Chapter 5: Mahābhiṣa and Gaṅgā; the Vasus’ curse, Gaṅgā’s pact with Pratīpa and marriage to Śantanu, and the birth, preservation and return of Gāṅgeya.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_1] (Bharata)
इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो राजासीत्पृथिवीपतिः। महाभिष इति ख्यातः सत्यवाक्सत्यविक्रमः ॥BORI: १-०९१-१॥
There was a king of the Ikshvaku line, a lord of the earth, renowned as Mahabhisha, true to his word and valiant in truth’s cause. (BORI: 1-091-1)
[PV-KDV:01_011_2] (Bharata)
सोऽश्वमेधसहस्रेण वाजपेयशतेन च। तोषयामास देवेन्द्रं स्वर्गं लेभे ततः प्रभुः ॥BORI: १-०९१-२॥
With a thousand horse sacrifices and a hundred Vājapeya sacrifices, that mighty king pleased Indra, lord of the gods, and thereby attained heaven. (BORI: 1-091-2)
[PV-KDV:01_011_3] (Bharata)
ततः कदाचिद्ब्रह्माणमुपासां चक्रिरे सुराः। तत्र राजर्षयो आसन्स च राजा महाभिषः ॥BORI: १-०९१-३॥
Then, on one occasion, the gods were attending upon Brahma. Royal seers were present there, as was King Mahabhisha. (BORI: 1-091-3)
[PV-KDV:01_011_4] (Bharata)
अथ गङ्गा सरिच्छ्रेष्ठा समुपायात्पितामहम्। तस्या वासः समुद्धूतं मारुतेन शशिप्रभम् ॥BORI: १-०९१-४॥
Then Ganga, foremost of rivers, approached the Grandsire. The wind lifted her moon-bright garment. (BORI: 1-091-4)
[PV-KDV:01_011_5] (Bharata)
ततोऽभवन्सुरगणाः सहसावाङ्मुखास्तदा। महाभिषस्तु राजर्षिरशङ्को दृष्टवान्नदीम् ॥BORI: १-०९१-५॥
Then the hosts of gods suddenly lowered their faces, but the royal sage Mahabhisha, unabashed, gazed at the river. (BORI: 1-091-5)
[PV-KDV:01_011_6] (Bharata)
अपध्यातो भगवता ब्रह्मणा स महाभिषः। उक्तश्च जातो मर्त्येषु पुनर्लोकानवाप्स्यसि ॥BORI: १-०९१-६॥
The blessed Brahmā cursed Mahābhiṣa and said to him, “Once you have been born among mortals, you will regain these worlds.” (BORI: 1-091-6)
[PV-KDV:01_011_7] (Bharata)
यया हृतमनाश्चासि गङ्गया त्वं हि दुर्मते । सा ते वै मानुषे लोके विप्रियाण्याचरिष्यति ॥KUMB: १-१०२-७; NILA: ०१.०९६.००७॥
That Ganga who has stolen your heart, you fool, will indeed do things displeasing to you in the human world. (KUMB: 1-102-7; NILA: 01.096.007)
[PV-KDV:01_011_8] (Bharata)
यदा ते भविता मन्युस्तदा शापाद्विमोक्ष्यते ॥KUMB: १-१०२-८; NILA: ०१.०९६.००८॥
When anger arises in you, she will be released from the curse. (KUMB: 1-102-8; NILA: 01.096.008)
[PV-KDV:01_011_9] (Bharata)
स चिन्तयित्वा नृपतिर्नृपान्सर्वांस्तपोधनान्। प्रतीपं रोचयामास पितरं भूरिवर्चसम् ॥BORI: १-०९१-७॥
After considering all the kings rich in ascetic merit, that king chose the illustrious Pratipa as his father. (BORI: 1-091-7)
[PV-KDV:01_011_10] (Bharata)
महाभिषं तु तं दृष्ट्वा नदी धैर्याच्च्युतं नृपम्। तमेव मनसाध्यायमुपावर्तत्सरिद्वरा ॥BORI: १-०९१-८॥
Seeing King Mahabhisha lose his composure, the foremost of rivers turned away with her thoughts fixed on him alone. (BORI: 1-091-8)
[PV-KDV:01_011_11] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_33] (Bharata)
ततः प्रतीपो राजा स सर्वभूतहिते रतः। निषसाद समा बह्वीर्गङ्गातीरगतो जपन् ॥BORI: १-०९२-१॥
Then King Pratipa, devoted to the welfare of all beings, went to the bank of the Ganges and sat there for many years, reciting prayers. (BORI: 1-092-1)
[PV-KDV:01_011_34] (Bharata)
तस्य रूपगुणोपेता गङ्गा श्रीरिव रूपिणी। उत्तीर्य सलिलात्तस्माल्लोभनीयतमाकृतिः ॥BORI: १-०९२-२॥
