सौतिरुवाच जनमेजयः पारिक्षितः सह भ्रातृभिः भ्रातृभिः कुरुक्षेत्रे दीर्घसत्रमुपास्ते। तस्य भ्रातरस्त्रयः श्रुतसेन। उग्रसेनो भीमसेन इति। तेषु तत्सत्रमुपासीनेष्वागच्छत्सारमेयः॥
Sauti said: The son of Parikshit, Janamejaya, with his brothers, was attending his long sacrifice in the field of Kurukshetra. His brothers were three, namely-Shrutasena, Ugrasena and Bhimasena. When they were sitting at the sacrifice, there came the son of Sarama.
जनमेजयस्य भ्रातृभिरभिहतो भ्रातृभिरभिहतो रोरूयमाणो मातुः समीपमुपागच्छत्॥
He, being beaten by the brothers of Janamejaya, went to his mother weeping.
पुत्रदुःखार्ता तं माता रोरूयमाणमुवाच 'किं रोदिषि, केनास्यभिहत' इति॥
His mother, seeing him weep, asked him, “Why are you weeping, who has beaten you?"
प्रत्युवाच-'जनमेजयस्य भ्रातृभिरभिहतोऽस्मि' इति॥
Being thus questioned, he replied to his mother, “I have been beaten by the brothers of Janamejaya."
तं माता प्रत्युवाच-'व्यक्तं त्वया तत्रापराद्धम्, येनास्यभिहतः' इति॥
And then his mother said, "You must have committed some fault, for which you have been beaten.'
स तां पुनरुवाच 'नापराध्यामि, किंचिन्नावेक्षे, हवींषि नावलिह' इति॥
He replied, “I committed no fault. I did not lick the sacrificial ghee, I did not cast even a look at it."
तच्छ्रुत्वा माता सरमा तत्सत्रमुपागच्छत्, यत्र स जनमेजयः सह भ्रातृभिर्दीर्घसत्रमुपास्ते॥
Hearing this her mother, being very sorry for the affliction of his son, went to the place where Janamejaya with his brothers were attending his long sacrifice.
तया क्रुद्धया तत्रोक्त 'अयं मे पुत्रो न किंचिदपराध्यति, नावेक्षते, हवींषि, नावलेढि, किमर्थमभिहतः' इति॥
She angrily addressed Janamejaya thus, “My son did not commit any fault. He did not lick your sacrificial ghee, he did not even look at it. Why did you then beat him?”
न किंचिदुक्तवन्तस्ते सा तानुवाच 'यस्मादयमभिहतो ऽनपकारी, तस्माददृष्टं त्वां भयमागमिष्यति' इति।॥
They did not (condescend) to reply to her. On this she said, “ As you beat my son who did not commit any fault, so will evil come to you when you least expect it."
जनमेजय एवमुक्तो देवशुन्या सरमया भृशं संभ्रान्तो विषण्णश्चासीत्॥ स
Janamejaya, having been thus cursed by the celestial bitch, Sarama, was very much alarmed and dejected.
तस्मिन्सत्रे समाप्ते हास्तिनपुरं प्रत्येत्य पुरोहितमनुरूपमन्विष्यमाणः परं यत्नमकरोद्यो मे पापकृत्यां शमयेदिति॥
After finishing the sacrifice, he returned to Hastinapur and took great pains to find out a priest who could neutralise the effect of the curse by procuring absolution from his sin.
स कदाचिन्मृगयां गतः पारिक्षितो जनमेजयः कस्मिंश्चित्स्वविषय आश्रममपश्यत्॥
Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, when out in hunting, saw in one part of his dominion a holy hermitage.
तत्र कश्चिद्ऋषिरासाञ्चक्रे श्रुतश्रवा नाम। तपस्यभिरतः पुत्र आस्ते सोमश्रवा नाम॥
Where lived a Rishi, named Srutashrava; he had a son who was named Somashrava, who was deeply engaged in austere penances.
तस्य तं पुत्रमभिगम्य जनमेजयः पारिक्षितः पौरोहित्याय ववे॥
Being desirous to make the son of the Rishi his priest, Janamejaya,
स नमस्कृत्य तमृषिमुवाच-'भगवन्यं तव पुत्रो मम पुरोहितोऽस्तु' इति॥
Saluted him and said, "O Bhagvan, allow your son to be my priest."
स एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच जनमेजयम् 'भो जनमेजय, पुत्रोऽयं मम सर्म्या जातो महातपस्वी स्वाध्यायसंपन्नो मत्तपोवीर्यसंभृतो मच्छुक्रं पीतवत्यास्तस्याः कुक्षौ जातः॥
Being thus addressed by Janamejaya, the Rishi replied, “O Janamejaya, my son is accomplished in the study of the Vedas, endued with my full asceticism and deep in devotion, but he is born in the womb of a serpent who swallowed my vital fluid.
समर्थोऽयं भवतः सर्वाः पापकृत्याः शमयितुमन्तरेण महादेवकृत्याम्॥
"He is able to absolve you from all sins except those committed against Mahadeva.
अस्य त्वेकमुपांशुव्रतं यदेनं कश्चिद् ब्राह्मण: कंचिदर्थमभियाचेत्तं तस्मै दद्यादयम् यद्येतदुत्सहसे ततो नयस्वैनम्' इति॥
But he observes a particular rule, namely he grants to a Brahmana whatever he asks from him. If you can allow him to do it, you can then take him."
तेनैवमुक्तो जनमेजयस्तं प्रत्युवाच-'भगवंस्तत् तथा भविष्यति ॥
Janamejaya thus addressed by the Rishi, said "It shall be as you say.
स तं पुरोहितमुपादायोपावृत्तो भ्रातूनुवाच-'मयाऽयं वृत उपाध्याय यदयं ब्रूयात्तत् कार्यमविचारयद्भिर्भवद्भिः' इति। तेनैवमुक्ता भ्रातरस्तस्य तथा चक्रुः स तथा भ्रातृन् संदिश्य तक्षशिलां प्रत्यभिप्रतस्थे तं च देशं वशे स्थापयामास॥
He then took him as his priest and returned to his capital. He then addressed his brothers thus, I have chosen this person as my priest. Whatever he will command to do must be obeyed by you without questioning.” The brothers did as they were requested. Giving these instructions to his brothers he marched against Takshashila and conquered that country.
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे कश्चिद् ऋषिौम्यो नामायोदः। तस्य शिष्यास्त्रयो बभूवुः॥ उपमन्युरारुणिर्वेदश्चेति स एकं शिष्यमारुणिं पाञ्चाल्यं प्रेषयामास 'गच्छ, केदारखण्डं बधान' इति॥
About this time there was also a Rishi, named Ayoda-Dhaumya. He had three disciples namely Upamanyu, Aruni and Veda. One day the Rishi asked one of these three disciples, Aruni of Panchala, to go and stop a breach in the water-course in his field.
स उपाध्यायेन संदिष्ट आरुणिः पाञ्चाल्यस्तत्र गत्वा तम्, केदारखण्डं बर्द्ध नाशकत्। क्लिश्यमानोऽपश्यदुपायम् भवत्वेवं करिष्यामि॥ स तत्र संविवेश केदारखण्डे। शयाने च तथा तस्मिंस्तदुदकं तस्थौ॥
Thus ordered by the preceptor, Aruni of Panchala went to the spot, but could not stop the breach. He was very sorry that he could not carry out his preceptor's bidding, but at last he saw a means and he said, “I shall do it in this way." He entered into the breach and there laid himself down and thus the water was stopped.
ततः कदाचिदुपाध्याय आपोदो धौम्यः शिष्यानपृच्छत् 'क्व आरुणिः पाञ्चाल्यो गतः' इति॥
Sometime after, the preceptor AyudaDhaumya enquired of his other disciples where Aruni of Panchala went.
ते तं प्रत्यूचुः ‘भगवंस्त्वयैव प्रेषितः' गच्छ केदारखण्डं बधान इति। स एवमुक्तस्तान् शिष्यान् प्रत्युवाच'तस्मात्तत्र सर्वे गच्छामो यत्र स गतः' इति।॥
Having been thus addressed, they replied, “Sir, he has been sent by you to stop the breach of the water-course in the field.” Dhaumya, thus reminded, said to his pupils, “Let us all go to the place where he is."
स तत्र गत्वा तस्याहानाय शब्दं चकार-'भो आरुणे, पाञ्चाल्य, क्वासि वत्स, एहि, इति॥
Having gone there, he cried, “O Aruni of Panchala, where are you? Come here, my child."
