24. L o r d D h a n v a n t a r i w a s t h e n b o r n i n his a b o d e . He was a g r e a t king, the ruler of Kāśī, the dispeller of all a i l m e n t s . H e l e a r n e d t h e science o f M e d i c i n e — A y u r v e d a a l o n g w i t h its t h e r a p e u t i c s from B h a r a d v ā j a . H e classified i t i n t o e i g h t sections a n d t a u g h t t h e m t o different d i s c i p l e s . 25.

T h e son

Dhanvantari

became well

known

K e t u m ā n . T h e son b o r n t o K e t u m ā n b e c a m e k i n g B h ī m a r a t h a . 26.

T h e son o f B h ī m a r a t h a b e c a m e a n i n t e l l i g e n t l o r d o f

the subjects. W e l l - r e n o w n e d as Divodāsa,1 he b e c a m e the lord of Vārānasī. 27.

A t this t i m e , a

Rāksasa named

t h e city of V ā r ā n a s ī w h i c h h a d

been a

K s e m a k a , colonised

desolate and

tenantless

place. 1.

regarded

contemporary

D u r i n g his reign, V ā r ā n a s ī w a s

made

god

(described

Śiva—the

whole

episode

desolate

creditable to the great G o d M a h ā d e v a .

later

of by in

Daśaratha a

of A y o d h y ā .

demon-like this

chapter)

Gana is

of not.

2.3.67.28-38

853

2 8 . E a r l i e r , t h e city h a d b e e n c u r s e d b y t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d N i k u m b h a , a g a i n and a g a i n — " T h i s city will be void of p e o p l e a n d a d e s e r t e d p l a c e for a t h o u s a n d y e a r s " . 29. W h e n this c i t y w a s c u r s e d , D i v o d ā s a , t h e l o r d o f t h e s u b j e c t s , c o l o n i z e d a n o t h e r b e a u t i f u l c i t y a t t h e b o r d e r o f his realm, on the banks of Gomatī. The

sages

said

:—

30. W h a t for d i d N i k u m b h a c u r s e V ā r ā n a s ī f o r m e r l y ? W h y d i d N i k u m b h a the n o b l e - s o u l e d o n e c u r s e t h e h o l y p l a c e of t h e S i d d h a s ? Sūta

said

:—

31. T h e saintly king Divodāsa lived in that flourishing c i t y after o b t a i n i n g it. T h e r u l e r o f m e n o f g r e a t b r i l l i a n c e lived there in that prosperous city. 32. I t w a s a t this v e r y s a m e t i m e t h a t M a h e ś v a r a t o o k a wife u n t o him. Desirous of doing some thing pleasing to the G o d d e s s U m ā , t h e l o r d l i v e d n e a r his f a t h e r - i n - l a w . 33. A t t h e b e h e s t o f t h e l o r d , t h e P ā r i s a d a s ( a t t e n d a n t s ) of various kinds of forms, the ascetics b e g a n to delight goddess U m ā ( M a h e ś v a r ī ) b y a d o p t i n g the forms and guise a s mentioned before. 34. M a h ā d e v a w a s d e l i g h t e d o n a c c o u n t o f t h e m . B u t M e n ā w a s not delighted. She treated the lord a n d the goddess with contempt. 35. S h e said—"Your husband M a h e ś v a r a has no manners or good conduct even in my presence. He is always indigent in every respect. Alas, he is not a s h a m e d " . 36. O n b e i n g t o l d t h u s b y h e r m o t h e r i n s o m a n y w o r d s , Pārvatī did not brook it, t h a t b e i n g t h e n a t u r a l characteristic of women. Smilingly, the goddess w h o bestowed boons, w e n t near H a r a . 37. W i t h a sorrowful face, the goddess spoke to M a h ā d e v a — " O lord, I will not stay here, T a k e me to your abode". 38. On b e i n g told thus, M a h ā d e v a e x a m i n e d all the worlds, O excellent Brāhmanas and desired to take up residence on the Earth.

854

Brahmānda

Purina

39-41 a . T h e great lord Bhava of great lustre, eame to know that the city of V ā r ā n a s ī , the spot of spiritual masters, w a s occupied by D i v o d ā s a . He called the lord of Ganas stand i n g a t his s i d e a n d s a i d t h u s — " O l o r d o f G a n a s , g o t o t h e c i t y of Vārānasī and make it evacuated by using gentle means. T h a t k i n g possesses e x c e s s i v e h e r o i s m a n d s t r e n g t h " . 41b-44a. T h e n Nikumbha went to the city of Vārānasī at outset. He a p p e a r e d before a B r ā h m a n a n a m e d M a ń k a n a in d r e a m a n d s a i d — " I s h a l l d o s o m e t h i n g for y o u r w e l f a r e , O sinless one, f i n d o u t a s u i t a b l e p l a c e for m e . M a k e a n i d o l o f mine and instal it at the outskirts of the c i t y " . After g e t t i n g permission of the king, the B r ā h m a n a did every thing d u l y as he was instructed in d r e a m . He installed t h e idol, a t t h e g a t e o f t h e c i t y . 44b-47a. Worship w a s carried on every d a y on a grand scale, w i t h f r a g r a n t g a r l a n d s , s w e e t scents, i n c e n s e , offerings o f c o o k e d food a n d m a n y , o t h e r b e a u t i f u l t h i n g s w o r t h y o f b e i n g seen. T h a t w a s really a wonderful thing. T h u s the lord of Ganas was worshipped there every day. Therefore, he granted t h o u s a n d s o f b o o n s t o t h e citizens s u c h a s sons, g o l d , l a n d , e t c , — n a y a l l t h a t t h e y w i s h e d for. 47b-50.

T h e e x c e l l e n t q u e e n o f the k i n g , n a m e d S u y a ś ā ,

w h o was chaste a n d renowned, and w h o was urged by the k i n g , c a m e t h e r e for t h e s a k e o f a son. A f t e r p e r f o r m i n g t h e w o r s h i p e l a b o r a t e l y , t h e g e n t l e l a d y b e g g e d for sons, v i s i t i n g (the t e m p l e ) a g a i n a n d a g a i n for m a n y t i m e s for t h e s a k e o f sons. N i k u m b h a d i d n o t g r a n t h e r sons w i t h a r e a s o n b e h i n d it. H i s i d e a w a s t o d o s o m e t h i n g d e s t r u c t i v e , i f t h e k i n g w e r e t o g e t furious. Then

after a

long

time,

the king

was

overwhelmed

with anger. 51-55. H e t h o u g h t t h u s : — " T h i s g r e a t Bhūta (Goblin, Spirit) at the g a t e w a y grants hundreds of boons with great pleasure, to the citizens. But he does n o t g i v e us a n y t h i n g . He i s a l w a y s b e i n g w o r s h i p p e d b y m y o w n people i n m y o w n city. H e h a s b e e n r e q u e s t e d b y t h e q u e e n m a n y t i m e s for sons, b u t h e has- n o t g r a n t e d a son. R e a l l y h e i s u n g r a t e f u l d e s p i t e

855

2.3.67.56-67

e a t i n g a lot. H e n c e , he does not d e s e r v e at all a n y w o r s h i p f r o m me. Therefore, I shall destroy the abode of that wicked b e i n g " . A f t e r r e s o l v i n g t h u s , t h e e v i l - m i n d e d sinful k i n g d e s t r o y e d the a b o d e of that lord of the Ganas.

O n seeing his shrine shat

tered, the lord cursed the king. 56.

"Since,

without

a n y fault

by you,

has been destroyed

on my side,

king, your

my abode

city shall b e c o m e a

deserted wasteland suddenly". 57. came

Thereupon, on void

then.

account

of that curse, V ā r ā n a s ī be

After cursing the city, N i k u m b h a b r o u g h t

M a h ā d e v a there. 58.

Mahādeva

of great

and

noble

deserted v a c a n t city equal to the city

mind

of the

o f i t s w e a l t h a n d l u x u r y , a n d m a d e i t his

made

Devas

that

by means

abode as well as that

of the goddess. 59.

T h e goddess

itself. S h e w a s sports and words

sported

wonder-struck at

pastime

and diverted

her mind there

the affluence. F o r the sake of

the goddess,

lord

īśāna

spoke

these

:— my

abode is

Avimukta". L a u g h i n g l y h e s a i d t o h e r — " M y a b o d e i s

60.

" I w i l l n o t l e a v e off m y a b o d e . I n d e e d

Avimukta.

I will not go elsewhere, O gentle lady, after l e a v i n g thus. 61.

Sport a l o n g w i t h me in this holy spot, O r e s p l e n d e n t

lady w h o has no one superior to y o u " . Hence that (holy place) was called

Avimukta b y t h e l o r d h i m s e l f .

62-63.

T h u s V ā r ā n a s ī w a s c u r s e d a n d g l o r i f i e d a s Avimukta.

It w a s here that the noble-souled Yugas

along

with

the goddess.

M a h e ś v a r a lived in the three That

city

of that great Soul

it was

built once a g a i n

vanishes in the Kali age. 64. and

When

that city

colonized. T h u s

vanished,

V ā r ā n a s ī was cursed a n d colonized once

again. 65.

K i n g Divodāsa colonized

after k i l l i n g a h u n d r e d

sons of B h a d r a s e n a , w h o w e r e excellent wielders of b o w s . 66-67. that

The

kingdom

powerful king.

of Bhadrasena

There was

son

was destroyed by

of Bhadrasena n a m e d

D u r m a d a w h o w a s l e t off w i t h c o n t e m p t a n d m e r c i f u l n e s s t h a t he was only

boy.

The

heroic son

Pratardana was born

Drsadvatī and Divodāsa (Divodāsa II).

856

Brahmānda

68.

Purina

H e w a s a t t a c k e d b y t h a t b o y , the son ( o f B h a d r a s e n a )

O great king, w h o w a s desirous of w r e a k i n g

vengeance.

6 9 . P r a t a r d a n a h a d t w o sons, V a t s a a n d G a r g a w h o b e c a m e v e r y f a m o u s . A l a r k a w a s t h e son o f V a t s a a n d S a n n a t i w a s his son. 70-71. This verse has been sung by persons of yore about the saintly king Alarka :— 'The y o u n g and excellent king of Kāśī, Alarka, was r i c h l y e n d o w e d w i t h b e a u t y for s i x t y t h o u s a n d a n d six h u n d r e d y e a r s . B y t h e g r a c e o f L o p ā m u d r ā h e a t t a i n e d the g r e a t e s t s p a n o f life.' 72. A t the e n d o f the p e r i o d o f c u r s e , t h e k i n g o f p o w e r f u l a n d g r e a t a r m s killed t h e d e m o n K s e m a k a a n d g o t r e h a b i l i t a t e d t h e city o f V ā r ā n a s ī . 73. T h e h e i r o f S a n n a t i w a s a p i o u s Sunītha. T h e heir of Sunītha was a righteous K s a i m a ( K s e m a ?).

person named person n a m e d

74. K e t u m ā n w a s t h e son o f K s e m a . S u k e t u w a s his son. T h e son o f S u k e t u w a s k n o w n a s D h a r m a k e t u . 75. T h e h e r o i c D h a r m a k e t u . T h e lord of Satyaketu.

w a r r i o r Satyaketu w a s the heir of o f s u b j e c t s n a m e d V i b h u w a s the son

76. S u v i b h u w a s t h e s o n o f V i b h u . I t i s r e m e m b e r e d t h a t S u k u m ā r a came thereafter. Dhrstaketu was the extremely v i r t u o u s son o f S u k u m ā r a . 77. T h e h e i r o f D h r s t a k e t u w a s t h e l o r d o f s u b j e c t s V e n u h o t r a . V e n u h o t r a ' s son n a m e d G ā r g y a 1 w a s v e r y f a m o u s . 78-79. G a r g a b h ū m i w a s t h e son o f G ā r g y a . T h i s i s t h e l i n e o f V a t s a , t h e i n t e l l i g e n t o n e . T h e i r sons w e r e B r ā h manas and Ksatriyas. T h e y were exceedingly righteous.They w e r e valorous and powerful and had leonine exploits. T h u s the K ā ś y a p a s h a v e b e e n r e c o u n t e d . U n d e r s t a n d the d e s c e n d a n t s o f R a j i too. 1.

R e c o r d e d a s B h a r g a i n A I H T , p . 149.

closed

there,

(VV.

78-79).

but

our

text

records

T h e line

Gargabhūmi

is the

shown son

have

Gārgya

2.3.67.80-89

857

80. T h e h e r o i c R a j i h a d f i v e h u n d r e d sons. T h i s of Ksatriyas is well known as Rājeya on the Earth. w a s afraid of them.

group Indra

81. At that time a very terrible battle between the D e v a s a n d t h e A s u r a s took p l a c e , w h e n t h e D e v a s a n d t h e A s u r a s asked Brahma. 8 2 . " W h o w i l l b e v i c t o r i o u s , O h o l y l o r d i n the b a t t l e b e t w e e n u s ? T e l l us, O l o r d o f a l l worlds. We wish to hear." Brahma

said

:—

8 3 . " T h e r e i s n o d o u b t t h a t those, o n w h o s e b e h a l f L o r d R a j i w i l l t a k e u p his a r m s a n d f i g h t , w i l l c o n q u e r t h e three worlds.1 84. W h e r e t h e r e i s R a j i , t h e r e w i l l b e L a k s m ī ( f o r t u n e , w e a l t h ) , where there is Laksmī there is fortitude/Where there is f o r t i t u d e t h e r e is Dharma ( v i r t u e ) a n d w h e r e t h e r e is Dharma there is victory." 85-86. O n h e a r i n g a b o u t R a j i ' s success i n b a t t l e s , a l l t h e Devas a n d the D ā n a v a s , desirous of their o w n victories, a p p r o a c h e d the excellent k i n g and eulogised him. Delighted in their minds, all those Devas a n d D ā n a v a s s a i d — " Y o u , p l e a s e t a k e u p y o u r e x c e l l e n t b o w for t h e s a k e o f our v i c t o r y " . Raji

said

:—

87.

" I s h a l l defeat, O

their head

Daityas, the Devas with Indra at

I shall b e c o m e I n d r a w i t h a virtuous soul. Therefore,

I s h a l l fight in t h e b a t t l e - f i e l d . 88.

O u r Indra

Prahlāda.

shall w i n

the

battle

for h i s s a k e . A b i d e b y t h i s a g r e e m e n t u r g e d b y o u r l o r d . " 89. Even as he was about to say " S o be i t " , he was urged by the Devas too—"After winning the war, you will b e c o m e I n d r a " . H e w a s t h u s i n v i t e d b y t h e D e v a s too.

This is the twelfth war

Vaisnavism—last

footnote).

between

Devas

and

Asuras

(vide-Intro.—

858

Brahmānda

Purina

90-91. He killed all the Dānavas w h o had been armed w i t h t h u n d e r b o l t s a n d w h o c o u l d not b e k i l l e d . T h a t k i n g o f g r e a t s p l e n d o u r a n d p e r f e c t c o n t r o l o v e r his s e n s e - o r g a n s r e d e e m e d t h e lost g l o r y o f t h e D e v a s after k i l l i n g all D ā n a v a s . L o r d R a j i r e d e e m e d it. A c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e D e v a s , I n d r a s p o k e t o R a j i . " I a m t h e son o f R a j i " . A f t e r s a y i n g l i k e this, h e s p o k e these words once again. 92-93. "You are Indra o f all D e v a s . T h e r e i s n o d o u b t in this. I s h a l l , O k i n g , O s l a y e r of foes, a t t a i n r e p u t a tion since I a m y o u r s o n " . O n h e a r i n g t h e s e w o r d s o f I n d r a h e w a s d e c e i v e d b y his i l l u s i o n . 94-95. Indra.

"So

it shall b e " ,

said

the

delighted

king to

W h e n the king w h o was on a par with the Devas went to h e a v e n , t h e sons o f t h e p r e c e p t o r

of Raji,

i n t h e l e g a c y from I n d r a ( ? ) . T h e the heavenly world

Trivistapa,

seized

their share

h u n d r e d s o f sons a t t a c k e d

the

abode

of Indra,

several

times. 96-98. T h e n , after t h e l a p s e o f a g r e a t d e a l o f t i m e , Indra of great strength whose kingdom had been taken a w a y a n d w h o s e fortune h a d b e e n spoilt s p o k e t o B r h a s p a t i — " M a k e m y PurodiUa( sacrificial o f f e r i n g ) a t l a s t a s b i g a s t h e j u j u b e fruit, O B r ā h m a n a s a g e , w h e r e b y I c a n r e m a i n a l i v e after b e i n g revived by m e a n s of splendour. O B r ā h m a n a , I am emaciated a n d dejected in mind because my kingdom has been taken a w a y a n d my seat removed. I have been rendered weak a n d devoid of prowess in the battle by the sons o f R a j i . B e p l e a s e d with m e . " Brhaspati

said

:—

9 9 - 1 0 1 . " I f o n l y y o u h a d u r g e d m e e a r l i e r i n this m a t t e r , O I n d r a , O sinless o n e , t h e r e w o u l d h a v e b e e n n o w o r k o n m y p a r t t h a t s h o u l d n o t h a v e b e e n d o n e , for t h e s a k e o f y o u r pleasure. I s h a l l e n d e a v o u r , O l o r d of D e v a s of g r e a t s p l e n d o u r , for t h e s a k e o f w h a t i s c o n d u c i v e t o y o u r w e l f a r e . Yajfia

Ere long, you will attain your kingdom and offerings.

in the

2.3.67.102—68.3

859-

So I n d r a I shall go. L e t not y o u r m i n d be d e j e c t e d . " 102-104.

Thereafter, he

performed

great holy rites t h a t

c a u s e d t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f his s p l e n d o u r . T h e p r e c e p t o r e x c e l l e n t i n t e l l e c t c a u s e d d e l u s i o n t o sons o f R a j i .

W h e n they became extremely deluded, intoxicated due to p a s s i o n , h a t e r s o f B r ā h m a n a s , followers o f h e r e t i c y i e w s a n d deprived of heroism a n d exploits, he regained the excellent abode of I n d r a and the affluence o f A s u r a s after killing t h e sons o f R a j i w h o w e r e e n g r o s s e d i n a c t i v i t i e s o f l u s t a n d fury. 105. I f a n y o n e w e r e t o listen a n d n a r r a t e t h e d e t a i l s o f dethronement and re-establishment of Indra, he shall never attain the state of wretchedness.

CHAPTER SIXTYEIGHT The The

sages

asked

Story

of Tqy&ti

:—

1 . H o w w a s his d a u g h t e r g i v e n t o a k i n g b y t h e n o b l e souled M a r u t a (rather M a r u t t a ) 1 ?. Of w h a t heroic ability w e r e the noble-souled persons born of the d a u g h t e r of M a r u t a ? Sūta

replied

:—

2 . T h a t l o r d o f s u b j e c t s d e s i r o u s o f c o o k e d food, p e r f o r m e d t h e sacrifice Marutsoma. T h a t king of great splendour p e r f o r m e d i t e v e r y m o n t h for s i x t y y e a r s . 3 . T h e g o d s , M a r u t s , w e r e p l e a s e d b y t h e sacrifice Marut-. soma o f t h a t k i n g . D e l i g h t e d i n t h e i r h e a r t , t h e y g i v e n e v e r f a i l i n g c o o k e d food w i t h a l l t h e o t h e r a r t i c l e s h e s h o u l d d e s i r e .

VV.

1-6

speak

Maruta

and

c o n n e c t i o n w i t h a n y d y n a s t y i n this chapter.

Mitra-Jyoti.

B u t these h a v e

860

Brahmānda

Purāna

4 . H i s food t a k e n i n o n c e d i d n o t g e t w a s t e d for a d a y a n d a n i g h t * (i.e. p e o p l e e a t i n g i t w i l l n o t b e h u n g r y for t w e n t y four h o u r s ) . S t a r t i n g a t s u n r i s e , h e u s e d t o g i v e food t o crores of people (?) 5 . T o the d a u g h t e r o f M i t r a - j y o t i a n d t h e i n t e l l i g e n t M a r u t a w e r e b o r n m a n y sons w h o w e r e c o n v e r s a n t w i t h dharma, c o u l d r e a l i z e s a l v a t i o n a n d w h o w e r e e n d o w e d w i t h great intrinsic strength. 6. T h e y renounced the r i t e s a n d v o w s p e r t a i n i n g t o the householder a n d a d o p t e d Vairāgya (non-attachment to w o r l d l y desires or objects). After t a k i n g up the duties of recluses they attained salvation. 7 . K s a t r a - D h a r m a w a s t h e v a l o r o u s son o f A n e n a s . 1 P r a t i p a k s a o f g r e a t p e n a n c e w a s b o r n a s t h e son o f K s a t r a dharma. 8. Srñjaya, the son of Pratipaksa, b e c a m e well-known. J a y a w a s t h e son o f S r ñ j a y a . V i j a y a w a s b o r n t o h i m . 9. J a y a the second, was the son of Vijaya. H a r y a ś v a k a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s his son. T h e v a l o r o u s k i n g S a h a d e v a w a s t h e son o f H a r y a ś v a . 10. T h e r i g h t e o u s - s o u l e d son o f S a h a d e v a w a s famous b y t h e n a m e o f A h ī n a . J a y a t s e n a w a s the son o f A h ī n a . H i s son w a s S a ń k r t i . 11. T h e r i g h t e o u s - s o u l e d K r t a d h a r m a n o f g r e a t f a m e w a s t h e son o f S a ń k r t i . These are the descendants of Ayus of K s a t r i y a qualities. N o w understand the line of N a h u s a . 12. N a h u s a h a d six sons w h o s e s p l e n d o u r w a s c o m p a rable to that of Indra. T h e y were Yati, Yayāti, Samyāti, Ayāti Viyāti and Krti. 13. Y a t i w a s t h e eldest a m o n g younger brother. Y a t i got as his Kākutstha, named Gau. * V ā . P. 93 reads cooked

for

millions of people from 1.

for

hours

was

a different

bhuktam

does

not

hereof. get

exhausted

means even

'food if

once

served to

sunrise.'

This dynasty of A n e n a s

P . l 1.27-31) gives

pakvam

twentyfour

t h e m . Y a y ā t i w a s his wife the d a u g h t e r of

limited

and

line of A n e n a s .

(also g i v e n i n V ā . P . 9 3 .

could

not

properly

7-11

and

Brahma

located. Bh.P.IX.17

2.3.68.14-26

861

14. Y a t i a d o p t e d t h e p a t h o f s a l v a t i o n . H e b e c a m e a sage a n d b e c a m e one with B r a h m a n . A m o n g the other five,, it was Yayāti who became king. 15. H e g o t D e v a y ā n ī , t h e d a u g h t e r o f U ś a n a s , a n d Ś a r m i s t h ā t h e A s u r a l a d y a n d d a u g h t e r o f V r s a p a r v a n , a s his wives. 16-18. Devayāni gave birth to Y a d u and Turvasu. Śarmisthā, the d a u g h t e r of V r s a p a r v a n , g a v e birth to D r u h y u , A n u a n d P ū r u , sons o f g r e a t p r o w e s s a n d c o m p a r a b l e t o t h e sons o f t h e D e v a s . I n d r a w h o was delighted gave him an extremely refulgent chariot. It w o u l d not get stuck up anywhere. It w a s divine a n d g o l d e n . I t w a s f i t t e d w i t h horses h a v i n g t h e s p e e d o f t h e m i n d . I t w a s i n this c h a r i o t t h a t h e b r o u g h t the v i r g i n for m a r r i a g e (?). I n d r a g a v e h i m t w o g r e a t q u i v e r s t o o wherein the arrows would be inexhaustible. 19. W i t h t h a t p r e - e m i n e n t c h a r i o t , h e c o n s t a n t l y con q u e r e d t h e different k i n g d o m s o n t h e e a r t h . Y a y ā t i w a s i n v i n cible in battle to the Devas, D ā n a v a s and h u m a n beings. 20-21. T h a t c h a r i o t c o n t i n u e d t o b e w i t h all t h e k i n g s o f P ū r u ' s l i n e u p t o J a n a m e j a y a , t h e son o f K a u r a v a d y n a s t y . T h a t chariot disappeared when it reached Pārīksita, the king w h o w a s the grandson of K u r u . It disappeared d u e to the curse of the intelligent Gārgya. 22. T h a t king J a n a m e j a y a who was evil-minded and w h o w a s k n o w n a s L o h a g a n d h ī ( H a v i n g t h e o d o u r o f i r o n ) also, k i l l e d a b o y , t h e son of G ā r g y a . 23. A b a n d o n e d ( B a n i s h e d ) b y t h e c i t i z e n s a n d p e o p l e of the outlying districts, that king L o h a g a n d h ī r a n a b o u t here and there. He did not get happiness or mental peace a n y w h e r e . 24. Distressed w i t h sorrow and misery as he was, he did n o t g e t s y m p a t h e t i c u n d e r s t a n d i n g from a n y o n e a n y w h e r e . Utterly dejected he sought refuge in the s a g e Ś a u n a k a . 25-26. T h i s sage of liberal and exalted intellect w a s famous under the n a m e Indrota. For the sake of sanctity, Indrota Śaunaka m a d e king J a n a m e j a y a perform a horsesacrifice, O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s . A f t e r r e a c h i n g t h e s t a g e o f Avabhrtha ( v a l e d i c t o r y b a t h after horse-sacrifice) the king Lohagandhī died.

862

Brahmātida

Purāna

27-28. T h a t d i v i n e c h a r i o t w a s t a k e n a w a y from h i m and given to ( U p a r i c a r a ) Vasu, the king of Cedi, by Indra w h o w a s p l e a s e d w i t h h i m . B r h a d r a t h a g o t i t from h i m . B h ī m a , t h e scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f K u r u , k i l l e d J a r ā s a n d h a a n d g l a d l y gifted t h a t e x c e l l e n t c h a r i o t t o V ā s u d e v a . 29. T h a t s a i n t l y k i n g Y a y ā t i , the son o f N a h u s a , a t t a i n e d old a g e . H e t h e n s p o k e these w o r d s t o Y a d u , h i s eldest a n d t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t son. 30. " D e a r son, w r i n k l e s , g r e y h a i r a n d o t h e r infirmities o f old a g e h a v e o v e r p o w e r e d ( l i t . e n c i r c l e d ) m e o n a c c o u n t o f the c u r s e o f U ś a n a s . B u t I a m n o t c o n t e n t w i t h t h e p l e a s u r e s of youth. 31. O Y a d u , accept my A c c e p t m y old a g e . "

sjn

along

with

old

age.

Y a d u replied to him. 32-36. " A r e q u e s t for a l m s ( o f a n unspecified n a t u r e ) b y a B r ā h m a n a h a s b e e n p r o m i s e d b u t not fulfilled b y m e . I t c a n b e a c c o m p l i s h e d o n l y t h r o u g h p h y s i c a l e x e r t i o n s . I w i l l not t a k e u p y o u r o l d a g e . T h e r e a r e m a n y deficiencies a n d a i l m e n t s in o l d a g e c a u s e d by food a n d b e v e r a g e . H e n c e , O k i n g , I d a r e n o t t a k e u p y o u r o l d a g e . I d o n o t w i s h t o b e afflicted b y o l d a g e , w h i l e i n y o u t h , a l o n g w i t h the p e o p l e w i t h s a c r e d t h r e a d s (i.e. a g e d B r ā h m a n a s ) ( I d o not w a n t t o b e ) a w r e t c h e d f e l l o w h a v i n g a w h i t e b e a r d a n d m o u s t a c h e s , r e n d e r e d infirm by old a g e aud h a v i n g wrinkles covering up the whole body. ( A n d old m a n ) i s d e s p e r a t e , w e a k i n p h y s i q u e a n d i n c a p a b l e o f d o i n g his d a i l y w o r k [ I d o not w i s h t o b e s o i n m y y o u t h ) . I d o n o t l i k e old a g e a t a l l . Y o u h a v e m a n y sons, O k i n g , d e a r e r t o y o u t h a n I . L e t t h e m a c c e p t (the old a g e ) , O k i n g c o n v e r s a n t w i t h D h a r m a (piety a n d v i r t u e ) , c h o o s e s o m e o t h e r son". 37. O n b e i n g told thus b y Y a d u , h e b e c a m e e x t r e m e l y furious. ( T h e k i n g ) w h o w a s the m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g the elo q u e n t ones s p o k e t o t h e eldest son after c e n s u r i n g h i m . 38. " O e v i l - m i n d e d one, w h a t o t h e r d e v o u t r i t e d o y o u h a v e for w h i c h y o u d i s r e g a r d m e , y o u r p r e c e p t o r ( a n d father) ? W h a t o t h e r A ś r a m a ( s t a g e o f life) c a n y o u h a v e ? "

863

2.3.68.39-48

39-40. A f t e r s a y i n g this t o Y a d u , the a n g r y f a t h e r c u r s e d h i m — " I n spite of your being born of my bosom, you are not p a s s i n g o n y o u r y o u t h f u l a g e u n t o m e . H e n c e , O foolishly d e l u d e d one, y o u r p r o g e n y will not be entitled to the k i n g d o m . O T u r v a s u , a c c e p t m y sin a l o n g w i t h m y old a g e " . Turvasu

said:

—

41-44. " I d o n o t d e s i r e t o a c c e p t old a g e , O f a t h e r . It is destructive of all worldly pleasures oflove. T h e r e are m a n y defects i n old a g e c a u s e d b y food a n d b e v e r a g e . H e n c e , O k i n g , I a m n o t e a g e r t o t a k e u p y o u r old a g e . " Yayāti

cursed

" I n spite o f y o u r b e i n g b o r n o f m y b o s o m , y o u a r e n o t exchanging your youthful age with me. Hence, O T u r v a s u y o u r p r o g e n y w i l l b e c u t off from (all r i g h t s t o t h e k i n g d o m ) . O d e l u d e d o n e , y o u w i l l b e the r u l e r a m o n g m e n o f m i x e d r e l i g i o u s rites a u d p r a c t i c e o p p o s e d t o ours, a m o n g p e o p l e o f m i x e d castes, m e a t - e a t e r s a n d o t h e r s . Undoubtedly, your r e s i d e n c e , O s i n n e r , w i l l b e a m o n g b a r b a r i a n s a n d outcastes—m e n e n g a g e d i n o u t r a g i n g the m o d e s t y o f t h e i r p r e c e p t o r s ' w i v e s , m e n (destined t o b e b o r n ) a m o n g a n i m a l s o f l o w e r strata." Sūta

said

:—•

45-47.

A f t e r c u r s i n g T u r v a s u , his o w n son, t h u s ,

Yayāti

s p o k e these w o r d s t o D r u h y u , t h e son o f Ś a r m i s t h ā : — " O D r u h y u , y o u t a k e u p m y old a g e t h a t d e s t r o y s h a n d s o m e features a n d c o m p l e x i o n . G i v e m e i n e x c h a n g e y o u r p r i m e o f y o u t h for t h e p e r i o d o f a t h o u s a n d y e a r s . W h e n t h e p e r i o d of a t h o u s a n d y e a r s is c o m p l e t e I s h a l l g i v e y o u b a c k y o u r y o u t h . I s h a l l a l s o t a k e b a c k m y sin o n c e a g a i n a l o n g w i t h the old a g e . " Druhyu

said

48. " A n old m a n c a n n o t d r i v e a c h a r i o t o r r i d e a horse. H e c a n n o t enjoy w o m e n . H e h a s n o p l e a s u r e . T h e r e f o r e , I d o not desire o l d a g e " .

864

Brahmānda

Yayāti

said

Purāna

49-51. " S i n c e you, born of my own bosom, do not give me y o u r o w n youthful age, O D r u h y u , none of y o u r desires will be realised anywhere. Y o u will always be compelled to m o v e about i n b o a t s , rafts, c a n o e s e t c . T h o u g h b o r n i n the f a m i l y o f k i n g s , y o u w i l l s t a y t h e r e as a n o n - k i n g . O A n u , y o u a c c e p t m y sin a l o n g w i t h t h e o l d a g e . I s h a l l m o v e a b o u t w i t h y o u r y o u t h f u l a g e for t h e p e r i o d o f a thousand y e a r s . " Anu

said

52. " A n old m a n i s a s w e a k a n d feeble a s a c h i l d . H e i s a l w a y s u n c l e a n . H e d o e s n o t p e r f o r m Homa i n t h e s a c r e d f i r e a t the p r o p e r t i m e . I d o n o t like t h a t t y p e o f o l d a g e . " Yayāti

said

53-57. " S i n c e you, born of my own bosom, do not give m e y o u r y o u t h f u l a g e a n d since the defects o f o l d a g e h a v e b e e n r e c o u n t e d b y y o u , y o u w i l l h a v e t o m e e t w i t h the (infir m i t i e s of) a g e . Y o u w i l l b e p r e m a t u r e l y o l d O A n u , y o u r p r o g e n y w i l l d i e after a t t a i n i n g y o u t h . Y o u w i l l h a v e t o d e v o t e t o the s c a t t e r i n g o f f i r e l i k e this (i.e. y o u w i l l h a v e t o c r e m a t e your own children). O P ū r u , a c c e p t m y sin a l o n g w i t h m y o l d a g e . Defects o f old a g e , w r i n k l e s a n d g r e y h a i r s h a v e e n c i r c l e d m e , O d e a r one, d u e t o t h e c u r s e o f K ā v y a U ś a n a s . I a m n o t satisfied w i t h the enjoyment of pleasures o f y o u t h . W i t h y o u r youthful a g e , I s h a l l e n j o y w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s for s o m e t i m e . W h e n t h e p e r i o d of a t h o u s a n d y e a r s is c o m p l e t e , I s h a l l g i v e b a c k to y o u y o u r y o u t h . I shall a l s o t a k e b a c k m y o w n sin a l o n g w i t h m y old a g e . " Sūta

said

:—-

58-6la.

O n b e i n g told thus the son r e p l i e d t o his f a t h e r

immediately : I

shall

accept,

O k i n g , y o u r sin a l o n g w i t h y o u r old a g e . T a k e

"I shall do as y o u wish, O dear

father.

from

youthful a g e and enjoy worldly pleasures as m u c h as

you wish.

865

2.3.68.61-67 I shall be disguised by your old age, wearing age.

n a t u r a l l y as) Yayāti

your

form

and

After g i v i n g y o u my youthful age, I shall m o v e a b o u t (as

said

I h a v e become old in r e a l i t y . " :—

61b-62a. "O Pūru, welfare unto you. I am pleased with y o u . B e i n g d e l i g h t e d I a m g r a n t i n g y o u this. Y o u r p r o g e n y shall be rich. T h e y will realize their desires. T h e y will r u l e over the k i n g d o m . " Sūta

said

:—

62b-64. W i t h the assent of Pūru, king Y a y ā t i then trans ferred his o l d a g e t o h i m . W i t h t h e b l e s s i n g s o f B h ā r g a v a , w i t h t h e g r a n d e u r a n d w i t h y o u t h f u l a g e , Y a y ā t i son o f N a h u s a , the excellent one a m o n g men, b e c a m e delighted and enjoyed a l l w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s , a c c o r d i n g t o his d e s i r e , i n c o n f o r m i t y w i t h his e a g e r n e s s , a t the p r o p e r t i m e a n d o c c a s i o n a n d attained happiness. 6 5 . T h e k i n g w a s his o w n r e a l self a s b e f o r e (in t h e performance of religious rites). He enjoyed pleasures w i t h o u t a n y p r e j u d i c e t o D h a r m a a n d a c c o r d i n g t o his c a p a c i t y . H e p r o p i t i a t e d t h e D e v a s b y m e a n s o f sacrifices a n d t h e P i t r s b y m e a n s o f Ś r ā d d h a rites. 6 6 . H e d e l i g h t e d his w i v e s b y m e a n s o f a l l f a v o u r s desired by them. He m a d e excellent Brāhmanas pleased by g r a n t i n g t h e m everything they desired. He pleased guests by m e a n s o f foodstuffs a n d b e v e r a g e s a n d t h e Vaiśyas (the m e r c h a n t class) b y a c c o r d i n g t h e m b e n i g n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . 67. He delighted Śūdras by avoiding cruelty and pre v e n t i n g their harassment by others. He controlled decoits by giving punishments and restraining them otherwise. He delighted all subjects d u l y according to the injunctions of dharma.