Before him, Ganga, endowed with beauty and virtue, as though Śrī had taken bodily form, emerged from those waters in a supremely alluring form… (BORI: 1-092-2)
[PV-KDV:01_011_35] (Bharata)
अधीयानस्य राजर्षेर्दिव्यरूपा मनस्विनी। दक्षिणं शालसङ्काशमूरुं भेजे शुभानना ॥BORI: १-०९२-३॥
As the royal sage was reciting, the noble-minded woman of divine beauty and lovely face seated herself on his right thigh, which resembled a sal tree. (BORI: 1-092-3)
[PV-KDV:01_011_36] (Bharata)
प्रतीपस्तु महीपालस्तामुवाच मनस्विनीम्। करवाणि किं ते कल्याणि प्रियं यत्तेऽभिकाङ्क्षितम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-४॥
But King Pratipa said to the high-minded woman, “What may I do for you, fair lady? What favor do you desire?” (BORI: 1-092-4)
[PV-KDV:01_011_37] (Bharata)
स्त्र्युवाच॥
The woman said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_38] (Bharata)
त्वामहं कामये राजन्कुरुश्रेष्ठ भजस्व माम्। त्यागः कामवतीनां हि स्त्रीणां सद्भिर्विगर्हितः ॥BORI: १-०९२-५॥
“I desire you, O king, best of the Kurus; accept me. For good men condemn the rejection of women who are filled with desire.” (BORI: 1-092-5)
[PV-KDV:01_011_39] (Bharata)
प्रतीप उवाच॥
Pratīpa said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_40] (Bharata)
नाहं परस्त्रियं कामाद्गच्छेयं वरवर्णिनि। न चासवर्णां कल्याणि धर्म्यं तद्विद्धि मे व्रतम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-६॥
I would not approach another man’s wife out of desire, fair lady, nor a woman of a different caste, noble lady. Know that this is my righteous vow. (BORI: 1-092-6)
[PV-KDV:01_011_41] (Bharata)
स्त्र्युवाच॥
The woman said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_42] (Bharata)
नाश्रेयस्यस्मि नागम्या न वक्तव्या च कर्हिचित्। भज मां भजमानां त्वं राजन्कन्यां वरस्त्रियम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-७॥
I am neither inferior nor forbidden to you, and I can never be reproached. Love me as I love you, O king—a maiden and an excellent woman. (BORI: 1-092-7)
[PV-KDV:01_011_43] (Bharata)
प्रतीप उवाच॥
Pratīpa said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_44] (Bharata)
मयातिवृत्तमेतत्ते यन्मां चोदयसि प्रियम्। अन्यथा प्रतिपन्नं मां नाशयेद्धर्मविप्लवः ॥BORI: १-०९२-८॥
I have overlooked this act of yours—your urging me toward pleasure. If I were to act otherwise, a breach of dharma would destroy me. (BORI: 1-092-8)
[PV-KDV:01_011_45] (Bharata)
प्राप्य दक्षिणमूरुं मे त्वमाश्लिष्टा वराङ्गने। अपत्यानां स्नुषाणां च भीरु विद्ध्येतदासनम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-९॥
You came to my right thigh and embraced me, lovely woman. Know, timid one, that this is the seat for children and daughters-in-law. (BORI: 1-092-9)
[PV-KDV:01_011_46] (Bharata)
सव्यतः कामिनीभागस्त्वया स च विवर्जितः। तस्मादहं नाचरिष्ये त्वयि कामं वराङ्गने ॥BORI: १-०९२-१०॥
The left side is the place for a lover, and you have avoided it. Therefore, lovely woman, I will not make love to you. (BORI: 1-092-10)
[PV-KDV:01_011_47] (Bharata)
स्नुषा मे भव कल्याणि पुत्रार्थे त्वां वृणोम्यहम्। स्नुषापक्षं हि वामोरु त्वमागम्य समाश्रिता ॥BORI: १-०९२-११॥
Become my daughter-in-law, lovely one; I choose you for my son. For, fair-thighed woman, you came and took your place on the daughter-in-law’s side. (BORI: 1-092-11)
[PV-KDV:01_011_48] (Bharata)
स्त्र्युवाच॥