स तच्छ्रुत्वा आरुणिरुपाध्यायवाक्यं तस्मात् केदारखण्डात् सहसोत्याय तमुपाध्यायमुपतस्थे॥
Having heard the voice of his preceptor, Aruni rose speedily from the breach and stood before him.
प्रोवाच चैनम् 'अयमस्मि, अत्र केदारखण्डे निःसरमाणमुदकमवारणीयं संरोद्धं संविष्टः, भगवच्छब्दं श्रुत्वैव, सहसा विदार्य केदारखण्डम्, भवन्तमुपस्थितः। तदभिवादये भगवन्तम्, आज्ञापयतु भवान् कमर्थं करवाणि इति॥२९-३०॥
Addressing his preceptor Aruni said. “I was in the breach of the water-course. Having been unable to stop it by and other means, I entered myself into the breach to prevent the water from running out. It is only when I heard your honour's voice that I have left it and allowed the waters to escape. I salute you, great teacher, tell me what I am to do now.
स एवमुक्त उपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच 'यस्माद्भवान् केदारखण्डं विदार्योत्थितः, तस्मादुद्दालक एव नाम्ना भवान् भविष्यति इत्युपाध्यायेनानुगृहीतः॥
The preceptor, thus addressed, said, "As you have opened the water-course in getting from the ditch, you shall be henceforth known as Uddalaka as a mark of your action" and blessed him.
'यस्माच्च त्वया मद्वचनमनुष्ठितम्, तस्माच्छ्रेयो ऽवाप्स्यसि। सर्वे च ते वेदाः प्रतिभास्यन्ति, सर्वाणि च धर्मशास्त्राणि' इति॥
And as you have obeyed my command, you shall obtain good fortune. All the Vedas will shine in you and so will all the Dharma Shastras."
स एवमुक्त उपाध्यायेनेष्टं देशं जगाम। अथापर: शिष्योऽस्यैवापोदस्य धौम्यस्योपमन्युर्नाम॥
Being thus blessed by his preceptor, Aruni went away to the country where his heart longed to go. The name of another AyudaDhaumya's disciples was Upamanyu.
तं चोपाध्यायः प्रेषयामास-'वत्सोपमन्यो! गा रक्षस्व' इति॥
Him the preceptor thus addressed, “Go my child, look after my kine.
स उपाध्यायवचनादरक्षद्गाः। स चाहनि गा रक्षित्वा दिवसक्षये गुरुगृहमागम्योपाध्यायस्याग्रतः स्थित्वा नमश्चक्रे॥
As ordered by his preceptor, he went to look after the cows. Having tended them all day, he came back to the preceptor's house in the evening. He then stood before him and respectfully saluted him.
तमुपाध्यायः पीवानमपश्यदुवाच चैनं 'वत्सोपमन्यो केन! वृत्तिं कल्पयसि, पीवानसि दृढम् इति॥
His preceptor, seeing him in the best of health, asked, “Upamanyu, my child, by what means you support yourself? You exceedingly plump?"
स उपाध्यायं प्रत्युवाच-'भो भैक्ष्येण वृत्तिं कल्पयामि' इति॥
He answered to his preceptor, “I support myself by begging."
तमुपाध्यायः 'मय्यनिवेद्य भैक्ष्य नोपयोक्तव्यम्' इति। स तथेत्युक्तो भैक्ष्यं चरित्वोपाध्यायाय न्यवेदयत्॥
are The preceptor said, “You should not appropriate what you receive by begging without offering it to me." Being thus told he went away and offered all that he got by begging to his preceptor;
स तस्मादुपाध्यायःसर्वमेव भैक्ष्यमगृह्णात्। स तथेत्युक्तः पुनररक्षद्गाः। अहनि रक्षित्वा निशामुखे गुरुकुलमागम्य गुरोरग्रत:स्थित्वा नमश्चक्रे॥
And the preceptor took from him all that he got. He, being thus treated, went away to look after the cattle. And after having tended them all day he came back in the evening. He stood before his preceptor and respectfully saluted him.
तमुपाध्यायस्तथापि पीवानमेव दृष्ट्वोवाच'वत्सोपमन्यो! सर्वमशेषतस्ते भैक्ष्यं गृह्णामि। केनेदानीं वृत्तिं कल्पयसि' इति॥
The preceptor, seeing him still as plump as before, said, “Upamanyu, my child. I take from you all that you get by begging. How do you contrive to support yourself now?”
'भगवते निवेद्य पूर्वमपरं चरामि। तेन वृत्तिं कल्पयामि' इति॥
Being thus questioned, he answered to his preceptor, “Sir, after giving you all I get by begging, I go again to beg to support myself.”
तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच 'नैषा न्याय्या 'नैषा न्याय्या गुरुवृत्तिः अन्येषामपि भैक्ष्योपजीविनां वृत्त्युपरोधं करोषि, इत्येवं वर्तमानो लुब्धोऽसि' इति॥
The preceptor, said “This is not the way you should obey your preceptor. You diminish the support of others who live by begging. Having thus supported yourself you have showed that you are coveteous.
स तथेत्त्युक्त्वा गा अरक्षत्। रक्षित्वा पुनरुपाध्यायगृहमागम्योपाध्यायस्याग्रतः स्थित्वा नमश्चक्रे॥
Having assented to all his preceptor's words, he went away (again) to tend the kine Having done it, he stood before the preceptor and respectfully saluted him.
तमुपाध्यायस्तथापि पीवानमेव दृष्ट्वा पुनरुवाच-'वत्सोपमन्यो! अहं ते सर्वं भक्ष्यं गृह्णामि न चान्यच्चरसि। पीवानसि भृशम् केन वृत्तिं कल्पयसि' इति॥
The preceptor saw that he was still plump and said, "Upamanyu, my child, I take from you all that you get by begging. You do not also go out begging for the second time. How do you now manage to support yourself?”
स एवमुक्तस्तमुपाध्यायं प्रत्युवाच-'भो एतासां गवां पयसा वृत्ति कल्पयामि' इति। तमुवाचोपाध्यायः 'नैतन्याय्यं पय उपयोक्तुम्। भवतो मया नाभ्यनुज्ञात' इति॥
Upamanyu, thus questioned, replied, “Sir, I now support myself with the milk of these cows.” Hearing which the preceptor said, “It is not proper for you to drink the milk, since you were not addressed by me."
स तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय गा रक्षित्वा पुनरुपाध्यायगृहमेत्य गुरोरग्रत: स्थित्वा नमश्चक्रे॥
He assented to his preceptor's words and went to tend the cattle. Having done it he stood before his preceptor and respectfully saluted him.
तमुपाध्याय: पीवानमेव दृष्टोवाच 'वत्सोपमन्यो भैक्ष्य नाश्नासि, न चान्यच्चरसि, पयो न पीबसि, पीवानसि भृशम् केनेदानी वृत्ति कल्पयसि' इति॥
The preceptor saw that he was still fat and he asked, “Upamanyu my child, you do not support yourself by alms, nor do you go begging for the second time, nor do you drink the milk of my cows, but you are still fat, how do you support yourself now?"
स एवमुक्त उपाध्यायं प्रत्युवाच-'भोः फेनं पिबामि यमिमे वत्सा मातृणां स्तनात्पिबन्त उद्गिरन्ति॥
Thus questioned he said, “I now drink the froth that the calves throw out when they suck their mother's teats."
तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच ‘एते त्वदनुकम्पया गुणवन्तो वत्साः प्रभूततरं फेनमुद्गिरन्ति। तदेषामपि तदेषामपि वत्सानां वृत्त्युपरोधं करोष्येवं वर्तमानः। फेनमपि भवान्न पातुमर्हति' इति। स तथेति प्रतिश्रुत्य पुनररक्षद्गाः॥
The preceptor replied, “The good calves, out of kindness towards you, throw out a large quantity of froth. You should not stand in the way of their full meal. Know, it is not proper for you to drink the froth.” Upamanyu assented to this and went to tend the cattle.
तथा प्रतिषिद्धो भैक्ष्यं नाश्नाति न चान्यच्चरति पयो न पिबति। फेनं नोपयुङ्क्ते स कदा चिदरण्ये क्षुधार्तोऽर्कपत्राण्यभक्षयत्॥ तैरर्कपत्रैक्षितैः क्षारतिक्तकटुरूक्षैस्तीक्ष्णविपाकैश्चक्षुष्युपहतोऽन्धो बभूव। ततः सोऽन्धोऽपि चङ्कम्यमाण: कूपे पपात॥
Thus prevented by his preceptor (from supporting himself,) he did not feed on alms, he did not drink the milk, or taste the froth, he had thus nothing to eat. One day being very much oppressed by hunger he ate the leaves of Arka tree in a forest. His eyes were affected by the pungent, acrimonious, crude and saline qualities of the leaves and he became blind. When he was thus walking about feeling his way he fell into a deep well.