68-70a. Indra.

Yayāti

protected

the

kingdom like another

T h a t k i n g of leonine exploits and youthful in a g e enjoyed w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s w i t h o u t c o m i n g i n t o conflict w i t h Dharma (Righteousness, piety). He attained excellent happiness. Seek-

866

Brahmānda

Purāna

i n g excellent happiness in the passionate indulgence because h e failed t o n o t i c e t h e defects thereof, h e s p o r t e d a b o u t i n t h e c o m p a n y of V i ś v ā c ī in the N a n d a n a park as well as V a i b h r ā j a park. 70b-73a. W h e n the k i n g s a w t h a t his d e s i r e s for pleasures were increasing(despitehis indulgence) he approached P ū r u a n d took b a c k his old a g e . A f t e r a t t a i n i n g his d e s i r e d pleasures, the king was satiated as well as dejected. T h e king remembered the stipulated period of a thousand years. He c o u n t e d e v e n the K a l ā s a n d K ā s t h ā s ( s m a l l u n i t s o f t i m e ) a n d thinking that the stipulated period of time w a s complete, said to his son P ū r u . 73b-74. " W i t h y o u r y o u t h f u l a g e , O son, O s u p p r e s s o r o f foes, w o r l d l y p l e a s u r e s h a v e b e e n e n j o y e d b y m e a t the p r o p e r time, i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h m y e a g e r n e s s a n d i n a w a y conducive to happiness. I am pleased w i t h you, O Pūru. W e l fare u n t o y o u . T a k e b a c k y o u r y o u t h f u l a g e . 75-76a. Y o u m a y take up the administration of the r e a l m . I n d e e d , y o u a l o n e a m o n g a l l t h e sons c a r r i e d o u t m y w i s h i n o r d e r t o p l e a s e m e . " K i n g Y a y ā t i , t h e son o f N a h u s a took b a c k his old a g e . P ū r u r e g a i n e d his y o u t h f u l a g e . 76b-77a. W h e n t h e k i n g w a s d e s i r o u s o f c r o w n i n g his y o u n g e s t son P ū r u , t h e p e o p l e o f a l l c a s t e s w i t h t h e B r ā h m a n a s b e i n g the chief of them, spoke to h i m these words. 77b-79.2 " W h y d o y o u set a s i d e t h e c l a i m o f t h e e l d e s t son Y a d u , t h e son o f D e v a y ā n ī , t h e g r a n d s o n o f Ś u k r a , a n d h a n d o v e r t h e k i n g d o m t o P ū r u . Y a d u i s y o u r eldest son. T u r v a s u w a s b o r n after h i m . D r u h y u i s t h e son o f Ś a r m i s t h ā . A n u w a s b o r n after h i m a n d only t h e n P ū r u . H o w d o e s t h e youngest son d e s e r v e k i n g d o m s u p e r s e d i n g t h e c l a i m s o f t h e e l d e r b r o t h e r s ? W e a r e r e m i n d i n g y o u . A b i d e b y Dharma.,' 1.

T h e story o f Y a y ā t i r e q u e s t i n g h i s sons t o e x c h a n g e t h e i r y o u t h for

a p e r i o d of 1000 y e a r s for h i s o l d a g e is g i v e n in d e t a i l s a n d 85. T h e i m m o r t a l verse najātu

kāmah

kāmānām

Mbh.Ādi.

Ghs 84

: upabhogena

śāmyati'

is quoted by other Purānas as well. 2.

V V . 7 7 - 9 0 s h o w t h a t k i n g s i n a n c i e n t I n d i a h a d t o seek s o m e sort o f

p u b l i c sanction, before appointing a heir

apparent to the throne.

867

2.3.68.80-90 Yay&ti

said

:—

80-86. " O p e o p l e o f all castes w i t h t h e B r ā h m a n a s a s c h i e f ones, all o f y o u listen t o m y w o r d s . U n d e r s t a n d w h y t h e k i n g d o m s h o u l d n o t b e g i v e n a t all t o t h e e l d e r ones b y m e . T h e b o l d son w h o c a r r i e s out t h e w o r d s o f his p a r e n t s i s p r a i s e w o r t h y . M y b e h e s t w a s n o t o b e y e d b y m y eldest son Y a d u . T h e son w h o is a n t a g o n i s t i c to his f a t h e r is n o t h o n o u r e d or a p p r o v e d o f b y g o o d m e n . H e i s the r e a l son w h o b e h a v e s l i k e a son u n t o his f a t h e r a n d m o t h e r . I h a v e b e e n s l i g h t e d a n d i n s u l t e d b y Y a d u , Tm-vasu. I h a v e been treated w i t h great contempt by Druhyu and Anu. My words have been carried out by Pūru a n d I h a v e b e e n p a r t i c u l a r l y h o n o u r e d . T h i s y o u n g e s t son s h a l l b e m y heir, b e c a u s e m y old a g e w a s t a k e n o v e r b y h i m . All m y d e s i r e s h a v e b e e n fulfilled b y P ū r u o f m e r i t o r i o u s activities. A boon has been granted king of g r e a t intellect

the

son

Sukra K ā v y a Uśanas.

who obeys

you

shall

"O the

king". The

Subjects

said

:—

87-90. "Let Pūru approved of by your majesty be c r o w n e d as a r u l e r of the k i n g d o m . E v e n i f h e b e t h e y o u n g e s t , the son w h o i s r i c h l y e n d o w e d w i t h g o o d q u a l i t i e s , a n d w h o d o e s e v e r y t h i n g for the w e l f a r e o f his p a r e n t s , d e s e r v e s all g o o d t h i n g s . H e d e s e r v e s t o b e t h e lord. P u r u w h o i s y o u r f a v o u r i t e son, a n d w h o h a s d o n e e v e r y t h i n g t o p l e a s e y o u , d e s e r v e s this k i n g d o m . D u e t o t h e b o o n g r a n t e d b y Ś u k r a , n o t h i n g m o r e c a n b e said c o n t r a d i c t i n g i t " . W h e n this w a s d e c l a r e d b y t h e satisfied citizens a n d p e o p l e o f the o u t l y i n g d i s t r i c t s , the son o f N a h u s a ( Y a y ā t i ) c r o w n e d his son P ū r u i n his o w n k i n g d o m ( i . e . t h e h e r e d i t a r y kingdom). He established T u r v a s u in the South-eastern quarter.1

VV.90-94

s h o w that

despite

g a v e parts o f his k i n g d o m t o his sons, g i v e n to the youngest son Pūru.

the

thougn

d i s o b e d i e n c e of his sons Y a y ā t i the

hereditary

throne

was

868

Brahmānda

Parana

9 1 . T h e k i n g e s t a b l i s h e d t h e e l d e s t son Y a d u i n t h e South-Western quarter. He assigned the W e s t e r n quarter to Druhyu and the northern quarter to A n u . 92. After c o n q u e r i n g the Earth consisting of seven oceans and continents, K i n g Y a y ā t i , t h e son o f N a h u s a , d i v i d e d i t i n t o f i v e d i v i s i o n s a n d d i s t r i b u t e d t h e m a m o n g his sons. 93. T h e entire Earth consisting of towns a n d seven continents is b e i n g protected by them righteously without encroaching on other territories as they w e r e conversant w i t h Dharma.

94.

After d i v i d i n g the E a r t h a m o n g

t r a n s f e r r i n g t h e r o y a l g l o r y t o his sons,

his

the

sons

king,

and the

after

son

Nahusa, became delighted. 9 5 . A f t e r l a y i n g a s i d e t h e b o w a n d the a r r o w s , after e n t r u s t i n g t h e k i n g d o m t o his sons a n d after a l l o t t i n g t h e d u t i e s a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s t o his k i n s m e n , t h e k i n g b e c a m e pleased. 96. In this context the following verses h a v e been f o r m e r l y s u n g b y Y a y ā t i , the g r e a t k i n g . B y following the advice therein one s h o u l d r e s t r a i n a n d w i t h d r a w lustful d e s i r e s l i k e a t o r t o i s e t h a t w i t h d r a w s his l i m b s . 1 97. " N e v e r can lust subside by e n j o y i n g the p l e a s u r e s . J u s t a s t h e f i r e i s a b l a z e a l l t h e m o r e b y g h e e offer ings so also the desires get increased by indulgence. 98.

All the food-grains a n d barleys, all the gold, all the

animals a n d all the

women

the

world—all

sufficient e v e n for o n e . O n e w h o r e a l i z e s this d o e s

these

are not

not

become

deluded. 9 9 . I f o n e h a s n o i n a u s p i c i o u s feelings t o w a r d s a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s , i f o n e i s n o t ill-disposed t o w a r d s a n y o n e m e n t a l l y , verbally or physically, one realizes the B r a h m a n then. 100.

I f o n e d o e s n o t terrify o t h e r s , i f o n e i s n o t a f r a i d o f

others, if one neither desires nor hates, one realizes the B r a h m a n then. 1. verses.

V V . 9 7 - 1 0 3 are often q u o t e d a n d

have

become in a way, immortal,

2.3.68.101—69.1

869

1 0 1 . H a p p i n e s s befalls o n e w h o e s c h e w s Trsnā ( t h i r s t , covetousness) w h i c h cannot be got rid of by evil-minded persons, which does not subside even w h e n one becomes old a n d infirm a n d w h i c h c a n b e c o n s i d e r e d a n a i l m e n t t h a t l a s t s till o u r v i t a l a i r s last ( o r t h a t causes d e a t h ) . 102. W h e n o n e b e c o m e s old, o n e ' s h a i r b e c o m e r o t t e n a n d d e c a y e d ; w h e n o n e b e c o m e s old, o n e ' s t e e t h d e c a y , b u t t h e desire to live a n d the greediness to earn w e a l t h do not subside e v e n w h e n o n e b e c o m e s old. 103. T h e p l e a s u r e o f l o v e i n t h e w o r l d , t h e g r e a t p l e a s u r e of heaven, do not deserve to be on a par w i t h a sixteenth part of the pleasure of destruction of covetousness." 104-107. After s a y i n g thus that saintly k i n g w e n t to the forest a l o n g w i t h his w i v e s . - A f t e r p e r f o r m i n g a p e n a n c e o n t h e p e a k B h r g u t u ń g a , 1 a n d after observing the holy v o w of sages, t h a t k i n g o f g r e a t f a m e a t t a i n e d h e a v e n . T h e s e f i v e lines o f k i n g s b e l o n g i n g t o his f a m i l y a r e m e r i t o r i o u s . T h e y a r e h o n o u r ed by the Devas and sages. T h e entire Earth is pervaded by t h e m as w i t h the rays of the sun. T h e m a n w h o reads or l i s t e n s t o Y a y ā t i ' s life s t o r y i n full s h a l l b e c o m e b l e s s e d a n d i s b l e s t w i t h p r o g e n y , l o n g life a n d f a m e , O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s .

CHAPTER SIXTY NINE The Sūta

continued

Birth

fCārttavirya*

:—

1. I shall recount the line of Y a d u , the eldest (son of Y a y ā t i ) of excellent splendour in detail and in the proper order. E v e n a s I r e c o u n t it, l i s t e n a n d u n d e r s t a n d . 1. the

A m o u n t a i n in N e p a l on the eastern b a n k of the G a n d a k . Here was

h e r m i t a g e of sage B h r g u •This chapter

describes

great king Kārttavirya great

emperor.

(De. 3 4 ) . the

Haihaya

Arjuna was born.

The

line

chapter

Yadu. is

which

the

n a m e d after t h a t

870

Brahmānda

Purāna

2 . Y a d u h a d f i v e sons c o m p a r a b l e t o t h e sons o f t h e D e v a s v i z . — S a h a s r a j i t t h e e x c e l l e n t o n e (or the eldest), K r o s t u , N ī l a , Aftjika a n d L a g h u . 3 . T h e son o f S a h a s r a j i t w a s t h e g l o r i o u s k i n g n a m e d Ś a t a j i t . T h e t h r e e sons o f Ś a t a j i t b e c a m e w e l l - k n o w n as extremely virtuous. 4. T h e y were H a i h a y a , and the king V e n u h a y a . H a i h a y a ' s heir was well-known as D h a r m a n e t r a . 5-6. K u n t i w a s t h e son o f D h a r m a n e t r a , S a r h j ñ e y a w a s his son. S a m j ñ e y a ' s h e i r w a s the king n a m e d M a h i s m ā n . Bhadrasena w a s the v a l o r o u s son o f M a h i s m ā n . H e w a s t h e k i n g a n d ruler of Vārānasī and he has already been mentioned. 7. Bhadrasena's heir was the king n a m e d D u r m a d a . D u r m a d a ' s i n t e l l i g e n t son n a m e d K a n a k a w a s w e l l k n o w n . 8-9. K a n a k a ' s h e i r s w e r e four a n d t h e y w e r e v e r y f a m o u s in all the worlds. T h e y w e r e K r t a v ī r y a , Krtāgni, K r t a v a r m a n a n d K r t a u j a s w h o w a s the fourth. A r j u n a w a s t h e son o f K r t a v ī r y a . T h i s k i n g b e c a m e t h e o v e r l o r d o f s e v e n conti nents with a thousand hands. 10. K ā r t t a v ī r y a p e r f o r m e d p e n a n c e for ten t h o u s a n d y e a r s . H i s p e n a n c e w a s e x t r e m e l y difficult t o b e p e r f o r m e d . B y m e a n s o f this p e n a n c e , h e p r o p i t i a t e d D a t t a , b o r n o f A t r i . 11.

D a t t a g r a n t e d h i m four e x c e l l e n t l y

glorious

boons.

H e chose a t t h e out-set t h e f i r s t b o o n v i z . a t h o u s a n d a r m s . 12-13. (His second b o o n w a s ) the a b i l i t y t o p r e v e n t o n e from e v i l t h e m o m e n t h e p l a n s (lit. m e d i t a t e s u p o n ) it. H i s t h i r d b o o n w a s p r o t e c t i o n o f the E a r t h v i r t u o u s l y after c o n q u e r i n g i t r i g h t e o u s l y . H i s last b o o n w a s " I m u s t b e a b l e t o c o n q u e r i n m a n y b a t t l e s . I m u s t kill t h o u s a n d s o f enemies. My death should be in a battle while fighting." 14. T h i s e n t i r e E a r t h c o n s i s t i n g o f s e v e n c o n t i n e n t s a n d m a n y towns, a n d encircled by seven oceans w a s conquered b y h i m i n a m a n n e r b e f i t t i n g the K s a t r i y a s . 15. H e possessed a t h o u s a n d a r m s b y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r a n d t h a t too w h i l e f i g h t i n g . J u s t a s t h e Y o g a manifests i n t h e case o f t h e l o r d o f Y o g a s , s o also t h e t h o u s a n d arms appear by means of Māyā.

871

2.3.69.16-27 16. sacrifices

O excellent sages, it were

duly

heard

t h a t seven

performe 1 fcy that king

hundred the seven

continents. 17-18. All t h e Yajñas o f t h a t p o w e r f u l k i n g h a d p l e n t y o f s p l e n d o u r a n d g r a n d e u r . Gold altars w e r e used in all of t h e m . All of t h e m were p e r f o r m e d w i t h sacrificial p o s t s m a d e o f g o l d . A l l t h e Yajñas w e r e g r a c e d b y t h e i r p r e s e n c e b y t h e Devas of exalted fortune seated in aerial chariots. T h e y w e r e always rendered splendid a n d attractive by the G a n d h a r v a s and Apsaras. 19. After observing the greatness and conduct of life o f t h a t s a i n t l y k i n g , N ā r a d a , a G a n d h a r v a , s a n g the follow ing verse about that king : 20-22" D e f i n i t e l y h u m a n b e i n g s w i l l not b e a b l e t o a t t a i n t h e g o a l a c h i e v e d b y K ā r t t a v ī r y a b y m e a n s o f sacrifices c h a r i t a b l e gifts, a u s t e r i t i e s , e x p l o i t s a n d l e a r n i n g . " T h a t k i n g i s seen e v e r y w h e r e i n t h e s e v e n c o n t i n e n t s m o v i n g a b o u t b y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r . H e i s a r m e d w i t h bow, sword or with bows and arrows. He moves about in his c h a r i o t a l o n g w i t h his f o l l o w e r s . O n a c c o u n t o f the p r o w e s s o f t h a t g r e a t k i n g t h e s u b j e c t s were protected virtuously. T h e y did not h a v e a n y misery or p e r t u r b a t i o n . T h e y suffered n o less i n their assets and properties. 2 3 . H e w a s t h e o v e r l o r d o f t h e p e o p l e for e i g h t y - f i v e t h o u s a n d y e a r s . H e w a s a n E m p e r o r , the s u z e r a i n o v e r m a n y kings. He w a s the enjoyer of all gems. 24. He w a s the protector of animals. He w a s the defender o f t h e f i e l d s . O n a c c o u n t o f his Y o g i c p o w e r , h e w a s t h e Parjanya (lord of c l o u d s a n d r a i n ) t h r o u g h r a i n . 2 5 . O n a c c o u n t o f his t h o u s a n d a r m s r e n d e r e d t o u g h a n d rough by the frequent contact w i t h the bow-string, he s h o n e l i k e t h e a u t u m n a l S u n w i t h his t h o u s a n d r a y s . 26. W i t h a thousand elephants, that king attacked a n d c o n q u e r e d the R o y a l a s s e m b l y o f K a r k o t a k a i n M ā h i s m a t ī a n d b u i l t his c i t y t h e r e . 27.

(Defective

verse)

That

lotus-eyed

check the speedy waves of the ocean during

the

king rainy

used

season.

872

Brahmānda

Purāna

Sportingly he used to spew out its w a t e r s a n d m a k e a n artificial r a i n y season. 28. S h a k e n a n d tossed a b o u t b y h i m w h i l e p l a y i n g , the Narmadā, having garlands with golden fillets approached him in an apprehensive m a n n e r a n d produced a loud cry of distress released through the waves. 29. O n c e h e w a d e d t h r o u g h t h e g r e a t s e a a n d tossed u p t h e w a v e s a n d tides b y m e a n s o f his t h o u s a n d a r m s , c r e a t i n g a n u n t i m e l y h i g h tide a s t h o u g h b l o w n u p b y t h e w i n d . 30. W h e n t h e g r e a t o c e a n w a s b e i n g a g i t a t e d b y h i s t h o u s a n d a r m s , the g r e a t A s u r a s i n t h e P ā t ā l a ( n e t h e r - w o r l d s ) remained hidden and motionless. 31-32. W i t h his t h o u s a n d a r m s , the k i n g s t i r r e d u p t h e o c e a n i n the s a m e m a n n e r a s the D e v a s a n d t h e A s u r a s c h u r n e d u p the o c e a n o f m i l k . A g r e a t n u m b e r o f f i s h e s c o n c e a l e d u n d e r the g r e a t w a v e s w e r e c r u s h e d d o w n t o p i e c e s . T h e f o a m s w e r e tossed u p a n d d o w n . T h e s e a b e c a m e r o u g h a n d u n b e a r a b l e w h e n so m a n y whirlpools and eddies were caused, when it w a s stirred u p b y K ā r t t a v ī r y a . 33-34. T h e a g i t a t i o n o f t h e s e a b y the k i n g w a s like t h a t o f t h e o c e a n o f m i l k c h u r n e d w i t h t h e M a n d a r a m o u n t a i n , for t h e sake of producing nectar. On seeing the excellent king of terrifying appearance, the g r e a t serpents b e c a m e frightened. T h e y h u n g d o w n their heads a n d fled immediately. \Vhen they h u n g d o w n their heads they a p p e a r e d l i k e the s t u m p s o f p l a n t a i n trees i n t h e e v e n i n g t h a t remain motionless in a place d e v o i d of w i n d . 35-36. I n s t r o n g a n d s t e a d y b o w s , h e tied t h e s t r i n g f i r m l y a n d f i t t e d f i v e h u n d r e d a r r o w s . W i t h his p r o w e s s h e r e n d e r e d R ā v a n a , t h e k i n g o f L a ń k ā , senseless a l o n g w i t h his a r m y . He defeated him in the battle a n d subjugated him. After g a i n i n g control over him, he b r o u g h t him to M ā h i s m a t ī and tied h i m t h e r e . Pulastya, thereupon, approached Arjuna, p r o p i t i a t e d h i m a n d pacified h i m . 37-38. O n b e i n g r e q u e s t e d b y P u l a s t y a , t h e k i n g set P a u l a s t y a (i.e. R ā v a n a , t h e g r a n d s o n o f P u l a s t y a ) free. T h e t w a n g i n g s o u n d o f t h e b o w s t r i n g p r o d u c e d b y his thousand arms, resembled the thundering sound of the groups of bursting clouds at the e n d of Y u g a .

873

2.3.69.39-50

Indeed, Bhārgava was a warrior of great prowess and h e r o i s m , b e c a u s e i n the b a t t l e f i e l d , h e c u t off his t h o u s a n d a r m s a s t h o u g h t h e y w e r e a forest o f g o l d e n p a l m y r a s . 39-41. Once, he w a s earnestly requested by the fire-god •who w a s t h i r s t y a n d h u n g r y . T h e l o r d o f s u b j e c t s g r a n t e d s e v e n c o n t i n e n t s a s a l m s u n t o t h e f i r e g o d . F i r e b l a z e d a t t h e tips of his a r r o w s w i t h a d e s i r e to c o n s u m e t h e cities, v i l l a g e s , t o w n s a n d c o w h e r d colonies. W i t h the h e l p o f v a l o r o u s e x p l o i t s o f K ā r t t a v ī r y a t h e leading m a n firegod of great fame burned mountains a n d forests. 42-44. T h e firegod accompanied by Haihaya (i.e. K ā r t t a v ī r y a ) arrogantly burned d o w n the v a c a n t hermitage of V a r u n a ' s son e n t i r e l y . V a s i s t h a w a s t h e n a m e o f t h a t son w h o m V a r u n a obtained. He was excellent and brilliant. He became a famous sage by the name Ā p a v a . T h e s a i n t l y lord A p a v a then •cursed A r j u n a out of a n g e r . 1 45-47. " S i n c e this forest o f m i n e h a s not b e e n s p a r e d b y y o u , O H a i h a y a , a n o t h e r k i n g n a m e d A r j u n a , son o f K u n t ī who w i l l b e c o m e a k i n g w i l l s u p e r s e d e t h e difficult t a s k achieved by y o u . * R ā m a the most excellent one a m o n g those w h o s t r i k e ( w i t h w e a p o n s ) w i l l c u t off t h o u s a n d a r m s { o f S a h a s r ā r j u n a ) . R ā m a a sage, a B r ā h m a n a of great strength a n d p r o w e s s w i l l c r u s h A r j u n a a n d kill h i m . " 48. On account of the curse of that intelligent sage, R ā m a b e c a m e t h e c a u s e o f his d e a t h . I n fact t h i s b o o n h a d been chosen by that k i n g himself formerly. 49-50. H e h a d a h u n d r e d sons. F i v e o f t h e m w e r e v e r y g r e a t warriors. T h e y were very strong, heroic, well-versed in w i e l d i n g weapons, famous and virtuous-souled viz. Śūra,Śūrasena Vrsāsya, V r s a and Jayadhvaja. It was Jayadhvaja w h o perpetu a t e d his l i n e . H e w a s t h e r u l e r o f A v a n t i .

T h e curse motif w a s very p o p u l a r w i t h

Purāna-writers

explain

any miraculous or unlikely event, here the killing of a great hero like Kārtta vīrya. T h e explanation of Kārttavīrya's anti-sage action is given

in the

<&apter VV-1-14. •Probably the idea is that A r j u n a

wil

this task in the context of K h ā n d a v a d ā h a .

i gain

better

reputation

874

Brahmānda

Purāno

51-53a. T ā l a j a ń g h a w a s the v a l o r o u s son o f J a y a d h v a j a . H e h a d a h u n d r e d sons. I t i s r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e y w e r e w e l l - k n o w n b y the n a m e o f T ā l a j a ń g h a s . T h u s f i v e g r o u p s o f t h e n o b l e s o u l e d H a i h a y a s h a v e b e c o m e f a m o u s v i z . V ī t i h o t r a s , Bhojas, Avantips, the v a l o r o u s T u n d i k e r a s a n d the T ā l a j a ń g h a s . . 53b-57. T h e son o f V ī t i h o t r a w a s t h e k i n g n a m e d A n a n t a . D u r j a y a , his son, b e c a m e a d e s t r o y e r of his e n e m i e s . T h a t k i n g h a d r e c e i v e d t h e b o o n o f n e v e r l o s i n g his w e a l t h . W i t h his g r e a t p o w e r , t h e g r e a t k i n g p r o t e c t e d his subjects. H e n e v e r lost his w e a l t h . H e r e g a i n e d w h a t e v e r w a s lost. I f a p e r s o n w e r e t o r e c o u n t the b i r t h s t o r y o f K ā r t t a v ī r y a , the i n t e l l i g e n t o n e , his riches w i l l i n c r e a s e . H i s p i e t y w i l l d e v e l o p further. H e w i l l b e h o n o u r e d i n h e a v e n like a p e r s o n w h o p e r f o r m s sacrifices a n d like a d o n o r .

CHAPTER SEVENTY Dynasties The

sages

enquired

of Jyāmagha

and

Vrsni

:—

1. W h y w a s the forest ofApava, the n o b l e - s o u l e d one,, b u r n t b y K ā r t t a v ī r y a f o r c i b l y ? T e l l u s this i n d e t a i l s e v e n a s w e ask. 2 . W e h a v e h e a r d t h a t s a i n t l y k i n g w a s the p r o t e c t o r o f the subjects. P r o t e c t o r o f s u b j e c t s a s h e w a s , h o w c o u l d h e destroy the penance-grove ? Sūta

replied

:—

3. Aditya (the S u n - g o d ) a p p r o a c h e d K ā r t t a v ī r y a in t h e g u i s e of a B r ā h m a n a a n d s a i d , " G i v e me food till I am satis fied. Because I am undoubtedly the S u n - g o d . " The

king

said

:—

4 . O l o r d , tell m e , w i t h w h a t w i l l y o u b e satisfied, O S u n g o d ? W h a t type of food s h o u l d I s e r v e y o u ? I s h a l l d o so a f t e r h e a r i n g from y o u .

875

2.3.70.5-15 The

Sun

said

:—

" G i v e u n t o m e a s food a l l

immovable beings, O most

e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g d o n o r s . I s h a l l be satisfied w i t h it, O k i n g , and not with anything else." The

king

submitted

:—

6. " A l l the immovable beings cannot be b u r n t by the fiery splendour of a h u m a n being, O most excellent one a m o n g those w h o blaze, I m a k e my obeisance unto y o u . " The

Sun

said

:—

7-8. " P l e a s e d with you I shall give you inexhaustible q u i v e r o f a r r o w s t h a t c a n face i n a l l d i r e c t i o n s ( i . e . t h a t can be discharged in every direction). On being discharged, they will blaze, c h a r g e d w i t h m y refulgence. Assailed b y m y brilliance, all i m m o v a b l e beings shall become parched u p . O k i n g , I s h a l l r e d u c e e v e r y t h i n g to a s h e s in a m o m e n t . " 9-11. T h e n the sun-god g a v e m a n y a r r o w s t o A r j u n a . After r e c e i v i n g t h o s e a r r o w s from h i m , the v o l l e y s o f a r r o w s t h u s d i s c h a r g e d from his bow, O king, b u r n e d all t h e i m m o v a b l e s s u c h a s h e r m i t a g e s , villages, colonies o f c o w h e r d s , cities, p e n a n c e - g r o v e s , b e a u t i f u l forests, p a r k s a n d g a r d e n s etc. T h e E a r t h w a s b u r n e d a n d r e n d e r e d d e v o i d o f trees a n d g r a s s by the fiery splendour of the Sun. 12-13. I n t h e m e a n t i m e , A p a v a , the g r e a t s a g e o f h i g h e s t splendour, w h o h a d a l r e a d y performed holy rites in fire and h a d u n d e r t a k e n a Vrata ( h o l y v o w ) of s t a y i n g u n d e r w a t e r f o r ten t h o u s a n d y e a r s , h a d c o m e out f r o m w a t e r after c o m p l e t i n g his Vrata. T h e g r e a t s a g e then s a w his h e r m i t a g e b u r n e d d o w n by Arjuna. 14.

O u t of anger,

cursed

the

saintly

king

in the

manner already recounted to you by me. Now

listen t o t h e line

of the saintly

king

Krostu,

consisting of m a n y excellent persons. 15.

H e w a s the k i n g i n w h o s e f a m i l y w a s b o r n V r s n i t h e

leading m e m b e r of the V r s n i dynasty. K r o s t u h a d o n l y o n e son, V r j i n ī v ā n o f g r e a t f a m e .

876

Brahmānda

Purāna

16. S v ā h ī , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g S v ā h ā v ā n s (i.e. t h o s e w h o p e r f o r m Tajñas w h e r e t h e M a n t r a ' S v ā h ā ' i s r e p e a t e d ) w a s the son o f V r j i n ī v ā n . S v ā h i ' s son R u ś e k u * b e c a m e a king a n d the most excellent one a m o n g donors. 17. D e s i r o u s o f t h e b i r t h o f sons, R u ś e k u o f sanctified soul, p e r f o r m e d g r e a t sacrifices o f different t y p e s w i t h p l e n t y o f r e q u i s i t e m o n e t a r y gifts. 18-19. C i t r a r a t h a w a s b o r n a s his son w h o p e r f o r m e d m a n y h o l y r i t e s . Ś a ś a b i n d u w a s t h e son o f C i t r a r a t h a . H e w a s a g r e a t w a r r i o r . H e p e r f o r m e d sacrifices, d i s t r i b u t i n g l a r g e sums of money. He practised the highest (most excellent) activities of saintly kings. He had the most exalted character a n d great prowess. He was an emperor and had many children. T h e following verse has r e g a r d i n g his line : —

been

sung by

men

yore

20-22. " Ś a ś a b i n d u h a d ten t h o u s a n d sons. T h e y w e r e glorious with plenty of wealth a n d brilliance. They were i n a l l r e s p e c t s w o r t h y a s his s u c c e s s o r s " . A m o n g them six w e r e the most i m p o r t a n t . All these w e r e v e r y s t r o n g a n d p o w e r f u l . T h e y p e r f o r m e d m a n y sacrifices. They were Prthuśravas, Prthuyaśas Prthukarman, Prthuñj a y a , P r t h u k l r t i a n d Prthudānta. T h e y were kings born of Śaśabindu. 2 3 . Persons c o n v e r s a n t w i t h P u r ā n a s p r a i s e A k s a r a * * a s the son o f P r t h u ś r a v a s . S u y a j ñ a w a s t h e s o n o f A k s a r a a n d U ś a n a s w a s h i s son. 2 4 . U ś a n a s w a s v i r t u o u s a n d p i o u s . After g e t t i n g t h e E a r t h ( i . e . after c o m i n g t o t h e t h r o n e ) , h e p e r f o r m e d a h u n d r e d horse-sacrifices c o n f e r r i n g t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t m o n e t a r y g i f t s (as D a k s i n ā ) . 2 5 . M a r u t t a 1 w a s his son. H e followed t h e footsteps o f s a i n t l y k i n g s . V i r a k a m b a l a - B a r h i s i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e son o f Marutta.

•Ruśadgu in A I H T , p.

144.

**Antara in A I H T , p.

144.

Our

text

dropped Śineyu

the

son

g r a n d s o n M a r u t t a a s t h e s o n o f U ś a n a s vide A I H T , p .

U ś a n a s a n d n a m e d his 144.

877

2.3.70.26.-36

26-27. R u k m a k a v a c a w a s the l e a r n e d son o f K a m b a l a b a r h i s . W i t h his s h a r p a r r o w s , R u k m a k a v a c a , a t t h e v e r y o u t s e t , killed m a n y warriors w i t h coats of m a i l a n d b o w s , in b a t t l e and attained the most excellent glory. T h a t king of great fame d i s t r i b u t e d m u c h w e a l t h t o B r ā h m a n a s i n his h o r s e - s a c r i f i c e . 2 8 . F i v e sons o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h a n d p r o w e s s w e r e b o r n t o R u k m a k a v a c a . T h e y could pierce the enemies a n d kill inimical warriors. 29. T h e y w e r e R u k m e s u , Prthurukma, Jyāmagha, Parigha a n d Hari. T h e father established Parigha a n d Hari in the land of V i d e h a . 3 0 . R u k m e s u b e c a m e k i n g (as successor t o his f a t h e r , 1 ) a n d P r t h u r u k m a b e c a m e his d e p e n d a n t . T h u s c h e a t e d (and defeated) by them, J y ā m a g h a 2 lived in a h e r m i t a g e though ( h e w a s e n t i t l e d to b e ) a k i n g . 31-32. H e w a s c a l m ( b y t e m p e r a m e n t ) . I n a g r e a t forest, h e i n c u r r e d t h e a n t a g o n i s m o f a B r ā h m a n a . H e t o o k u p his b o w . S e a t e d i n a c h a r i o t a n d f l y i n g his o w n b a n n e r , h e w e n t t o another country. Alone, the king went to the N a r m a d ā , then t o t h e l a n d o f M e k a l a ( ? ) , t h e M i r i k ā forest, t h e m o u n t a i n Rksavān and ultimately reached Muktimān. 33. T h e w i f e o f J y ā m a g h a n a m e d Ś a i b y ā w a s a v e r y powerful w o m a n . T h o u g h h e h a d n o son, h e d i d not m a r r y another woman. 34. In a b a t t l e he w a s victorious and b r o u g h t a girl as his p r i z e . A f r a i d o f his wife t h a t h e w a s , t h e k i n g t o l d h i s w i f e " T h i s is your daughter-in-law." 35. O n b e i n g t o l d t h u s , she r e p l i e d " T o w h i c h son d o e s she belong to be called my daughter-in-law ? ( T h e k i n g r e p l i e d ) — " S h e w i l l b e t h e w i f e o f t h e son w h o will be born to y o u " . 36. By means of her severe a n d terrible exalted noble lady Śaibyā, in her old age, g a v e son V i d a r b h a . 1.

penance, birth to

A I H T . p . l 4 6 names Parāvrt instead of R u k m e s u as

the her

the successor to

Rukmakavaca. 2. w.33-36

J y ā m a g h a is below.

noted

hen-pecked

husband

Purānas.

vide

878

Brahmānda

Purāna

37-38. T h e prince V i d a r b h a begot of that girl two l e a r n e d sons K r a t h a a n d K a i ś i k a . T h e y w e r e h e r o i c e x p e r t s i n b a t t l e . A f t e r w a r d s h e b e g o t L o m a p ā d a , t h e t h i r d son. B a b h r u -was t h e son o f L o m a p ā d a a n d A k r t i w a s h i s s o n . 39. C i d i w a s the son o f K a i ś i k a . T h e sons a n d descen dants born of him were kings and are remembered as Caidyas. K u n t i w a s the son o f K r a t h a w h o (as h a d b e e n a l r e a d y m e n t i o n e d ) w a s V i d a r b h a ' s son. 4 0 . D h r s t a w a s b o r n a s the son o f K u n t i . H e w a s c o u r a g e o u s a n d v a l o r o u s i n b a t t l e . N i r v r t i w a s the v i r t u o u s son of D h r s t a . He was a slayer of inimical warriors. 4 1 . H i s son w a s D a ś ā r h a w h o h a d g r e a t s t r e n g t h a n d e x p l o i t s . V y o m a w a s t h e son o f D a ś ā r h a . J ī m ū t a i s m e n t i o n e d a s c o m i n g after h i m . 4 2 . V i k r t i w a s t h e son o f J ī m ū t a . H i s son w a s B h ī m a r a t h a . R a t h a v a r a , i t i s s a i d , w a s the son o f B h ī m a r a t h a . 43. acquiring His Daśaratha The

He was always engaged in making charitable learning and practising good conduct. son w a s N a v a r a t h a a n d i t i s r e m e m b e r e d c a m e thereafter.