अथ तस्मिन्ननागच्छति, सूर्ये चास्ताचलावलम्बिनि उपाध्यायः शिष्यानवोचत्-'नायात्युपमन्युः।' ते ऊचु 'वनं गतो गा रक्षितुम्' इति॥
As he did not return that day to the Rishi's house when the sun was sinking down behind the summit of the western mountain, the preceptor said to his pupils that Upamanyu had not yet returned. And they replied that he had gone to the forest to tend the cattle.
तानाह उपाध्याय:-'मयोपमन्युः सर्वतः प्रतिषिद्धः स नियतं कुपितस्ततो नागच्छति चिरं ततोऽन्वेष्यः' इत्येवमुक्त्वा शिष्यैः सार्धमरण्यं गत्वा तस्याह्वानाय शब्दं चकार-'भो उपमन्यो! क्वासि वत्स! एहि' इति॥
On this the preceptor said, Upamanyu is displeased, because he has been prevented from the use of everything. He is therefore, making late to come home. Let us go and find him out." Having said this, he went with his pupils into the forest and called aloud. “Ho, Upamanyu, where are you? My child, come here."
स उपाध्यायवचनं श्रुत्वा प्रत्युवाचोच्चैः-'अयमस्मिन् कूपे पतितोऽहम्' इति। तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच-'कथं त्वमस्मिन् कूपे पतितः' इति॥
Having heard the voice of his preceptor he replied, “I have fallen into this well.” The preceptor asked, “How have you fallen into this well?"
स उपाध्यायं प्रत्युवाच-'अर्कपत्राणि भक्षयित्वाऽन्धीभूतोऽस्मि। अतः कूपे पत्तितः' इति॥
He answered to the preceptor, “I have become blind by eating the leaves of Arka tree and thus fallen into this well."
तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच-'अश्विनौ स्तुहि। तौ देवभिषजौ त्वां चक्षुष्मन्तं कर्तारौ' इति। स एवमुक्त उपाध्यायेनोपमन्युरश्विनौ स्तोतुमुपचक्रमे देवावश्विनौ वाग्भिधंग्भिः॥
On this the preceptor replied, “Worship the twin Ashvinis, the physicians of the celestials and they will restore you your sight.” Thus addressed, Upamanyu began to worship the twin Ashvinis by reciting the following words from the Rigveda.
प्रपूर्वगौ पूर्वजौ चित्रभानू गिरा वाऽऽशंसामि तपसा ह्यनन्तौ। वधिक्षिपन्तौ भुवनानि विश्वा॥
You have existed before the creation, O you first-born beings; you are manifest in this wonderful universe of five elements. You are . infinite, you are the course of nature and intelligent Soul that pervades all. I desire to obtain you by the knowledge, derived from hearing and meditation, You are birds of beautiful feathers, that roost on the body which is likened to a tree. You are free from the three common attributes of all souls. You are beyond all comparison. You pervade the universe through its spirit in every created thing.
हिरण्मयौ शकुनी साम्परायौ नासत्यदस्त्रौ सुनसौ वै जयन्तौ। वधिव्ययन्तावसितं विवस्वतः॥
You are golden eagles. You are the essence in which all things disappear. You are free from error and you do not deteriorate. You are of beautiful beaks. which will not unjustly wound and which are ever victorious in all fights. Having created the sun, you weave the wonderful cloth of night and day by the black and white threads. You have established with as the cloth thus woven two courses of action; one regarding the Devas and the other regarding the Pitris.
ममुञ्चतामश्विनौ सौभगाय। तावत् सुवृत्तावनमन्त मायया वसत्तमा गा अरुणा उदावहन्॥
You set free the bird of life, seized by Time representing the infinite soul, so that it may be delivered to great happiness. Those that are greatly ignorant on account of the delusion of their senses, think that you, who have no attributes of matter, have forms.
षष्टिश्च गावस्त्रिशताश्च धेनव एकं वत्सं सुवते तं दुहन्ति। स्तावश्विनौ दुहतो धर्ममुक्थ्यम्॥
Three hundred and sixty cows represented by three hundred and sixty days give birth to one calf which is year. This calf is the creator and destroyer of all. Those that search after truth, through following different routes, draw the milk of true knowledge with its help.
एकां नाभिं सप्तशता अराः श्रिताः प्रधिष्वन्या विंशतिरर्पिता अराः। अनेमि चक्रं परिवर्ततेऽजरं मायाऽश्विनौ समनक्ति चर्षणी॥
The year is a navel of the wheel with seven hundred and twenty spokes, representing nights and days. The circumference of this wheel is without an end and is represented by twelve months. This wheel is full of delusion and does not know deterioration. It affects all creatures belonging to this or the other world. O Ashvinis, set this wheel in motion.
एकं चक्रं वर्तते द्वादशारं घण्णाभिमेकाक्षमृतस्य धारणम्। स्तावश्विनौ मुञ्चतं मा विषीदतम्॥
The wheel of time represented by the year has also a nave, the six seasons. It has twelve spokes represented by the twelve signs of the Zodiac. This wheel of Time displays the fruits of all beings' actions. The Presiding Deities of Time obey this wheel. Bound as I am to its bound, O Ashvinis, makes me free from this wheel of Time.
अश्विनाविन्दुममृतं वृत्तभूयौ तिरोधत्तामश्विनौ दासपत्नी। हित्वा गिरिमश्विनौ गा मुदा चरन्तौ तवृष्टिमह्ना प्रस्थितौ बलस्य॥
O Ashvinis, you are this universe of five elements. You are the objects that are enjoyed in this and the next world. Raise me beyond the influence of the five elements. You are the supreme Brahma, but you move on earth in forms and enjoy those pleasures that the senses give.
युवां दिशो जनयथो दशाये समानं मूर्ध्नि रथयानं वियन्ति। तासां यातमृषयोऽनुप्रयान्ति देवा मनुष्याः क्षितिमाचरन्ति॥
You created ten points of the universe in the beginning of the creation. You have placed the sun and the moon above. The Rishis perform their Yajnas according to the course of the sun. The celestials and men also perform their Yajnas as settled for them and they enjoy the fruits of those acts.
युवां वर्णान् विकुस्थो विश्वरूपां स्तेऽधिक्षियन्ते भुवनानि विश्वा। ते भानवोऽप्यनुसृताश्चरन्ति देवा मनुष्याः क्षितिमाचरन्ति॥
Mixing the ten colours, you have produced all the objects of form. The universe has sprung from these objects in which both the celestials and men and all creatures endued with life are engaged in their respective works.
तौ नासत्यावश्विनौ वां महेऽहं स्रजं च यां विभृथः पुष्करस्य। तौ नासत्यावमृतावृतावृधावृते देवास्तत् प्रपदे न सूते॥
O Ashvinis, I worship you. I also worship the sky that is your handiwork. You are the ordainers of the fruits of all acts from which even the celestials are not free; you are, however, free from the fruits of your actions.
मुखेन गर्भं लभेतां युवानी गतासुरेतत् प्रपदेन सूते। स्तावश्विनौ मुञ्चथो जीवसे गाः॥
You are the parents of all. You as males and females swallow the food which subsequently develops into the vital-fluid and blood. The new-born baby sucks her mother's breast, it is you who take the shape of the babe. O Ashvinis, restore my sight and protect my life."
स्तोतुं न शक्नोमि गुणैर्भवन्तौ चक्षुर्विहीनः पथि संप्रमोहः। दुर्गेऽहमस्मिन् पतितोऽस्मि कूपे युवां शरण्यौ शरणं प्रपद्ये॥
O Ashvinis, I am unable to praise both of you by describing your virtues. Now I am blind and can't even detect the right path. So, I have fallen down in this deep well. You only are capable to provide us shelter and therefore, 1 have come to seek your shelter.
इत्येवं तेनाभिष्टुतावश्विनावाजग्मतुराहतुश्चैनम्-'प्रीतौ स्वः, एष तेऽपूपः, अशानैनम्' इति॥
When Upamanyu thus adored the twin Ashvinis, they appeared and said. "We are pleased with your devotion. Here is a cake for you. Take it and eat it."
स एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच-'नानृतमूचतुर्भगवन्तौ न त्वहमेतमपूपमुपयोक्तुमुत्सहे गुरवेऽनिवेद्य' इति॥
Thus addressed he replied, “O Ashvinis, your words never prove untrue. But I cannot take this cake without offering it to my preceptor.
ततस्तमश्विनावूचतुः 'आवाभ्यां पुरस्ताद्भवत उपाध्यायेनैवमेवाभिष्टुताभ्यामपूपो दत्तः, उपयुक्तः स तेनानिवेद्य गुरवे। त्वमपि तथैव कुरुष्व यथा कृतमुपाध्यायेन' इति॥
The Ashvinis said-"Your preceptor also once invoked us, we gave him a cake and he took it without offering it to his teacher. Do what your preceptor did."
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच-'एतत् प्रत्यनुनये भवन्तावश्विनौ, नोत्सहेऽहमनिवेद्य गुरवेऽपूपमुपयोक्तुम्' इति॥
Thus addressed he said, "O Ashvinis, I ask your pardon. I cannot take this cake without offering it to my preceptor.
तमश्विनावाहतु:-'प्रीतौ स्वस्तवानया गुरुभक्त्या उपाध्यायस्य ते कार्णायसा दन्ता भवतोऽपि हिरण्मया भविष्यन्ति, चक्षुष्मांश्च भविष्यसीति, श्रेयश्चावाप्स्यसि इति॥
The Ashvinis said, “We are pleased with your this devotion to your preceptor. Your teacher's teeth are of black iron, yours will be those of Gold. Your sight will be restored and you will possess good fortune."
एवमुक्तोऽश्विभ्यां लब्धचक्षुरुपाध्यायसकाशमागम्याभ्यवादयत्॥ आचचक्षे च स चास्य प्रीतिमान् बभूव।। आह चैनम् 'यथाऽश्विनावाहतुस्तथा त्वं श्रेयोऽवाप्स्यसि॥ सर्वे च ते वेदाः प्रतिभास्यन्ति, सर्वाणि च धर्मशास्त्राणि, इति। एषा तस्यापि परीक्षोपमन्योः॥
Having been thus addressed by the Ashvinis he regained his sight. He then went to his preceptor, saluted him and told him all that had happened. And his preceptor was very much pleased with him and told him that he would obtain immense prosperity as the Ashvinis had said. All the Vedas will shine on him and so also all Dharma Shastras. This was his trial.
अथापरः शिष्यस्तस्यैवायोदस्य धौम्यस्य वेदो नाम। तमुपाध्यायः समादिदेश-'वत्स, वेद इहास्यतां तावन्मम गृहे कञ्चित् कालम्। शुश्रूषुणा च भवितव्यम्। श्रेयस्ते भविष्यति' इति॥
The other pupil of Ayuda Dhaumya was called Veda. One day his preceptor addressed him thus, “Veda, my child, remain in my house and serve your teacher. It will be to your profit."
स तथेत्युक्त्वा गुरुकुले दीर्घकालं गुरुशुश्रूषणपरोऽवसत्-गौरिव नित्यं गुरुणा धूर्षु नियोज्यमानः शीतोष्णक्षुत्तृष्णादुःखसहः सर्वत्राप्रतिकूलः। तस्य महताकालेन गुरुः परितोषं जगाम॥
Veda, having assented to it, remained long in the family of his preceptor, being always mindful to serve him. Like an ox under the burden of his owner, he bore heat and cold, hunger and thirst, without any complaint at all times; and many years thus passed before his preceptor was satisfied.
तत्परितोषाच्च श्रेयः सर्वज्ञतां चावाप। एषा तस्यापि परीक्षा वेदस्य॥
Veda obtained good fortune and universal knowledge as the result of his preceptor's satisfaction. This was his trial.
स उपाध्यायेनानुज्ञातः समावृत्तस्तस्माद्गुरुकुलवासाद् गृहाश्रमं प्रत्यपद्यत। तस्यापि स्वगृहे वसतस्त्रयः शिष्याः बभूवुः। स शिष्यान्नकिंचिदुवाच कर्म वा क्रियता गुरुशुश्रूषा चेति। दुःखाभिज्ञो हि गुरुकुलवासस्य शिष्यान् परिक्लेशेन योजयितुं नेयेष॥
Having received his preceptor's permission he left his house after the completion of living at his house and entered the domestic inode of life. When he was living in his house he got, three pupils. But he never asked them to perform any work or to serve him in any way. Having himself suffered much woe when living in the family of his preceptor, he did nor like to treat his pupils with severity
अथ कस्मिंश्चित् काले वेदं ब्राह्मणं जनमेजयः पौष्यश्च क्षत्रियावुपेत्य वरयित्वोपाध्यायं चक्रतुः॥
Once on a time both the kings Janamejaya and Paushya came to his house and appointed him as their preceptor.
स कदाचिद्याज्यकार्येणाभिप्रस्थित उत्तङ्कनामानं शिष्यं नियोजयामास॥ 'भो यत् किंचिदस्मद्गृहे परिहीयते, तदिच्छाम्यहमपरिहीयमानं भवता क्रियमाणम्' इति। स एवं प्रतिसंदिश्योत्तवं वेदः प्रवासं जगाम॥
One day when he was going to depart on a sacrificial business, he employed one of his pupils, named Uttanka, to look after nis house and family. He said, “Uttanka, whatever should be required to be done in my house, let it be done by you without neglect." Having given him these instructions, Veda went away on his journey.
अथोत्तङ्कः शुश्रूषुर्गुरुनियोगमनुतिष्ठमानो गुरुकुले वसति स्मा स तत्र वसमान उपाध्यायस्त्रीभिः सहिताभिराहूयोक्तः॥
Uttanka, being always mindful of the service, as asked by his preceptor, lived in the family of his teacher While he was staying there, the females of his preceptor's house assembled near him and addressed him thus.
'उपाध्यायिनी ते ऋतुमती। उपाध्यायश्च प्रोषितः अस्या यथाऽयमृतुर्वन्ध्यो न भवति, तथा क्रियताम् एषा विषीदति' इति॥
"O Uttanka, the wife of your preceptor is in the state in which she might bear a child. Your preceptor is absent, therefore you are requested to stand in his place and do what is needful."
एवमुक्तस्ताः स्त्रियःप्रत्युवाच-'न मया स्त्रीणां वचनादिदमकार्यं करणीयम्। ह्यहमुपाध्यायेन संदिष्टः-अकार्यमपि त्वया कार्यम्' इति॥
Uttanka, having been thus addressed, said to the women, “It is not proper for me to do it at the request of women. I have not been asked by my preceptor to do any thing which is not proper."
तस्य पुनरुपाध्याय: कालान्तरेण गृहमाजगाम तस्मात् प्रवासात्। स तु तद्वृत्तं तस्याशेषमुपलभ्य प्रीतिमानभूत्॥
Some time after his preceptor returned from his journey. He heard all that had happened and was much pleased.
उवाच चैनम्-'वत्सोत्तङ्क, किं ते प्रियं करवाणि' इति। धर्मतो हि शुश्रूषितोऽस्मि भवता। तेन प्रीतिः परस्परेण नौ संवृद्धा। तदनुजाने भवन्तम्, सर्वानेव कामानवाप्स्यसि, गम्यताम् इति॥
He said, “Uttanka, my child, what favour may I bestow on you? I have been properly and faithfully served by you. Our friendship for each other has, therefore, increased. I grant you permission to go. Depart and let your wishes be fulfilled."
स एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच-'किं ते प्रियं करवाणि' इति, एवमाहुः॥
Uttanka, thus addressed, replied. “Let me do something which you wish to be done.
यश्चाधर्मेण वै ब्रूयाद्यश्चाधर्मेण पृच्छति। तयोरन्यतरः प्रैति विद्वेषं चाधिगच्छति॥
It is said, he who bestows instructions, but does not receive Dakshina and he who receives it without giving Dakshina, in both the cases, either of them dies and bitter enmity is created between them.
सोहमनुज्ञातो भवता इच्छामीष्टं गुर्वर्थमुपहर्तुमिति। तनेवैमुक्त उपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच-'वत्सोत्तङ्क! उष्यतां तावत्' इति॥
I, who have got your permission to go, wish to bring some Dakshina for you.” On hearing this, his preceptor said, "Uttanka, my child, then wait some time."
स कदाचिदुपाध्यायमाहोत्तङ्कः-'आज्ञापयतु भवान् किं ते प्रियमुपहरामि गुर्वर्थम्' इति॥
Some time after Uttanka again said to his preceptor, “Command me to bring what you wish to have as Dakshina.
तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच वत्सोत्तङ्क बहुशो मां चोदयसि गुर्वर्थमुपाहरामीति तद्गच्छैनां प्रविश्योपाध्यायिनीं पृच्छ किमुपाहरामीति॥ एषा यद्वीति तदुपाहरस्वेति। एवमुक्त उपाध्यायेनोपाध्यायिनीमपृच्छद्भगवत्युपाध्यायेनासम्यनुज्ञातो गृहं गंतुमिच्छामीष्टं ते गुर्वर्थमुपहृत्यानृणो गन्तुमिति॥
His preceptor then said, "My beloved Uttanka, you have repeatedly expressed your desire to bring something as an acknowledgement of the instructions you have received from me. Go to your mistress and ask her what you will bring for Dakshina.” Thus directed by his preceptor, Uttanka went to his teacher's wife and said, "Madam, I have received permission of my preceptor to depart and I am desirous to bring something that would be agreeable to you as my Dakshina for the instruction I have received, so that I may be free from my debt of gratitude."
स स स तदाज्ञापयतु भवती किमुपहरामि गुर्वर्थमिति सैवमुक्तोपाध्यायिनी तमुत्तकं प्रत्युवाच। गच्छ पौष्यं प्रति राजानं कुण्डले भिक्षितुं तस्य क्षत्रियया पिनद्धे॥
"Therefore, command me what am I to bring as Dakshina." His preceptress, thus addressed, said, "Go to king Paushya and beg from him the ear-rings that are worn by his queen.'
आनयस्व चतुर्थेऽहनि पुण्यकं भविता ताभ्यामाबद्धाभ्यां शोभमाना ब्राह्मणान्यपरिवेष्टुमिच्छामि तत्संपादयस्व एवं हि कुर्वतःश्रेयो भविताऽन्यथा कुतःश्रेय इति॥
"And bring them here four days hence is a sacred day; on that day I wish to appear before the Brahmanas and distribute their food wearing those ear-rings. Do this, O Uttanka. If you be successful, good fortune will by yours. If not, what good can you expect?”
एवमुक्तस्तया प्रातिष्ठतोत्तङ्कः। पथि गच्छन्नपश्यदृषभमतिप्रमाणं तमधिरूढं पुरुषमतिप्रमाणमेव। स पुरुष उत्तङ्कमभ्यभाषत॥
Thus ordered, Uttanka took his departure.' When he was passing along the road he met with an extraordinary large bull and a man of extraordinary large stature riding on it. The man addressed Uttanka thus.
भो उत्तकैतत्पुरीषमस्य ऋषभस्य भक्षयस्वेति स एवमुक्तो नैच्छत्॥
"O Uttanka, eat the dung of this bull." But Uttanka was not willing to eat it.
तमाह पुरुषो भूयो भक्षयस्वेत्तङ्क मा विचारयोपाध्यायेनापि ते भक्षितं पूर्वमिति॥
The man again said, "O Uttanka, eat it without hesitation. Your teacher ate it before."
स एवमुक्तो बाढमित्युक्त्वा तदा तवृषभस्य मूत्रं पुरीषं च भक्षयित्वोत्तङ्कःसंभ्रमादुत्थित एवाप उपस्पृश्य प्रतस्थे॥
When he was thus addressed, he expressed his willingness to eat,) and ate the dung and drank the urine of the bull and then respectfully rose and washed his hands as he went on.
यत्र स क्षत्रियः पौष्यस्तमुपेत्यासीनमपश्यदुत्तङ्कः। स उत्तङ्कस्तमुपेत्याशीभिरभिनंद्योवाच॥ प्रत्युवाच पौष्यः
He arrived at the palace of king Paushya who was seated on his throne. Uttanka went to him and saluted him; and pronouncing blessings said,
अर्थी भवन्तमुपागतोऽस्मीति स एनमभिवाद्योवाच। भगवन्पौष्य:खल्वहं किं करवाणीति॥
“I have come to you and stand before you a petitioner.” King Paushya, returning his salutations said, "Sir, what shall I do for you?"
तमुवाचगुर्वर्थं कुण्डलयोरर्थेनाभ्यागतोऽस्मीति। ये वै ते क्षत्रियया पिनद्धे कुण्डले ते भवान्दातु-मर्हतीति॥
Uttanka replied, “I have come to beg from you your queen's ear-rings as a Dakshina to be given to my preceptor. You should give me those ear-rings."
तं पौष्यः प्रविश्यान्तःपुरं क्षत्रिया याच्यतामिति। स तेनैवमुक्तः प्रविश्यान्तःपुरं क्षत्रियां नापश्यत्॥
King Paushya said “Go into the innerapartment and ask it from the queen.” He went there, but could not see her.
स पौष्यं पुनरुवाच न युक्तं भवताऽहमनृतेनोपचरितुं न हि तेऽन्तःपुरे क्षत्रिया सन्निहिता नैनां पश्यामि॥
He again said to the king, "You should not deceitfully treat me Your queen is not in the inner-apartment and I could not find her."
स एवमुक्तः पौष्यःक्षणमात्रं विमृश्योत्तकं प्रत्युवाच। नियतं भवानुच्छिष्टः। स्मर तावन्न हि सा क्षत्रिया उच्छिष्टेनाशुचिना शक्या द्रष्टुं। पतिव्रतात्वात्सैषा नाशुचेर्दर्शनमुपैतीति॥
Paushya thought for a while and then replied “Carefully recollect, Sir, whether you are defiled with the impurities of a repast. The queen is a chaste woman and therefore she cannot be seen by one who is defiled by the impurities of a repast. She does not appear before one who is so defiled."
अथैवमुक्त उत्तङ्कः स्मृत्वोवाचास्ति खलु मयोत्थितेनोपस्पृष्टं गच्छता चेति। तं पौष्यः प्रत्युवाच एष ते व्यतिक्रमो नोत्थितेनोपस्पृष्टं भवतीति शीघ्रं गच्छता चेति॥
Uttanka, thus addressed, thought for a while and then replied, “ Yes, it is so. As I was in a hurry, I performed my ablutions when I was walking." Paushya said, "This is a transgression. Ablutions cannot properly be performed standing or walking in a hurry.”
अथोत्तङ्कस्तं तथेत्युक्त्वा प्राडुमुख उपविश्य सुप्रक्षालितपाणिपादवदनो निःशब्दाभिरफेनाभिरनुष्णाभिहृद्गताभिराद्भिस्त्रिः पीत्वा द्विः परिमृज्य खान्यद्भिपस्पृश्य चान्तःपुरं प्रविवेश॥
Uttanka assented to what fell from the king and sat with his face turned towards the east. He washed his hands and feet thoroughly. He then without sound thrice sipped water which was free from scum and froth and which was not warm. He took only so much of it as to reach his stomach. He then wiped his face twice. He then touched his eyes, ears etc., with water. Having done all this he again went to the inner-apartment.
ततस्तां क्षत्रियामपश्यत् सा च दृष्ट्वैवोत्तत प्रत्युत्थायाभिवाद्योवाच स्वागतं ते भगवन्नाज्ञापय किं करवाणीति॥
He saw the queen this time. Seeing him, she saluted him reverentially and said, “Welcome, Sir; command me what I shall do for you.
स तामुवाचैते कुण्डले गुर्वर्थं मे भिक्षिते दातुमर्हसीति। सा प्रीता तेन तस्य सद्भावेन पात्रमयमनतिक्रमणीयश्चेति मत्वा ते कण्डलेऽवमुच्यास्मै प्रायच्छदाह तक्षको नागराजः सुभृशं प्रार्थयत्यप्रमत्तो नेतुमर्हसीति॥
Uttanka said to her, “You should give me your ear-rings. I beg them from you as I wish to present them to my preceptor.” The queen, having been highly pleased with the conduct of Uttanka, thought that he was a very good man and he could not be refused. Therefore. she took off her ear-rings and handed them over to him. On giving them to Uttanka she said, “These ear-rings are very much sought after by Takshaka, the King of the Nagas. Therefore take them with the greatest care."
स एवमुक्तस्तां क्षत्रियां प्रत्युवाच भगवति सुनिवृता भव। न मां शक्तस्तक्षको नागराजो घर्षयितुमिति॥
Uttanka, being thus told, replied to the queen, "Madam, you need not be under any apprehension. Takshaka, the king of the Nagas, cannot overcome me."
स एवमुक्त्वा तां क्षत्रियामामन्त्र्य पौष्यसकाशमागच्छत्। आह चैनं भोः पौष्य प्रीतोऽस्मीति तमुत्तकं पौष्यः प्रत्युवाच॥
Having said this, he took leave of the queen and went back to the king, whom he addressed thus, "Paushya, I am much pleased." Paushya replied,
भगवंश्चिरेण पात्रमासाद्यते भवांश्च गुणवानतिथिस्तदिच्छे श्राद्धं कर्तुं, क्रियतां क्षण इति॥
“A proper man on whom charity can be bestowed is got at long intervals. You are a guest with many qualifications, therefore I wish to perform a Shraddha. Kindly wait a little."