4 4 . H i s son w a s E k ā d a ś a r a t h a a n d Ś a k u n i w a s archer K a r a m b h a k a came thereafter, and

gifts, that

his son. Devarāta

succeeded him. 45. K i n g D e v a k s a t r a o f g r e a t f a m e w a s son o f D e v a r ā t a . D e v a n a , the d e l i g h t e r o f a l l K s a t r i y a s , w a s b o r n a s t h e son o f Devaksatra. 46. Madhu was born of Devana. Puruvasu was e x t r e m e l y b r i l l i a n t son o f M a d h u w h o s e i n t e l l e c t w a s s o u r c e o f his w e a l t h .

the the

47-49. P u r ū d v ā n , t h e e x c e l l e n t m a n , w a s t h e son o f P u r u v a s u . P u r ū d v a h a w a s t h e son o f B h a d r a v a t ī a n d P u r u d v ā n . His wife w a s A i k s v ā k ī a n d S a t t v a w a s his son b o r n o f h e r . Sātvata, the increaser of fame a n d endowed w i t h Sattva q u a l i t y , w a s b o r n o f h i m . After p e r f e c t l y u n d e r s t a n d i n g this creation of J y ā m a g h a of noble-soul, one shall attain progeny a n d i d e n t i t y w i t h the i n t e l l i g e n t ' K i n g ' S o m a .

879

2.3.71.1-12

CHAPTER SEVENTYONE The Sūta

said

Vrsni

Dynasty

:—

1-2. Sons o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h w e r e b o r n t o S ā t v a t a a n d Kauśalyā. They were Bhajamāna, Bhaji, Divya, Vrsni, Devavrdha, Andhaka and Mahābhoja who was well-known, truthful of speech a n d a patron of B r ā h m a n a s . T h e i r creations ( d e s c e n d a n t s ) a r e fourfold. L i s t e n t o t h e m i n d e t a i l . 3-6. (Defective text) Syñjaya was t h e son of B h a j a m ā n a * (?) S r ñ j a y a h a d t w o d a u g h t e r s . H e g a v e t h e m i n m a r r i a g e t o B ā h y a k a . T h o s e t w o sisters his w i v e s , g a v e b i r t h t o m a n y sons namely Nimloci, K i m k a n a , Dhisti and P a r a p u r a ñ j a y a * * T h e y w e r e b o r n ( a s t h e g r e a t g r a n d s o n s ) o f B h a j a m ā n a a n d t h e sons o f the d a u g h t e r o f S r ñ j a y a . T h e s i s t e r o f B ā h y a k a ' s f i r s t wife g a v e b i r t h t o A y u t ā j i t , S a h a s r a j i t a n d Ś a t ā j i t . A m o n g the sons of Sātvata, D e v a v r d h a performed a severe penance with the i n t e n t i o n " A son e n d o w e d w i t h a l l g o o d q u a l i t i e s s h o u l d b e born to m e " . 7-8. After e n g a g i n g h i m s e l f t h u s i n the Y o g i c p r a c t i c e , he touched the waters of the river Parnāśa.1 Since the k i n g was e n d o w e d w i t h a u s p i c i o u s q u a l i t i e s , the e x c e l l e n t r i v e r b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d a t his t o u c h w h e n t h e k i n g c e r e m o n i o u s l y s i p p e d the waters. 9-10.

S h e (the r i v e r ) b e c a m e e n g r o s s e d i n t h o u g h t

and

finally resolved t h u s — " I s h a l l n o t c o m e i n t h e w a y o f t h a t l a d y o f w h o m a son endowed with all good qualities can be born to k i n g D e v a v r d h a . H e n c e , I s h a l l m y s e l f b e c o m e his w i f e " . before

11-12. As her emotional attachment to him, as mentioned welled up in her heart, she ( a s s u m e d the form of)

* A c c . t o V ā . P . 71.3 Bāhya and

King

Bhajamāna

had

from

Srñjaya

two

sons

Bāhyaka.

* * T h e list i n V ā . P . i s N i m i , P a n a v a , V r s n i , P a r a - P u r a ñ j a y a . 1. 146.

T h e river B a n a s in R a j a s t h a n ,

tributary

the

Chambal—De

Brahmānda

880

Purāna

a girl a n d wooed the king w h o was in a thoughtful mood. T h e k i n g too l i k e d h e r . T h e l i b e r a l - m i n d e d k i n g b e g o t a brilliant child of her. 13. I n t h e n i n t h m o n t h , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t r i v e r g a v e b i r t h t o B a b h r u , t h e son o f D e v a v r d h a . T h a t son w a s e n d o w e d with all g o o d qualities. 14. I n r e g a r d t o t h a t r a c e o f k i n g s , B r ā h m a n a s c o n v e r sant with the Purānas sing the following verses. T h e y glorify the good qualities of the noble-souled D e v a v r d h a . 15-16. ' I n a s m u c h a s w e h e a r from a d i s t a n c e a n d see a t close q u a r t e r s , B a b h r u is the most excellent one a m o n g h u m a n beings and D e v a v r d h a is on a par with the Devas. T h e number of men who gained immortality (? absolu t i o n ) from B a b h r u a n d a l s o from D e v a v r d h a i s s e v e n t y t h o u sand a n d sixtyfive. 17-18. M a h ā b h o j a , a scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f S ā t v a t a s , w a s a g r e a t w a r r i o r . H e w a s a p e r f o r m e r o f sacrifices, t h e c h i e f o f the m o s t p r o m i n e n t ones a m o n g t h e d o n o r s o f l i b e r a l gifts, firm of resolve, truthful in speech, a patron of B r ā h m a n a s a n d the most famous a m o n g kings. His line is v e r y great. T h e kings renowned on the Earth as "Bhojas". Dhrsti (Prob. V r s n i * ) had two wives Mādrī.

o f his l i n e a r e w e l l viz.

Gāndhārī and

19-21. Gāndhārī give birth to Sumitra w h o delighted his friends. M ā d r ī g a v e b i r t h t o Y u d h ā j i t , M ī d h v ā n , a n d A n a m i t r a a n d Ś i n a — b o t h excellent a m o n g men. N i g h n a w a s t h e son o f A n a m i t r a . N i g h n a h a d t w o sons v i z . Prasena a n d Satrājit of g r e a t fortune. T h e Sun-god w a s a friend o f S a t r ā j i t a s d e a r t o h i m a s his o w n life. 22. O n c e , a t t h e close o f n i g h t , t h a t e x c e l l e n t p e r s o n among riders in the chariot (a great warrior) viz. Satrājit w e n t i n h i s c h a r i o t t o t h e b a n k s (of t h e r i v e r ) i n o r d e r t o t a k e w a t e r for offering l i b a t i o n s to t h e sun. 23. Even as he was going on with his worship of the s u n , V i v a s v ā n ( T h e S u n g o d ) stood i n front o f h i m . T h e f o r m •AIHT p.

107—The

genealogy.

881

2.3.71.24-35 of the lord w a s v e r y vivid a n d clear. T h e disc of w i t h a c i r c u l a r effulgence w a s v e r y b r i l l i a n t .

the

Sun-god

24-25. T h e n the k i n g addressed to V i v a s v ā n (the Sun-, g o d ) w h o s t o o d i n front o f h i m . " O l o r d o f l u m i n a r i e s , I see y o u a l i k e b o t h i n the s k y a s w e l l a s i n front o f m e . Y o u h a v e t h e s a m e c i r c u l a r effulgence. O V i v a s v ā n , w h a t i s t h e difference i n y o u w h e n y o u h a v e a p p r o a c h e d m e a s a f r i e n d ? " 26. O n h e a r i n g this, t h e S u n - g o d r e m o v e d t h e e x c e l l e n t j e w e l S y a m a n t a k a 1 from his o w n neck a n d tied i t r o u n d t h e neck of the king. 27. T h e r e u p o n , the k i n g s a w h i m i n his p h y s i c a l f o r m . On seeing him, he was delighted and he carried on a pleasant t a l k w i t h h i m for a s h o r t w h i l e . 28-29. W h e n V i v a s v ā n started once again, Satrājit said t o h i m — " I t b e h o v e s y o u , O l o r d , t o g i v e m e this e x c e l l e n t j e w e l w h e r e b y t h e p e o p l e m a y see y o u i n i t h a v i n g t h e splendour of fire. T h e S u n - g o d g a v e h i m t h e j e w e l n a m e d Syamantaka. 30. T h e king wore that jewel when he entered the city. H e m a d e t h e e n t i r e c i t y w o n d e r - s t r u c k a n d e n t e r e d his h a r e m . 31. W i t h great love, that king Satrājit g a v e that divine excellent jewel S y a m a n t a k a to his brother Prasena. 32. P a r j a n y a (god of clouds and rain) w o u l d shower p l e n t y o f r a i n i n t h a t c o u n t r y w h e r e this j e w e l n a m e d S y a m a n t a k a h a p p e n e d t o exist. T h e r e w o u l d b e n o d a n g e r from a i l m e n t s or epidemics in that country. 33. Govinda (Krsna) expressed his desire to h a v e t h a t e x c e l l e n t j e w e l S y a m a n t a k a from P r a s e n a , b u t d i d not g e t it. A l t h o u g h h e w a s p o w e r f u l e n o u g h , h e d i d n o t t a k e i t b y force. 34. O n c e Prasena bedecked himself with that j e w e l a n d w e n t for h u n t i n g . F o r t h e s a k e o f S y a m a n t a k a ( i . e . on a c c o u n t of it) he m e t w i t h a t e r r i b l e d e a t h from a l i o n . 35. J ā m b a v ā n , t h e k i n g o f b e a r s , k i l l e d took t h e d i v i n e j e w e l a n d e n t e r e d his c a v e .

that

lion.

C o m p a r e t h e story o f S y a m a n t a k a i n B h . P . X . C h s 5 6 a n d 57.

882

Brahmānda

36.

Elderly

persons a m o n g

the

Vrsnis

considered that m u r d e r of Prasena an act of

Purina

and Andhakas

Krsna

who

was

covetous of the jewel. T h e y suspected h i m alone. 37.

T h e lord, the destroyer of enemies,

who

was

p o w e r f u l t h a n t h e y d i d n o t b r o o k t h a t false a c c u s a t i o n .

r o a m e d a b o u t in the forest to t r a c e P r a s e n a . 38-41.

Accompanied

worthy and obedient to him, forest

where

Prasena

a few citizens w h o w e r e trust

the

lord

roamed

footprints could be

traced. He searched the

tains

Vindhya

Rksavān and

about

h a d been h u n t i n g and where and

excellent

b e c a m e tired.

the

Prasena's

moun the end

the noble-minded lord saw Prasena w h o had been killed

along

w i t h his h o r s e . B u t h e d i d n o t g e t t h e j e w e l t h e r e (on h i s p e r s o n ) . T h e r e a f t e r , the lion w a s seen killed body of Prasena. This had been the

bear.

The

Scion

b y a b e a r n o t far f r o m

the

indicated by the footprints

of the family

of Y a d u (i.e. lord K r s n a )

t r a c e d the foot-prints to the c a v e of a b e a r . 42-44.

that large

by a young woman.

The

cave,

nurse

he heard the words uttered

had

been

playing

infant son of J ā m b a v ā n , O B r ā h m a n a s , a l o n g T h e w o r d s M i rodih ( D o n o t c r y ) The

nurse

said

with

the

jewel.

w e r e uttered by her.

:—

" T h e lion killed Prasena. It w a s killed

Jāmbavān. O

m y e x c e l l e n t c h i l d , do, n o t c r y . T h i s j e w e l i s for y o u " . The

words

were

very

clear.

went

into

the

cave

immediately. 45-47.

N e a r the c a v e ( a l s o ) he s a w (a few) torn (pieces

of) Prasena. E n t e r i n g the c a v e of the b e a r s u d d e n l y , the l i b e r a l - m i n d e d lord

saw Jāmbavān,

Govinda,

the

son

the

king

of bears. For twentyone

of V a s u d e v a ,

had

w i t h J ā m b a v ā n inside that cave. After K r s n a h a d c a v e (those w h o h a d followed K r s n a ) w i t h head, returned to Dvārāvatī and

days,

hand-to-hand fight entered

Vasudeva

announced

that

Krsna

the their had

b e e n killed. 48-50.

After

defeating J ā m b a v ā n

great

strength,

V a s u d e v a w o n J ā m b a v a t ī , the honoured daughter of the king of bears.

2.3.71.51-63

883

O v e r w h e l m e d by the splendour of the lord, J ā m b a v ā n g a v e the j e w e l and J ā m b a v a t ī immediately to V i s v a k s e n a (i.e. K r s n a ) . He accepted the j e w e l S y a m a n t a k a in order to clear himself of scandalous accusation. 5 1 - 5 4 a . After p a c i f y i n g t h e k i n g o f b e a r s , t h e l o r d c a m e o u t of the cave. After r e d e e m i n g the j e w e l thus and clearing h i m s e l f o f all s c a n d a l s b y his o w n efforts, t h e l o r d g a v e the j e w e l to Satrājit in the presence of Sātvatas. T h e slayer of Madhu married Jāmbavatī. T h u s M a d h u s ū d a n a c l e a r e d h i m s e l f o f false a c c u s a t i o n . I f a n y o n e u n d e r s t a n d s this false a c c u s a t i o n a n d its r e m o v a l by Krsna, he will never be a v i c t i m o f false a c c u s a t i o n a n d slanderous gossip. 54b-56. S a t r ā j i t h a d t e n w i v e s a n d t e n t h o u s a n d sons. A m o n g them three were very famous. B h a ń g a k ā r a w a s the eldest. V ā t a p a t i w a s a g r e a t w a r r i o r and T a p a s v ī ' w a s a favou rite of m a n y people. B h a ń g a k ā r a ' s mother w a s V ī r a m a t ī by name. She g a v e birth to three daughters endowed with beauty and good qualities. 57. S a t y a b h ā m ā was the most excellent a m o n g w o m e n . She used to be steadfast in h e r holy rites and observances. She w a s a saintly w o m a n . Her father g a v e her in m a r r i a g e to Krsna. 58-60. (Defective T e x t ) . O n h e a r i n g t h a t K r s n a d i d n o t t a k e a w a y t h e j e w e l from S a t r ā j i t , A k r ū r a , d e s i r o u s o f w e a l t h coveted the j e w e l S y a m a n t a k a . T h r o u g h Ś a t a d h a n v a n of the B h o j a f a m i l y , h e r e q u e s t e d for S a t y a b h ā m ā of unblamed b e a u t y . S a t a d h a n v a n of g r e a t strength then killed Satrājit at night, took a w a y the j e w e l and .gave it to A k r ū r a . 61-62. A k r ū r a , t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t a m o n g m e n , took t h e j e w e l and entered into an agreement (with Ś a t a d h a n v a n ) . " T h i s s h o u l d n o t b e k n o w n t o a n y o n e else. W e s h a l l m a k e u s e o f t h e w e a l t h r e c e i v e d from it. I n c a s e y o u a r e a s s a i l e d b y K r s n a , the entire city of D v ā r a k ā will u n d o u b t e d l y remain u n d e r m y control. 63. W h e n her father w a s killed, S a t y a b h ā m ā of g r e a t reputation b e c a m e distressed w i t h grief. She g o t into a chariot a n d w e n t t o the c i t y o f V ā r a n ā v a t a .

884

Brahmānia

Purāna

64. After reporting to her h u s b a n d (i.e. K r s n a ) t h e activities of Ś a t a d h a n v a n of the Bhoja family, the excessively distressed S a t y a b h ā m ā stood at the side of her h u s b a n d a n d shed tears. 65. Hari ( K r s n a ) performed the obsequies of Pāndavas w h o were supposed to h a v e been b u r n t in the lac palace at V ā r a n ā v a t a . H e e n g a g e d S ā t y a k i i n a c t i v i t i e s o f w e l f a r e * (?) ; for t h e b r o t h e r s . 66a. M a d h u s ū d a n a (Krsna) c a m e to D v ā r a k ā in a hurry,. T h e g l o r i o u s l o r d t h e n s p o k e t h e s e w o r d s t o his e l d e r b r o t h e r Halī ( B a l a r ā m a ) . 66b-68. " P r a s e n a w a s killed by a lion. Satrājit w a s k i l l e d b y Ś a t a d h a n v a n . S y a m a n t a k a s h o u l d b e s e a r c h e d for. O lord, I am the legal master of that gem. So get into your c h a r i o t q u i c k l y . A f t e r k i l l i n g t h e v e r y p o w e r f u l scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f B h o j a , O m i g h t y one, b r i n g t h e S y a m a n t a k a j e w e l . It s h o u l d be c o m m o n to y o u a l l . * * 69. T h e n a fierce battle ensued between Bhoja K r s n a . Ś a t a d h a n v ā l o o k e d for A k r ū r a i n e v e r y d i r e c t i o n .

and

70. A k r ū r a left B h o j a a n d Ś r ī k r s n a w i t h o u t b r i n g i n g about any truce between them. Though he w a s able to fight, he did not own loyalty, d u e to perfidy. 71. T h e n Ś a t a d h a n v a n b e c a m e f r i g h t e n e d . H e d e c i d e d t o g o a w a y from t h a t p l a c e . H r d a y ā ( t h e m a r e o f Ś a t a d h a n v a n ) ran more than a hundred Yojanas. 72. T h e m a r e n a m e d H r d a y ā b e l o n g e d t o B h o j a . I t w a s reputed as one capable of g o i n g a hundred Yojanas. It w a s a divine m a r e w i t h which he fought with Krsna. 73. O n s e e i n g H r d a y ā e x h a u s t e d d u e t o t h e fast r u n n i n g a t t h e close o f t h e h u n d r e d t h Y o j a n a o f t h e j o u r n e y a n d o n o b s e r v i n g t h e m i s f o r t u n e (?) o f t h e c h a r i o t , Ś a t a d h a n v a n b e g a n t o r u n o n foot. 74. T h e n , d u e t o f a t i g u e a n d affliction, O B r ā h m a n a s , that vital breath of that m a r e went up in the sky. T h e n K r s n a said to R ā m a . *Kalyārtha

obscure.

V ā . P. 96.63

p e r f o r m a n c e o f rites. * * 'us alt" a s p e r V ā . P . 9 6 . 6 6 :

r e a d s tulyirtha ' f o r e q u i v a l e n c e * i n .

2.3.71.75-88

885

75. " O m i g h t y one, w a i t h e r e . I h a v e f o u n d o u t t h a t t h e r e is a defect in t h e m a r e . I s h a l l go on foot a n d t a k e a w a y the excellent jewel S y a m a n t a k a " . 76. T h e n A c y u t a w h o w a s conversant w i t h the use o f t h e g r e a t e s t m i s s i l e w e n t o n foot a n d k i l l e d Ś a t a d h a n v a n i n a p a r k in the city of Mithilā. 77. H e d i d n o t s e e S y a m a n t a k a ( w i t h h i m ) . W h e n K r s n a r e t u r n e d after k i l l i n g B h o j a o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h , t h e w i e l d e r of p l o u g h (i.e. B a l a - R ā m a ) said to him " G i v e me the j e w e l " . 78. K r s n a s a i d — " I t i s n o t w i t h m e " . T h e n R ā m a b e c a m e angry and replied to K r s n a using the w o r d " F i e on y o u " m a n y times. 7 9 . " I t o l e r a t e this s i n c e y o u a r e m y b r o t h e r . W e l f a r e unto you. I am going away. I have nothing to do with Dvārakā, you and the V r s n i s . " 8 0 . T h e r e a f t e r , R ā m a , t h e s u p p r e s s o r o f foes e n t e r e d M i t h i l ā . W i t h t h e offering o f a l l d e s i r a b l e o b j e c t s h e w a s h o n o u r e d by the k i n g of M i t h i l ā himself. 8 1 . I t w a s a t this t i m e itself t h a t B a b h r u ( = Akrūra) the most excellent one a m o n g the intellectuals performed w i t h o u t a n y o b s t a c l e different k i n d s o f Y a j ñ a s . 82. T h i s intelligent noble-minded son of Gāndinī (Akrūra) adopted initiation along w i t h K a v a c a (coat o f m a i l ) a s p r o t e c t i o n , for k e e p i n g S y a m a n t a k a . 8 3 . T h o s e sacrifices o f t h a t n o b l e - s o u l e d o n e a r e f a m o u s a s Akrūrayajñas. I n a l l o f t h e m , food a n d m o n e t a r y gifts w e r e in plenty. All of t h e m yielded everything one desired. 84. T h e n king D u r y o d h a n a w e n t to Mithilā. T h e h a d a training in mace-fighting under Balabhadra. training w a s usually of a divine nature.

lord The

85. Thereafter, R ā m a w a s pacified a n d b r o u g h t to D v ā r a k ā by the noble-souled K r s n a a n d the leading warriors b e l o n g i n g to the families of V r s n i s a n d A n d h a k a s . 86. A k r ū r a , a powerful leader of men, c a m e back along w i t h the A n d h a k a s after k i l l i n g Śatrughna along with Bandhumān. 87-88. T w o w e l l - r e n o w n e d a n d v e r y m i g h t y sons n a m e d Śatrughna and Bandhumān were born to Bhańgakāra and

886

Brahmānda

Purāna

Narā, the d a u g h t e r of S u y a j ñ a . T h e y w e r e t h e most excellent a m o n g m e n . K r s n a was n o t h a p p y over this m u r d e r , b e c a u s e Bhańgakāra was a prominent member of A n d h a k a family. 89. Since he w a s afraid of a split a m o n g s t his kinsmen, he (Krsna) ignored him (Akrūra). W h e n Akrūra went away, I n d r a d i d not shower rain (as A k r ū r a took w i t h h i m the Syamantaka gem). 90. Since t h e w h o l e r e a l m w a s ruined by in various ways, the Kukuras and Andhakas consoled A k r ū r a .

the draught pacified a n d N

91. W h e n D ā n a p a t i (i.e. A k r ū r a ) returned to D v ā r a k ā once again, the thousand-eyed lord ( I n d r a ) rained every w h e r e ( e v e n ) w i t h i n the ocean. 92. In order to g a i n the love ( o f K r s n a ) , O leading s a g e s , A k r ū r a , t h e g l o r i o u s o n e g a v e his s i s t e r ( i n m a r r i a g e ) t o V a s u d e v a , a g i r l h o n o u r e d b y e v e r y o n e for h e r g o o d conduct. 9 3 . B y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c p o w e r , K r s n a u n d e r s t o o d t h a t t h e j e w e l S y a m a n t a k a w a s w i t h B a b h r u (i.e. A k r ū r a ) . Hence, he spoke thus to A k r ū r a in the open Assembly hall. 94-95. " O lord, y o u are w o r t h y o f honour. D o not d o anything mean or ignoble towards me. Hand over to me that j e w e l w h i c h i s i n y o u r possession. S i x t y y e a r s h a v e p a s s e d . T h e a n g e r t h a t I h a d a t t h a t t i m e h a s b e c o m e f i r m l y r o o t e d (on a c c o u n t of) r e p e a t e d (offences). A l o n g t i m e h a s e l a p s e d now". 9 6 . T h e n , a t t h e i n s t a n c e o f K r s n a , t h e h i g h l y intelli gent B a b h r u h a n d e d over, w i t h o u t hesitation and mental strain, the j e w e l (to K r s n a ) in the A s s e m b l y of all S ā t v a t a s . 97. T h e n K r s n a , the suppressor of enemies, became d e l i g h t e d i n his m i n d . H e r e t u r n e d t o B a b h r u t h e j e w e l h e h a d o b t a i n e d from B a b h r u , b y a s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d d e a l . 9 8 . A f t e r o b t a i n i n g from K r s n a t h e e x c e l l e n t jewel S y a m a n t a k a , the son of Gāndinī w o r e it a n d shone like the Sun. 9 9 . H e w h o u n d e r s t a n d s this false a c c u s a t i o n o f t h e lord a n d the excellent w a y in w h i c h the lord cleared himself, w i l l n o t a t a l l b e a v i c t i m o f false a c c u s a t i o n .

887

2.3.71.100-112

100. Śini w a s b o r n o f A n a m i t r a w h o w a s t h e y o u n g e s t son o f V r s n i . His son w a s S a t y a k a w h o w a s t r u t h f u l i n s p e e c h and richly e n d o w e d w i t h truthful habits. 101. Y u y u d h ā n a w a s t h e son o f S a t y a k a a n d B h ū t i * w a s his son. Y u g a n d h a r a w a s t h e son o f B h ū t i . H e n c e , h e w a s famous as Bhautya. 102. V r s n i w a s b o r n a s t h e son o f Y u d h a j i t w h o w a s t h e son o f M ā d r ī . Ś v a p h a l k a a n d C i t r a k a w e r e t h e t w o sons o f Prśni. 103. T h e r e w a s n o fear from a i l m e n t s o r d r o u g h t i n t h e place w h e r e the noble-souled great king Śvaphalka w a s present. 104. O n c e u p o n a t i m e , O e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s , I n d r a d i d n o t s h o w e r r a i n for t h r e e y e a r s i h t h e r e a l m o f t h e k i n g o f K ā ś ī a powerful lord. 105. T h a t k i n g o f K ā ś ī g r e a t l y h o n o u r e d Ś v a p h a l k a and m a d e h i m stay there. T h e chastiser of Pāka (i.e. I n d r a ) showered rain on account of the stay of Śvaphalka. 106. S v a p h a l k a o b t a i n e d a s his w i f e t h e d a u g h t e r o f t h e king of Kāśi, n a m e d Gāndinī. Every d a y she g a v e a cow as a gift to a B r ā h m a n a . 1 107. I t i s s a i d t h a t s h e w a s i n t h e w o m b o f h e r m o t h e r for m a n y h u n d r e d s o f y e a r s . S h e d i d n o t c o m e o u t . T h e f a t h e r then spoke to her even as she w a s in the w o m b . 108-109. " W e l f a r e unto you. Be born quickly. W h y do y o u stay behind ? " . T h e g i r l i n the w o m b said t o h i m — " I f y o u g i v e as a r e l i g i o u s gift a c o w e v e r y d a y , I s h a l l c o m e o u t of the w o m b i n three y e a r s " . T h e father said " S o b e i t " and fulfilled h e r d e s i r e . 110. A k r ū r a h e r s o n from Ś v a p h a l k a , w a s r e m e m b e r e d as a l i b e r a l d o n o r , a p e r f o r m e r of sacrifices, h e r o i c , l e a r n e d , fond o f g u e s t s a n d a p e r s o n w h o d i s t r i b u t e d m u c h w e a l t h a s m o n e t a r y gifts. 111-112. ( S h e had other children also viz.) U p a m a ń g u , M a ñ g u , Mrduras, Arimejaya, Giriraksa, Yaksa, Śatrughna, •Asańga according to A I H T , p. 1.

107.

A p o p u l a r e t y m o l o g y of G ā m d i n i .

888

Brahmānda

Purāna

A r i m a r d a n a , D h a r m a v r d d h a , S u k a r m a n , G a n d h a m ā d a , Avāha a n d P r a t i v ā h a w e r e t h e sons. T h e e x c e l l e n t l a d y V a s u d e v a w a s her daughter. 113. T w o sons w h o w e r e t h e d e l i g h t e r s o f the f a m i l y a n d w h o resembled Devas were born to the daughter of Ugrasena and Akrūra. They were Devavān and Upadeva. 114*115. Citraka begot t h r e e sons. P r t h u , V i p r t h u , Aśvagrīva, Aśvavāha, Supārśvaka, Gavesana, Aristanemi, Aśvāsya, Suvarmā, Varmabhrt, Abhūmi and Bahubhūmi. Ś r a v i s t h ā a n d Ś r a v a n ā w e r e his d a u g h t e r s . 116. T h e d a u g h t e r o f the k i n g o f K ā ś ī b o r e four sons t o S a t y a k a v i z . — K u k u r a , Bhajamāna, Śuci and K a m b a l a b a r h i s . 117. V r s n i w a s t h e son o f K u k u r a ; t h e son o f V r s n i a n d V i l o m a n w a s his son.

Kapotaroman

was

118. A n d h a k a w a s his son. I t i s w e l l - k n o w n t h a t h e w a s a s c h o l a r a n d friend o f T u m b u r u . A n o t h e r n a m e o f h i s v i z . C a n d a n o d a k a d u n d u b h ī * is a l s o f a m o u s . 119-120. A b h i j i t w a s his s o n a n d from h i m w a s b o r n P u n a r v a s u . T h e e x c e l l e n t k i n g p e r f o r m e d a horse-sacrifice for o b t a i n i n g a son. I n t h e c o u r s e o f t h e h o l y r i t e o f A t i r ā t r a , P u n a r v a s u w a s b o r n from t h e m i d s t o f a s s e m b l y , T h e r e f o r e , h e b e c a m e l a t e r on a g r e a t s c h o l a r , a l i b e r a l d o n o r , a p e r f o r m e r o f sacrifices a n d o n e . c o n v e r s a n t w i t h

piety

a n d virtue.

121. T h e r e a f t e r , i t i s s a i d , t w o m o r e c h i l d r e n w e r e b o r n to A b h i j i t v i z . Ahuka a n d Ahukī. * * T h e y w e r e t h e m o s t excellent ones a m o n g intelligent persons and they w e r e wellrenowned. 122-124. T h e y cite t h e s e v e r s e s i n r e g a r d to Ahuka :— " H e h a d ten thousand chariots h a v i n g the r u m b l i n g sound of t h e c l o u d . T h e y w e r e fully e q u i p p e d w i t h Upāsańgas ( q u i v e r s ) Anukarsas ( a x l e - t r e e s ) , b a n n e r s a n d Varūthas(protecting ledges).

• A I H T , p.

150 records

n a m e A n d h a k a given in our

Nandanodakadundubhi a s

the name.

His another

text is not g i v e n by Pargiter.

* * A c c o r d i n g t o the genealogy o n p . 105 o f A I H T A h u k a w a s the son o f Punarvasu.

889

2.3.71.125-136

( I n h i s l a n d ) t h e r e w a s n o one u t t e r i n g a lie, r e f r a i n i n g f r o m t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f sacrifices o r n o t g i v i n g t h o u s a n d s o f coins. N o o n e w a s u n c l e a n . N o o n e w a s u n r i g h t e o u s , l e a n o r devoid of scholarship." W e h a v e h e a r d t h a t D h r t i w a s t h e s o n o f A r d r a k a (?) (rather Ā h u k a — V ā . P. 96. 123). 125-128. ( D e f e c t i v e p a r t i a l l y ) . W i t h this r e t i n u e A h u k a , the unrivalled, marched towards the eastern quarter displaying e i g h t y lakhs of horses very y o u n g in age. T h e r e b y he surpassed k i n g Bhoja (although he h a d as m a n y ) elephants. (In this compaign he g a i n e d ) twentyone thousand ropes m a d e of silver a n d g o l d for b i n d i n g e l e p h a n t s . An e q u a l n u m b e r of t h o u s a n d (of bells of e l e p h a n t s ) of king Bhoja in the northern quarter m a d e tinkling sound on his conquest.

Ahuka Avanti

g a v e his s i s t e r Ahukī in m a r r i a g e i n t h e l a n d of (i.e. t o a P r i n c e o f A v a n t i ) .

T w o sons w e r e b o r n t o the d a u g h t e r o f t h e k i n g o f K ā ś ! and Ahuka. 129.

They were Devaka and Ugrasena.

w e r e on a p a r w i t h those b o r n

of divine

Both

womb.

of them

H e r o i c sons

comparable to the Devas were born to Devaka. 130.

They were Devavān, Upadeva, Sudeva, and Deva-

r a k s i t a . T h e y h a d seven sisters. H e

gave

them

to Vasudeva

in marriage. 131-132. They were Dhrtadevā, Upadevā, Devaraksitā, Śrīdevā, Sāntidevā, S a h a d e v a and the youngest of all of them viz. Devaki. She had a charming appearance. U g r a s e n a h a d n i n e sons. K a m s a

was

the

eldest among

them. 133-136. T h e y w e r e Śańku, Subhūmi, Sutanu, Tustimān. T h e y h a d f i v e sisters Rāstrapālī and Kańkā.

Nyagrodha, Rāstrapāla, viz.

Kamsā,

Sunāman, Kañka, Yuddhatusta and Kamsavati,

Sutanu,

U g r a s e n a h a d a l a r g e n u m b e r o f c h i l d r e n . T h u s t h e scions of the race of K u k u r a have been recounted.

890

Brahmānda

Purāna

A m a n w h o r e m e m b e r s this r a c e o f K u k u r a h a v i n g m a n y m e m b e r s o f u n l i m i t e d s t r e n g t h a n d p r o w e s s , m a k e s his o w n family extensive w i t h m a n y children. V i d ū r a t h a w a s t h e son o f B h a j a m ā n a . important among chariot-warriors.

was the

most

137-138. Ś ū r a w a s t h e son o f V i d ū r a t h a . H e b e c a m e t h e k i n g o f k i n g s . V e r y p o w e r f u l sons w e r e b o r n t o Ś ū r a v i z . V ā t a . N i v ā t a , Ś o n i t a , Ś v e t a v ā h a n a , ŚamI, G a d a v a r m a n a n d N i d ā n t a . I n d e e d , he w a s a c o n q u e r o r of his foes. 139. P r a t i k s a t r a w a s t h e son o f Ś a m i . S v a y a m b h o j a w a s t h e son o f P r a t i k s a t r a . H r d i k a w a s t h e son o f S v a y a m b h o j a . 140-141. H r d i k a h a d t e n sons o f t e r r i b l e e x p l o i t s , K r t a v a r m a n w a s the eldest a m o n g them. Ś a t a d h a n v a n was a son i n t h e m i d d l e . ( T h e o t h e r s w e r e ) D e v a b ā h u , S u b ā h u , Bhisak, Śvetaratha, Sudānta, Adhidānta, K a n a k a and Kanakodbhava. 142. A s c h o l a r l y son named Kambalabarhis was b o r n t o D e v a b ā h u . A s a m a u j a s w a s his son. ( A n o t h e r son) Susamaujas w a s very famous. 143. K r s n a g a v e S u c a n d r a a n d V a s u r ū p a (as a d o p t i o n ) t o A s a m a u j a s o f w h o m n o son w a s b o r n . Thus recounted).

the

Andhakas

are

remembered

sons

(have

been

144. H e w h o r e p e a t s t h e n a m e s o f a n d glorifies this race of Andhakas every day, attains an extensive family of himself. T h e r e i s n o d o u b t i n this m a t t e r . 145. Ś ū r a begot Devamldhvan (Devamīdhusa) of Aśmakī. Ten persons w e r e born of M ā r i s ī from Śūra. Maris! belonged to the Bhoja family. 146-148. Vasudeva of mighty arms was born at the outset. He is known as A n a k a d u n d u b h i because w h e n he w a s b o r n a l o u d r e p o r t o f Dundubhi ( W a r d r u m ) w a s h e a r d i n the sky. There was the loud sound o f Ānakas ( a t y p e o f w a r - d r u m ) too in the sky. T h e r e w a s no one on a p a r w i t h Vasudeva in the entire world of men in r e g a r d to the handsomeness of features.1 He w a s the foremost a m o n g all 1. Vasudeva's unparalleled handsomeness is recorded n o t B r a h m a n i c a l P u r ā n a s b u t i n J a i n a w o r k s also. A c c o r d i n g t o J a i n a

o n l y in. records,

891

2.3.71.149-160 men of the Earth.