तमुत्तङ्कः प्रत्युवाच कृतक्षण एवास्मि शीघ्रमिच्छामि। यथोपपन्नममुपस्कृतं भवतेति तथेत्युक्त्वा यथोपपन्नेनान्नेनैनं भोजयामास॥
Uttanka said, "Yes, I shall wait. Bring soon the provisions that are ready.” The king, having signified his assent, duly entertained Uttanka.
अथोत्तङ्कः सकेशं शीतमन्नं दृष्ट्वा अशुच्येतदिति मत्वा तं पौष्यमुवाच। यस्मान्मे अशुच्यन्नं ददासि तस्मादन्धो भविष्यसीति॥
Uttanka, seeing that the food that was brought before him was cold and had hair in it, considered it unclean and said to Paushya, "You give me food that is not clean, therefore you will lose your sight.”
तं पौष्यः प्रत्युवाच यस्मात्त्वमप्यदुष्टमन्नं दूषयसि तस्मात्त्वमनपत्यो भविष्यसीति तमुत्तङ्कः प्रत्युवाच॥
Paushya replied, "As you impute uncleanliness to the food which is clean, you will be without a child," Uttanka said,
न युक्तं भवताऽन्नमशुचि दत्वा प्रतिशापं दातुं तस्मादन्नमेव प्रत्यक्षीकुरु। ततः पौष्यस्तदन्नमशुचि दृष्ट्वा तस्याशुचिभावमपरोक्षयामास॥
“It is not proper for you to curse me after having given me unclean food. You can satisfy yourself by occular proof.” Thereupon Paushya by seeing it personally satisfied himself that the food was unclean.
अथ तदन्नं मुक्तकेश्यां स्त्रिया यत्कृतमनुष्णं सकेशं चाशुच्येतदिति मत्वा तमृषिमुत्तकं प्रसादयामास॥
Having seen that the food was really unclean, cold and mixed with hair, because it was prepared by a woman whose hair was not braided, Paushya began to pacify the Rishi Uttanka, saying.
भगवन्नेतदज्ञानादन्नं सकेशमुपाहृतं शीतं तत्क्षामये भवन्तं न भवेयमन्ध इति तमुत्तङ्कः प्रत्युवाच॥
“Sir, the food placed before you is cold and has really hair in it, having been prepared without sufficient care. Therefore, I pray you, kindly pardon me. Let me not become blind." Uttanka replied.
न मृषा ब्रवीमि भूत्वा त्वमन्धो न चिरादनन्धो भविष्यसीति। ममापि शापो भवता दत्तो न भवेदिति॥
“What I say must happen. Having become blind, you may however regain your sight soon, Grant also that your curse on me may not take effect."
तं पौष्यः प्रत्युवाच न चाहं शक्तः शापं प्रत्यादातुं न हि मे मन्युरधाप्युपशमं गच्छति किं चैतद्भवता न ज्ञायते तथा॥
Paushya said, "I am not capable of revoking my curse. My anger is not appeased even now. But you do not know it.
नवनीतं हृदयं ब्राह्मणस्य, वाचि क्षुरो निशितस्तीक्ष्णधारः। तदुभयमेतद्विपरीतं क्षत्रियस्य वाड्नवनीतं हृदयं तीक्ष्णधारमिति॥
Brahmana's heart is as soft as butter even though his words are like sharp razors. But contrary is the case with the Kshatriya. His words are as soft as butter, but his heart is like a sharp instrument.
तदेवं गते न शक्तोऽहं तीक्ष्णहृदयत्वात्तं शापमन्यथा कर्तुं गम्यतामिति। तमुत्तङ्कः प्रत्युवाच। प्रत्युवाच। भवताऽहमन्नस्याशुचिभावमालक्ष्य प्रत्यनुनीतः प्राक् तेऽभिहितम्॥ च
Such being the case, I cannot revoke my curse, as my heart is very hard. You may go.' Uttanka replied, "I showed you the uncleanliness of the food placed before me. I am also pacified by you.
यस्माददुष्टमन्नं दूषयसि तस्मादनपत्यो भविष्यसीति दुष्टे चान्ने नैष मम शापो भविष्यतीति॥
Besides you said that I should be without issue, because I falsely imputed uncleanliness to the food. The food, being really unclean, your curse cannot take effect. I am sure of it."
साधयामस्तावदित्युक्त्वा प्रातिष्ठतोत्तंङ्कस्ते कुण्डले गृहीत्वा। सोऽपश्यदथ पथि नग्नं क्षपणकमागच्छन्तं मुहुर्मुहुर्दृश्यमानं च॥
Uttanka, having said this, went away with the ear-rings. On his way he saw a naked beggar, coming towards him. He was sometimes coming in view view and sometimes disappearing.
अथोत्तङ्कस्ते कुण्डले संन्यस्य भूमावुदकार्थं प्रचक्रमे। एतस्मिन्नन्तरे स क्षपणकस्त्वरमाण उपसृत्य ते कुण्डले गृहीत्वा प्राद्रवत्॥
Uttanka, having occasion to have some water, placed the ear-rings on the ground and went for it. In the mean time the beggar came quickly to the place and taking up the ear-rings and ran away.
तमुत्तकोऽभिसृत्य कृतोदककार्यः शुचिः प्रयतो नमो देवेभ्यो गुरुभ्यश्च कृत्वा महता जवेन तमन्वयात्॥
Having completed his ablutions and purified himself and having bowed down to the divinities and spiritual masters, he ran after the thief as fast as possible.
तस्य तक्षको दृढमासन्नः स तं जग्राह गृहीतमात्रः स तद्रूपं विहाय तक्षकस्वरूपं कृत्वा सहसा धरण्यां विवृतं महाबिलं प्रविवेश॥
Having overtaken him, he seized him with all his might, but the disguised Takshaka, suddenly quitting the form of the beggar, assumed his own real form and quickly disappeared into a large hole in the ground.
प्रविश्य च नागलोकं स्वभवनमगच्छत्। अथोत्तङ्कस्तस्याः क्षत्रियाया वचः स्मृत्वा तं तक्षकमन्वगच्छत्॥
Entering the region of the Nagas, he proceeded to his Own home. Uttanka, remembering the words of the queen, pursued Takshaka.
स तद्विलं दण्डकाष्ठेन चखान न चाशकत्। तं क्लिश्यमानमिन्द्रोऽपश्यत्स वज्रं प्रेषयामास॥
He began to dig open the hole with a stick, but did not make much progress. Seeing his distress Indra sent his thunderbolt to his assistance.
गच्छास्य ब्राह्मणस्य साहाय्यं कुरुष्वेति। अथ वज्रं दण्डकाष्ठमनुप्रविश्य तद्विलमदारयत्॥
Saying, “Go and help that Brahmana.” The thunderbolt entering into the stick enlarged the hole.
तमुत्तोऽनुविवेश तेनैव बिलेन प्रविश्य च तं नागलोकमपर्यन्तमनेकाविधप्रासादहऱ्यावलभीनि!हशतसंकुलमुच्चावचक्रीडश्चर्यस्थानावकीर्णमपश्यत्॥
Uttanka entered into the hole; and thus entering it he saw the land of the Nagas, with hundreds of palaces, elegant mansions, with turrets and domes and gateways, with wonderful arenas for various games and entertainments.
स तत्र नागांस्तानस्तुवदेभिः श्लोकैः य ऐरावतराजानः सर्पाः समितिशोभनाः। क्षरन्त इव जीमूताः सविद्युत्पवनेरिताः॥
To please the Nagas, he uttered the following slokas, “O serpents, subjects of the king Airavata, you are brilliant in battles, you shower weapons like clouds, charged with lightning and driven by wind.
सुरूपा बहुरूपाश्च तथा कल्माषकुण्डलाः। आदित्यवन्नाकपृष्ठे रेजुरैरावतोद्भवाः॥
Beautiful, variously formed, decked with many coloured ear-rings, children of Airavata, you shine like the sun in the sky.
बहूनि नागवेश्मानि गङ्गायास्तीर उत्तरे। तत्रस्थानपि संस्तौमि महतः पन्नगानहम्॥
These are many settlements of Nagas on the northern banks of the Ganges and there do I often worship the great Nagas.
इच्छेत्कोऽर्षांशुसेनायां चर्तुमैरावतं विना। शतान्यशीतिरष्टौ च सहस्राणि च विंशतिः॥ सर्पाणां प्रग्रहा यन्ति धृतराष्ट्रो यदैजति।
Who but Airavata can desire to move in the burning sun? When Dhritarashtra goes out, twenty eight thousand and eight Nagas follow him.
ये चैनमुपसर्पन्ति ये च दूरपथं गताः। अहमैरावतज्येष्ठभ्रातृभ्योऽकरवं नम:॥
I salute you all that have Airavata for their elder brother, whether you live near him or stay at a distance from him.
यस्य वासः कुरुक्षेत्रे खाण्डवे कुरुक्षेत्रे खाण्डवे चाभवत्पुरा। तं नागराजमस्तौषं कुण्डलार्थाय तक्षकम्॥
In order to get beck my ear-rings I worship you, Takshaka, the Naga-king, who formerly lived in Kurukshetra and the forest of Khandhava.
तक्षकश्चाश्वसेनश्च नित्यं सहचरावुभौ। कुरुक्षेत्रं च वसतां नदीमिक्षुमतीमनु॥
1 Takshaka and Ashvasena were constant companions when they lived in Kurukshetra on the banks of the river Ikshumati.
जघन्यजस्तक्षकश्च श्रुतसेनेति यः सुतः। अवसद्यो महद्युम्नि प्रार्थयन्नाममुख्यताम्॥ करवाणि सदा चाहं नमस्तस्मै महात्मने।
I also worship Takshaka's younger brother Shrutasena, who dwelt at the holy place called Mahadyumna with the intention of becoming one of the chiefs of the Nagas.”
एवं स्तुत्वा स विप्रर्षिरुत्तङ्को भुजगोत्तमान्। नैव ते कुण्डले लेभे ततश्चिन्तामुपागमत्॥
After having thus praised the chief Nagas, the Brahmana Rishi, Uttanka did not get his ear-rings; and he became very thoughtful.
एवं स्तुवन्नपि नागान्यदा ते कुण्डले नालभत्तदाऽपश्यत्स्त्रियौ तन्त्रे अधिरोप्य सुवेमे पटं वयन्त्यौ। तस्मिंस्तन्त्रे कृष्णाः सिताश्च तन्तवश्चक्रं चापश्यत् द्वादशारं षड्भिः कुमारैः परिवर्त्यमानं पुरुषं चापश्यदश्वं च दर्शनीयम्॥ स तान्सर्वांस्तुष्टाव एभिर्मन्त्रवदेव श्लोकैः।
When he saw that he did not get the earrings, although he had worshipped the Nagas, he looked around him and beheld two women working in a loom with fine shuttle and weaving a piece of cloth. There were black and white threads in the loom. He also saw a wheel, with twelve spokes, which was turned round by six boys. He also saw a man with a horse. In order to please them all he uttered the following Mantras.
त्रीण्यर्पितान्यत्र शतानि मध्ये घष्टिश्च नित्यं चरति ध्रुवेऽस्मिन्। चक्रे चतुर्विशतिपर्वयोगे षड्वै कुमाराः परिवर्तयन्ति॥
“This wheel, the circumference of which is marked by twenty-four divisions. representing twenty-four, Lunar changes, contains three hundred and sixty spokes. It is continually set in motion by six boys.
तन्त्रं चेदं विश्वरूपे युवत्यौ वयतस्तंतून्सततं वर्तयन्त्यौ। कृष्णान्सितांश्चैव विवर्तयन्त्यौ भूतान्यजस्रं भुवनानि चैव॥
These maidens, representing the universe, are continually, weaving a cloth with white and black threads, creating innumerable words and millions of beings to inhabit them.
वज्रस्य भर्ता भुवनस्य गोप्ता वृत्रस्य हन्ता नमुचेनिहन्ता। कृष्णे वसानो वसने महात्मा सत्यानृते यो विविनक्ति लोके॥
O, the master of thunder, the protector of the universe, the slayer of Vritra and Namuchi, O illustrious one, wearing the black cloth, O Deity, who displays truth and untruth in the universe.
यो वाजिनं गर्भमपां पुराणं वैश्वानरं वाहनमभ्युपैति। नमोऽस्तु तस्मै जगदीश्वराय लोकत्रयेशाय पुरंदराय॥
Who owns the horse that was obtained from the depths of the ocean and which is but another form of Agni, I bow to you, O supreme being, O Lord of the three worlds, O Purandara,"
ततः स एनं पुरुषः प्राह-'प्रीतोऽस्मि तेऽहमनेन स्तोत्रेण, किं ते प्रियं करवाणि' इति स तमुवाच॥
Then said the man with the horse, "I have been much pleased with your adoration. What good can I do to you?"
नागा मे वशमीयुरिति। स चैनं पुरुषः पुनरुवाच एतमश्चमपाने धमस्वेति॥
Uttanka replied, “Let the Nagas be brought under my power." The man then said, “Blow into this horse."
ततोऽश्वस्यापानमधमत्ततोऽश्वाद्धम्यमानात्सर्वस्त्रोतोभ्यः पावकार्चिषः सधूमा निष्पेतुः॥
Thereupon Uttanka blew into the horse and thousands of flames and fires with smoke issued forth from every aperture of the horse thus blown into.
ताभिर्नागलोक उपधूपितेऽथ संभ्रान्तस्तक्षको ऽग्नेस्तेजोभयाद्विषण्ण: कुण्डले गृहीत्वा सहसा भवनान्निष्क्रम्योत्तङ्कमुवाच॥
The land of the Nagas was at the point of being burnt down, when Takshaka, taking the ear-rings, hastened to Uttanka, from his palace and said,
इमे कुण्डले गृह्णातु भवानिति स ते प्रतिजग्राहोत्तङ्कः प्रतिगृह्य च कुणलेऽचिन्तयत्॥
“Pray,-Sir, take back your ear-rings," Receiving back his ear-rings Uttanka thought.
अद्य तत्पुण्यकमुपाध्यायिन्या दूरं चाहमभ्यागत: स कथं संभावयेयमिति तत एनं चिन्तयानमेव स पुरुष उवाच॥
"Today is the sacred day mentioned by my preceptress. I am at a distance, how can I, therefore, show my regard for her I by presenting her with the ear-rings)!" When he was thus meditating the man said,
उत्तङ्क एनमेवाश्वमधिरोह त्वां क्षणेनैवोपाध्यायकुलं प्रापयिष्यतीति॥
"Uttanka, get on this horse. He will take you in a moment to the family of your preceptor."
स तथेत्युक्त्वा तमश्वमधिरुह्य प्रत्याजगामोपाध्यायकुलमुपाध्यायिनी च स्माता केशानावापयन्त्युपविष्टोत्तको नागच्छतीति शापायास्य मनो दधे॥
Uttanka signified his assent, mounted the horse and reached his preceptor's house in a moment's time. The preceptress, after bathing, was dressing her hair, sitting and thinking that if Uttanka did not come, she would curse him.
अथ तस्मिन्नन्तरे स उत्तङ्कः प्रविश्य उपाध्यायकुलमुपाध्यायिनीमभ्यवादयत् ते चास्यै कुण्डले प्रायच्छत्सा चैनं प्रत्युवाच॥
At this very time Uttanka entered the house of his preceptor and made proper salutation to his preceptress. When he presented her with the ear-rings, she said.
उत्तङ्क देशे कालेऽभ्यागतः स्वागतं ते वत्स त्वमनागसि मया न शप्तः श्रेयस्तवोपस्थितं सिद्धिमाप्नुहीति॥
“Uttanka, you have come at the proper time. Welcome, my child. As you are innocent, I do not curse you. Good fortune will come to you. Let your wishes be crowned with success."
अथोत्तङ्क उपाध्यायमभ्यवादयत्। तमुपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच वत्सोत्तङ्क स्वागतं ते किं चिरंकृतमिति॥
Then did Uttanka salute his preceptor and his preceptor said, “Uttanka, my child, welcome to you. What made you to be so long away?"
तमुत्तङ्क उपाध्यायं प्रत्युवाच भोस्तक्षकेण मे नागराजेन विघ्नः कृतोऽस्मिन्कर्मणि तेनाऽस्मि नागलोकं गतः॥
Uttanka replied to the preceptor, “The king of the Nagas, Takshaka, offered obstruction to the business I went and therefore I had to go to the land of the Nagas.
तत्र च मया दृष्टे स्त्रियौ तन्त्रेऽधिरोप्य पटं वयन्त्यौ तस्मिश्च कृष्णाः सिताश्च तन्तवः किं तत्॥
There I saw two maidens working in a loom and weaving a cloth with black and white threads. What may it be?