His splendour w a s like that of the Moon.

149-152. T h e following w e r e b o r n after h i m viz. D e v a bhāga, Devaśravas, Anādhrsti, Vrka, Nandana, Srñjaya, Śyāma, Śamīka and Gandūsa. T h e y h a d five excellent ladies as their sisters. T h e y w e r e Prthā, Ś r u t a d e v ā , Śrutakīrti, Ś r u t a śravās and Rājādhidevī. These five were mothers of heroic sons. Ś ū r a g a v e his d a u g h t e r Prthā to K u n t i b h o j a by w a y of adoption. Hence, Prthā became the daughter of K u n t i b h o j a . She is remembered by the n a m e Kunti. Pāndu, an important h e r o i c scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f K u r u s , t o o k h e r a s his w i f e f r o m him. 153-154. T h e r e a f t e r , P i t h ā g a v e b i r t h t o t h r e e sons whose splendour was on a p a r with that of the three fires. T h e y w e r e heroes without compeers in the world. T h e y had t h e prowess and exploit comparable to that of Indra. P r t h ā g a v e b i r t h t o t h e son Y u d h i s t h i r a from D h a r m a , V r k o d a r a (i.e. Bhīma) from the w i n d g o d M a r u t a a n d D h a n a ñ j a y a from I n d r a . 155. T h i s i s w e l l k n o w n t h a t t h e A ś v i n s w e r e b o r n o f Mādravatī. Nakula and Sahadeva were endowed with beauty of form, inherent strength and other good qualities. 156. T h e h e r o i c son D a n t a v a k r a o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h w a s b o r n t o Ś r u t a d e v ā from V r d d h a ś a r m a n t h e k i n g o f K a r ū s a . 157. S a n t a r d a n a , t h e p o w e r f u l o n e , w a s b o r n t o Ś r u t a k ī r t i from t h e p r i n c e o f K e k a y a . S i m i l a r l y , a n o t h e r p a i r o f very powerful princes named Gekitāna a n d Brhatksatra w e r e also born. 158-160. T h e brothers Vinda and Anuvinda w h o were v e r y p o w e r f u l w e r e b o r n o f t h e p r i n c e o f A v a n t ī ( ? a s sons o f Rājādhidevī). Śiśupāla, the prince of Cedi, w a s b o r n of Ś r u t a ś r a v ā as the son of saintly king Damaghosa. His manliness is well-known. Formerly, he h a d been the t e n h e a d e d

Vasudeva

was

banished

citizens about the called

Vasudeva

his

father,

complaints w e r e lodged by the

s e d u c t i v e effect o f h i s b e a u t y

Hindi

(600

A.D)

authentic

their version

Brbatkathā of G u n ā d h y a — m a k e s Vasudeva (instead of hero whose wonderings were a marriage-campaign.

women.

(Paiśācī)

the

work

Naravāhanadatta)

892

Brahmātfda

Pur una

( R ā v a n a ) , t h e s u p p r e s s o r o f foes. H e w a s t h e y o u n g e r b r o t h e r o f V a i ś r a v a n a a n d K u m b h a k a r n a h a d been his younger brother. Thirteen excellent ladies w e r e the wives of V a s u d e v a . 161-163. They were Pauravī, Rohinī, Madirā, Bhadrav a i ś ā k h ī a n d the fifth one Sunāmnī. ( T h e s e w e r e p e r h a p s the earlier wives). Then Sahadeva, Śāntidevā Śridevā, Devaraksitā, Dhrtadevā, U p a d e v ā and Devakī the seventh one—these t o o w e r e his w i v e s . T h e t h i r t e e n t h o n e w a s S u g a n d h ā . (Be s i d e s these) V a n a r ā j ī a n d t w o o t h e r a t t a n d a n t l a d i e s b e c a m e his wives. R o h i n ī a n d P a u r a v ī w e r e t h e y o u n g e r sisters o f B ā h l ī k a . 164-165. Rohinī of excessive magnificence a n d fortune w a s the eldest and the most beloved wife of Anakadundubhi. S h e g a v e b i r t h t o e i g h t sons o u t o f w h o m R ā m a (Balarāma) •was t h e e l d e s t . ( T h e o t h e r sons w e r e ) S ā r a n a , Ś a t h a , D u r d a m a , Damana, Śubhra, Pindāraka, Kuśītaka. A daughter called Citrā w a s also born to her. 166-168. Niśatha a n d U l m u k a w e r e very famous. T h e y w e r e born as the sons* of R ā m a . Similarly, Pārśvī, Pārśvamardī, Ś i ś u , S a t y a d h r t i a n d M a n d a b ā h y ā w e r e a l s o t h e sons o f R ā m a . G i r i k a , Giri, Ś u l k a g u l m a , A t i g u l m a a n d D a r i d r ā n t a k a w e r e t h e sons o f S ā r a n a . H e had. f i v e d a u g h t e r s too. U n d e r stand them by their names. They were Arcismatī, Sunandā S u r a s ā , S u v a c ā a n d Ś a t a b a l ā . T h e s e w e r e the, d a u g h t e r s o f Sārana. 169-170. Bhadrāśva, Bhadragupti, Bhadravista Bhadrabāhu, Bhadraratha. Bhadrakalpa, Supārśvaka, Kīrtimān and R o h i t ā ś v a w e r e t h e sons o f Ś a t h a . 171-172. A b h i b h ū t a w a s t h e son o f D u r m a d a ( ? D u r d a m a ) . T h e above are remembered as the persons b o r n of the family of Rohinī. Nanda, Upananda, Mitra, Kuksimitra, Bala, Citra, U p a c i t r a , K r t a k a , T u § t i a n d P u s t i — t h e s e w e r e t h e sons o f Madirā. They were born to Vasudeva of Madirā. •grandsons according to V a . P. 96.164. T h e r e a p p e a r s t o b e s o m e c o n f u s i o n i n t h e text.

893

2.3.71.173-186

173. Bimba, Upabimba, Sattvadanta and M a h a u j a s — t h e s e four p e r s o n s o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h a r e w e l l k n o w n a s t h e s o n s o f B h a d r ā (?) 174-175. Ś a u r i (i.e. V a s u d e v a ) b e g o t o f V a i ś ā l ī (?) ( V a i ś ā k h ī ) t h e e x c e l l e n t son K a u ś i k a . T h e f o l l o w i n g s i x s o n s were born of Devaki to Śauri viz. Susena, Kīrtimān, U d a r s i , Bhadrasena, the fifth one Rjudāya or Bhadradeva, the sixth one Karhsa. 176. I n these circumstances, Visnu, the lord of worlds, became Prajāpati once again (being born) as the longlived K r s n a . 177. S u b h a d r ā , w h o u s e d t o s p e a k p l e a s a n t l y w e l l (Bhadrabhāsini) was born subsequent to Krsna. This lady w h o delighted the family of V r s n i became well renowned later as Krsnā and Subhadrā. 178-179. The great warrior Abhimanyu was born of S u b h a d r ā to Pārtha (i.e. A r j u n a ) . Understand by their ( i n d i v i d u a l n a m e s , t h o s e sons o f g r e a t h e r o i s m , w h o w e r e b o r n of those seven h i g h l y fortunate w i v e s of V a s u d e v a . P ū r v a a n d o t h e r s w e r e b o r n o f V a s u d e v a a s t h e sons o f Sahadeva. 180. Sāntidevā gave birth to J a n a s t a m b h a the illustrious scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f Ś a u r i . A g ā v a h a the noble-souled one w a s born of V r k a d e v ī (?) 181-182a. A son n a m e d M a n d a k a w a s b o r n to Śrīdevā. D e v a r a k s i t ā g a v e b i r t h t o t w o sons v i z . U p ā s a ń g a a n d Vasu. T h u s t h e r e w e r e t e n sons o f his. K a r h s a g o t killed.

t h e m also

182b-183. S i ś i r ā v a t I (?) g a v e b i r t h t o t h e s e n o b l e s o u l e d sons v i z . — V i j a y a , R o c a n a , V a r d h a m ā n a a n d D e v a l a . T h e s e v e n t h wife, t h e d a u g h t e r o f D e v a k a g a v e b i r t h to the h i g h l y prosperous son G a v e s a n a of g o o d n a m e , w h o fought in a wonderful m a n n e r d u r i n g the battle. 184-186. O Brāhmana, formerly while m o v i n g a b o u t in t h e u r b a n p a r k s a n d forests, V a s u d e v a b e g o t o f t h e V a i ś y a l a d y Ś r a d d h ā d e v ī t h e son K a u ś i k a w h o w a s e c o n o m i c a l . Sugandhi and Vanarāji were of Śauri.

(see V . 163) a l s o t h e w i v e s

894

Brahmānda

Purāna

P u n d r a a n d K a p i l a w e r e t h e sons o f S u g a n d h ī . O f t h e s e t w o P u n d r a b e c a m e a k i n g a n d K a p i l a w e n t t o t h e forest. 187. T o t h e o t h e r l a d y , a p o w e r f u l h e r o i c son o f V a s u d e v a w a s b o r n . H e w a s t h e N i s ā d a (forester) n a m e d J a r a ( ? ) . He w a s the foremost archer. 188. M a h ā b h ā g a w a s t h e (in V . 149 D e v a b h ā g a ) .

famous

son

of Devabhāgya

T h e y c a l l t h e son b o r n o f D e v a ś r a v a s a s o n e h o n o u r e d b y scholars. 1 8 9 . A n ā d h r s t i b e g o t o f A ś m a k l , a p o w e r f u l son Ś r ā d d h a d e v a . H e w a s a d e s t r o y e r o f e n e m i e s . A l l his e n e m i e s h a d r e c e d e d from h i m . 190. E k a l a v y a , t h e h i g h l y l u c k y son, w a s b o r n t o Ś r ā d d h a d e v a . H e w a s b r o u g h t u p b y N i s ā d a s (foresters) a n d s o h e was well-known as Naisādi. 191. W i t h p l e a s u r e K r s n a g a v e his sons C ā r u d e s n a a n d S ā m b a for a d o p t i o n t o G a n d ū s a w h o h a d n o c h i l d r e n . T h e s e t w o sons w e r e w e l l u p i n t h e u s e o f a r m s . T h e y w e r e e n d o w e d with highly laudable characteristics. 192-194. Nandana.

Ranti and Rantipāla

were

the

two

sons

V a s u d e v a , t h e son o f Ś ū r a , w h o w a s v a l o r o u s g a v e h e r o i c sons S a u m i a n d K a u ś i k a t o V r k a w h o h a d n o sons.

of his

D h a n u s a n d V i r a j a s w e r e t h e t w o sons o f S r ñ j a y a . Śyāma had no children. Ś a m ī k a w e n t t o t h e forest treating his status of b e i n g born of the family of Bhoja with contempt. He secured the status of a Rājarsi (a royal sage). 195. H e w h o d u l y o b s e r v e s h o l y r i t e s a n d r e a d s this story of the birth of K r s n a or narrates it to a B r ā h m a n a , shall obtain great happiness. 106. K r s n a , t h e l o r d o f t h e D e v a s , the P r a j ā p a t i ( l o r d or procreator of subjects) who was originally Lord Nārāyana, w a s b o r n a m o n g h u m a n b e i n g s for t h e s a k e o f s p o r t . 197. T h e lotus-eyed lord was born to Devakī and V a s u d e v a on account of their previous austerities. T h e lord h a d four a r m s a n d w a s e n d o w e d w i t h d i v i n e b e a u t y , c h a r m a n d splendour.

895

2.3.71.198-2U 198. exhibited

T h e lord w h o was originally,Avyakta his

characteristics clearly.

The

(Unmanifest)

holy

lord of Yogic

powers c a m e to light as K r s n a in a h u m a n form. 199.

It w a s N ā r ā y a n a w h o turned w h a t is

imperishable)

into

Vyaya

(the

K*?na)^_After b e c o m i n g j j a r i filś^original Sanātana 2O0-2O3a.

(i.e. K r s n a ) , N ā r ā y a n a

(eternal)

(the

Avyaya

perishable one r « : the-body of resumed

status.

(Partially defective text). T h e lord had created

Prajāpati ( g o d B r a h m a ) the

primordial

Being

from

T h e lord well-known as V i s n u became the younger

lotus.

brother

I n d r a a f t e r b e i n g b o r n a s t h e son o f A d i t i . D e v a s p r o p i t i a t e d t h e o m n i p r e s e n t L o r d for b e i n g b o r n The of

Yayāti

family

became

the

son o f A d i t i .

intelligent V a s u d e v a born in

sacred

and holy,

the

race

because lord Nārāyana

t o o k h i s b i r t h t h e r e i n for t h e s a k e o f k i l l i n g D a i t y a s ,

Dānavas

and Rāksasas. 203b-206.

While

Janārdana

incarnated,

the

oceans

t r e m b l e d a n d a g i t a t e d , the m o u n t a i n s shook, a n d t h e sacrificial f i r e s o f Agnihotra b l a z e d . A u s p i c i o u s a n d l u c k y w i n d s b l e w . D u s t particles b e c a m e settled down.

The

luminaries

shone

all the

more brightly. T h e asterism on the day when J a n ā r d a n a w a s Abhijit by name. T h e night is called Jayanti

(the

born 8th

was of the

dark half of Śrāvana, the asterism Rohinī rising at mid-night). T h e M u h ū r t a (auspicious period of

minutes)

was

Vijaya

by name. Hari

the eternal,

unmanifest

lord

Nārāyana

became

Krsna. . 207.

C a u s i n g delusion t o the subjects t h r o u g h his M ā y ā

(illusive Power J, the lord incarnated a n d the lord of the Devas (i.e. I n d r a ) c a u s e d s h o w e r o f f l o w e r s f r o m t h e s k y . 208.

With

w o r d s full

auspicious p u r p o r t a n d signi

ficance, thousands of g r e a t sages, along w i t h

the

Gandharvas

eulogised and prayed to Madhusūdana. 209-211. observing

the

seeing

characterisic

his curl

son

born at the night and on

of hair

the chest called

Ś r ī v a t s a , V a s u d e v a t h o u g h t i n his m i n d t h a t i t w a s

Adhoksaja

896

Brahmānqla

Purāna

(Visnu) himself on account of the divine characteristic marks. V a s u d e v a s a i d t o h i m — " O l o r d w i t h d r a w this d i v i n e f o r m . O b e l o v e d one, I am a f r a i d of K a r h s a . H e n c e , I s a y l i k e this. M y sons o f w o n d e r f u l a p p e a r a n c e , y o u r e l d e r b r o t h e r s h a v e been killed b y h i m " . On h e a r i n g the words of V a s u d e v a , the lord w i t h d r e w his d i v i n e form. 212. Being permitted by the lord, the father took h i m to the a b o d e of N a n d a the cowherd (who w a s staying) in the house of U g r a s e n a and handed him to Yas'odā. 213. Y a ś o d ā and Devakī had become pregnant at the same time. Y a ś o d ā w a s the wife of N a n d a g o p a , the head of cowherds.* 214. A girl was born to Y a ś o d ā in the very night w h e n the lord w a s born as K r s n a in the family of Vrsnis. 2 1 5 . G u a r d i n g t h e son b o r n t o h i m , V a s u d e v a o f g r e a t f a m e , h a n d e d o v e r his son t o Y a ś o d ā a n d took t h e g i r l w i t h him. 216-218. After giving the child to Nandagopa, he r e q u e s t e d " P r o t e c t this (child). T h i s is y o u r son. E v e r y t h i n g will be auspicious unto the Y ā d a v a s . T h i s is the child of Devakī. He will remove all my distresses." A n a k a d u n d u b h i (Vasudeva) then intimated to the son of U g r a s e n a (i.e. K a m s a ) — " T h i s is a d a u g h t e r of very auspicious and splendid characteristics." K a r h s a w a s n o t a t all a w a r e , t h a t a son h a d b e e n b o r n t o his s i s t e r . 219. T h e evil-minded (Kamsa) handed the girl back (to V a s u d e v a ) a n d said with p l e a s u r e — " S h e is my d a u g h t e r in the s a m e w a y as yours. T h e r e is no d o u b t in this. O heroic o n e , I w i l l n o t kill h e r . L e t h e r g o w h e r e v e r s h e p l e a s e s " . • S y n t a c t i c a l l y s ā NandagopaXeh i s t a u t o l o g o u s . but then

Nandagopaleh

needs

t e x t w i l l b e sā'nakadundubheh. 1.

emendation 'she

(Devaki)

Sā s h o u l d s t a n d f o r D e v a k i

Ānakadundubheh.

was

the wife

The

emended

of Vasudeva.'

Contrast Bh.P.X.5.5-8 w h e r e K a m s a is said to h a v e snatched a w a y

the girl from Devakī a n d tried to dash her on a slab of stone.

897

2.3.71.220-231

220-222. Honoured in the ancestral abode of the Vrsnis t h a t g i r l g r e w u p v e r y w e l l . T h e g e n t l e l a d y (DevakI) j o y o u s l y b r o u g h t u p t h e g o d d e s s like h e r o w n son. T h u s t h e p e o p l e s a y t h a t P r a j ā p a t i h i m s e l f w a s b o r n a s K r s n a i n this m a n n e r . I t i s for t h e p r o t e c t i o n o f K e ś a v a t h a t s h e w a s b o r n . T h e Y ā d a v a s will respect a n d honour her w i t h concen t r a t i o n o f m i n d . T h e l o r d o f the D e v a s w i t h d i v i n e b o d y , K r s n a himself h a d been protected by her. The sages

enquired

223.

:—

W h e r e f o r d i d t h e B h o j a k i n g K a m s a kill t h e i n f a n t

sons o f V a s u d e v a ? I t b e h o v e s y o u t o clarify this. Sūta

said

224-225. L i s t e n w h y t h e foolish-minded K a m s a killed t h e sons o f V a s u d e v a w h e n t h e y w e r e b o r n d u e t o fear o f t h e powerful L o r d — w h y K r s n a was taken a w a y elsewhere as soon as he w a s born and h o w Govinda, the s u p r e m e person, w a s b r o u g h t up along w i t h the cows. 226. At the m a r r i a g e of Devakī and V a s u d e v a the intelligent K a m s a acted as the charioteer. At that time he w a s the crown-Prince. 2 2 7 . T h e n i n t h e s k y rose t h e s p e e c h o f s o m e i n c o m p r e hensible person. It was a divine speech. It w a s very loud a n d witnessed by the people of the world merely because the n a m e o f K a m s a w a s u t t e r e d b y it. 2 2 8 . " O K a m s a , out o f affection, y o u a r e t a k i n g y o u r sister by m e a n s of a chariot. T h e eighth child of that l a d y shall be your killer". 229. On hearing that aerial voice, Kamsa, the foolish o n e , b e c a m e d i s t r e s s e d . H e d r e w his s w o r d a n d b e c a m e intent on killing her. 230. T h e Valorous V a s u d e v a of g r e a t power said K a m s a t h e son o f U g r a s e n a , o u t o f f r i e n d s h i p o r l o v e .

2 3 1 . — " O scion o f t h e f a m i l y o f Y ā d a v a s , y o u a r e a K s a t r i y a a n d i t d o e s n o t b e h o v e y o u t o kill a w o m a n . I n this m a t t e r ( u n d e r reference) a c e r t a i n r e m e d y h a s b e e n found o u t b y me.

898

Brahmānda

Purāna

232. O l o r d of the E a r t h , I shall h a n d o v e r to y o u t h e e i g h t h son t h a t w i l l b e b o r n o f h e r . W i t h h i m , y o u c a n d o what you deem proper. 233. O munificent one, do not b e h a v e n o w in the w a y you wish. O r , a s a n o t h e r a l t e r n a t i v e , I shall b r i n g u n t o y o u all t h e c h i l d r e n ( b o r n o f h e r ) s e v e r a l l y (i.e. a s a n d w h e n t h e y a r e born). 2 3 4 . I n this m a n n e r , O e x c e l l e n t one a m o n g a e r i a l v o i c e too w i l l n o t b e e r r o n e o u s " . On being told thus suggestion then.

and

consoled,

men,

this

accepted

the

235. O n r e g a i n i n g his wife, V a s u d e v a b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d . T h e foolish-minded K a r h s a o f evil deeds killed his sons. The

sages

enquired

:—

236-337. W h o i s this V a s u d e v a w h o begot V i s n u w h o m h e a d d r e s s e d a s " O d e a r o n e " ? W h o i s this r e n o w n e d D e v a k i who bore V i s n u in her w o m b ? W h o is Yaśodā of great repu t a t i o n w h o b r o u g h t h i m u p ? W h o i s this N a n d a g o p a ? Sūta

said

:—

238. P u r u s a b e c a m e K a ś y a p a a n d A d i t i w a s his b e l o v e d Prakrti. K a ś y a p a w a s a part of B r a h m a and Aditi that of P r t h i v i (the E a r t h ) . * 239-240. Nanda is reputed as Drona and Yaśodā was Dharā*. T h e m i g h t y lord m a d e the desires of Devakī flourish a n d entered a h u m a n body. T h e lord thus w a l k e d over the earth. T h e l o r d o f Y o g i c soul c a u s e d d e l u s i o n u n t o all l i v i n g b e i n g s by means of his Y o g i c M ā y ā . 241. W h e n D h a r m a ( V i r t u e ) b e c a m e lost, V i s n u h i m s e l f w a s b o r n i n t h e f a m i l y o f V r s n i i n o r d e r t o re-establish D h a r m a and annihilate Asuras. •According

Bh.p.X.8.48-51 N a n d a was a Senior V a s u called Drona

i n his p r e v i o u s b i r t h a n d D h a r ā w a s his wife. G o d B r a h m a g a v e w h e r e b y they b e c a m e the foster-parents o f L o r d him.

them a boon

Krsna and were devoted

2.3.71.242-254

899

242-244. (Defective text) Rukmini w a s the d a u g h t e r o f t h e k i n g o f V i d a r b h a s . S a t y ā w a s the d a u g h t e r o f N a g n a j i t . S a t y a b h ā m ā was the daughter of Satrājit. (These were the wives of K r s n a ) . Jambavatī, Rohinī (? prob. Laksmanā) JŚaibyā a n d s i x t e e n t h o u s a n d o t h e r g e n t l e l a d i e s w e r e a l s o t h e blessed wives of K r s n a . F o u r t e e n g r o u p s o f A p s a r a s (celestial women) have a l r e a d y been mentioned before. Indra held council w i t h the D e v a s a n d t h e i m p o r t a n t ones w e r e s e n t h e r e for t h e s a k e o f becoming the wives of V a s u d e v a . T h e y were born in palaces (rich f a m i l i e s ) . 245-246. These prosperous and k n o w n a s the w i v e s o f V i s v a k s e n a . T h e sons o f R u k m i n ī

lucky

ones

are

well

were :—

Pradyumna, Cārudesna, Sudeva. Śarabha, Cāru, Cārubhadra, Bhadracāru and Gāruvidya. There was a daughter named Cārumatī. 247-248. T h e sons o f S a t y a b h ā m ā w e r e S ā n u , B h ā n u , Aksa, Rohita, Mantravid, Jara, Andhaka, Tāmracakra, Saubhari a n d J a r a n d h a r a . F o u r sisters w e r e b o r n o f t h e G a r u d a - e m b l e m e d l o r d (i.e. K r s n a ) v i z . B h ā n u , S a u b h a r i k ā , T ā m r a p a r n ī and J a r a n d h a r a . Listen to the childern of J ā m b a v a t ī . 249-250. Bhadra, Bhadragupta, Bhadracitra and B h a d r a b ā h u w e r e t h e sons o f J ā m b a v a t ī * . The daughters were famous by the names o f B h a d r a v a t ī a n d Sambodhanī. T h e s e should be known as the children of J ā m b a v a t ī . 251. Sańgrāmajit, Śatajit and Sahasrajit—these were glorified a s t h e sons o f V i s v a k s e n a b o r n o f S u d e v ī . 252. T h e children of the daughter of Nagnajit were these—viz. Vrka, V r k ā ś v a , Vrkajit, Mitrabāhu and Sunītha w e r e sons. V r j i n ī , t h e e x c e l l e n t l a d y , w a s h e r d a u g h t e r . 253. Understand

These that

and others it

constitute

mentioned

thousands

sons.

t h a t V ā s u d e v a ' s sons w e r e

about a million. 254.

Eighty

and experts in war.

thousand

among

them

w e r e great heroes

900

Brahmānda

Thus the race of J a n ā r d a n a has been duly you all.

Purāna

recounted

2 5 5 . B r h a t ī w a s t h e wife o f P ū r u . S o a l s o S u m a d h y ā a n d Sugati. She (? Brhatī) w a s the d a u g h t e r of the noblesouled Brhaduktha, son of Śini. 2 5 6 . T h e r e o f h e r sons v i z . Ā n a n d a , K a n a k a a n d ś v e t a w e r e well-known. T h e y shone splendidly in battles. She h a d a d a u g h t e r also n a m e d Śvetā. 2 5 7 . C i t r a , Ś ū r a a n d G i t r a r a t h a w e r e t h e sons o f Agāvaha. Citrasena was his son. He had a daughter Citravatī 2 5 8 . T u m b a h a d t w o sons v i z . Tumba (?) and Tumbavarcas. V a j r ā r a a n d K s i p r a w e r e the sons o f U p ā s a ñ g a . 259. Bhūrīndrasena and Bhūri were t h e sons Gavesana.

S u d h a n u s w a s his ( ? ) son b o r n o f t h e d a u g h t e r of Yudhisthira. 260. K ā ś y ā (Princess of Kāśī) b o r e five courageous and s t r o n g sons t o S ā m b a . T h e y a r e g l o r i f i e d a s f i v e s h i n i n g h e r o e s beginning with Satya. 261-262. T h e grandsons of the noble-souled Y ā d a v a s w e r e three crores in n u m b e r . T h e entire family a n d those w h o stay in the family are under the protection and the lordly authority of Visnu. Suras and h u m a n beings a r e b o u n d by those w h o a b i d e b y his b e h e s t s . 263. Those powerful Asuras w h o w e r e killed in the battles between the Devas and A s u r a s are born here a m o n g human beings. T h e y harass h u m a n beings. . 2 6 4 . I t i s for a n n i h i l a t i n g t h e m t h a t t h e y a r e b o r n i n the family of Y ā d a v a s . A h u n d r e d branches of the family of the n o b l e - s o u l e d Y ā d a v a s w e r e b o r n . 265." T h u s t h e p r o g e n y o f V r s n i s h a s b e e n g l o r i f i e d s u c c i n c t l y a n d i n d e t a i l . T h a t m u s t b e glorified b y o n e w h o i s desirous of achievement of fame.

901

2.3.72.1-11

CHAPTER SEVEN TYTWO Praise Sūta

said

1-3.

of the Lord

Conclusion

:—

Understand the Devas with human appearance and

descent w h o a r e b e i n g glorified. Sańkarsana, Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Sāmba and Aniruddha — t h e s e five are glorified as the

five

heroes

the race

(of

Vrsnis). T h e seven sages, K u b e r a , Yajfla, M a n i v a r a , Śālūki, N ā r a d a , the learned Dhanvantari, Nandins, Mahādeva, S ā l a ń k ā y a n a a n d V i s n u , t h e primordial God, along w i t h these gods (Sańkarsana etc.) ( ? are_ t h e D e v a s with human descent). The

sages

said

:—

4 . W h a t for w a s V i s n u b o r n ? H o w m a n y Sambhūtis (births or incarnations of V i s n u ) are remembered ? H o w m a n y of them are to occur in future ? H o w m a n y are the manifesta t i o n s of t h e n o b l e - s o u l e d o n e ? 5 . W h a t for i s h e b o r n a g a i n a n d a g a i n i n e x c e l l e n t families of Brāhmanas a n d Ksatriyas a m o n g beings. Recount i t t o u s w h o ( b e i n g i n q u i s i t i v e ) e n q u i r e a b o u t it. 6-7. We wish to hear in detail about the activities of intelligent Krsna, the destroyer of enemies. Kindly narrate duly the activities in the proper order. So also mention w h a t a r e t h e m a n i f e s t a t i o n s o f {he l o r d . 8-1 l a . It b e h o v e s y o u "to r e c o u n t to u s , O b e l o v e d o n e , his descent and source of origin. W h y did L o r d Visnu, the annihilator of enemies, w h o was a m o n g gods (and h a d the status of God) w a s born in the family of V a s u d e v a ? H o w d i d t h e i n t e l l i g e n t o n e a t t a i n t h e s t a t u s o f t h e son o f V a s u d e v a ? W h y did he leave the holy Devaloka (world of the gods) inha b i t e d b y the meritorious i m m o r t a l ones a n d c o m e d o w n h e r e to the m o r t a l w o r l d s ? Hari w h o is the leader of the Devas as well beings, is the source of origin of god Brahma (the

as h u m a n creator of

902

Brahmānda

Purāna.

t h e w o r l d ) . W h y d i d h e m a k e his d i v i n e self p e r m e a t e a h u m a n form ? llb-13a. It is he alone w h o makes the mental cycle (manomajam cakram) of h u m a n b e i n g s r e v o l v e a n d function. H o w is it that he, the most excellent a m o n g the wielders of discus, decided to be born a m o n g h u m a n beings. It is he w h o accords protection all times to the Universe. H o w did that lord V i s n u come to the E a r t h a n d functioned as a p r o t e c t o r of C o w s ? 13b-l4a. He is B h ū t ā t m ā ( t h e i m m a n e n t Soul of all l i v i n g b e i n g s ) . I t i s h e w h o c r e a t e d a n d s u s t a i n e d t h e Mahābhūtas ( t h e g r e a t e l e m e n t s ) . H e i s Śrigarbha (having glory and splendour within). H o w was he accommodated in the w o m b by a w o m a n w a l k i n g over the E a r t h (i.e. ordinary h u m a n being) ? 14b-16. It is he by whom the Devas had been m a d e glorious a n d prosperous after c o n q u e r i n g the w o r l d s ) one after a n o t h e r ) i n d u e o r d e r . T h e p a t h s ( i . e . d i v e r s e forms o f a c t i v i t y w o r l d l y as well as spiritual) of the world h a v e been established by him. A b o d y that took three steps (traversing the three worlds within them) w a s assumed by him (in the V ā m a n a incarnation). This most excellent god handed over the earth c o n q u e r e d b y h i m (from B a l i ) t o g o d s a g a i n . Hiranyakaśipu the demon of yore, possessing great p r o w e s s h a d b e e n k i l l e d b y h i m after a d o p t i n g a l e o n i n e b o d y a n d d i v i d i n g i t i n t o t w o (as h a l f - m a n - h a l f - l i o n ) . 17. I t i s t h a t a l l - p e r v a d i n g l o r d b e c a m e t h e s u b m a r i n e fire called A u r v a a n d S a m v a r t a k a . Stationed in the netherw o r l d s a n d w i t h i n t h e o c e a n , h e d r a n k t h e Havis offerings i n t h e form o f w a t e r . 18. I n t h e different Y u g a s , t h e y ( t h e l e a r n e d s a g e s ) c a l l h i m t h e l o r d w i t h a t h o u s a n d feet, a t h o u s a n d r a y s , a t h o u s a n d forms) and a thousand heads. 19. I t i s f r o m h i s n a v e l a s h o l y a s t h e s a c r e d Arani ( t h e p i e c e o f w o o d u s e d for k i n d l i n g s a c r e d f i r e b y a t t r i t i o n ) t h a t t h e a b o d e o f Pitāmaha ( t h e c r e a t o r B r a h m a ) t o o k its o r i g i n w h e n t h e w h o l e w o r l d w a s a v a s t o c e a n . I t w a s a Pañkaja ( l o t u s ) b u t n o t b o r n o f a n y Pañka ( m u d ) .