तत्र च मया चक्रं दृष्टं द्वादशारं षड्वैनं कुमारा: परिवर्तयन्ति तदपि किम्। पुरुषश्चापि मया दृष्टः स चाऽपि कः। अश्वश्चातिप्रमाणो दृष्टः स चाऽपि कः॥
I then saw a wheel, with twelve spokes, which was being continually turned by six boys. What does it mean? I also saw a man, who is he? I saw also a horse of extraordinary size, what is that horse?
पथि गच्छता च मया ऋषभो दृष्टस्तं च पुरुषोऽधिरूढस्तेनाऽस्मि सोपचारमुक्त उत्तङ्कस्य ऋषभस्य पुरीषं भक्षय उपाध्यायेनापि ते भक्षितमिति॥
On my way I saw on the road a man mounted on a bull. He lovingly addressed me thus, “Uttanka, eat the dung of this bull, which was eaten by your preceptor."
ततस्तस्य वचनान्मया तदृषभस्य पुरीषमुपयुक्तं स चापि कः। तदेतद्भवतोपदिष्टमिच्छेयं श्रोतुं किं तदिति। स तेनैवमुक्त उपाध्यायः प्रत्युवाच॥
Thus toled by him, I ate the dung of that bull. Who is this man? Being instructed by you I wish to hear all about them."
ये ते स्त्रियौ धाता विधाता च ये च ते कृष्णाः सितास्तन्तवस्ते रात्र्यहनी। यदपि तच्चक्रं द्वादशारं षड्वै कुमाराः परिवर्तयन्ति तेऽपि षऋतवः संवत्सरश्चक्रम्॥
His preceptor thus addressed said to him, “The two maidens you saw are Dhata and Vidhata. The black and white threads represent night and day. The wheel, with twelve spokes turned by six boys, is the year, having six seasons.
यः पुरुषः स पर्जन्यो योऽश्वः सोऽग्निर्य ऋषभस्त्वया पथि गच्छता दृष्टः स ऐरावतो नागराट्॥
The man is Parjanya (the deity of rain); the horse is Agni, (deity of fire). The bull which you saw on the road is the Airavata, the king of elephants.
यश्चैनमधिरूढः पुरुषः स चेन्द्रो यदपि ते भक्षितं तस्य ऋषभस्य पुरीषं तदमृतं तेन खल्वसि तस्मिन्नागभवने न व्यापन्नस्त्वम्॥
The man who rode it is Indra. The dung of the Bull, which you ate is Ambrosia. Certainly on account of this (eating) you were not slain in the land of the Nagas.
स हि भगवानिन्द्रो मम सखा त्वदनुक्रोशादिममनुग्रहं कृतवान्। तस्मात्कृण्डले गृहीत्वा पुनरागतोऽसि॥
Lord Indra is my friend; he, being moved by kindness towards you, showed you this favour; therefore, you have been able to return safely with the ear-rings.
तत्सौम्य गम्यतामनुजाने भवन्तं श्रेयोऽवाप्स्यसीति। स उपाध्यायेनानुज्ञातो भगवानुत्तङ्कः क्रुद्धस्तक्षकं प्रतिचिकीर्षमाणो हास्तिनपुरं प्रतस्थे॥
Now, mild-natured Uttanka, I give you permission to go. You will obtain good fortune." Uttanka, thus obtaining his preceptor's leave and being deadly angry against Takshaka, went towards Hastinapur, resolved to take revenge on the Naga king.
स हास्तिनपुरं प्राप्य न चिराद्विप्रसत्तमः। समागच्छत राजानमुत्तको जनमेजयम्।. १७०॥
The good Brahmana, Uttanka reached Hastinapur and then he met king Janamejaya,
पुरा तक्षशिलासंस्थं निवृत्तमपराजितम्। सम्यग्विजयिनं दृष्ट्वा समन्तान्मन्त्रिभिर्वृतम्॥
Who had only recently returned victorious from Takshashila. He saw him seated surrounded by his ministers.
तस्मै जयाशिषः पूर्वं यथान्यायं प्रयुज्य सः। उवाचैनं वचः काले शब्दसंपन्नया गिरा॥
He uttered blessings in proper time and addressed him in speech of correct accent and melodious sound.
उत्तङ्क उवाच अन्यस्मिन्करणीये तु कार्ये पार्थिवसत्तम। बाल्यादिवान्यदेव तवं कुरुषे नृपसत्तम॥
Uttanka said: O best of kings, you are spending your time like a child when a most important matter urgently demands your attention.
सौतिरुवाच एवमुक्तस्तु विप्रेण स राजा जनमेजयः। अर्चयित्वा यथान्यायं प्रत्युवाच द्विजोत्तमम्॥
Sauti said: Having been thus addressed by the Brahmana, king Janamejaya duly saluted him and said to the best of Brahmanas.
जनमेजय उवाच आसां प्रजानां परिपालनेन स्वं क्षत्रधर्मं परिपालयामि। प्रब्रूहि मे किं करणीयमद्य येनासि कार्येण समागतस्त्वम्॥
Janamejaya said : I perform the duties of my Kshatriya race, by looking after my these subjects. Tell me what is the business that I am to perform by which you are led to come here.
सौतिरुवाच स एवमुक्तस्तु नृपोत्तमेन द्विजोत्तमः पुण्यकृतां वरिष्ठः। उवाच राजानमदीनसत्वं स्वमेव कार्यं नृपते कुरुष्व॥
Sauti said : Having been thus addressed by the best of kings, Janamejaya, the best of Brahmanas, distinguished for good deeds, thus replied, "O king, the business is your own that demands your attention. Therefore do it."
उत्तङ्क उवाच तक्षकेण महीन्द्रेन्द्र येन ते हिंसित: पिता। तस्मै प्रतिकुरुष्व त्वं पन्नगाय दुरात्मने॥
Uttanka said : O king of kings, your father was killed by Takshaka, therefore take revenge on that vile serpent for the death of your noble father.
कार्यकालं हि मन्येऽहं विधिदृष्टस्य कर्मणः। तद्गच्छापचिति राजन्पितुस्तस्य महात्मनः॥
The time has come, I say, for your taking vengeance, ordained by Fate. Go, O king and revenge the death of your noble father,
ते ह्यनपराधी स दुष्टान्तरात्मना। पञ्चत्वमगमद्राजा वजाहत इव दुमः॥
Who was unoffending, but who died like a tree stricken by thunder, having been bitten by this vile serpent.
बलदर्पसमुत्सितस्तक्षकः पन्नगाधमः। अकार्यं कृतवान्पापो योऽदशत्पितरं तव॥
The worst of the serpent race, Takshaka, being intoxicated with power, committed a wicked act when he bit your father.
राजर्षिवंशगोप्तारममरप्रतिमं नृपम्। यियासुं कश्यपं चैव न्यवर्तयत पापकृत्॥
Wicked in his deeds, he even made Kashyapa run away when he was coming for the relief of your god-like father, the protector of the race of royal sages.
हेतुमर्हसि तं पापं ज्वलिते हव्यवाहने। सर्पसत्रे महाराज त्वरितं तद्विधीयताम्॥
It is proper for you to burn the wicked wretch in the blazing fire of a Snake-Sacrifice. Therefore, O king, soon do the needful for it.
एवं पितुश्चापचितिं कृतवांस्त्वं भविष्यसि। मम प्रियं च सुमहत्कृतं राजन् भविष्यति॥
You can thus revenge your father's death. O king, You can thus do me a great favour.
कर्मणः पृथिवीपाल मम येन दुरात्मना। विघ्नः कृतो महाराज गुर्वर्थं चरतोऽनघ॥
O king of the world, my business was obstructed on one occasion by that wretch when I was going (to get a present for my preceptor.)
सौतिरुवाच एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु नृपतिस्तक्षकाय चुकोप है। उत्तङ्कवाक्यहविषा दीप्तोऽग्निर्हविषा यथा॥
Sauti said : The king, having heard these words, got angry on Takshaka. Uttanka's speech inflamed him as ghee does the sacrificial fire.
अपृच्छत्स तदा राजा मन्त्रिणस्तान्सुदुःखितः। उत्तङ्कस्यैव सान्निध्ये पितुः स्वर्गगति प्रति॥
Even in the presence of Uttanka, he sorrowfully asked his ministers the particulars of his father's going to heaven (death).
तदैव हि स राजेन्द्रो दुःखशोकाल्पुतोऽभवत्। यदैव वृत्तं पितरमुत्तङ्कादशृणोत्तदा॥
When he heard all the circumstances of his father's death from Uttanka, the king of kings was overcome with sorrow and pain.