2.3.72.20-29

903

2 0 - 2 l a . It is he by w h o m all those Daityas w e r e killed in the battle called T ā r a k ā m a y a (the w a r caused by the abduc t i o n o f T ā r ā b y C a n d r a ) after a d o p t i n g a b o d y c o n s i s t i n g o f ( t h e e s s e n t i a l s p i r i t of) a l l D e v a s a n d h o l d i n g a l l s o r t s o f weapons. K ā l a n e m i w h o w a s a r r o g a n t on account of his g r e a t prowess, w a s killed by him. 2 1 b-c. I t i s h e w h o after r e s o r t i n g t o his e t e r n a l Y o g a , a n d enveloping everything in the dense darkness (after d e l u g e ) lies d o w n ( i n his Y o g i c s l u m b e r ) i n t h e n o r t h e r n a r e a s o f t h e m i l k y o c e a n , t h e v e r i t a b l e o c e a n o f n e c t a r (or from w h i c h nectar was churned out). 22. Formerly, on account of the intensity of her austeri ties, A d i t i , w h o i s a n A r a n ! (i.e. s o u r c e o f o r i g i n ) o f t h e S u r a s ( g o d s ) accommodated in her w o m b the lord as well as Indra. It was the lord w h o kept the group of Daityas very m u c h u n d e r check a n d restraint by the miscarriage of p r e g n a n c y (i.e. D a i t y a w o m e n b e c a m e a f r a i d o f t h e l o r d s o m u c h s o t h a t they had abortions). 2 3 . I t w a s t h e l o r d w h o m a d e D a i t y a s lie d o w n i n w a t e r after m a k i n g t h e r e g i o n s ( a n d w o r l d s ) t h e a b o d e s o f people, a n d after m a k i n g Devas the shining residents of Heaven, he m a d e Indra the lord of Suras. 24-29a. I t w a s the l o r d w h o c r e a t e d a l l t y p e s o f s a c r i f i c e s a n d t h e n e c e s s a r y a d j u n c t s thereof. H e d u l y c r e a t e d t h e sacred fires of G ā r h a p a t y a and A h a v a n ī y a a n d the monthly Śrāddha r i t e o f A n v ā h ā r y a . H e c r e a t e d t h e v a r i o u s a d j u n c t s o f sacrifice s u c h as the Vedi ( A l t a r ) , t h e K u ś a g r a s s , t h e Sruvā ( h o l y l a d l e ) , w a t e r for c o n s e c r a t i n g ( P r o k s a n ī y a e t c . ) , t h e Ś r u t a ( h o l y texts a n d M a n t r a s ) a n d t h e Āvabhrthya ( h o l y w a t e r for p u r i f i c a t o r y b a t h at the c o n c l u s i o n of a sacrifice. T h e n h e c r e a t e d s a g e s w h o offered s h a r e s i n t h e t i o n s in t h e fire for g o d s in the sacrifice ( s h a r e s in t h e tions) . H e m a d e the S u r a s the P i t r s t h e p a r t a k e r s o f Kavya. enjoyment through the holy rite w h o i s t e r m e d Tajña i n t h e c o u r s e Tajña.

obla obla

p a r t a k e r s o f Havya, a n d t h e He m a d e persons deserving o f Tajña. I t i s t h e l o r d h i m s e l f of the holy p e r f o r m a n c e of

904

Brahmānda

Purāna

H e c r e a t e d t h e r e q u i s i t e m a t e r i a l s o f Tajña s u c h a s t h e Tūpas (sacrificial p o s t s ) , Samits ( h o l y t w i g s ) Sruvā (sacred l a d l e ) , t h e S o m a ( t h e c r e e p e r a s w e l l a s j u i c e ) , t h e Pavitra ( t h e s a c r e d r i n g o f K u ś a g r a s s w i t h a p r o j e c t i n g t a i l ) a n d Paridhis ( t h e h o l y t w i g s o f Palāśa etc. l a i d a r o u n d t h e sacrificial f i r e ) . H e c r e a t e d t h e sacrificial f i r e s , the Sadasyas ( t h e m e m b e r s o f the holy assembly), the Yajaminas ( p e r f o r m e r s o f s a c r i f i c e s ) , t h e Udgātrs ( t h o s e w h o s i n g Sāman M a n t r a s a n d hymns) and o t h e r s . H e c r e a t e d e x c e l l e n t sacrifices s u c h a s A ś v a m e d h a ( h o r s e sacrifices) a n d R ā j a s ū y a ( i m p e r i a l c o n s e c r a t i o n ) e t c . o f d i v e r s e k i n d s . B y m e a n s o f t h e Pāramesthya ( c o n c e r n i n g B r a h m a ) h o l y rite he sustained the worlds and Yajñas. 29b-33. M a n y things have been created by the lord w h o i s t h e i m m a n e n t s o u l o f all t h e g r o u p s o f l i v i n g b e i n g s — Ksanas, Nimesas,

Kāsfhās

and

Kalis

(all

units

time),

the

three p e r i o d s of t i m e ( p a s t , p r e s e n t a n d f u t u r e ) , Muhūrtas (periods of 48 m i n u t e s ) , Tithis ( l u n a r d a y s ) , m o n t h s , d a y s , years, seasons, the auspicious Yogas of time, the three kinds of P r a m ā n a (means of v a l i d k n o w l e d g e ) , the s p a n of life, f i e l d s , s t r e n g t h , t h e b e a u t y o f f o r m , t h e i n t e l l e c t , h e r o ism, t h e a b i l i t y t o c o m p r e h e n d h o l y t e x t s a n d t h r e e V i d y ā s (lyres), the three holy fires, the three units of time (past, present a n d future), the three holy rites, the three M ā t r ā s (measures of times) the three Gunas (i.e. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) a n d t h e l o r d s o f the w o r l d h a v e b e e n c r e a t e d by some means or other. All the groups of Bhūtas (living Beings, Elements) have been created. 34. I t i s t h e l o r d w h o unifies m o m e n t s , a n d s p o r t s b y m e a n s o f his a g e - o l d Y o g i c p o w e r . H e i s t h e l e a d e r o f a r r i v a l s and d e p a r t u r e s ( a l l sorts of m o v e m e n t s a n d transits). He is the lord present everywhere in diverse ways. 35. He is the goal u n t o those w h o are e n d o w e d w i t h p i e t y . He is inaccessible to those of evil rites. He is the origin o f the s y s t e m o f four c a s t e s a n d the p r o t e c t o r o f t h e s a m e . 36-38. He is conversant with t h e four t y p e s of Vidyās (viz. Anvlksikī, Trayī, V ā r t ā and Dandanīti). He is the s u p p o r t o f t h e four Āśramas ( s t a g e s o f l i f e ) . H e is the interstice of the quarters, Ether, Earth, waters, wind, fire, the two luminaries viz. moon and sun, he is

905

2.3.72.39-46 identical with

the

lords

Yugas

well

the

night-

w a n d e r e r s ( d e m o n s ? ) . He is reported as the greatest lord in the V e d a s . He is spoken of as the greatest austerity. It is he they

call

the

greatest

one

beyond

darkness.

g r e a t e s t one possessed of the S u p r e m e Soul.

whom is

He is the

the

lord w h o

is the foremost a m o n g Adityas. He is the lord w h o is the cause of destruction of the Daityas. He is the god of death d u r i n g the closing periods Yugas

and

the

annihilator

of the

of the destroyers of the

worlds. 39-41.

H e i s the b r i d g e (or b o u n d a r y )

of the worlds ( ? ) ; he is

the

holy

sacrifice

among among

bounds those

m i d d l i n g holy rites. He is the V e d y a (one w h o is to be k n o w n ) to the scholars in V e d i c lore. of

powerful

souls.

the

H e i s the lord o f those w h o a r e living beings, he is like the Soma

( M o o n ) . To those of fiery splendour he

fire.

Among

h u m a n beings he is the M a n u . He is the p e n a n c e of sages, per formers of penance. To

with

good

behaviour he is modesty, he is the splendid g r a n d e u r of

those

who

are

contented

those

possessing glorious splendour. 42-44. beings.

He is the

Vigraha ( B o d y )

of all

the

embodied

He is the velocity of those w h o a r e in speed ( ? )

Vāyu a n d Ākāśa ( E t h e r ) f u n c t i o n a s its s o u r c e Hutāiana (fire)

h a s Vāyu a s

its v i t a l

origin.

essence. D e v a s h a v e their

vital essence in fire. M a d h u s ū d a n a is the vital essence of fire. 1

B l o o d t a k e s its o r i g i n f r o m Rasa of the

body)

and it

said

that

(a vital fluid constituent the flesh originates from

blood. T h e s o u r c e o f fat i s f r o m t h e f l e s h . I t i s d e f i n e d t h a t bone

originates

from

the

fat. F r o m

m a r r o w take their origin and the

the

the b o n e the pith a n d

origin of Semen is from the

marrow. 45-46. its

(?)

assimilative

mixed initially

Foetus o r i g i n a t e d from s e m e n v i r i l e rasa—bodily

fluid.

is there

(?). T h i s i s c a l l e d t h e Saumya Rāśi.

V V . 42-51 c o n t a i n

through

t h a t w a t e r is

ancient ideas a b o u t e m b r y o l o g y .

The

foetus

906

Brahman da

Purāna

t h a t is solidified [lit. b o r n of Aśman, s t o n e - s o l i d ] is c a l l e d t h e second R ā ś i . O n e should know that semen is of the nature of S o m a a n d M e n s t r u a l b l o o d i s o f the n a t u r e o f f i r e . 4 7 . T h e s e t w o E v o l u t e s follow Rasa. In the Semen t h e m o o n a n d t h e f i r e a r e p r e s e n t . S e m e n belongs, t o t h e c a t e g o r y o f Kapha ( a h u m o u r i n the b o d y ) a n d Menstrual b l o o d s h a l l be in t h e c a t e g o r y of Pitta (Bile, a h u m o u r in t h e body). 48. T h e p l a c e of Kapha is t h e h e a r t . Pitta settles in t h e navel. T h e heart is in the middle of the body. It is r e m e m b e r e d as the abode of the mind. 49. T h e navel is fixed in the belly a n d it is there that the shining gastric fire is present. Mind should be known as P r a j ā p a t i a n d Kapha i s c o n s i d e r e d t o b e S o m a . 50-51. Pitta i s r e m e m b e r e d a s A g n i ( f i r e ) . v e r s e i s h e r e o f t h e n a t u r e o f f i r e a n d the M o o n .

Thus

Uni

Vāyu e n t e r s this foetus w h i c h is s i m i l a r in size to j u j u b e fruit a n d w h i c h b e g i n s t o function. T h e V ā y u t h a t e n t e r s , g e t s m e r g e d w i t h t h e g r e a t S o u l . I t exists i n t h e b o d y i n f i v e f o r m s a n d it makes the foetus g r o w . 52. T h e f i v e v i t a l a i r s a r e P r ā n a , A p ā n a , S a m ā n a , U d ā n a a n d V y ā n a . T h e vital air Prāna moves round developing the great soul. 5 3 . Apāna develops the lower body. Udāna d e v e l o p s •half of t h e soul, Vyāna is so c a l l e d b e c a u s e it is s c a t t e r e d ( i . e . spreads all over t h e b o d y ) . Samāna i s p r e s e n t i n e v e r y Joint. 54-57. I t then g e t s sense organs.

access t o t h e e l e m e n t t h r o u g h

the

T h e five e l e m e n t s a r e Prthivi ( e a r t h ) , Vāyu ( w i n d ) , ĀkāSa ( e i t h e r ) , Āpah ( w a t e r ) a n d t h e f i f t h one f i r e . T h e s e e l e m e n t s p e r m e a t e the sense organs and begin their respective activity. T h e y call the physical body

Pārthiva ( h a v i n g t h e c h a r a c

teristics of t h e e l e m e n t Prthivi). T h e vital airs pores of sense-organs

h a v e the characteristics of h a v e E t h e r a s their s o u r c e

wind. The of origin.

907

2.3.72.58-65 It is from

water

element

that

there is liquid formation in

the b o d y . T h e fiery element is present in the eyes. Hence, t h e s e a p e r t u r e s a r e r e m e m b e r e d after t h e n a m e s o f e l e m e n t s . I t i s ^ t o t h e v i r i l i t y o f t h e s u p r e m e l o r d t h a t t h e s e senseo r g a n s function g a t h e r i n g t h e i r o w n r e s p e c t i v e o b j e c t s . T h u s the eternal single P u r u s a creates all these. 58.

H o w did Visnu attain

the state

of being

a man in

this m o r t a l w o r l d ? O i n t e l l i g e n t o n e , this is o u r d o u b t . T h i s is a great wonder, a miracle. 59.

He is the ultimate goal of all w h o attain

H o w did he assume a human body ?

We wish

their goal. hear about

the activities of V i s n u in due order. 60-61.

V i s n u is the greatest miracle.

He is

mentioned

so by e v e n the lords of Devas. O highly intelligent one, recount to us the incarnation) of V i s n u which is very wonderful.

origin

{i.e.

L e t this w o n d e r f u l a n d p l e a s i n g e p i s o d e b e n a r r a t e d . K i n d l y recount the manifestations of the noble-souled one whose strength and prowess is well-known. T h e inherent power o f V i s n u w h o h a s b e c o m e m i r a c u l o u s o n a c c o u n t o f his a c t i v i Â ties i s t o b e d e s c r i b e d h e r e . SĹŤta

said

:â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

62-64. I shall recount unto you the manifestation of the n o b l e - s o u l e d l o r d . I s h a l l tell y o u . h o w t h e l o r d o f g r e a t penance incarnated a m o n g human beings on account of the c o u r s e o f B h r g u , d u e t o his fault o f k i l l i n g t h e w i f e o f B h r g u . D u r i n g t h e f i n a l p e r i o d s o f Y u g a s , h e t a k e s b i r t h for t h e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t o f t h e t a s k o f the D e v a s . U n d e r s t a n d t h e details of the divine person of V i s n u even as I recount. 65. W h e n the yuga-dharma (the devout activities peculiar to a Y u g a ) becomes reversed, w h e n the time becomes s l a c k a n d ineffective, t h e l o r d i s b o r n a m o n g h u m a n b e i n g s i n o r d e r t o e s t a b l i s h Dharma (Virtue). (These incarnations a r e ) d u e to the curse of B h r g u b r o u g h t a b o u t by the Devas a n d Asuras.

908 The

Brahmānda sages

enquired

Purāna

66. H o w d i d t h e l o r d b e c o m e s u b j e c t t o this u t t e r a n c e — " b r o u g h t about by the Devas and A s u r a s " . This we wish t o u n d e r s t a n d . W h a t for a n d h o w d i d this i n c i d e n t o f t h e Devas a n d A s u r a s t a k e p lace. Sūta

explained

:—

67-71. Understand all tussle between Devas a n d I narrate the same.

of you h o w this incident (of Asuras came about, even as

Formerly, the D a i t y a (named) H i r a n y a k a ś i p u used to rule over the three worlds. L a t e r on, the kingdom in the three worlds w a s presided over by Bali in d u e order. T h e r e w a s g r e a t friendship b e t w e e n the D e v a s a n d A s u r a s . F o r a full p e r i o d o f ten Y u g a s , t h e u n i v e r s e w a s uninterrupted. T h e Devas and A s u r a s used to a b i d e by the behests o f those t w o . B u t w h e n B a l i w a s b o u n d o v e r , a v e r y t e r r i b l e tussel a r o s e . T h i s c a u s e d h o r r i b l e d e v a s t a t i o n t o b o t h D e v a s a n d A s u r a s . F o r the D v ī p a s , m a n y b a t t l e s t o o k p l a c e b e t w e e n them. 72. I n t h i s V a r ā h a K a l p a , t w e l v e e n d i n g w i t h S a n d ā m a r k a a r e r e m e m b e r e d . 1 E v e n a s I r e c o u n t t h e m listen t o them succinctly by their names. 73. T h e f i r s t b a t t l e w a s f o u g h t b y N a r a s i m h a ( o r i g i n a t i n g from t h e M a n - l i o n i n c a r n a t i o n o f V i s n u ) . T h e s e c o n d o n e ( b y ) V ā m a n a ( o r i g i n a t i n g from t h e i n c a r n a t i o n a s a D w a r f ) . T h e t h i r d o n e i s V a r ā h a ( o r i g i n a t i n g from t h e B o a r - i n c a r n a t i o n o f V i s n u ) a n d t h e fourth b a t t l e (took p l a c e a t t h e t i m e o f c h u r n i n g o f t h e o c e a n o f m i l k for t h e s a k e o f n e c t a r . 74. T h e f i f t h b a t t l e w a s a t e r r i b l e o n e n a m e d T ā r a k ā m a y a caused by the abduction of T ā r ā by Candra. T h e s i x t h o f those b a t t l e s w a s ( k n o w n a s ) t h e A d ī b a k a a n d T r a i p u r a w a r is remembered as the seventh.

1. different

W . 7 2 - 1 2 6 describe the incarnations of V i s n u . T h e in

this

Purina,

vide—Introduction—Vaisnavism.

list o f

these is

2.3.72.75-88

909

75. A n d h a k ā r a i s t h e e i g h t h o n e a m o n g t h e m . Dhvaja i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e n i n t h . Vārtra ( p e r t a i n i n g t o V r t r a ) i s t h e t e n t h h o r r i b l e b a t t l e . H a l ā h a l a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s the b a t t l e t h e r e a f t e r (i.e. t h e e l e v e n t h ) . 76. K o l ā h a l a , a n o t h e r t e r r i b l e b a t t l e i s r e m e m b e r e d a s the twelfth a m o n g them. Hiranyakaśipu, the Daitya, was killed by N a r a s i m h a . 77-78. W h e n the three worlds were measured up ( b y V ā m a n a ' s three steps) Bali w a s bound over by V ā m a n a . W h e n the groups of the Devas w e r e rejected, H i r a n y ā k s a w a s killed in a dual combat. T h a t Daitya who had great strength and v i r i l i t y a n d w h o h a d n e v e r b e e n defeated, w a s s p l i t i n t o t w o b y V a r ā h a (Boar) w i t h his c u r v e d t e e t h . 79-80. Prahlāda w a s defeated by Indra in the battle t h a t f o l l o w e d t h e c h u r n i n g o f the o c e a n for t h e s a k e o f n e c t a r V i r o c a n a w h o w a s t h e son o f P r a h l ā d a a n d w h o a l w a y s a t t e m p t e d t o s l a y I n d r a w a s k i l l e d b y I n d r a h i m s e l f b y m e a n s o f his exploits in the T ā r a k ā m a y a battle. T h a t J a m b h a w h o s e c u r e d t h e b o o n o f Avadhyatā ( s t a t e of not b e i n g killed) from god Śiva a l o n g with special miracu l o u s w e a p o n s w a s k i l l e d i n the s i x t h b a t t l e b y V i s n u i n w h o m Indra had permeated. 81-83. W h e n the Devas became incapable of enduring the great p o w e r of the Asuras, the demons were killed by Śiva in the course of T r i p u r a battle. T h e n Daityas, Asuras and Rāksasas were conquered in t h e A n d h a k ā r i k a b a t t l e b y the D e v a s a n d h u m a n b e i n g s . T h e y m e r g e d w i t h the manes. W i t h the help of V i s n u and magnified by him, M a h e n d r a killed D ā n a v a s along w i t h V r t r a , as they h a d joined together. 84-88a. I n t h e b a t t l e c a l l e d Dhvāja, V i p r a c i t t i w h o w a s accompanied by his younger brother, w h o w a s conversant with the Yogic practice a n d w h o h a d concealed himself by means o f M ā y ā , w a s k i l l e d b y M a h e n d r a after p e n e t r a t i n g a h u n d r e d t h o u s a n d Dhvajas ( b a n n e r s ) . v I n t h e b a t t l e H ā l ā h a l a , V r s a (i.e. I n d r a ) s u r r o u n d e d b y the Devas conquered the Daityas and Dānavas who had gathered together.

910

Brahmānda

Purāna

In the battle called K o l ā h a l a Raji surrounded by the Devas conquered the Daityas. I n t h e c o u r s e o f A v a b h r t h a ( v a l e d i c t o r y b a t h after a sacrifice) §anda and M a r k a were conquered by the Devas ( a n d t h e r e f o r e the D a i t y a s too w e r e c o n q u e r e d ) . 88b. Thus, the twelve great battles between the Devas a n d A s u r a s took p l a c e . T h e s e b a t t l e s c a u s e d r u i n t o b o t h , t h e S u r a s a n d A s u r a s . T h e y w e r e i n a u s p i c i o u s t o the c o m m o n people. 89. H i r a n y a k a ś i p u shone as the king and ruler of t h e t h r e e w o r l d s for t e n c r o r e s o f y e a r s i n c r e a s e d b y s e v e n million and t w o h u n d r e d and eighty thousand years. 9 0 . As a h e r e d i t a r y r u l e r Bali r e i g n e d thirty million a n d sixty thousand years (i.e. 60 thousand years).

for t e n c r o r e s 13 crores and

91. In the c o m p a n y of R ā k s a s a s , P r a h l ā d a reigned v i c t o r i o u s for a s m a n y y e a r s a s the p e r i o d o f a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of Bali. 92. T h e s e t h r e e w e r e v e r y f a m o u s a s t h e I n d r a s o f t h e Asuras. T h e y had great brilliance, strength and splendour. T h e e n t i r e p e r i o d o f ten Y u g a s w a s u n d e r t h e D a i t y a s . 93-95.

Thereafter, Śukra cursed the realm e x t e n d i n g to a

p e r i o d o f ten Y u g a s . T h e n t h e s e t h r e e w o r l d s o f B a l i w e r e over run by Mahendra. W h e n the k i n g d o m o f the t h r e e w o r l d s o f P r a h l ā d a b y inheritance w a s taken a w a y by the efflux of time, it came over to the chastiser of Pāka (viz. Indra) by rotation. T h e n the Y a j ñ a forsook t h e Asuras, a n d w e n t over t o t h e Devas. W h e n t h e Y a j ñ a w e n t over to t h e Devas those Asuras spoke to Śukra. 9 6 . " W h y h a s this h a p p e n e d ? E v e n a s w e a r e w i d e l y awake, Yajña has abandoned our kingdom and gone to the Devas. We cannot stay here to-day. Let us enter Rasātala". 9 7 . O n b e i n g told t h u s , Ś u k r a b e c a m e d e j e c t e d . Con s o l i n g t h e m w i t h his w o r d s h e s a i d — " O A s u r a s , d o n o t b e afraid. I shall sustain you all by means of my spiritual brilliance.

2.3.72.98-114

911

98. R a i n f a l l , m e d i c i n a l h e r b s , Rasa (the w o r l d ) a n d o t h e r t h i n g s w h a t s o e v e r — l e t a l l these t h i n g s e n t i r e l y r e m a i n w i t h t h e S u r a s . T h e sin w i l l b e t h e i r s ( ? ) 99-101. up by m e " .

" I s h a l l g i v e t h e m all t o y o u .

It is

being held

Thereafter, on seeing the A s u r a s supported by the intelli gent preceptor Śukra, Devas became excited and frightened. W i t h a d e s i r e t o b e v i c t o r i o u s , t h e y h e l d c o n s u l t a t i o n s ' O , this p r e c e p t o r i s forcibly r e m o v i n g e v e r y t h i n g f r o m u s . W e l l , w e s h a l l h a s t e n lest h e s h o u l d r e s u s c i t a t e a n d r e p l e n i s h t h e m . A f t e r k i l l i n g t h e m forcibly i n s u r p r i s e a t t a c k w e shall m a k e t h e r e m a i n i n g ones go to Pātāla. 102. T h e r e a f t e r , t h e e x c i t e d D e v a s a p p r o a c h e d D ā n a v a s and killed them. On being killed by them, D ā n a v a s rushed to K ā v y a himself. 103. O n s e e i n g t h e m s u d d e n l y a t t a c k e d b y t h e D e v a s K ā v y a p r o t e c t e d t h e f r i g h t e n e d sons o f Diti from t h e D e v a s . 104- 111. On seeing the Devas standing there steadily, Kāvya thought that it was fate. A f t e r meditating and r e m e m b e r i n g , the earlier happenings he said to D ā n a v a s : — " T h e e n t i r e a r e a o f the t h r e e w o r l d s w a s c o n q u e r e d b y V ā m a n a b y m e a n s o f three p a c e s . Bali w a s b o u n d o v e r . J a m b h a w a s k i l l e d . V i r o c a n a w a s slain. T h e g r e a t A s u r a s w e r e s l a u g h t ered b y S u r a s i n t h e t w e l v e w a r s . M o s t o f those w h o w e r e v e r y i m p o r t a n t w e r e slain b y m e a n s o f different s t r a t e g i e s . O n l y a v e r y few o f y o u r e m a i n n o w a f t e r t h e b a t t l e . I s h a l l d e v i s e a p l a n for y o u . L e t s o m e p e r i o d of t i m e be w a i t e d for. I s h a l l g o t o the l o r d N ī l a l o h i t a ( i . e . S i v a ) , t h e g r e a t l o r d , for the s a k e o f Mantra ( h o l y s p e l l e t c . ) a n d v i c t o r y . T h e H o t r s h a l l k i n d l e a n d lit u p t h e F i r e b y m e a n s o f M a n t r a s . I t w i l l b u r n . A f t e r r e t u r n i n g h e r e l a t e r I s h a l l bless y o u a l l . C o v e r e d b y m e a n s o f b a r k g a r m e n t s , y o u d o p e r f o r m p e n a n c e i n the forest. T h e D e v a s s h a l l not kill y o u till m y r e t u r n . A f t e r s e c u r i n g u n r i v a l l e d a n d m a t c h l e s s M a n t r a s from l o r d M a h e ś v a r a , w e s h a l l fight D e v a s o n c e a g a i n . T h e r e b y , y o u w i l l attain victory". 1 1 2 - 1 1 4 . A f t e r c o n s u l t i n g (one a n o t h e r ) the Asuras said to the Devas : — " W e all h a v e laid d o w n our w e a p o n s .

912

Brahmānda

Purāna

All of y o u can pass on to the worlds (i.e. occupy t h e m ) . Covered w i t h b a r k g a r m e n t s we shall perform austerities in t h e forest". On h e a r i n g these truthful worlds of P r a h l ā d a , the D e v a s b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d a n d free from a i l m e n t s a n d w o r r i e s . T h e y returned. W h e n the D a i t y a s h a d d r o w n e d their weapons, they (the D e v a s ) went back to their abodes whence they had come. 115-118a. T h e n K ā v y a said to t h e m — " B e patient to w a i t for s o m e t i m e w i t h o u t a n y u n d u e e n t h u s i a s m for w a r . B e e n g a g e d i n a u s t e r i t i e s . T i m e i s the m e a n s o f a c h i e v i n g y o u r p u r p o s e . O D ā n a v a s , s t a y i n t h e h e r m i t a g e o f m y father a n d w a i t " . After g i v i n g directions to the Asuras, K ā v y a , approached M a h ā d e v a , b o w e d d o w n to him and said thus to the lord, the s o u r c e o f o r i g i n o f this U n i v e r s e : — " O l o r d , I w i s h t o s e c u r e t h o s e Mantras w h i c h a r e n o t in t h e p o s s e s s i o n of B r h a s p a t i . I w a n t t h e m for t h e s a k e o f d e f e a t i n g t h e D e v a s a n d a c c o r d i n g f r e e d o m from fear t o t h e A s u r a s " . 118b-120a. O n b e i n g told thus, t h e l o r d s a i d : — " I f y o u w i s h to s e c u r e t h e Mantras, O B r ā h m a n a , o b s e r v e t h e h o l y rite as instructed by me, remaining celibate and observing concentration and the purity of mind. W i t h the head hanging d o w n , i f y o u i n h a l e t h e s m o k e from the h o l y sacrificial p i t for t h e full p e r i o d of a t h o u s a n d y e a r s , w e l f a r e u n t o y o u , y o u w i l l s e c u r e t h e Mantra from m e " . 120b-121. On being told thus by the lord of the Devas, S u k r a o f g r e a t p o w e r o f p e n a n c e , t o u c h e d t h e feet o f the lord a n d s a i d , " C e r t a i n l y , O l o r d , I s h a l l o b s e r v e the h o l y r i t e as I have been directed. 122-125. Thereafter, Kundadhara was employed by the l o r d a s t h e p e r s o n p r o d u c i n g the s m o k e for h i m . W h e n Ś u k r a h a d g o n e for the welfare of the Asuras, when he was staying near Maheśvara observing celibacy for t h e s a k e o f Mantras, the Devas understood by means o f t h e i r d i p l o m a c y t h a t the r e a l m ( ? w e a p o n s ) h a d b e e n l a i d aside by the Asuras. T h e Devas attacked them at that vulnerable

point,

with

913

2.3.72.125-134 great anger.

The

Devas

with Brhaspati

as their leader

took

up w e a p o n s a n d rushed at the Asuras. 125.

On seeing the Devas taking up

the

weapons

once

a g a i n , a l l the g r o u p s o f A s u r a s r o s e u p s u d d e n l y . T h e y b e c a m e frightened. 126-128. ( T h e y thought thus) : — " W h e n the weapons h a v e b e e n set a s i d e , w h e n f r e e d o m f r o m fear h a s a l r e a d y b e e n accorded, w h e n our Ā c ā r y a (Preceptor) has u n d e r t a k e n holy rites a n d observances, these Devas h a v e a b r o g a t e d (unilaterally) the agreement. T h e y are desirous of killing their e n e m i e s " . (Then they told one another) : — " Y o u are n o w devoid of an A c ā r y a . W e l f a r e unto you. Y o u h a d trusted them. W e are all e n g a g e d i n penance w e a r i n g b a r k g a r m e n t s a n d deer-skins. W e are incapable of ^py action and are devoid of activities, p r o p e r t i e s a n d possessions. W e a r e not a t a l l c o m p e t e n t t o c o n q u e r the D e v a s i n a b a t t l e . W i t h o u t b e i n g e n g a g e d i n b a t t l e w e s h a l l seek r e f u g e i n the m o t h e r o f the p r e c e p t o r " . 129. T h e r e a f t e r , t h o s e f r i g h t e n e d A s u r a s r e s o r t e d (to h e r ) . F r e e d o m from fear ( A s s u r a n c e o f p r o t e c t i o n ) w a s g r a n t e d b y h e r t o t h o s e f r i g h t e n e d D a i t y a s w h o s o u g h t f r e e d o m from fear. 130. O u r s e e i n g the A s u r a s b e i n g t a k e n u n d e r h e r p r o t e c t i o n , thr. D e v a s p o n d e r e d o v e r t h e i r s t r e n g t h a n d w e a k ness a n d t h e n s t r u c k a t t h e A s u r a s v i o l e n t l y . 131. O n s e e i n g t h e A s u r a s b e i n g s l a i n b y t h e D e v a s , the i n f u r i a t e d g e n t l e l a d y ( t h e m o t h e r o f the p r e c e p t o r ) s p o k e t o t h e m " I s h a l l c a u s e the d e s t r u c t i o n o f I n d r a " . 132-133. W i t h g r e a t a g i t a t i o n a n d fury, s h e p a r a l y z e d I n d r a q u i c k l y a n d w e n t a w a y from t h a t p l a c e . O n s e e i n g I n d r a b e n u m b e d a n d i m m o b i l i s e d , t h e D e v a s b e c a m e fright ened. On seeing Indra thus b r o u g h t u n d e r control, the Devas r a n off f r o m t h a t p l a c e like d e l u d e d o n e s . Indra

W h e n the g r o u p s o f D e v a s :— 134.

had

gone,

" E n t e r me, O lord of S u r a s , "

Visnu

said

unto you. I shall take you a w a y " . O n b e i n g told thus, I n d r a entered V i s n u .

he.

spoke

"Welfare

914 135-136. the gentle lady shall b u r n you, even as all the of my penance

Brahmānda

Purāna

On seeing that Indra was saved by Visnu, b e c a m e furious a n d s p o k e t h e s e w o r d s : — " I O Indra with my power along with Visnu, l i v i n g b e i n g s w i t n e s s the s a m e . L e t t h e p o w e r be seen".

Those two Devas, Indra and V i s n u conspired thus on being attacked by her. 137-138. " H o w shall both of us get released t o g e t h e r " s a i d V i s n u t o I n d r a . " I n d r a t h e n s a i d — " O l o r d , kill h e r b e f o r e she b u r n s u s . I s h a l l b e p a r t i c u l a r l y a t t a c k e d . K i l l this l a d y . D o n o t d e l a y " . T h e r e u p o n V i s n u closely w a t c h e d h e r a n d g o t r e a d y for c a u s i n g the d e a t h o f t h a t w o m a n . 139-140. Thereafter, bearing in mind, that Indra was in t r o u b l e , lord the d e s t r o y e r o f the e n e m i e s o f S u r a s , h a s t e n e d V i s n u i n his a c t i o n . H e w a n t e d to be q u i c k e r t h a n the mother of K ā v y a w h o was also in a hurry. Visnu was a w a r e t h a t w h a t h e w a s d e s i r o u s o f d o i n g w a s a c r u e l d e e d . Be c o m i n g furious h e p i e r c e d h e r h e a d w i t h his w e a p o n a n d cut i t into three parts. 141. O n o b s e r v i n g t h a t h o r r i b l e s l a u g h t e r o f a w o m a n his w i f e , B h r g u t h e p o w e r f u l o n e b e c a m e a n g r y . T h e n , d u e to the m u r d e r of his wife, V i s n u w a s cursed by Bhrgu. 142. " S i n c e a w o m a n w h o s h o u l d n o t b e killed h a s b e e n killed b y y o u , t h o u g h y o u a r e c o n v e r s a n t w i t h w h a t i s righteousness, you will have to take birth a m o n g h u m a n b e i n g s for s e v e n t i m e s " . 143. T h e r e a f t e r o n a c c o u n t o f t h a t c u r s e t h e l o r d i s b o r n a g a i n a n d a g a i n a m o n g h u m a n b e i n g s h e r e (in this w o r l d ) , for t h e w e l f a r e of a l l the w o r l d s , w h e n e v e r t h e r e is a d e s t r u c tion o f p i e t y a n d v i r t u e . 144. A f t e r s p e a k i n g t o V i s n u , h e h i m s e l f took u p t h e head and joined it to the body. After p u t t i n g them together, h e s p o k e these w o r d s : — 145-146. " I shall m a k e you w h o h a v e been killed b y V i s n u a c t u a l l y r e g a i n y o u r lost life. I f t h e e n t i r e r a n g e o f piotts a c t i v i t i e s i s k n o w n t o m e , i f all v i r t u o u s h o l y rites h a v e b e e n p e r f o r m e d by m e , if I s p e a k t h e t r u t h , c o m e b a c k to life t h r o u g h the power of that truthfulness".

915

2.3.72.147-160 T h a t g e n t l e l a d y WAS his truthful s t a t e m e n t .

then

resusei fated

account

147-149. A f t e r s p r i n k l i n g her w i t h cool w a t e r h e s a i d " C o m e baek to life". T h e n on seeing her get-up as though w a k i n g u p from sleep, .ill l i v i n g b e i n g s w e r e s u r p r i s e d . W o r d s a n d s o u n d s o f ' W e l l - d o n e ' o f a l l l i v i n g beings, o f e v e n i n v i s i b l e ones, e c h o e d in the q u a r t e r s . 150a. On seeing that noble lady resuscitated thus by B h f g u , even, a s all l i v i n g b r i n g s w e r e w a t c h i n g t h e y t h o u g h t t h a t i t w a s a m i r a c l e . O n s e e i n g his w i f e b r o u g h t b a c k t o life b y B h r g u w h o r e m a i n e d c a l m a n d c o m p o s e d , I n d r a w a s not a t all h a p p y . H e b e c a m e afraid o f B h r g u . 1.50b-153a. S p e n d i n g sleepless n i g h t s o v e r this i n c i d e n t , I n d r a , t h e i n t e l l i g e n t c h a s t i s e r o f P ā k a , s p o k e t o his d a u g h t e r J a y a n t ī , these w o r d s : — " T h i s p r e c e p t o r o f A s u r a s i s p e r f o r m i n g a severe p e n a n c e for m a k i n g the w o r l d d e v o i d o f I n d r a . Therefore, O my splendid daughter, I h a v e been m a d e very vexed and agitated a l t h o u g h I am endowed with fortitude of mind. Go and honour him. Be alert and render service to h i m i n v a r i o u s w a y s p l e a s i n g t o his m i n d a n d d i s p e l l i n g his fatigue". 153b-157a. T h a t lady of splendid activities, J a y a n t i , the d a u g h t e r o f I n d r a , a s s u m e d a d e c e n t form a n d w e n t t o the peceptor w h o had undertaken an ordinarily u n b e a r a b l e holy observance. She carried out everything in accordance with w h a t h a d b e e n m e n t i o n e d b y h e r father. S p e a k i n g s w e e t l y a n d u s i n g a g r e e a b l e w o r d s , she u s e d t o p r a i s e h i m . S h e s e r v e d h i m a t t h e p r o p e r t i m e , m a s s a g i n g his l i m b s a n d g i v i n g p l e a s u r e t o t h e sense of t o u c h . S e r v i n g h i m thus i n a n a g r e e a b l e m a n n e r , s h e s t a y e d w i t h h i m for m a n y y e a r s . W h e n t h e a u s t e r e h o l y r i t e o f i n h a l i n g s m o k e l a s t i n g for a thousand years, was concluded, Śiva w h o w a s m u c h delighted, asked the p r e c e p t o r t o choose a n y b o o n h e l i k e d . 157b-160. " A h o l y v o w s u c h a s this h a s b e e n o b s e r v e d o n l y b y y o u a n d n o t b y a n y o n e else. H e n c e y o u w i l l s u r p a s s a l l the D e v a s by the p o w e r of your penance, intellect, learning, strength a n d brilliance. O delighter of the m e m b e r s of the family of Bhrgu, w h a t e v e r mystic syllable a n d holy spell

916

Brahmānda

(Brahma) I p o s s e s s s h a l l b e r e v e a l e d Ańgas

(ancillary

adjuncts),

unto you

a n d Rahasya

Whatever Yajña and Upanisads I These things

should

not be

O excellent Brāhmanas,

have

along

with its

(Esoteric

secret).

will be k n o w n to you.

mentioned

you will

Purāna

anyone. Thereby,

become one w h o

will excel

e very-one." 161.

After

granting

this

boon

B h a v a further g a v e him the status of a

that

son o f B h r g u ,

Prajāpati

(patriarch),

the status of b e i n g the presiding deity of w e a l t h a n d

immunity

from d e a t h . 162. O n s e c u r i n g t h e s e b o o n s , t h e p r e c e p t o r b e c a m e h i g h l y d e l i g h t e d . H a i r s over his excessive

pleasure.

body

stood

o n t h e i r e n d s d u e t o his

On account of his delight, a d i v i n e e u l o g y

o f t h e g r e a t l o r d c a m e o u t from his m o u t h . Therefore, he stood aside a n d eulogised Nilalohita. 163-166.

Obeisance be to Śitikantha

(the Blue-throated

g o d ) , t h e f o r e m o s t o n e a m o n g t h e S u r a s , Suvarcas e f f u l g e n c e ) , Lelihāna

(one w h o

frequently licking with the

exhibits

tongue),

(of e x c e l l e n t

the mystic (one

Lehya

a p p r o a c h e d by the mystic M u d r ā of licking u p ) , presiding deity of Kapardin

t h e y e a r , Jagatpati

(having matted hair)

M u d r ā of

who

can

Vatsara

(Lord of the

Universe),

(having the

Urddhvaroman

be (the

hairs

s t a n d i n g u p ) , H a r y a k s a v a r a d a (the b e s t o w e r o f boons t o K u b e r a ) , Sarhstuta (one w h o h a s b e e n e u l o g i s e d ) ,

Sutirtha

T ī r t h a incarnate)

o f t h e D e v a s ) , Ramhas

Devadeva

(Lord

( V e h e m e n c e p e r s o n i f i e d ) , Usnisin

(having a turban),

( O n e o f e x c e l l e n t c h a r m i n g f a c e ) , Sahasrāksa eyes), Rudra

Mīdhvas (one

(Bountiful),

roaring

Vasureta

terrifically),

( w h o is a h o l y Suvaktra

(God of t h o u s a n d

( D i s t r i b u t o r of w e a l t h ) ,

Tapas

(one

who

performs

p e n a n c e ) , Ciravāsas ( w e a r e r o f b a r k g a r m e n t s ) , Nisva ( D e v o i d o f p o s s e s s i o n s ) , Muktakeśa ( o n e

who

has kept

the tresses of h a i r

l o o s e ) , Senāni ( c o m m a n d e r - i n - c h i e f of t h e a r m y of g o d s ) , Rohita (Red-coloured). 167-170. ance),

(of excellent brilli

Kavi (Poet-Seer) Rājavrddha

Taksakakrīdana

(One

sporting

with

Taksaka serpent),

Giriśa ( L o r d o f t h e m o u n t a i n ) , Arkanetra ( h a v i n g eye),

Tati

(Ascetic),

Ājyapa

(Imbibing

Suvrtta ( O n e o f g o o d c o n d u c t ) , Suhasta h a n d s ) , Dhanvin

the

sun as an

ghee

offering),

(a g o d h a v i n g excellent

( w i e l d e r of a b o w ) , Bhārgava

(possessing

radi-

917

2.3.72.171-176 a n c e a n d effulgence)

Sahasra-Bāhu ( T h o u s a n d - a r m e d ) ,

Sahasrā-

( h a v i n g a t h o u s a n d e y e s d e v o i d of d i r t ) ,

malacaksus

(having a thousand bellies),

(having

Sahasracarana

f e e t ) , Sahasraśiras ( h a v i n g a t h o u s a n d h e a d s ) , f o r m e d ) , Vedhas

( C r e a t o r ) , Bhava

( i m m a n e n t in the (the Supreme

universe),

man),

(source

white

Nisańgin ( p o s s e s s i n g

( w e a r i n g a c o a t of M a i l ) ,

(multiViśvarūpa

one),

Purusa

quiver),

(the subtle

Sūksma

a thousand

Bahurūpa

of o r i g i n ) ,

(the

Śveta

Sahasrakuksi

Kavacin

one),

Ksapana

(the d e s t r o y e r ) . 171.

Tawra

(the

Copper-coloured

one),

(the

Bhima

t e r r i b l e o n e ) , Ugra ( t h e f o r m i d a b l e ) , Śiva ( t h e b e n e v o l e n t o n e ) , ( t h e g r e a t g o d ) , Sarva

Mahādeva

(omnipresent

Viśvarūpaśiva

(Identical

with

everything),

and auspicious).

172. Hiranya ( a b o u n d i n g i n g o l d — s o t h e b e s t o w e r o f g o l d ) Vasistha ( i d e n t i c a l (the

Madhyama

with sage Vasistha),

middle

one),

(the

t a w n y - c o l o u r e d ) , Pińgala

(causing

Varsa

rain),

( t h e a s y l u m ) , Piśañga

Dhāman

(the

r e d d i s h b r o w n - c o l o u r e d ) , Aruna

(the pink-coloured). 173. ing

Pinākin

arrows),

( w i e l d i n g t h e b o w P i n ā k a ) , Isumān ( p o s s e s s

Citra ( t h e v a r i e g a t e d o n e ,

the

miraculous one),

( M a r o o n - c o l o u r e d ) , Dundubhya ( w o r t h y of b e i n g h o n o u r

Rohita

ed with the

sound

of w a r d r u m ) ,

f o o t ) , Arha ( t h e D e s e r v i n g Mrgavyādha

( s t a n d i n g s t e a d y ) , Bhisana 174.

(having

Ekapāda

single

(the intelligent o n e ) ,

Buddhi

(one w h o h a d a s s u m e d t h e f o r m o f a h u n t e r o f d e e r

in D a k s a ' s s a c r i f i c e ) , Sana

(immanent

everything),

(the

ĪSoara

(Identical with sage K a p i l a or s o l e h e r o ) , Mrtyu

(The

Sthānu

(the t e r r i b l e one).

Bahurūpa ( M u l t i p l e - f o r m e d ) , Ugra

(three-eyed),

Trinetra

one),

god

(the awful o n e ) ,

Supreme

Ruler),

Tawny-coloured)t

Kapila

Ekavira

(the

o f D e a t h ) , Tryambaka ( t h e t h r e e -

eyed) . 175.

Vāstospati ( P r e s i d i n g d e i t y a n d

protector

build

i n g s ) , Pināka ( h a v i n g t h e b o w P i n ā k a ) , Śańkara (one w h o b r i n g s happiness),

Śiva

(the

auspicious

d w e l l e r ) , Grhastha ( t h e h o u s e - h o l d e r ) ,

one), Yati

Āranya

(the forest-

(Ascetic),

Brahma-

cārin ( t h e r e l i g i o u s s t u d e n t o b s e r v i n g c e l i b a c y ) . 176.

Sāñkhya ( a p p r o a c h a b l e t h r o u g h

S&hkhyd), Yoga

(Accessible t h r o u g h

( m e d i t a t i n g o n e ) , Diksita

(the

Yogic

initiated

the

philosophy

practice), one),

Dhyānin

Antarhita ( t h e

918

Brahmānda

h i d d e n o n e ) , Sarva of

being

(identical with every one),

approached

through

Purāna

(worthy

Tapya

penance),

Vyāpin ( t h e a l l -

pervading lord). 177.

(the

Buddha

o n e ) , Mukta

enlightened

one),

( t h e l i b e r a t e d o n e ) , Kevala

(staying on m o u n t a i n

slopes),

Brahmis (ha ( t h e p r o f i c i e n t o n e

(the

Cekitāna in

Vedas),

(the p u r e

Śuddha

(the single

o n e ) , Rodhas

intelligent one), (Great S a g e

Maharń

and Seer). 178.

Catuspāda ( h a v i n g four l e g s ) , Medhya ( t h e h o l y o n e ) ,

Varmin ( h a v i n g

the

armour),

(having a

Śikhandin

Dandin ( h o l d i n g a 179.

tuft

staff),

hideous

one),

180.

Śiva

(the

bestower

Śuci ( t h e b r i g h t

o n e ) , Sadyojāta (meat-eater), Vaidyuta

Vikrta ( t h e

(the

i l l u m i n a t e d one)

(of e x c e l l e n t

intellect), (the

of welfare).

one), benign

(the

Paridhāna (God

one),

enveloping

of D e a t h ) ,

Piśitāśa

(the

cloud),

Megha

(the l i g h t n i n g ) .

181.

Daksa

Lokānām īśvara

( t h e s k i l f u l ) , Jaghanya

(Lord

(the lowest and last),

of t h e w o r l d s ) , Anāmaya ( f r e e f r o m illness)

(the sacred fuel),

Idhma

skull),

d e f o r m e d o n e ) , Bibhatsa

( N e w l y b o r n ) , Mrtyu Śarva

movement),

(of Universal intellect).

VUvamedhas

Apratita ( U n o b s e r v e d ) , Dipta

(the cruel one),

fast

Kapāla ( h o l d i n g a

Bhāskara ( C r e a t o r of l u s t r e ) , Sumedhas KrUra

(of

Śighraga

of h a i r ) ,

(Gold),

Hiranya

(single-

Ekacaksus

eyed ). 182. god),

Śresiha

( t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t ) , Vāmadeva

(the ruling

liana

m a s t e r ) , Dhimān

(the great sacred precept), ( c r y i n g o n e ) , Hāsa 183.

(the

Dipta

(A h a n d s o m e

(Intelligent),

shining

Mahākalpa

one),

Rodana

(the l a u g h i n g o n e ) .

Drdhandhanvin

(having a

t h e c o a t of m a i l ) , Rathin

firm

bow),Kavacin (having

(having a chariot),

(having

Varūthin

a n a r m y ) , Bhrgunātha ( L o r d o f

the

B h r g u s ) , Śukra ( t h e b r i g h t

one or identical w i t h S u k r a ) ,

Gahvarisfha ( R e s i d e n t o f a c a v e ) ,

(Sensible).

Dhimān

184. prapriya

Amogha ( n e v e r f a i l i n g ) , Praśānta

(ever

endearing

( t h e n u d e o n e , lit. Krtlivāsa

(wearing

slayer of Bhaga.

one the

having

scholarly cardinal

elephant-hide) ;

(tranquil),

Sadāvi-

B r ā h m a n a s ) , Digvāsah point obeisance

garment) be

the

2.3.72.185-195

919

1 8 5 . O b e i s a n c e to t h e l o r d of Paśus ( A n i m a l s i.e. I n d i v i d u a l S o u l s ) , to t h e l o r d of all e l e m e n t s , Prabhu (the l o r d ) , to Rk, Yajus, Sāman, Svāhā and Svadhā. 186. Vasatkāratama ( I d e n t i c a l w i t h t h a t V e d i c s y l l a b l e vasat), o b e i s a n c e to y o u t h e soul of all M a n t r a s . O b e i s a n c e to the c r e a t o r , t h e d i s p e n s e r o f d e s t i n y , t h e m a k e r , the s u p p o r t e r a n d the destroyer. 187. O b e i s a n c e t o y o u the lord o f t h i n g s o f t h e p a s t , p r e s e n t a n d f u t u r e , to Karmātman ( t h e soul of h o l y r i t e s ) , to one identical with Vasus, Sādhyas, Rudras, Ādityas and Aśvinidevas. 188. O b e i s a n c e t o you identical with Viśvedevas, M a r u t a s a n d t h e v e r y soul o f D e v a s , t o y o u c o n v e r s a n t w i t h t h e p r o c e s s of Agnisioma, to one i d e n t i c a l w i t h Paśus, M a n t r a s and Medicines. 189. O b e i s a n c e t o y o u i d e n t i c a l w i t h Daksinā ( M o n e t a r y g i f t s ) , a n d Avabhrtha ( V a l e d i c t o r y b a t h after y a j ñ a ) , to Tapas ( p e n a n c e ) , Satya ( T r u t h ) , Tyāga ( s a c r i f i c e ) a n d Sama ( c o n t r o l of sense o r g a n s ) . 190. O b e i s a n c e t o y o u the n o n v i o l e n t o n e , t o the c o v e t o u s o n e ( ? ) , t r u e o f g o o d d r e s s a n d g u i s e , t o AniSa ( D e v o i d o f n i g h t i.e. d a r k n e s s ) , t o o n e b o r n o f Bhūtas ( l i v i n g b e i n g s ) , to you the Soul of Y o g a . 191-195. Obeisance to God w h o is identical with the E a r t h , the f i r m a m e n t , the b r i g h t l i g h t , the h e a v e n ; t o the w o r l d s J a n a , T a p a a n d S a t y a , t o y o u , i d e n t i c a l w i t h a l l the w o r l d s , t o the U n m a n i f e s t one, t o the g r e a t one, t o the g r e a t E l e m e n t , t o t h e g r e a t S e n s e - o r g a n , to the Tanmālra ( t h e s u b t l e essence of e l e m e n t s ) , Bow to you identical w i t h the P r i n c i p l e s (Tqttvas). O b e i s a n c e t o y o u t h e e t e r n a l one, t o the l o r d h a v i n g n o s e x d i s t i n c t i o n , t o t h e s u b t l e o n e , t o the gross one, t o the p u r e l o r d p e r v a d i n g a l l , t o y o u i d e n t i c a l w i t h the e t e r n a l o b j e c t s . S a l u t e t o y o u i n the t h r e e w o r l d s b e g i n n i n g w i t h t h e Earth and ending with Heaven. Obeisance be to you in t h e f o u r w o r l d s b e g i n n i n g w i t h Mahar a n d e n d i n g w i t h Satya. O l o r d , f a v o u r a b l e to the B r ā h m a n a s , I h a v e s p o k e n e r r i n g l y i n the c o u r s e o f this Namastotra ( E u l o g y o f r e p e a t i n g t h e

920

Brahmānda

n a m e s of g o d ) . W h a t e v e r has been mis-spoken in deserve to forgive thinking "O ! he is my d e v o t e e . "

Purāna

this, y o u

CHAPTER SEVENTYTHREE Description Sūta

said

the

Glory

of Visnu

:—

1. A f t e r p r o p i t i a t i n g Iśāna, N ī l a l o h i t a , t h e l o r d of the D e v a s , Sukra t h e p r e c e p t o r of A s u r a s r e m a i n e d h u m b l e a f t e r p r o s t r a t i n g a t his feet. W i t h p a l m s j o i n e d i n r e v e r e n c e , h e s p o k e t h e w o r d s ( i n d i c a t i n g his w i s h ) . 2. After touching the b o d y of the preceptor of the Asuras w i t h his h a n d , the d e l i g h t e d l o r d , H a r a , m a n i f e s t e d h i m s e l f t o h i s v i e w a d e q u a t e l y a n d t h e n v a n i s h e d t h e r e itself. 3 . W h e n t h e l o r d , a l o n g w i t h his followers, h a d v a n i s h e d Ś u k r a t h e p r e c e p t o r s p o k e these w o r d s t o J a y a n t ī w h o w a s standing there with palms joined in reverence. 4 . ' ' O g e n t l e l a d y o f g r e a t fortune, w h o m d o y o u b e l o n g to ? W h o a r e you w h o u n d e r w e n t misery w h e n I w a s in misery? W h y are you vying with me who am endowed with great power of penance. 5. O l a d y of e x q u i s i t e h i p s a n d e x c e l l e n t c o m p l e x i o n , I a m h i g h l y p l e a s e d w i t h this c o n s t a n t (unwavering), devotion, h u m i l i t y , self-control a n d affection. 6. O beautiful lady, w h a t do you wish ? W h a t desire of y o u r s is to be fully g r a t i f i e d ? E v e n if it be v e r y difficult to g e t , I s h a l l g e t it fulfilled for y o u " . 7. On b e i n g told t h u s she s a i d : " I t behoves you to know it by means of your power of p e n a n c e , O v e r y l e a r n e d a n d p i o u s one, y o u a l o n e w i l l k n o w definitely w h a t I h a v e d e s i r e d t o d o " . 8-10. O n b e i n g told t h u s Sukra t h e p r e c e p t o r of A s u r a s o b s e r v e d e v e r y t h i n g b y his d i v i n e vision a n d s a i d t o h e r : — " O excellent lady, y o u a r e the d a u g h t e r o f M a h e n d r a . Y o u h a v e c o m e h e r e for m y w e l f a r e . O B e a u t i f u l l a d y o f e x c e l l e n t

921

2.3.73.11-21

h i p s , y o u w i s h t o b e i n t o u c h w i t h m e for ten y e a r s w i t h o u t b e i n g s e e n b y a n y l i v i n g b e i n g . O g e n t l e l a d y w i t h the s h i n i n g l u s t r e of t h e b l u e s a p p h i r e , O e x c e l l e n t l a d y of b r i g h t e y e s , c h o o s e this d e s i r e from m e , O l a d y o f s w e e t s p e e c h . L e t i t b e so, O l a d y w i t h t h e m a j e s t i c g a i t o f the e l e p h a n t i n its r u t w e shall g o h o m e " . 11-12. T h e r e a f t e r , t h e h o l y l o r d B h ā r g a v a r e a c h e d his h o u s e a c c o m p a n i e d b y J a y a n t ī . H e l i v e d t h e r e w i t h h e r for t e n y e a r s i n v i s i b l e t o a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s , after b e i n g c o v e r e d b y M ā y ā (Magical power of illusion). 13. After coming to know that Śukra had returned w i t h his o b j e c t r e a l i s e d , a l l t h e sons o f Diti b e c a m e d e l i g h t e d . D e s i r o u s o f s e e i n g h i m , t h e y w e n t t o his h o u s e . 14-16. A f t e r g o i n g i n w h e n t h e y d i d n o t see t h e i r p r e ceptor because he had been concealed by J a y a n t ī , they u n d e r stood t h a t i t w a s t h e sign ( o f his not h a v i n g r e t u r n e d . ) T h e y went back in the m a n n e r they had come. Brhaspati understood that Śukra had been restrained by J a y a n t ī for t e n y e a r s for t h e sake o f p l e a s u r e , d u e t o t h e b o o n g r a n t e d t o h e r a s w e l l a s d u e t o h e r d e s i r e for t h e welfare of the Devas. Considering that as a good opportunity, Brhaspati w a s u r g e d t h r o u g h a s e c r e t council o f t h e D e v a s . H e a s s u m e d t h e form o f Ś u k r a a n d a d d r e s s e d t h e A s u r a s . 17-18. On seeing them assembled, Brhaspati said to :— " W e l c o m e t o y o u for w h o s e s a k e I p e r f o r m sacrifices. I h a v e c o m e b a c k for y o u r w e l f a r e . I s h a l l t e a c h y o u all t h e Lores acquired by m e " . them

T h e r e u p o n they became delighted in their minds a n d a p p r o a c h e d h i m for the s a k e of Vidyās. 19-21. A t t h e e n d o f the s t i p u l a t e d p e r i o d o f ten y e a r s , Śukra, the preceptor of Daityas, suddenly remembered t h a t ten y e a r s h a d b e e n c o m p l e t e d . H e d e c i d e d t o look after his

Yājyas.

Śukra

said

:—

"O g e n t l e l a d y o f p u r e s m i l e s , I a m g o i n g t o see m i n e Yājyas O c h a s t e l a d y w i t h b r o a d eyes of t h r e e c o l o u r s , O l a d y of r o l l i n g e y e s " .

922

Brahmānda On being told

great holy virtuous

rites,

thus,

resort

the to

gentle

your

lady

Purāna

said—"O

devotees.

This

dharma o f g o o d p e o p l e . I w i l l n o t m a k e

sage

the

holy

you

err

from

your d u t y " . Sūta

said

22-25. been

After going (here, he

deceived

saw

that

the

Asuras

had

the intelligent preceptor of the Devas in the

form of Śukra. T h e r e u p o n , he spoke these words " K n o w ye all t h a i I

(i.e. B r h a s p a t i ) . O D ā n a v a s ,

Śukra.

This

:—

the

Ańgirasa

you have been cheated even

continue to be attached to you all". On hearing him speak in that

manner,

the

c a m e confused a n d bewildered.. T h e y saw b o t h firmly a n d smiling pleasantly. there utterly deluded.

Thereupon,

T h e y did not take

Daityas

all up

them

sitting

them

stood

anything.

(They

did n o t do anything) . 26-29.

W h e n they were confused, Ś u k r a

again : — " T h i s is

(evidently pointing to

preceptor;

this

(pointing

spoke to

himself)

Brhaspati)

p r e c e p t o r o f t h e D e v a s . All o f y o u follow

me.

them

indeed

your

Ańgiras, Leave

the

off t h i s

Brhaspati." O n b e i n g told t h u s , t h e y closely looked a t b o t h T h e Asuras could not

find

out

any

difference

them.

between

these

two. W h e n without any excitement, Brhaspati "This man

is Ańgiras indeed. O

Daityas,

preceptor.

T h i s is B r h a s p a t i in my guise.

O Asuras, this m a n makes

you

said t o

I am

them—

Śukra,

confounded

your

though

form". 30-33.

O n h e a r i n g his w o r d s t h e y c o n s u l t e d o n e a n o t h e r

and spoke these w o r d s — " T h i s holy instructions to us

for

preceptor.

Brāhmana

This

the

last

lord

ten is

has

years.

some-one

been

Indeed (else)

imparting he

our

desirous

s e c u r i n g a n o p p o r t u n i t y " . T h e n all those D ā n a v a s b o w e d d o w n and

made

imparted

obeisance by

Those Asuras

him,

to they

Brhaspati. accepted

became angry with their

they spoke to h i m

(i.e. Ś u k r a ) .

Deluded his eyes

words turning

the (as

lore

true) .

red

and

923

2.3.73.34-46

" T h i s is our well-wisher a n d preceptor. Y o u m a y go. Y o u arc not our preceptor. Whether he be Bhārgava or Ańgir a s a , let h i m a l o n e b e our p r e c e p t o r . W e shall c o m m a n d . W e l l , you m a y go. Do not d e l a y " .

abide

his

34-36. A f t e r s a y i n g thus, all the A s u r a s a c c e p t e d B r h a s pati a s t h e i r p r e c e p t o r a n d r e s o r t e d t o h i m . W h e n t h e A s u r a s d i d n o t p a y h e e d t o his beneficial utterance, Bhārgava b e c a m e furious w i t h t h e i r a r r o g a n c e . T h e n he said thus :— " A l t h o u g h apprised and instructed by me, you do not r e s o r t t o m e . H e n c e , y o u w i l l lose y o u r sense a n d a t t a i n d e f e a t and destruction." 37-38. A f t e r s a y i n g thus t o t h e m , Ś u k r a w e n t b a c k t h e w a y he had come. On coming to know that the Asuras had been cursed by Śukra, Brhaspati became delighted that his o b j e c t h a d b e e n fulfilled. K n o w i n g t h a t the A s u r a s were d o o m e d , h e b e c a m e p l e a s e d . H e t h e n r e - a s s u m e d his f o r m a n d d i s a p p e a r e d from t h a t p l a c e . 39-40. W h e n he vanished, the Dānavas became per p l e x e d . T h e y s p o k e thus t o o n e a n o t h e r . " O f i e u p o n u s . W e h a v e b e e n d e c e i v e d d u e t o o u r affection. W e h a v e b e e n m a d e disinclined towards piety by the Creator. We h a v e been doom ed in our own activities through fraud, a n d application of M ā y ā (Illusion)". 4 1 . T h e r e a f t e r , t h e A s u r a s b e c a m e a f r a i d o f the D e v a s . H e n c e , t h e y h a s t e n e d t o follow Ś u k r a , k e e p i n g P r a h l ā d a a s their leader. 4 2 . A f t e r a p p r o a c h i n g Ś u k r a , t h e y stood a r o u n d h i m w i t h t h e i r h e a d s b e n t d o w n . O n s e e i n g t h a t his Tājyas h a d a p p r o a c h e d him again, Sukra said to them :— 43. " Y o u have been cautioned at proper time by me. But, since y o u d i d not p a y heed to me or a p p r o v e me you h a v e met with discomfiture on account of that a r r o g a n c e " . 44-46. P r a h l ā d a t h e n s a i d t o h i m : — " D o n o t forsake us, O B h ā r g a v a , w e a r e y o u r o w n Tājyas. W e h a v e r e s o r t e d t o y o u . W e a r e y o u r s p e c i a l d e v o t e e s . W r hen y o u w e r e n o t seen, w e w e r e d e l u d e d b y t h a t p r e c e p t o r o f the D e v a s . I t b e h o v e s y o u t o p r o t e c t u s after u n d e r s t a n d i n g e v e r y t h i n g w i t h y o u r d i v i n e v i s i o n o f l o n g r a n g e . I f y o u d o n o t f a v o u r us, O son o f

924

Brahmānda

Bhrgu, we are

cursed

mentally

you.

shall

Purāna

enter

Rasātala". Sūta

said

:—

4 7 . O n u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e facts a s t h e y w e r e i n r e a l i t y , Ś u k r a w a s soon pacified o n a c c o u n t o f his g r e a t c o m p a s s i o n a t e n a t u r e . T h e n h e ceased t o b e a n g r y . 4 8 . H e s a i d this : — " Y o u n e e d n o t b e a f r a i d . T h e r e i s no necessity to go to R a s ā t a l a . T h i s event w a s inevitable. Hence, it befell y o u e v e n w h e n I w a s alert. 4 9 . Destiny is very powerful. It cannot be changed. for t h e loss o f y o u r sense, y o u c a n r e g a i n i t a s y o u p l e a s e .

50. " H a s t h e t i m e o f succession c o m e ? " s a i d B r a h m a . I t w a s d u e t o m y f a v o u r t h a t the g l o r i o u s r e a l m o f t h e three w o r l d s has been enjoyed by you all. 5 1 . A l o n g p e r i o d o f t i m e r e c k o n e d a s ten Y u g a s , h a s been completed since you h a d attacked the Devas a n d ruled over their head. B r a h m a h a d declared that m u c h as the period of your rule. 5 2 . I n the S ā v a r n i k a M a n v a n t a r a , y o u w i l l h a v e suzerainty once more. Your grandson Bali will become future lord of the worlds.

the the

5 3 . T h i s p e r i o d a n d the o v e r - l o r d s h i p o f y o u r g r a n d son h a v e b e e n d e c l a r e d b y B r a h m a himself. T h e r e f o r e , w e d i d n o t h a v e a n y s o r r o w w h e n the w o r l d s w e r e r e c a p t u r e d . 54. Since Bali's activities were not prompted by p e r s o n a l l o v e o r p a s s i o n , B r a h m a h a d b e c o m e p l e a s e d a n d the kingdom had been bestowed upon him in the Sāvarnika Manvantara. 5 5 . ī ś v a r a (lord Ś i v a ) h a s told m e t h a t the k i n g d o m o f the Devas should pass on to Bali. Hence, he remains waiting for t h e p r o p e r t i m e . H e i s i n v i s i b l e t o a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s . 56. (Defective text). Immortality has been granted to y o u b y t h e d e l i g h t e d self-born l o r d B r a h m a . H e n c e w h y s h o u l d y o u b e l a c k i n g i n e n t h u s i a s m r e g a r d i n g t h e succession by turns ? Y o u get agitated suddenly. 57.

i s n o t p o s s i b l e for m e

to m a k e

it. P r e d e s t i n e d

925

2.3.73.58-68 course of events m o v e on beforehand. I h a v e

been

prohibited

by B r a h m a w h o knows the future, O lord. 58. Brhaspati.

T h e s e two are my disciples. T h e y are on a p a r T h e y will support you when you

are

with

overwhelmed

b y o r e n g a g e d i n conflict w i t h t h e D e v a s " . Sūta

said

:—

59. On being told thus by Śukra of indefatigable activity, P r a h l ā d a a n d other descendants of Diti w e n t along w i t h those t w o p r i e s t s . 60-62. On hearing about that inevitable matter, the descendants of Diti and Danu, commended at once the Victory spoken of by Śukra. W e a r i n g the armours a n d wielding the w e a p o n s , a l l o f t h e m c h a l l e n g e d the D e v a s for a f i g h t . O n s e e i n g t h e A s u r a s r e a d i l y a d v a n c e d for b a t t l e , t h e D e v a s m a d e p r e p a r a t i o n s for t h e s a m e a n d f o u g h t w i t h t h e m . This battle between Devas and Asuras lasted a hundred y e a r s . I n i t the A s u r a s d e f e a t e d t h e D e v a s . T h e d i s t r e s s e d a n d afflicted D e v a s s p o k e a m o n g t h e m s e l v e s . The

Devas

said

:—

6 3 . I t i s o n a c c o u n t o f the g r e a t p o w e r of Sanda and M a r k a that we have been conquered by the Asuras. Hence, by declaring a Yajña, something should be done conducive to our own welfare. 6 4 . W e s h a l l i n v i t e t h e m for a sacrifice a n d t h e r e b y c o n q u e r the Asuras. T h e n the Devas invited both S a n d a and Marka. 6 5 - 6 6 . T h e y w e r e i n v i t e d t o t h e sacrifice a n d t o l d t h u s : — O B r ā h m a n a s , let t h e A s u r a s b e a b a n d o n e d . After c o n q u e r i n g D ā n a v a s , w e s h a l l m a k e y o u r e c e i v e a s h a r e . I n this m a n n e r S a n d a a n d M a r k a left off the A s u r a s then. 67. Thereafter, Devas gained victory and the D ā n a v a s met w i t h discomfiture. After v a n q u i s h i n g the Asuras, the Devas approached S a n d a and M a r k a (?). 68. (The Dānavas) who had no support, w h o were overwhelmed by the curse of K ā v y a and who were once again harassed by the Devas entered Rasātala.

926

Brahmānda

69. T h u s the Dānavas were rendered inactive a s w e l l a s d u e t o the c u r s e o r i g i n a t i n g from S u k r a .

Purāna

by īndra

70. W h e n t h e c u l t o f sacrifice b e c a m e slack, l o r d V i s n u i n c a r n a t e d a g a i n a n d a g a i n i n o r d e r t o d e s t r o y S i n a n d re e s t a b l i s h Dharma ( P i e t y ) . 71. L o r d B r a h m a p r o n o u n c e d t h a t did not a b i d e by the directions of P r a h l ā l a killed by h u m a n beings.

those were

Asuras who sure to be

72. H e n c e , N ā r ā y a n a w a s born of D h a r m a in the C ā k s u s a M a n v a n t a r a . T h e son o f V e n a (i.e. P r t h u ) m a d e Tajña f u n c t i o n i n t h e V a i v a s v a t a M a n v a n t a r a . 73-74. W h e n t h e son o f V e n a c a m e i n t o being, B r a h m a h i m s e l f w a s Purohita ( P r i e s t ) . In the fourth reckoning of period of time called Yuga, w h e n the S u r a s w e r e in distress, he was b o r n w i t h i n the o c e a n (? t h e V a r ā h a incarnation of V i s n u ?) In the case of slaying Hiranyakaśipu he became Narasimha ( M a n - l i o n ) , a second R u d r a , w i t h his son ( ? P r a h l ā d a ) p l a c e d i n front. 75. W h e n B a l i , the l o r d o f D a i t y a s a n d the son of. V i r o c a n a , w a s p e r f o r m i n g a sacrifice, h e b e c a m e a B r ā h m a n a , the delighter of the family of Aditi a n d spoke thus to Bali at an auspicious time :— 7 6 . " Y o u a r e t h e k i n g o f the t h r e e w o r l d s . E v e r y t h i n g is vested in you. It behoves you, O king, to give me three paces of land, so said the lord. 77. " I s h a l l o f c o u r s e g i v e " , s a i d t h e k i n g B a l i t h e son of Virocana. Thinking him to be only a Dwarf he became g l a d a n d offered t h e s a m e . 78. T h a t V ā m a n a , O covered the entire Universe heaven, ether and Earth.

e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s , the l o r d by means of three paces, viz.

79. T h e l o r d Bhūtatmā ( t h e i m m a n e n t soul o f all l i v i n g b e i n g s ) e x c e l l e d e v e n t h e s u n b y m e a n s o f his r e f u l g e n c e . T h e glorious lord illuminated the quarters and interstices. 80. the

A f t e r t a k i n g a w a y the

mighty-armed

worlds and shone.

Visnu

Royal splendour

of great

prowess,

of Asuras,

brightened the

927

2.3.73 81-92 81-85. grandsons

He drove the Asuras along with their to

Pātāla.

They

were

Namuci,

sons

and

Śambara

and

Prahlāda. The

cruel

ones

among

t h e m were

killed

Visnu.

C o m p l e t e l y s h a k e n , t h e o t h e r A s u r a s f l e d t o all d i r e c t i o n s . The

lord

Mādhava,

the

beings, O B r ā h m a n a s , showed elements

along

with

the

i m m a n e n t soul a

great

special

o f all

miracle

forms

to well

living

the as

great to Bali

a l o n g w i t h his a r m y . T h e e n t i r e u n i v e r s e s a w i t s e l f i n his p h y s i c a l b o d y . T h e r e is n o t h i n g in all t h e worlds w h i c h is

not

pervaded

by the lord. Devas,

Dāuavas

and

chanted a n d deluded on Vāmana).

human

seeing

that

T h e y were fascinated by

beings

form

became

of U p e n d r a

en (i.e.

the splendour of Visnu.

Bali was b o u n d w i t h great nooses

along

with

his k i n s

m e n a n d g r o u p s o f friends. 86-87.

T h e entire family of V i r o c a n a

was

confined

Pātāla. Thereafter,

lord

Visnu

I n d r a t h e w e a l t h a n d glory o f These

three

incarnations

bestowed

immortal

are

the

beings

romembered

noble-souled (i.e.

Devas).

his splendid

d i v i n e manifestations. T h e n , t h e lord of great prowess a p p e a r e d a m o n g h u m a n beings. 88-90. Understand

had

seven

them along with

incarnations the

leader

human

(i.e.

being.

the priest

preceptor). In adversely

the

tenth

affected,-

Tretā

Yuga,

assumed

when

Dharma

the fourth

became

manifestation

D a l t ā t r e y a . M ā r k a n d e y a w a s his p r e c e p t o r . In the fifteenth Tretāyuga,

the

fifth

incarnation

took

place as M ā n d h ā t ā , the E m p e r o r . U t a t h y a was his preceptor. In the n i n e t e e n t h T r e t ā y u g a , the lord

was

born

the

son o f J a m a d a g n i w i t h V i ś v ā m i t r a a s his p r e c e p t o r . H e a n n i h i lated ail t h e K s a t r i y a s . 91-92.

the

T h i s was the sixth manifestation. twentyfourth

Tretā

t o o k his s e v e n t h i n c a r n a t i o n a s R ā m a , t h e for k i l l i n g R ā v a n a ,

and

had Vasistha

son

Yuga,

the

lord

of Daśaratha,

as his p r e c e p t o r .

928

Brahm&nda

In the twenty-eighth D v ā p a r a Y u g a , e i g h t h i n c a r n a t i o n a s V e d a v y ā s a . He. w a s w i t h J ā t u k a r n y a a s his p r e c e p t o r .

Purāna

t h e l o r d h a d his born of Parāśara

93-98. T h e lord V i s n u w h o w a s b o r n o f A d i t i and K a ś y a p a i n t h e V ā m a n a i n c a r n a t i o n took b i r t h (as K r s n a ) t h e son o f D e v a k ī a n d V a s u d e v a , w i t h G ā r g y a a s h i s p r e c e p t o r . T h e lord is incomprehensible. He is one w h o cannot be o r d e r e d a b o u t . H e h a s p e r f e c t c o n t r o l o v e r his senses. H e h a s r e s t r a i n e d his K a m a ( L o v e ) . T h e l o r d s p o r t s i n t h e w o r l d l i k e a c h i l d w i t h his powerful lord V i s n u cannot be comprehended.

toys.

T h e r e is nothing which is m o r e excellent or greater this l o r d o f c o s m i c f o r m .

than

This

A t t h e close o f t h e t w e n t y - e i g h t h D v ā p a r a Y u g a , w h e n D h a r m a w a s a d v e r s e l y affected, l o r d V i s n u w a s b o r n i n t h e family of V r s n i in order to carry out the annihilation of Asuras and to re-establish piety a n d virtue. T h e lord of Yogic p o w e r f a s c i n a t e s a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s b y m e a n s o f his Y o g i c M ā y ā . A s s u m i n g h u m a n form, t h e L o r d m o v e s a b o u t o n t h e E a r t h in a concealed form or disguise. 99-101. For the s a k e o f his d i v i n e s p o r t , t h e L o r d took his incarnation a m o n g h u m a n beings w i t h Sāndīpani a l s o a s his p r e c e p t o r . D a r i n g this i n c a r n a t i o n t h e l o r d o f great virility killed the Daityas w h o h a d taken up h u m a n bodies, such as K a m s a , Śālva, the great Asuras, Dvivida, A r i s t a , V r s a b h a , P ū t a n ā , Keśī w h o c a m e as a horse, the e l e p h a n t K u v a l a y ā p ī d a , the a t h l e t e ( C ā n ū r a e t c . ) , t h e l o r d o f R ā j a g r h a ( J a r ā s a n d h a ) etc. T h e thousand arms of Bāna were c u t off b y t h e l o r d o f m i r a c u l o u s a c t i v i t i e s . 102. N a r a k a w a s k i l l e d . S o a l s o t h e e x t r e m e l y p o w e r f u l Y a v a n a . All the valuable gems of the kings w e r e taken a w a y by him along with their splendour a n d glory. 103. T h e h e r o i c w a r r i o r s o f t h e K u r u r a c e w e r e by him. So also the kings who were in the Rasātala. T h e s e w e r e the exploits of the welfare, of all the worlds.

Supreme

Soul

killed for

the

104. I n t h i s K a l i Y u g a itself, when t h e Sandhyā (Junction) period is yet to lapse, the lord will be b o r n under

2.3.73.105-117

929

the n a m e Kalki and V i s n u y a ś a s . He will

have

great

exploits

a n d b e l o n g t o the f a m i l y o f P a r ā ś a r a . 105.

It is t h e t e n t h i n c a r n a t i o n w h i c h is y e t to t a k e p l a c e .

Yājñavalkya will be

his p r e c e p t o r .

h i m a n a r m y full o f

horses,

H e will

taking

behind

elephants and chariots.

106-109. He will be s u r r o u n d e d by h u n d r e d s and t h o u s a n d s o f B r ā h m a n a s w h o h a v e t a k e n u p w e a p o n s . Th.6 p o w e r f u l l o r d w i l l p u t a n e n d t o t h e M l e c c h a s w i t h t h e followers f u n c t i o n i n g d u l y . H e w i l l g o r o u n d a m o n g t h e Udicyas ( N o r t h e r n e r s ) , Madhyadeśas ( M i d d l e l a n d s ) , o t h e r sides of the Vindhyas, Dāksinātyas (Southerners), Dravidas along with the Sirhhalas (those w h o stay in L a ń k ā ) , Gandhāras, Pāradas, Pahlavas, Pavanas, Śakas, Tubaras, Śabaras, Pulindas, Baradas, Vaśas, Lampākas, Āndhrakas, Pundras, and Kirātas. He will chastise those w h o are not very pious and in some places those w h o h a t e piety a n d devotion. 110-111. H e w i l l w a n d e r o v e r the w h o l e o f the E a r t h w i t h o u t b e i n g seen b y a n y l i v i n g b e i n g . H e w i l l b e b o r n a s a h u m a n b e i n g a s the son o f D e v a s e n a t h e i n t e l l i g e n t . T h e lord V i s n u w h o h a d been born in the previous birth a s a p o w e r f u l one, P r a m i t i b y n a m e , w i l l b e b o r n i n t h e G o t r a of C a n d r a m a s w h e n the K a l i y u g a is complete. 112-115. T h u s t l ' e s e ten i n c a r n a t i o n s o f t h e l o r d a r e remembered. He accepts different w o m b s i n the t h r e e worlds partially, a d o p t i n g a t different periods of time, different p h y s i c a l b o d i e s , a n d different p u r p o s e s for t h e m a n i festations. H e w i l l b e b o r n i n t h e twentyfifth K a l p a . F o r twenty-five years he will be exterminating the living beings a n d a l l h u m a n b e i n g s ( ? ) . W i t h this c r u e l act, h e w i l l r e n d e r t h e E a r t h left w i t h o n l y t h e seeds. H e w i l l s u b d u e V r s a l a s (low c a s t e p e o p l e ) a n d a l m o s t t h o s e e v i l - d o e r s . Thereafter, Kalki will

become contented along with his

army. 116. T h o s e w h o a r e n o t k i l l e d i n this a c t i o n , t h o s e whoachieve something, will become deluded suddenly and fight with one another. 117. A f t e r t h e a n n i h i l a t i o n o f all t h o s e , o n b e i n g u r g e d b y t h e

930

Brahmānda

Purāna

i n e v i t a b l e future e v e n t s , h e w i l l e s t a b l i s h h i m s e l f i n b e t w e e n G a ń g ā a n d Y a m u n a , a l o n g w i t h his followers. 118-123. W h e n K a l p a c o m e s t o a close, the k i n g s w i l l be.destroyed along w i t h their soldiers. T h e n the subjects w i l l b e c o m e free from r e s t r a i n t . W h e n t h e a r r a n g e m e n t for d e f e n c e r e c e d e s , t h e y will kill o n e a n o t h e r i n b a t t l e . T h e y wilt remove the wealth and property of one another. T h e y will n o t h a v e a n y p l e a s u r e i n d o i n g so. T h e y w i l l b e e x c e s s i v e l y dejected. T h e y . ill forsake cities a n d v i l l a g e s (and s t a y elsewhere). A l l t h e i r h o l y rites a n d d e v o t i o n a l o b s e r v a n c e s will become upset. T h e y will have stunted g r o w t h . T h e y will n o t l i v e l o n g . T h e y w i l l b e s t a y i n g i n t h e forests like this resorting to rivers a n d mountains. T h e y will h a v e only leaves and roots to eat. T h e y will be w e a r i n g b a r k garments, leaves o r d e e r skin. T h e y w i l l b e u n d e r g o i n g t h e t e r r i b l e difficulties d u e to m i x t u r e of castes. T h e y will be short-lived. Their means o f s u s t e n a n c e s u c h a s a g r i c u l t u r e etc. w i l 1 b e affected. T h e y w i l l h a v e t o face m a n y h a r a s s m e n t s a n d o b s t a c l e s . T h e y w i l l b e miserable. I n this m i s e r a b l e p l i g h t , d u r i n g t h a t p e r i o d o f Kalisandhyāmśa ( R e s i d u a l p e r i o d of t h e close of t h e K a l i Y u g a ) , ihi subjects will become reduced in n u m b e r . T h e y will be affected along with the Kali Yuga. 124-126. W h e n Kali Y u g a lapses completely and when the K r t a y u g a begins to function once a g a i n , the people will resume once again every thing by n a t u r e a n d not otherwise. T h u s t h e e n t i r e a c t i v i t y o f t h e D e v a s a n d A s u r a s has been recounted to you. In the context of the description of the race of Y a d u , the great reputation of Visnu has been recounted. I shall n o w n a r r a t e the lines of T u r v a s u , and Anu.

Pūru,

Druhyu

931

2.3.74.1-10 CHAPTER

SEVENTYFOUR

Royal Sūta

said

Dynasties

:—

1 . V a h n i w a s the son o f T u r v a s u . G o b h ā n u w a s t h e son o f V a h n i . 1 T r i s ā n u , t h e u n v a n q u i s h e d h e r o , w a s t h e son o f Gobhānu. 2 . K a r a n d h a m a w a s t h e son o f T r i s ā n u . M a r u t t a w a s his s o n . M a r u t t a , t h e son of Aviksit m e n t i o n e d before, w a s another king. 3 . I t i s h e a r d t h a t , t h a t k i n g M a r u t t a w a s issueless. H e a d o p t e d D u s y a n t a t h e son o f P ū r u , a s his son. 4. It is s a i d t h a t thus, in v i e w of the former c u r s e of Y a y ā t i in the context of the transference of old age, the race of T u r v a s u got merged in the family of Pūru. 5 . T h e successor o f D u s k a n t a ( ? D u s y a n t a ) k i n g n a m e d S a r ū p y a . 2 Andīra w a s b o r n of S a r ū p y a . four sons.

was the He had

6. T h e y were Pāndya, Kerala, Cola and Kulya. r e a l m s w e r e P ā n d y a s , K e r a l a s , Colas a n d K u l y a s .

Their

7 . T h e t w o sons o f D r u h y u , v i z . B a b h r u a n d S e t u w e r e r e n o w n e d w a r r i o r s . A r u d d h a w a s S e t u ' s son a n d R i p u i s m e n t i o n e d a s t h e son o f B a b h r u . 8. T h i s strong king fought a g r e a t battle w i t h Y a u v a n ā ś v a for full fourteen m o n t h s . D u e t o g r e a t s t r a i n , h e w a s k i l l e d i n that battle by Yauvanāśva. 9.

The

heir

a n d successor

named Gandhāra.3 The great

of Aruddha

realm

was the

of Gandhāra

king

is named

after h i m . 10.

T h e horses b o r n

(bred) in the country of G ā n d h ā r a

a r e e x c e l l e n t h o r s e s . D h a r m a w a s the son o f G ā n d h ā r a . D h r t a w a s his s o n . 1.

AIHT.p.144

records

Garbha

the

descendent

of V a h n i

and

G o b h ā n u c o m e s after G a r b h a . 2.

T h e same as Sarūtha in Vā.P. But Bharata is regarded as the son of

Dusyanta and 3.

Ś a k u n t a l ā i n M b h . etc.

It means

Druhyu dynasty

ruled over a part of Afghanistan.

Brahmānda

932 11.

D u r d a m a was born as the

w a s his son. H u n d r e d sons

son

of Dhrta.

Purāna

Pracetas

were born to Pracetas. All of them

w e r e kings. 12. northern

T h e y w e r e the rulers of the Mleccha territories in the quarter.

A n u h a d t h r e e sons. T h e y w e r e g r e a t h e r o e s a n d e x t r e m e l y pious. 13.

They are

renowned

the n a m e

of Sabhānara,

Kālacaksus and Parāksa. T h e son o f S a b h ā n a r a

was Kālānala, the scholarly

king.

14. S r ñ j a y a w a s t h e s o n o f K ā l ā n a l a . H e w a s r i g h t e o u s a n d f a m o u s . T h e h e r o i c son o f S r ñ j a y a w a s P u r a ñ j a y a b y n a m e . 15. T h i s k i n g w a s o n a p a r w i t h I n d r a . H i s f a m e b e c a m e established e v e n in h e a v e n . M a h ā m a n a s , the righteous one, w a s t h e son o f t h a t M a h ā ś ā l a ( t h e g r e a t h o u s e h o l d e r ) . 16. K i n g M a h ā m a n a s w a s t h e l o r d o f t h e s e v e n con tinents. He b e c a m e an emperor of g r e a t renown. He begot t w o w e l l - r e p u t e d sons. 17. T h e y w e r e U ś ī n a r a w h o w a s c o n v e r s a n t w i t h p i e t y and V i r t u e and Titiksu w h o w a s righteous. U ś ī n a r a h a d five w i v e s w h o h a i l e d from t h e families o f s a i n t l y k i n g s . 18-20. T h e y w e r e N r g ā , K r m ī , D a r v ā , N a v ā a n d t h e f i f t h o n e D r s a d v a t i . U ś ī n a r a h a d from t h e m f i v e d a u g h t e r s w h o supported the family. After performing severe p e n a n c e w h e n h e b e c a m e o l d , t h e f o l l o w i n g v i r t u o u s sons w e r e b o r n t o h i m . N r g a w a s t h e son o f N r g ā . N a v a w a s t h e son o f N a v ā . K r m i w a s t h e son o f K r m ī . T h e v i r t u o u s son n a m e d S u v r a t a w a s the son of D a r v ā . Śibi (famous as) A u ś ī n a r a . O B r ā h m a n a s , w a s t h e son o f D r s a d v a t i . 21. T h e c i t y o f Śibi b e c a m e w e l l k n o w n a s Ś i v a p u r a . 1 T h a t of Nrga was Yaudheya; that of Nava was Navarāstra and the city of K r m i w a s K r m i l ā . 1.

The

following are the

locations of places m e n t i o n e d here :

i. Ś i v a p u r a — T h e country of Siaposh; it included Kafiristan

( D e 211)..-

ii. Y a u d h e y a — L o c a t e d b e t w e e n H y d a s p e s a n d I n d u s ( D e 2 1 5 ) . iii. N a v a r ā s t r a — N a u s a r i i n B a r o a c h D i s t . G u j a r a t iv.

Krmilā—untraced.

(De 139)

2.3.74.22-34

933

22-23.

T h e city of Suvrata was

Ambastā.1 Now

under

s t a n d t h e sons of Śibi. Ś i b i h a d four s o n s k n o w n a s Śibis. T h e y Madraka.

Their

honoured

in the

world. They

were Vrsadarbha, Suvīra,

territories w e r e

flourishing

were

Kekaya viz.

and

Kekayas,

Madrakas, Vrsadarbhas and Suvīras. Listen to the children of Titiksu 24-25.

Titiksu became famous as the king in the Eastern

q u a r t e r . T h e m i g h t y U ś a d r a t h a w a s his son. H e m a w a s his son. S u t a p a s w a s b o r n t o H e m a a n d B a l i w a s t h e son o f S u t a p a s . 26.

T h e noble-minded Bali w h o w a s b o u n d b y V ā m a n a

was a great Yogin and desirous

h e took b i r t h

of children,

as the

family

human

womb being

was nearing

extinction

d u e t o a b s e n c e o f issues. 27-28.

H e b e g o t sons w h o e s t a b l i s h e d t h e d i s c i p l i n e d life

o f four c a s t e s . H e b e g o t Yuddha (i.e.

Ańga,

Vańga,

Suhma

(?) a n d K a l i ń g a . T h i s g r o u p i s c a l l e d

Ksatriya

dynasty

Bāleyas perpetuated the 29-32.

Many

Bali).

(? Pundra),

Bāleya

Brāhmanas too

Ksatra

known

line of that lord.

boons w e r e g r a n t e d to the intelligent Bali

by Brahma w h o had become pleased.

They

were—-Mahāyogitva

(State of being a great Y o g i n ) ; longevity extending to one K a l p a ; invincibility

battles;

prominence in the matter piety

and

devotion,

understand Piety).

the

ability of

state

principle

visit

progeny of being

Dharma

the

due

three his

unrivalled, (Devotion,

worlds,

power

ability

Virtue

and

(He w a s told t h u s ) — " Y o u will establish the four castes

d u l y " . O n b e i n g told thus b y t h e lord ( B r a h m a ) , Bali, the king, attained

great

tranquility.

After

long

time the scholarly

king attained his own region. 33.

Their

territories

Pundras and Kalińgas

viz. Ańgas,

Vańgas,

Suhmākas,

were very flourishing. Understand their

genealogy. 34. to

A l l t h o s e sons o f h i s w e r e

another). T h e y were born to

prowess were 1.

K$etrajas ( b o r n

a s a g e . T h o s e sons

of his wife of great

born to Sudesnā by Dlrghatamas.

T h e country of the tribe of A m b u t a i w h o lived in

at the time of Alexander.

(De 6)

northern

Sindh

934 The

Brahmānda Sages

Purāna

said:—

35. H o w w e r e t h e five sons of Bali b e g o t as Ksetrajas, h o l y Sir, b y t h e s a g e D ī r g h a t a m a s . K i n d l y r e c o u n t this t o w h o ask y o u . Sūta

O us

said:—

36. F o r m e r l y , t h e r e w a s a w e l l - r e n o w n e d a n d i n t e l l i g e n t S a g e n a m e d Uśija. T h e wife of this noble-souled sage w a s Mamatā by name. 37. T h e y o u n g e r b r o t h e r o f U ś i j a w a s t h e p r i e s t heaven-dwellers n a m e d Brhaspati. He had a great deal effulgence. H e a p p r o a c h e d M a m a t ā .

of of

38. M a m a t ā w h o d i d n o t l i k e B r h a s p a t i s a i d t o h i m — " I a m the wife o f y o u r e l d e r b r o t h e r a n d I a m p r e g n a n t too. 39. T h i s c h i l d i n m y w o m b , O B r h a s p a t i , y e l l s c o n stantly practising the recitation of the V e d a s along with their A ń g a s (ancillary subjects). 40. Y o u too a r e Amogharetas (one whose semen n e v e r g o e s i n v a i n ) . I t does not behove you, O lord, to a p p r o a c h m e o n this o c c a s i o n o r i n t h e m a n n e r y o u t h i n k . " 41-42. T h o u g h told thus clearly Brhaspati of great effulgence c o u l d n o t resist t h e p a s s i o n a t e i m p u l s e o f h i m s e l f , a l t h o u g h h e w a s a n o b l e soul. T h e righteous-souled Brhaspati did indeed h a v e sexual intercourse with her. Even as he was discharging the seminal fluid, the child in the w o m b spoke to him. 43. — " D o not discharge semen O Brhaspati. T h e r e is n o s p a c e h e r e for t w o . Y o u a r e o n e w h o s e s e m e n n e v e r g o e s i n vain. But I h a v e come here before." 4 4 . O n b e i n g t o l d thus, t h e e x a l t e d s a g e B r h a s p a t i , b e c a m e i n f u r i a t e d t h e n . H e c u r s e d t h e son o f his b r o t h e r U ś i j a , though he was yet in the womb. 4 5 . " S i n c e , o u t o f d e l u s i o n , y o u told m e t h u s , a t a t i m e eagerly desired by all living beings, you will enter a period of prolonged darkness". 4 6 . T h e r e u p o n , d u e t o t h e c u r s e , t h e son o f U ś i j a b e came a sage n a m e d Dīrghatamas. He earned great reputation

935

2.3.74.47-57 a n d h e w a s o n a p a r w i t h B r h a s p a t i b y m e a n s o f his

splendour

and prowess. 4 7 . H e w a s a n Ūrddhvaretas ( a p e r s o n a b s t a i n i n g from s e x u a l i n t e r - c o u r s e ) . H e l i v e d i n the h e r m i t a g e o f t h e b r o t h e r (of his f a t h e r ) . He h e a r d Godharma ( t h e dharma of t h e c a t t l e ) from a l o r d l y b u l l , t h e son of S u r a b h i . 4 8 . H i s f a t h e r ' s b r o t h e r b u i l t a h o u s e for h i m . W h i l e h e was staying, the bull came there casually. 4 9 . T h e son o f S u r a b h i g r a z e d the D a r b h a g r a s s s p r e a d in the y a r d for t h e Darśa r i t e s (the h o l y rites to be p e r f o r m e d o n the N e w m o o n d a y ) . D ī r g h a t a m a s c a u g h t h o l d o f h i m b y t h e h o r n s e v e n a s h e w a s s t r u g g l i n g t o free h i m s e l f . 50-51. O n b e i n g h e l d b y h i m , the b u l l d i d not m o v e even a step. T h e n he told the s a g e — " L e a v e me, O most e x c e l l e n t o n e a m o n g the m i g h t y b e i n g s . O d e a r one, a m i g h t y person like you, I h a v e n e v e r come across a n y w h e r e . I am t h e vehicle of lord T r y a m b a k a , a n d am born n o w on the Earth. Therefore, O excellent one a m o n g the m i g h t y beings, release m e . A c q u i r e m y affection i n r e t u r n a n d choose a b o o n . " 52-53. O n b e i n g t o l d thus, h e s p o k e t o h i m ( t h e S a g e s a i d t o t h e b u l l ) — " W h e r e w i l l y o u g o a l i v e a w a y from m e ? Hence, I will not leave you though a quadruped, (because) you h a v e eaten other's property. T h e n the bull replied to Dirghatamas. 54-55. " O w e d o n o t i n c u r a n y t h i n g l i k e t h e sin o f theft, O dear one. We do not distinguish between w h a t should be eaten and what should not be eaten or w h a t should be drunk a n d w h a t should not be drunk. O B r ā h m a n a , we do not differen tiate between w h a t should be done and what should not be done or w h a t should be a p p r o a c h e d and w h a t should not be appro ached. We a r e not at all sinners, O B r ā h m a n a . T h i s D h a r m a of kine is well k n o w n . " 5 6 . O n h e a r i n g t h e n a m e o f cows, h e b e c a m e b e w i l d e r e d and released him. W i t h his devotion and desire to h e a r the b u l l ' s w o r d s h e p r o p i t i a t e d t h e son o f t h e c o w . 57. 1.

B y t h e g r a c e o f t h e l e a d i n g b u l l h e a c c e p t e d Godharma1

This

obscure

rite

is mentioned

Buddha

attests to the existence of this p r a c t i c e — M W 3 6 5 A

derision.

Mbh.

936

Brahman da

Purāna

( l a w o f c a t t l e ) . H e r e t a i n e d i t i n his m i n d . B e i n g e a g e r l y d e v o t e d t o it, h e b e c a m e o n e like t h e Bulls. 58. T h e r e a f t e r , a s ill luck w o u l d h a v e i t h e b e c a m e d e l u d e d i n his m i n d a n d s o h e s e x u a l l y d e s i r e d t h e wife o f his y o u n g e r b r o t h e r (or son ? ) A u t a t h y a , a l t h o u g h s h e s t r u g g l e d a n d cried in protest. 5 9 . I t w a s b y r e s o r t i n g t o Godharma t h a t h e d e s i r e d h i s d a u g h t e r - i n - l a w . Ś a r a d v ā n d i d n o t b r o o k it, a s h e c o n s i d e r e d i t a n outrage a n d insult. 60-62. On s e e i n g this p e r v e r s i t y , the n o b l e - s o u l e d Ś a r a d v ā n thought over it deeply. He understood the future c o n s e q u e n c e s . W i t h t h e e y e s t u r n e d r e d d u e t o a n g e r , h e dis p a r a g i n g l y said to D ī r g h a t a m a s — " Y o u do not distinguish b e t w e e n w h a t should b e a p p r o a c h e d a n d w h a t s h q u l d n o t b e a p p r o a c h e d . A d o p t i n g Godharma, y o u h a v e d e s i r e d y o u r o w n daughter-in-law. Since you are ill-behaved, I a b a n d o n you. You m a y g o a l o n g w i t h y o u r evil a c t i o n . S i n c e y o u a r e b l i n d a n d old (I considered) that you should be sustained, b u t you h a v e a c t e d in a v i l e m a n n e r . T h e r e f o r e , y o u a r e f o r s a k e n . I c o n s i d e r y o u as one of evil c o n d u c t . " Sūta

said:—

63-64. T h e r e f o r e , he (i.e. Ś a r a d v ā n ) t h o u g h t of a c r u e l activity. He rebuked him in m a n y ways, caught hold of him w i t h both arms and p u t him in a sealed box. T h e n he cast it off i n the w a t e r s o f G a ń g ā . 65-67. T h e s e a l e d b o x w a s c a r r i e d b y the current and w a s w a f t e d h e r e a n d t h e r e for s e v e n d a y s . A k i n g n a m e d B a l i 1 s a w it. H e w a s c o n v e r s a n t w i t h the principles of piety and m a t t e r s c o n c e r n i n g w e a l t h . H e w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y his wife. He saw the b o x sinking a n d floating. W h e n it came near the b a n k the p i o u s k i n g B a l i , t h e son o f V i r o c a n a , took it. H e p r o p i t i a t e d D ī r g h a t a m a s w i t h different k i n d s o f foodstuffs a n d

T h e text has m i x e d up Bali, the great rival of I n d r a a n d

the k i n g o f East India. T h e story o f h a v i n g

Ańga,

Vańga,

S u h m a as t h e sons from D i r g h a - t a m a s to his q u e e n S u d e s n ā is of Bali a n d n o t of Indra's rival. See

M L B D . PE. pp.104-105.

this Bali,

Kaliñga, Pundra, a

different

937

2.3.74.68-80 k e p t h i m w e l l - l o o k e d after, i n

the

harem. On being delighted

d u e t o t h a t , h e (the s a g e ) a s k e d B a l i t o choose a b o o n . 68-69. The leading chose the boon thus. Bali

said

Dānava

who

was

d e s i r o u s o f sons,

:—

O s a g e of e x a l t e d d i g n i t y a n d f o r t u n e , O b e s t o w e r of honour, I am desirous of progeny. It behoves y o u to beget sons o f m y wife, sons e n d o w e d w i t h v i r t u e a n d w e a l t h . O n b e i n g told t h u s , t h e s a g e s a i d t o h i m — " S o b e i t " . 70. T h e k i n g s e n t his wife n a m e d S u d e s n ā t o t h e s a g e . O n s e e i n g h i m b l i n d a n d old, the q u e e n d i d n o t g o t o h i m . 71-73. She beautified her m a i d with ornaments a n d sent h e r t o h i m . T h e s a g e o f g r e a t Self-control w i t h a p i o u s s o u l b e g o t t w o sons v i z . K a k s ī v ā n a n d C a k s u s o f h e r i n t h e w o m b o f a Ś ū d r a l a d y . T h e t w o sons K a k s ī v ā n a n d C a k s u s h a d g r e a t p r o w e s s . O n s e e i n g t h e m w e l l l e a r n e d i n the V e d a s i n a c c o r d ance w i t h the injunctions, and on observing them to be masters o f e v e r y t h i n g a n d e x p o u n d e r s o f V e d i c lore, o n f i n d i n g t h a t they have achieved spiritual enlightenment and that they h a d b e c o m e t h e m o s t e x c e l l e n t ones, B a l i , t h e son o f V i r o c a n a , said to the s a g e — " T h e s e two are my sons". 74-75. H e (the s a g e ) s a i d — " N o " . T h e r e a f t e r , h e s a i d a g a i n — " T h e s e a r e m y sons. T h e y a r e e x c e l l e n t B r ā h m a n a s b o r n o f Ś ū d r a w o m b , the s e r v a n t o f y o u r s . C o n s i d e r i n g m e b l i n d a n d old, S u d e s n ā y o u r c h i e f Q u e e n sent her Ś ū d r a m a i d to me thereby insulting me. 76-77. T h e r e u p o n , Bali p r o p i t i a t e d the e x c e l l e n t s a g e o n c e a g a i n . B a l i , t h e l o r d r e b u k e d his w i f e S u d e s n ā . H e m a d e h e r b e d e c k e d i n o r n a m e n t s a n d offered h e r t o the s a g e . 78-79. T h e sage D ī r g h a t a m a s then said to the Q u e e n — "O splendid lady, I will be completely smeared with curd m i x e d w i t h salt a n d I will remain nude. W i t h o u t a n y feeling of re v u l s i o n y o u m u s t lick m y b o d y from h e a d t o t h e sole o f foot. T h e r e b y , O g e n t l e l a d y , y o u s h a l l a t t a i n sons a s d e s i r e d b y you. 80.

T h e Q u e e n c a r r i e d o u t his b e h e s t b u t c o m i n g t o t h e

a n u s s h e h a d feelings o f r e v u l s i o n a n d s o s h e a v o i d e d it.

938

Brahmānda

Purāna

81-82. T h e n t h e s a g e told h e r , " S i n c e , O s p l e n d i d l a d y , y o u a v o i d e d the a n u s , y o u w i l l h a v e the e l d e s t o f y o u r sons without anus. Thereupon, that queen replied to D ī r g h a t a m a s — " O e x a l t e d o n e , i t d o e s n o t b e h o v e y o u t o g i v e m e a son l i k e t h i s " The

sage

said

:—

83-84. " O Q u e e n , this i s y o u r o w n f a u l t . I t c a n n o t b e o t h e r w i s e . O Q u e e n of g o o d h o l y rites, I s h a l l g r a n t y o u a grandson like this; Even without the anus, he will h a v e capability. Touching her belly Dīrghatamas said thus :— 85-86. " O l a d y o f p u r e smiles, since t h e c u r d h a s b e e n l i c k e d b y y o u from m y b o d y , y o u r c o n c e p t i o n i s c o m p l e t e . Y o u r w o m b is filled l i k e t h e o c e a n On t h e full-moon d a y . F i v e sons c o m p a r a b l e t o the sons to y o u .

of Devas

will be born

T h e y will be lustrous and virtuous. T h e y will h a v e exploits. T h e y w i l l b e o p p r e s s o r s o f t h e i r foes. T h e y w i l l b e p e r f o r m i n g sacrifices. 87. T h e n A ń g a w a s b o r n a s t h e e l d e s t son o f S u d e s n ā . Thereafter, V a ñ g a , Kalińga, Pundra and Suhma were born. 88. T h e s e f i v e sons w e r e b o r n o f t h e wife o f B a l i a n d they p e r p e t u a t e d the line. It w a s thus formerly given to Bali by Dīrghatamas.

that

these

sons

were

89-90. I n v i e w o f c e r t a i n reasons, p r o g e n y o f B a l i h a d been prevented by Brahma, s a y i n g — " L e t there not be any offspring o f this n o b l e - s o u l e d k i n g b y his o w n w i v e s . T h a t w a s why he begot children of human w o m b . T h e delighted cow Surabhi spoke these words to Dīrghatamas. •91. " O s a g e , y o u p o n d e r e d o v e r Godharma a n d d i d l i k e this. T h e r e f o r e , I a m p l e a s e d w i t h y o u r s i n g l e - m i n d e d d e v o t i o n to u s . 92-94. H e n c e , I shall dispel y o u r chronic darkness. Y o u w i l l b e a b l e t o s e e . B y sniffing a n d i n h a l i n g t h e a i r from y o u r b o d y , I shall d i s p e l the sin o f c u r s e i m p r e c a t e d b y B r h a s p a t i , w h i c h l i n g e r s y e t i n y o u r b o d y . I s h a l l d i s p e l t h e fear o f o l d age and death in y o u . "

939

2.3.74.95-106

T h e m o m e n t h e w a s sniffed a n d s m e l t , h e b e c a m e c o m p e t e n t t o see a s t h e d a r k n e s s w a s d i s p e l l e d . H e b e c a m e a y o u n g m a n endowed w i t h longevity and power of sight. He b e c a m e G a u t a m a b e c a u s e his Tamas ( d a r k n e s s ) w a s r e m o v e d b y a cow.1 95. K a k s ī v ā n w e n t t o G i r i v r a j a a l o n g w i t h his f a t h e r and performed elaborate penance as directed by him. 9 6 . A f t e r the l a p s e o f a g r e a t d e a l o f t i m e , h e b e c a m e sanctified t h r o u g h a u s t e r i t i e s . T h e s a i n t l y l o r d g o t r i d o f his defects. H e a t t a i n e d t h e s t a t u s o f a B r ā h m a n a a l o n g w i t h his y o u n g e r b r o t h e r C a k s u s . 97. T h e n the father said to him : — " O - lord, now I am o n e e n d o w e d w i t h son. W i t h y o u a s m y f a m o u s son, O d e a r one, I am n o w contented a n d h a p p y . 98-99a.

Thereafter, he engaged himself in Yogic practice

and attained the abode of Brahma. After attaining the status of a B r ā h m a n a , K a k s ī v ā n b e g o t a t h o u s a n d sons. T h o s e sons

are

remembered

Kūsmāndas

and Gautamas. 99b-100a. T h u s the m u t u a l c o n t a c t o f D ī r g h a t a m a s a n d B a l i the son o f V i r o c a n a , h a s b e e n r e c o u n t e d . T h e i r c h i l d r e n have been enumerated. lOOb-101. A f t e r p e r f o r m i n g t h e c o r o n a t i o n o f his f i v e sinless ( m e r i t o r i o u s ) sons, l o r d B a l i b e c a m e satisfied. R e s o r t i n g to Yogic power and having communion with the Supreme Soul, h e m o v e s a b o u t i n the w o r l d b i d i n g his t i m e . H e i s i n v i s i b l e t o all l i v i n g b e i n g s . 102. K i n g D a d h i v ā h a n a w a s t h e son o f t h e s a i n t l y k i n g A ń g a . D u e to the fault of Sudesnā, that k i n g w a s called Anapāna w i t h o u t a n u s . 103. K i n g D i v i r a t h a i s r e m e m b e r e d a s t h e son o f A n a p ā n a . T h e l e a r n e d k i n g D h a r m a r a t h a w a s t h e son o f Diviratha. 104-106. T h e s e are said to be the descendants of I k s v ā k u . T h e y w i l l b e b o r n i n t h e K a l i y u g a i n the f a m i l y o f B r h a d b a l a . 1.

A p o p u l a r e t y m o l o g y of G a u t a m a .

940

Brahmānda

Purāna

T h e y shall be e n d o w e d with g r e a t v i g o u r a n d exploit. T h e y will be heroic, learned a n d truthful. T h e y will conquer the sense-organs. I n this c o n t e x t t h e f o l l o w i n g v e r s e r e g a r d i n g t h e cited by the people w h o know future events.

family is

— " T h i s family of I ksv āku s shall continue u p t o Sumitra. H a v i n g reached Sumitra in the K a l i Y u g a it will become extinct." 107-110. T h u s t h e K s a t r i y a c l a n o r i g i n a t i n g from M a n u a n d A i l a (Pururavas) has been recounted. Henceforth, I shall n a r r a t e t o y o u the l i n e a g e o f k i n g B r h a d r a t h a o f M a g a d h a , especially the kings of the past, present and future1 born in the r a c e of J a r ā s a n d h a , in the family of S a h a d e v a , in accordance with their importance. U n d e r s t a n d t h e s a m e as I r e c o u n t . S a h a d e v a w a s v a n q u i s h e d a n d killed i n t h e B h ā r a t a b a t t l e . T h e s a i n t l y k i n g S o m ā p i w a s his s o n . H e r u l e d the k i n g d o m o f G i r i v r a j a for f i f t y - e i g h t y e a r s . 111. H i s s o n Ś r u t a ś r a v a s r u l e d for s i x t y - s e v e n y e a r s . H i s son A y u t ā y u r u l e d t h e k i n g d o m for t w e n t y - s i x y e a r s . 112. N i r ā m i t r a e n j o y e d t h e E a r t h for a and went to heaven.

hundred

years

S u k s a t r a h e l d s w a y o v e r the E a r t h for f i f t y - s i x y e a r s . 113. B r h a t k a r m a n r u l e d t h e k i n g d o m for t w e n t y - t h r e e years. Senājit is reigning at present. T h e following kings of t h e f u t u r e w i l l r u l e t h e k i n g d o m for the p e r i o d (mentioned against their n a m e s ) . 114-115. Ś r u t a ñ j a y a will rule for forty years. T h e m i g h t y k i n g R i p u ñ j a y a o f g r e a t intellect a n d exploit will r u l e over the Earth-Tor thirtyfive years. Ś u c i w i l l s t a y in t h e k i n g d o m

( a s a r u l e r ) for fiftyeight

years.

1. The

V V . 107-203 g i v e the brief

dynasties

Ś i ś u n ā g a (4) For

the

mentioned Nanda,

(5)

discussion

here

are

Maurya, of

these

"Historical Tradition in Bd.P."

history (1) (6)

different'Future'dynasties.

Bārhadratha,

(2)

Pradyota, (3)

K ā n v a a n d (8) A n d h r a .

historical dynasties,

see

Introduction

2.3.74.116-129 116.

K s e m a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for full t w e n t y - e i g h t y e a r s .

T h e vigorous king Suvrata will

retain

t h e k i n g d o m for s i x t y -

four y e a r s . 117-118. (?) D h a r m a n e t r a w i l l b e f i v e y e a r s o l d w h e n h e b e c o m e s a k i n g . H e w i l l e n j o y ( t h e k i n g d o m ) for f i f t y - e i g h t y e a r s . S u ś a r m ā w i l l r e i g n o v e r t h e k i n g d o m for t h i r t y - e i g h t a n d p r o t e c t t h e E a r t h after e x t e r m i n a t i n g t h e K s a t r i y a s , due t o t h e force o f i n e v i t a b i l i t y o f t h e f u t u r e . D r d h a s e n a w i l l b e a k i n g for f o r t y , t e n a n d e i g h t y e a r s ( i . e . 5 8 years). 119. T h e n S u m a t i w i l l obtain and rule the k i n g d o m for t h i r t y - t h r e e y e a r s . T h e r e a f t e r , k i n g S u n e t r a w i l l e n j o y ( t h e k i n g d o m ) for forty y e a r s . 120. S a t y a j i t w i l l r u l e o v e r t h e E a r t h for e i g h t y - t h r e e years. After obtaining the kingdom Viśvajit will rule over it for t w e n t y - f i v e y e a r s . 121-124. A r i ñ j a y a w i l l r e t a i n t h e E a r t h (as a k i n g ) f o r fifty years. T h u s there will be t w e n t y t w o kings (called) B r h a d r a t h a s . T h e y w i l l r e t a i n t h e k i n g d o m for full t h o u s a n d years. W h e n the B r h a d r a t h a s pass a w a y , w h e n t h e r e will b e n o slayers of heroes, Ś u n a k a will kill his master a n d crown his son. E v e n as all the K s a t r i y a s remain w a t c h i n g , he w i l l kill h i s m a s t e r t h e k i n g a n d c r o w n his son P r a d y o t i b y h i s m i g h t . H e w i l l b e m a d e t o d o l i k e t h i s b y the ( i n e v i t a b i l i t y o f the) future. All the vassal kings will b o w d o w n to him. T h a t e x c e l l e n t p e r s o n w i l l r u l e a s a k i n g for t w e n t y - t h r e e y e a r s . 125. T h e r e a f t e r , P ā l a k a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for t w e n t y - f o u r y e a r s . V i ś ā k h a y ū p a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for f i f t y y e a r s . 126. A j a k a w i l l h a v e t h e k i n g d o m for t w e n t y - o n e y e a r s . H i s son N a n d i v a r d h a n a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for t w e n t y y e a r s . 127-129. These five kings called Pradyotas (Descendants of (Pradyoti) will r u l e for o n e h u n d r e d a n d t h i r t y e i g h t years. Śiśunāga will dispel their entire glory a n d become (king) i n V ā r ā n a s i . H i s son w i l l g o t o G i r i v r a j a . Ś i ś u n ā g a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for forty y e a r s ; K ā k a v a r n a , h i s son, w i l l b e the k i n g v for thirtysix years. Thereafter, K s e m a d h a r m ā will be the k i n g for twenty years.

942

brahmānda

130.

Purāna

T h e n Ksatraujas will obtain the kingdom and rule

for forty y e a r s . V i d h i s ā r a w i l l b e k i n g for t h i r t y e i g h t y e a r s . 131.

Ajātaśatru will

the king

for t w e n t y f i v e y e a r s .

D a r b h a k a w i l l b e the k i n g for t h i r t y f i v e y e a r s . 132-133. A f t e r w a r d s U p a y i w i l l b e c o m e k i n g ( a n d rule) for t h i r t y - t h r e e y e a r s . O n t h e fourth d a y t h a t k i n g w i l l b u i l d an excellent city n a m e d K u s u m a p u r a (now Patna in Bihar) on the Southern bank of Gańgā. Nandivardhana will be the k i n g for f o r t y y e a r s . 134-135.

M a h ā n a n d i w i l l b e the k i n g

for

forty-three

years. T h u s Ś i ś u n ā g a a n d his d e s c e n d a n t s w i l l b e t h e k i n g s for three hundred a n d sixty years. K i n g s of the family of Śiśunāga a r e t h u s o n l y t e n . T h e y a r e all K s a t r i y a s b y c a s t e . O t h e r k i n g s w i l l r u l e t h e r e a f t e r for a n e q u a l p e r i o d . 136-138. T h e r e will be twenty-four kings in the dynasty of Iksvāku, t w e n t y - f i v e ( r u l e r s of) P ā ñ c ā l a s , t w e n t y - f o u r Kālakas, twenty-four kings in Haihaya dynasty, thirtytwo rulers in Ekalińga dynasty, twentyfive kings in Śaka race, thirty six r u l e r s i n t h e K u r u d y n a s t y a n d t w e n t y - e i g h t k i n g s o f M i t h i l ā ; the Ś ū r a s e n a r u l e r s w e r e t w e n t y - t h r e e , the V ī t i h o t r a rulers twenty. T h u s all these kings will be contemporaries (?) 139. M a h ā n a n d i ' s son, b e g o t o f a Ś ū d r a w o m a n , w i l l b e c o m e t h e k i n g b y force o f T i m e ( c i r c u m s t a n c e s ) . (He w i l l b e c a l l e d ) M a h ā p a d m a . H e w i l l b e a n e x t e r m i n a t o r o f all Ksatriyas. 140-141. T h e r e a f t e r , all the future k i n g s w i l l b e b o r n of Śūdra wombs. M a h ā p a d m a will be a single ruler of great p o w e r , the sole E m p e r o r . H e w i l l r u l e for e i g h t y - e i g h t y e a r s 142. T h e r e a f t e r , his e i g h t sons w i l l b e k i n g s y e a r s i n d u e o r d e r , i n the f a m i l y o f M a h ā p a d m a .

for

twelve

143. T h e l e a d i n g B r ā h m a n a K a u t i l y a w i l l e x t e r m i n a t e a l l o f t h e m . T h a t l e a d i n g m a n w i l l e n j o y * t h e E a r t h for a hundred years. •As suggested by Pargiter enjoyed'

(for 1 0 0 y e a r s e t c )

( D K A p.26)

bhuktā mahī ' t h e e a r t h

was a better reading.

that

was

943

2.3.74.144-161

1 4 4 . K a u t i l y a w i l l instal C a n d r a g u p t a . H e w i l l b e k i n g twenty-four years. 145. B h a d r a s ā r a (?) w i l l b e k i n g for t w e n t y - f i v e y e a r s . T h e king will accord contentment to Aśoka (by installing him as a k i n g ) for t h i r t y - s i x y e a r s . for

146. H i s son K u l ā l a ( K u ś ā l a , K u n ā l a ) w i l l b e k i n g for e i g h t y e a r s . B a n d h u p ā l i t a , the son o f K u ś ā l a , s h a l l enjoy t h e k i n g d o m for e i g h t y e a r s . 147. I n d r a p ā l i t a w i l l b e t h e h e i r a n d successor o f B a n d h u p ā l i t a . [For T e n y e a r s ' a s e m e n d e d i n D K A p . 2 9 ] . D e v a v a r m ā s h a l l b e c o m e t h e r u l e r o f m e n for s e v e n y e a r s . 148-149. H i s son s h a l l b e the k i n g Ś a t a d h a n u . B r h a d r a t h a shall b e t h e k i n g for s e v e n y e a r s . T h u s t h e s e nine M a u r y a s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for full h u n d r e d a n d t h i r t y s e v e n y e a r s . F r o m t h e m t h e k i n g d o m w i l l g o t o the Ś u ń g a s . 150. P u s y a m i t r a the c o m m a n d e r - i n - c h i e f w i l l B r h a d r a t h a a n d r u l e t h e k i n g d o m for s i x t y y e a r s .

overthrow

151. A g n i m i t r a w i l l b e the k i n g for e i g h t y e a r s . after, S u j y e s t h a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for s e v e n y e a r s .

There

152. V a s u m i t r a w i l l t h e n b e c o m e k i n g a n d r e i g n ten y e a r s . T h e n B h a d r a w i l l b e the r u l e r for t w o y e a r s .

for

153. T h e r e a f t e r , P u l i n d a k a w i l l b e the k i n g for t h r e e y e a r s . T h e r e a f t e r , G h o s a w i l l b e the k i n g for t h r e e y e a r s . 154. V a j r a m i t r a w i l l b e the k i n g for B h ā g a v a t a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for t h i r t y t w o y e a r s .

seven

years.

155-157. H i s son D e v a b h ū m i w i l l b e the k i n g for ten y e a r s . T h u s t h e s e ten k i n g s o f the f a m i l y o f Ś u ñ g a s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for full o n e h u n d r e d a n d t w e l v e y e a r s . F r o m t h e m , the k i n g d o m will g o t o the K a n v a family. T h e M i n i s t e r V a s u d e v a w i l l kill k i n g D e v a b h ū m i w h o w i l l b e i n d u l g i n g i n v i c e from childhood onwards. He will become the king in the r e a l m of the Śuńgas. He will be a K ā n v ā y a n a (Belonging to the family o f K a n v a ) a n d w i l l r e i g n for f i v e y e a r s . 158. years. years.

B h ū m i m i t r a , his son, w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e n t y - f o u r

A f t e r h i m N ā r ā y a n a w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e l v e y e a r s . 159-161.. H i s son S u ś a r m ā w i l l b e t h e k i n g for T h e k i n g s c a l l e d K ā n v ā y a n a s s h a l l b e four a n d

four they

Brahmānda

944 will

reign

for

Purāna

fortyfive y e a r s a n d e n j o y t h e E a r t h . T h e n t h e

kingdom will pass on to the Ā n d h r a s . Sindhuka belonging to the A n d h r a

race will

uproot

force, S u ś a r m ā t h e K ā n v ā y a n a a n d h o l d s w a y o v e r t h e E a r t h . S i n d h u k a w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e n t y t h r e e y e a r s . 162-163. K r s n a , his b r o t h e r , w i l l b e t h e k i n g for ten years after him. His son, Śrī-Śāntakarni [ Ś ā t a k a r n i ] will be a g r e a t k i n g ; Ś ā n t a k a r n i w i l l b e the k i n g for f i f t y - s i x y e a r s . H i s son A p o l a v a w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e l v e y e a r s . 164. P a t u m ā n w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e n t y - f o u r A n i s t a k a r m ā w i l l b e the k i n g for t w e n t y - f i v e y e a r s . 165.

T h e n for a full y e a r , H ā l a w i l l

years.

the king.

extremely powerful king n a m e d Pattallaka will be the

The

k i n g for

five years. 166.

P u r ī s a b h ī r u w i l l b e the k i n g

for

twentyone

years.

twenty-eight

years.

Ś ā t a k a r n i w i l l b e t h e k i n g for a y e a r . 167.

Ś i v a s v ā t i w i l l be t h e k i n g . for

G a u t a m ī p u t r a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for t w e n t y - o n e y e a r s . 168.

Then

nineteen years.

the

king

for

A f t e r h i m V i j a y a w i l l b e t h e k i n g for

Yajña-Śrī

Śātakarni will

only

six

years. 169-170. H i s son D a n d a ś r ī Ś ā t a k a r n i w i l l b e t h e k i n g for t h r e e y e a r s , p u l o m ā r i (?) shall b e t h e k i n g for seven y e a r s . T h u s these t h i r t y A n d h r a k i n g s w i l l e n j o y the E a r t h for four h u n d r e d a n d f i f t y s i x y e a r s . 171.

Five families of Ā n d h r a s h a v e passed a w a y .

belonging to their families a r e seven in the

future

(?)

Those There

after t h e r e w i l l b e t e n A b h ī r a k i n g s . 172. G a r d a b h i n rulers are ten. T h e r e fourteen T u s ā r a s . 173. T h e r e Maunas. Āndhras years. 174. years.

The

will will ten

kings are seven. T h e n the Śaka will be eight Y a v a n a families and be thirteen Gurundas and eleven enjoy the E a r t h for t h r e e h u n d r e d

Ābhīras

will

kings

for

sixty-seven

T h e s e v e n G a r d a b h i n s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for s e v e n t y -

two years.

2.3.74.175-187

945

175. Ś a k a s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for t h r e e h u n d r e d eighty years.

and

Y a v a n a s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for o n e h u n d r e d a n d

sixty

years. 176-177. Tusāras will retain the k i n g d o m for f i v e hundred years. T h e thirteen Gurundas w h o belong to Mleccha t r i b e s w i l l e n j o y t h e E a r t h for t h r e e h u n d r e d y e a r s (?) along with Vrsalas. T h e e l e v e n M a u n a s w i l l r e i g n for t h r e e h u n d r e d y e a r s . 178. W h e n t h e y a r e e x t e r m i n a t e d b y force o f time, t h e c l a n o f K i l a k i l a s h a l l r u l e . A f t e r the K i l a k i l a s , V i n d h y a ś a k t i w i l l b e the k i n g . 179. H e w i l l r e t a i n the E a r t h for n i n e t y - s i x y e a r s . U n d e r s t a n d , henceforth, the kings of the future belonging to the land of V i d i ś ā . 180-181. T h e serpent-king Sadācandra, the t h e k i n g o f S e r p e n t s , w i l l c o n q u e r the city o f w i l l uplift t h e r a c e o f N ā g a s ( s e r p e n t s ) . T h e second king will be Candrārhśu. N a k h a v ā n will be the king. T h e fourth one born in will be Dhanadharmā.

son o f Ś e s a , Suras.* He Thereafter, this f a m i l y

182. B h ū t i n a n d a s h a l l s u c c e e d h i m a s r u l e r i n V i d i ś ā . His younger brother will be Nandiyaśas by name. 183. t In h i s family, t h e r e w i l l be only t h r e e k i n g s . H i s d a u g h t e r s ' son s h a l l b e c o m e the k i n g i n P ū r i k ā . 184. V i n d h y a ś a k t i ' s son, a heroic warrior named P r a v ī r a w i l l e n j o y the city K ā ñ c a n a k ā for s i x t y y e a r s . 185. H e w i l l p e r f o r m V ā j a p e y a sacrifices after d i s t r i b u t i n g e x c e l l e n t D a k s i n ā s a t the c o n c l u s i o n . H i s four sons will become rulers. 186-187. Three of them by marriage alliance with V i n d h y a k a s * * shall become kings. Supratīka and Gabhīra

*Surapurañjaya **vindhyakānām

but

Svarapurñjaya

kulānārh

nrpā

the m e a n i n g obscure if n o t a b s u r d . 'lite

nrpā

vaivāhikāt

Vā.

vaivūhikās

99.368.

trayah.

the

w o r d vaivāhika

V ā . P. 99.372 reads :

renders

vindhyakānām

kule

trayah.

' w h e n the dynasty of V i n d h y a k a was terminated, there w e r e three kings o f t h e Agni-kula

(the race of the Fire g o d ) .

946

Brahmānda

Purāna

s h a l l e n j o y t h e k i n g d o m for t w e n t y y e a r s . K i n g Śańkamāna will become the ruler of Mahisī. There s h a l l b e six P u s y a m i t r a s a n d t h i r t e e n S t r ī m i t ŕ a s (Paffamitras in V ā . P.) 188. T h e r e w i l l b e s e v e n k i n g s r u l i n g o v e r M e k a l ā seventy years. T h e kings in K o m a l ā will be very powerful.

for

189. T h e y a r e c a l l e d M e g h a s a n d t h e y a r e v e r y i n t e l l i g e n t . T h e r e w i l l b e n i n e k i n g s i n t h a t line. A l l t h e N a i s a d h a s w i l l b e g r e a t k i n g s , a n d t h e f a m i l y w i l l l a s t till t h e close o f M a n v a n t a r a . 190-193. T h e y are born in the family will be vigorous a n d extremely powerful.

of Nala.

They

V i ś v a s p h ā n i will be the king of M a g a d h a . He will be very vigorous. After uprooting all the kings, he will create other castes v i z . K a i v a r t a s , M a d r a k a s , P u l i n d a s a n d B r ā h m a n a s . T h o s e k i n g s w i l l e s t a b l i s h the p e o p l e i n different l a n d s . V i ś v a s p h ā n i will be extremely powerful a n d noble. In battle he will be as brilliant as Visnu. T h e king Viśvasphāni, it is s a i d , w i l l a p p e a r like a e u n u c h . A f t e r e x t e r m i n a t i n g the current Ksatriyas, he will create other Ksatriyas. 194. Nine N ā g a kings will rule over the city of C a m p ā v a t ī . S e v e n N ā g a k i n g s w i l l e n j o y t h e b e a u t i f u l city o f Mathurā. 195. T h e descendants of those seven families will enjoy the territories a r o u n d G a ń g ā such as P r a y ā g a , Sāketa a n d Magadha. 196. T h e y w i l l e n j o y t h e f o l l o w i n g t e r r i t o r i e s a b o u n d i n g i n j e w e l s a n d f o o d - g r a i n s viz.. N a i s a d h a , Y a d u k a , Ś a i ś ī t a a n d Kālatoyaka. 197. D e v a r a k s i t a s ( t h o s e g u a r d e d b y D e v a s ) w i l l r u l e over the territories of Kosala, A n d h r a , P a u n d r a , T ā m r a l i p t a a n d S ā g a r a a s w e l l a s t h e c h a r m i n g city o f G a m p ā . 198. G u h a w i l l p r o t e c t t h e f o l l o w i n g Kalińga, Mahisa and Mahendranilaya. 199-200.

Kanakāhvaya

(one

named

territories

viz.

Kanaka)

will

2.3.74.201-208 enjoy the

947

territories

Strīrāstra

(realm

women)

and

Bhojaka. All these kings will Yavanas

contemporaries.

( Y a v a n a kings) w h o will

There

b e difficult

will

please

q u i c k i n b e i n g furious. T h e y will b e u n t r u t h f u l a n d

and

unrighte

o u s i n the affairs o f V i r t u e , L o v e a n d W e a l t h . 201.

T h o s e kings will not be regularly consecrated w i t h

the ritualistic sprinkling of holy w a t e r over

the

head.

Those

k i n g s will be evil in their conduct, d u e to the evil influence of the Yuga.

202.

Those persons will

become

kings

turns

the lapse of some time. T h e y will be devoid of D h a r m a .

after They

will be base a n d mean in the matter of love and wealth. 203.

On account of t h e m all the territories will b e c o m e

inter-mixed. T h e y w i l l follow the customs and the Mlecchas. They will act in

conventions

contravention

of established

principles of religion a n d ruin the subjects. 204-206.

W h e n their turn comes, when the era becomes

a b o u n d i n g in w o m e n , the kings will

greedy,

miserly

untruthful. T h e subjects will slowly a n d little by little a n d decay in regard to length of physical

strength

life,

features

and

decline

the

body,

and learning. W h e n the subjects thus reach

the lowest point (of

deterioration)

the

w i l l b e o v e r - w h e l m e d b y Kāla ( G o d o f

kings

Time,

and or

they will be ruined. Struck down, by Kalki, all

emperors

death) the

and

Mlecchas

w i l l face destruction. 207.

Similarly,

all

those

who

are

unrighteous

and

e x t r e m e l y h e r e t i c will face destruction. Even

the

name

'king*

Sandhyāperiod o f j u n c t i o n

will

between

vanish,

two

when

Yugas

only the

the

Kali

period

will

Y u g a remains. 208. face

T h e few p e o p l e w h o s u r v i v e till

various

hardships,

discredited. T h e y will 1.

VV.201-241

Dharma

become

depict

the

destitutes

gloomy

that

(virtue)

picture

has

without of the

become

possessions

Kali

Age.

d e s c r i p t i o n i s c o m m o n t o other P u r ā n a s also. R . C . H a z r a , i n P R H R C that such was probably the A . D . 200.

condition of

Hindu

society

from

This states

200 B.C.

948

Brahmānda

Purāna

and belongings. T h e y will not have proper means. T h e i r w e a l t h a n d assets will b e taken a w a y a n d destroyed. T h e y w i l l b e afflicted b y sickness, m i s e r i e s a n d s o r r o w s . 209. T h e y will be ruined due to d r o u g h t of rain and by killing one another.

and

absence

210. T h e y will have none to support them. Due to g r e a t fear, t h e y w i l l d e s e r t t h e i r profession a n d p l a c e s o f w o r k . T h e y w i l l b e c o m e still m o r e m i s e r a b l e . T h e y w i l l l e a v e off cities a n d v i l l a g e s . T h e y w i l l b e g i n t o d w e l l i n forest. 211-212. T h u s , w h e n all t h e s e t h i n g s a r e d e s t r o y e d , t h e p e o p l e w i l l a b a n d o n their houses a n d r e s o r t t o r i v e r s a n d m o u n t a i n s . W h e n t h e feelings o f affection a r e lost, t h e y w i l l b e c o m e miserable w i t h all their friends devoid of friendship. T h e y w i l l e r r a n d d e v i a t e from the d i s c i p l i n e a n d d u t i e s o f the four c a s t e s a n d s t a g e s o f life. T h e y w i l l h a v e a m i x e d c a s t e w i t h i n t e r m a r r i a g e s etc. a n d i t w i l l b e a n a w f u l s t a t e o f affairs. 213-217a. T h e y will r e s o r t t o r i v e r s , m a r s h y p l a c e s i n t h e foreshores o f seas a s w e l l a s m o u n t a i n s . M e n w i l l r e s o r t t o A ń g a , K a l i ń g a , V a ń g a , K ā ś m ī r a , K ā ś ī , K o s a l a a n d l a r g e lakes a n d ponds around the mountain Rsikānta. T h e noble people along w i t h the Mlecchas will go to t h e s h o r e s o f t h e s a l t y sea a n d t o t h e t o p o f H i m a v ā n a n d t h e forests i n b e t w e e n . M e n w i l l s u s t a i n t h e m s e l v e s w i t h the m e a t o f d e e r , f i s h e s , birds and beasts of prey as well as sugar-cane plants, honey, g r e e n s , fruits a n d roots. L i k e the s a g e s o f o l d e n d a y s , t h e y w i l l m a k e for t h e m selves different g a r m e n t s o f l e a v e s , b a r k s o f trees a n d h i d e s o f deer and w e a r them. 217b-220. W i t h wooden spikes they will attempt to ferret o u t s e e d s a n d o t h e r e d i b l e t h i n g s from b e n e a t h t h e g r o u n d . W i t h g r e a t effort, t h e y w i l l k e e p g o a t s , s h e e p , d o n k e y s a n d c a m e l s . M e n w i l l r e s o r t t o the r i v e r s for t h e s a k e o f w a t e r a n d sustenance. T h e kings will be harassing one another by means of their evil dealings. T h e y will think highly of them selves. T h e y will be devoid of p r o g e n y . T h e y will not m a i n tain cleanliness or good habits and conventions. M e n will be

2.3.74.221-231

949

like this, e n g a g e d fully i n sinful a c t i v i t i e s . T h e common people will have to obey people of mean and base nature, evil conduct a n d depressed condition. 221-222. No o n e w i l l live b e y o n d a life s p a n of t w e n t y three years. T h e y will be w e a k a n d oppressed by old age. T h e y w i l l b e sick a n d f a t i g u e d o n a c c o u n t o f s e n s u o u s a t t a c h m e n t to w o r l d l y objects. T h e y will be taking in leaves, roots a n d fruits a s t h e i r food a n d w i l l w e a r b a r k s o f trees a n d h i d e s o f a n t e l o p e s for dress. D e s i r o u s o f m e a n s o f s u s t e n a n c e a n d o c c u p a t i o n s for l i v e l i h o o d , t h e y w i l l b e r o a m i n g o v e r t h e Earth. 223-225. B y t h e t i m e t h e s u b j e c t s r e a c h this s i t u a t i o n , t h e K a l i Y u g a w i l l c o m e t o a close. K a l i Y u g a c o n s i s t i n g o f a thousand years according to divine reckoning, will lapse a n d a l o n g w i t h t h e K a l i Y u g a , the p e o p l e w i l l a l s o p a s s a w a y . W h e n the K a l i Y u g a lapses completely along w i t h the Sandhyārhśa (period of junction or transition), K r t a Y u g a will dawn. W h e n the Sun, Moon, Brhaspati (Jupiter) and T i s y a c o n s t e l l a t i o n s m e e t t o g e t h e r in o n e Rāśi (sign of z o d i a c ) , t h e K r t a Y u g a w i l l set in. 2 2 6 . T h e g e n e a l o g y a n d t h e o r d e r o f succession o f t h e kings of the past, present a n d future, has b e e n completely recounted to you. 227. It should be known that the period beginning with the birth of Parīksit and ending w i t h the coronation of M a h ā n a n d a consists o f a t h o u s a n d a n d f i f t y y e a r s . 228-229. (Defective T e x t ) . I t i s p o s s i b l e t o m e n t i o n p r o o f (?) for t h e fact t h a t t h e p e r i o d after M a h ā p a d m a a n d ending with the A n d h r a kings is remembered as comprising eight hundred and thirty-six years. This has already been mentioned. This period has been calculated by well-known sages conversant with Purānas. 230-231. T h e stellar zone consists of twentyseven stars. T h e Saptarsis a r e seven sages (Ursa M a j o r ) . During the period o f P a r i k s i t t h e S a p t a r s i s w e r e i n t h e Pitrya c o n s t e l l a t i o n (i.e. M a g h ā ) w h e r e t h e y s t a y e d for a h u n d r e d y e a r s . T h e y w i l l

950

Brahmānda

Purāna

s t a y for a h u n d r e d y e a r s i n e a c h o f t h e c o n t e l l a t i o n s b y t w i n s . Hence, the period of dynasty of Andhras will be two thousand seven hundred years. 232-234. This Y u g a of Saptarsis, it should be known is in accordance with the divine reckoning. T h e numbers of months calculated in accordance w i t h the divine reckoning a r e r e m e m b e r e d as six a n d the divine years are seven. From t h e m the d i v i n e period begins t o function ( 3 6 0 x 7 ^ = 2 7 0 0 ) T h e f i r s t t w o ( s t a r s ) o f t h e Saptarsis a r e s e e n i n t h e s k y i n t h e north. Between them, a constellation is seen. It should be k n o w n t h a t t h e Saptarsis a r e i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h a t s t a r . T h i s p e r i o d o f c o n t a c t w i l l l a s t for a h u n d r e d y e a r s . 235-238. T h i s i s t h e b a s i s for t h e c o n t a c t o f t h e R s i s a n d the stars. T h e Saptarsis in contact with M a g h ā constellation w e r e t h e r e for h u n d r e d y e a r s i n t h e a g e o f P a r ī k s i t . (?) H u n d r e d y e a r s w i l l b e c o m p l e t e d w i t h t h e t w e n t y f o u r t h (king) i n t h e l i n e o f A n d h r a s . T h e s u b j e c t s w i l l v i o l e n t l y a t t a c k t h e Prakrtis ( m i n i s t e r s etc). W h e n t h e h o l y r i t e s l a i d d o w n i n Ś r u t i s a n d S m r t i s fall i n t o d i s u s e a n d b e c o m e s l a c k , w h e n t h e d i s c i p l i n e o f life i n t h e four s t a g e s a n d c a s t e s b e c o m e s u p s e t , t h e s u b j e c t s w i l l b e oppressed by falsehood in r e g a r d to virtue, w e a l t h a n d love. T h e y will be deluded and morally weak. T h e y will become i n v o l v e d i n Samkara ( i n t e r - m i x t u r e o f c a s t e s ) . T h e Ś ū d r a s w i l l h a v e alliance w i t h the B r ā h m a n a s (and other "twice-born" people.). 239. B r ā h m a n a s w i l l p e r f o r m Tāgas ( s a c r i f i c e s ) o n b e h a l f of Śūdras. Śudras will be the source of origin of M a n t r a s . Brāhmanas will resort to them and attend on them with a desire to get some base means of livelihood. 240.

T h e i r subjects will be falling

little by little. At the e n d of the Y u g a ,

away the

from

subjects

Dharma will

utterly destroyed. 241.

K a l i Y u g a b e g a n on the d a y w h e n

Krsna

passed

on to heaven. Understand how it is calculated. thousand

years

(3,60,000) according to h u m a n reckoning constitute the

242-243.

Three

hundred

and

sixty

Kali.

951

2.3.74.244-259

Y u g a . T h a t is the period of a thousand years according to d i v i n e r e c k o n i n g . T h e t w o p e r i o d s o f its c o n j u n c t i o n h a v e a l r e a d y been mentioned. W h e n the entire period lapses, K r t a Y u g a sets in. 244. Iksvāku and

T h e t w o dynasties viz.

that of Aila

h a v e been recounted along w i t h their

and

that

different c l a n s

subdivisions. T h e solar dynasty of Iksvāku is r e m e m b e r e d

as ending with Sumitra. 245-246. Persons c o n v e r s a n t w i t h t h e l u n a r d y n a s t y know that the K s a t r i y a race of Aila ends w i t h Ksemaka. T h e s e renowned descendants of the Sun of the past, present a n d f u t u r e h a v e b e e n glorified. T h e y a r e r e m e m b e r e d t o h a v e been born as Brāhmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras. 247-248. T h o u s a n d s o f n o b l e souls h a v e p a s s e d o n i n different Yugas. T h e i r n u m b e r is legion. M a n y n a m e s are r e p e a t e d . H e n c e , t h e k i n g s a r e n o t fully e n u m e r a t e d f a m i l y w i s e . I n this V a i v a s v a t a M a n v a n t a r a , N i m i ' s r a c e c o m e s t o an end. 249. I shall mention those persons from w h o m the K s a t r i y a race begins in this Y u g a . Even as I recount it try to understand the same. 250. Devāpi, the king belonging to the family of Pūru, a n d M a r u w h o belongs to I k s v ā k u family, these t w o are endowed with great Yogic power. T h e y occupied the village called Kalāpa. 251-253. In t h e t w e n t y - f o u r t h Catur-Yuga ( s e t o f f o u r Y u g a s ) t h e s e w i l l b e t h e p e r s o n s r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e function i n g o f K s a t r i y a r a c e . A son n a m e d S u v a r c a s w i l l b e b o r n t o Iksvāku in the twentyninth Y u g a . He will be the founder in the race. Paula shall be the first person in the A i l a dynasty of Devāpi. These t w o w i l l b e t h e p e r s o n s w h o set t h e K s a t r i y a r a c e f u n c t i o n i n t h e set o f four Y u g a s . T h e s a m e p r i n c i p l e r e g a r d i n g the perpetuation of the line should be understood everywhere. W h e n the K a l i Y u g a lapses, they will be born in the K r t a Yuga. 254-259. In the first T r e t ā Y u g a , a l o n g w i t h the Saptatsis, they will set the Gotras o f B r ā h m a n a s a n d t h e

952

Brahmānda

Purāna

families o f K s a t r i y a s f u n c t i o n . W i t h a p a r t o f D v ā p a r a , t h e K s a t r i y a s w i l l s t a y b e h i n d a l o n g w i t h t h e s a g e s . I t i s for t h e sake of the nucleus of the races of B r ā h m a n a s a n d K s a t r i y a s i n t h e future c r e a t i o n o f t h e K r t a Y u g a . In the same manner, the Saptarsis stay behind a m o n g t h e A s u r a s a l o n g w i t h t h e kings i n e v e r y Y u g a for the p e r p e t u a t i o n o f the l i n e . T h e r e l a t i o n s h i p o f t h e K s a t r i y a s w i t h t h e B r ā h m a n a s i s r e m e m b e r e d a s o n e o f e x t e r m i n a t i o n (?) T h e progeny of the seven M a n v a n t a r a s has been heard by you. T h e origin of the Yugas as well as of the race of B r ā h m a n a s a n d K s a t r i y a s i s m u t u a l l y i n t e r d e p e n d e n t (?) T h e o r i g i n a n d d e s t r u c t i o n o f these, h o w these function a n d h o w t h e y m e e t w i t h d e s t r u c t i o n after beginning to function,—only t h e S a p t a r s i s k n o w this b e c a u s e of their longevity. 260-261. In this o r d e r , O B r ā h m a n a s , the f a m i l i e s — A i l a a n d I k s v ā k u a r e o r i g i n a t e d i n the T r e t ā a n d d e s t r o y e d i n the K a l i Y u g a . T h e y w i l l follow the Y u g a , till the close o f t h e Manvantara. 162. W h e n the K s a t r i y a s w e r e c o m p l e t e l y e x t e r m i n a t e d b y R ā m a son o f J a m a d a g n i , this e n t i r e E a r t h w a s r e n d e r e d confused b y the K s a t r i y a k i n g s . 263-264. I s h a l l r e c o u n t t h e o r i g i n a l c a u s e of the t w o r a c e s . U n d e r s t a n d it. T h e o r i g i n s o f t h e f a m i l y o f A i l a a n d t h a t o f I k s v ā k u a r e d i f f e r e n t (Sun a n d M o o n ) . T h e k i n g s a n d o t h e r K s a t r i y a s c o m e i n a series ( ? ) . as

those b e l o n g i n g to the

Just

f a m i l y of A i l a , so also those of

Iksvāku are well renowned kings. 2 6 5 . H u n d r e d a n d o n e families b e l o n g i n g t o t h e m h a v e been accorded coronation. T h e extent of the Bhojas is remem bered as twice. 266. (Defective T e x t ) . T h r e e - f o u r t h s o f t h e K s a t r i y a s , b e c o m e e s t a b l i s h e d . ' T h e o t h e r one-fourth i s s c a t t e r e d h e r e a n d t h e r e in v a r i o u s d i r e c t i o n s (?). U n d e r s a n d e v e n as I r e c o u n t those w h o a r e e q u a l (?) to those w h o a r e of the past. 267. T h e r e a r e h u n d r e d d e s c e n d a n t s o f the P r a t i v indhyas, hundred Nāgas along with Haihayas, hundred and one Dhrtarāstras and eighty J a n a m e j a y a s .

2.3.74.268-278

Vīrins

953

268-269. Hundred Brahmadattas, hundred Sarins and and hundred Paulas, Śvetas, Kāśyas, K u ś a s and others

w h o have gone by and Śaśabindus are a thousand. All of them p e r f o r m e d horse-sacrifices d i s t r i b u t i n g m i l l i o n s of coins as m o n e t a r y gifts. 270-271. T h u s there h a d b e e n h u n d r e d s a n d t h o u s a n d s o f s a i n t l y k i n g s i n the p a s t i n the c u r r e n t M a n v a n t a r a o f V a i v a s v a t a M a n u . M a n y o f the c h i l d r e n b o r n t o t h e m a r e r e m e m b e r e d . But u n d e r s t a n d t h a t it is i m p o s s i b l e to d e s c r i b e t h e m i n d e t a i l a n d i n the p r o p e r o r d e r e v e n i n h u n d r e d s o f years. 272-274. T w e n t y e i g h t sets o f four Y u g a s h a v e g o n e b y i n the V a i v a s v a t a M a n v a n t a r a a l o n g w i t h these s a i n t l y k i n g s . U n d e r s t a n d those t h a t yet r e m a i n . F o r t y - t h r e e sets o f four Y u g a s a r e y e t t o c o m e i n t h e future a l o n g w i t h t h e f u t u r e k i n g s . T h e r e a f t e r , the V a i v a s v a t a M a n v a n t a r a w i l l c o m e t o a close, thus e v e r y t h i n g has b e e n m e n t i o n e d to y o u e i t h e r s u c c i n c t l y or in d e t a i l . 275-278. O n a c c o u n t o f the i n n u m e r a b l e r e p e t i t i o n s i t i s i m p o s s i b l e t o m e n t i o n all c o m p l e t e l y a l o n g w i t h the Y u g a s . T h e s e f i v e families o f t h e sons o f Y a y ā t i a r e beneficial to the people. T h e y have been recounted. T h e y have passed by sustaining the worlds. B y r e t a i n i n g i n m e m o r y a n d b y l i s t e n i n g t o the d e s c r i p tion o f the f i v e families o f g r e a t i n t e l l e c t o n e a c q u i r e s f i v e e x c e l l e n t a n d r a r e w o r l d l y benefits v i z . l o n g life, r e p u t a t i o n , w e a l t h , c h i l d r e n a n d h e a v e n l y bliss for a n indefinite p e r i o d . T h u s , O B r ā h m a n a s , the t h i r d Pāda (section) h a s recounted to you in detail as well as in the proper order. W h a t else shall I d e s c r i b e ?

been