The woman said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_49] (Bharata)
एवमप्यस्तु धर्मज्ञ संयुज्येयं सुतेन ते। त्वद्भक्त्यैव भजिष्यामि प्रख्यातं भारतं कुलम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-१२॥
So be it, knower of dharma. May I be united with your son. Out of devotion to you alone, I shall join the renowned Bharata dynasty. (BORI: 1-092-12)
[PV-KDV:01_011_50] (Bharata)
स मे नाभिजनज्ञः स्यादाचरेयं च यद्विभो। तत्सर्वमेव पुत्रस्ते न मीमांसेत कर्हिचित् ॥BORI: १-०९२-१४॥
Your son must not know my parentage, O lord, and he must never question anything I do. (BORI: 1-092-14)
[PV-KDV:01_011_52] (Bharata)
एवं वसन्ती पुत्रे ते वर्धयिष्याम्यहं प्रियम्। पुत्रैः पुण्यैः प्रियैश्चापि स्वर्गं प्राप्स्यति ते सुतः ॥BORI: १-०९२-१५॥
Living with your son on these terms, I shall increase his happiness, and through virtuous and beloved sons, your son will attain heaven. (BORI: 1-092-15)
[PV-KDV:01_011_53] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_54] (Bharata)
तथेत्युक्त्वा तु सा राजंस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत। पुत्रजन्म प्रतीक्षंस्तु स राजा तदधारयत् ॥BORI: १-०९२-१६॥
Having said, “So be it,” she vanished then and there, O king. As he awaited the birth of a son, the king kept her words in mind. (BORI: 1-092-16)
[PV-KDV:01_011_55] (Bharata)
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु प्रतीपः क्षत्रियर्षभः। तपस्तेपे सुतस्यार्थे सभार्यः कुरुनन्दन ॥BORI: १-०९२-१७॥
Meanwhile, Pratipa, bull among Kshatriyas, practiced austerities with his wife for the sake of obtaining a son, O descendant of Kuru. (BORI: 1-092-17)
[PV-KDV:01_011_56] (Bharata)
तयोः समभवत्पुत्रो वृद्धयोः स महाभिषः। शान्तस्य जज्ञे सन्तानस्तस्मादासीत्स शन्तनुः ॥BORI: १-०९२-१८॥
That Mahabhisha was born as a son to the aged couple. Since offspring was born to him when he had grown tranquil, the son was Shantanu. (BORI: 1-092-18)
[PV-KDV:01_011_57] (Bharata)
संस्मरंश्चाक्षयाँल्लोकान्विजितान्स्वेन कर्मणा। पुण्यकर्मकृदेवासीच्छन्तनुः कुरुसत्तम ॥BORI: १-०९२-१९॥
Remembering the imperishable worlds he had won through his own deeds, Shantanu performed only virtuous deeds, O best of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-092-19)
[PV-KDV:01_011_58] (Bharata)
प्रतीपः शन्तनुं पुत्रं यौवनस्थं ततोऽन्वशात्। पुरा मां स्त्री समभ्यागाच्छन्तनो भूतये तव ॥BORI: १-०९२-२०॥
Then Pratipa instructed his son Shantanu, who had reached manhood: “Long ago, Shantanu, a woman approached me for your welfare... (BORI: 1-092-20)
[PV-KDV:01_011_59] (Bharata)
त्वामाव्रजेद्यदि रहः सा पुत्र वरवर्णिनी। कामयानाभिरूपाढ्या दिव्या स्त्री पुत्रकाम्यया। सा त्वया नानुयोक्तव्या कासि कस्यासि वाङ्गने ॥BORI: १-०९२-२१॥
My son, if that beautiful, divinely lovely woman should approach you in private, desiring you out of longing for a son, you must not question her: “Who are you, fair lady, and whose daughter are you?” (BORI: 1-092-21)
[PV-KDV:01_011_60] (Bharata)
यच्च कुर्यान्न तत्कार्यं प्रष्टव्या सा त्वयानघ। मन्नियोगाद्भजन्तीं तां भजेथा इत्युवाच तम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-२२॥
Whatever she may do, you must not question her about it, sinless one. “At my command, you should accept her when she seeks you,” he told him. (BORI: 1-092-22)
[PV-KDV:01_011_61] (Bharata)
एवं संदिश्य तनयं प्रतीपः शन्तनुं तदा। स्वे च राज्येऽभिषिच्यैनं वनं राजा विवेश ह ॥BORI: १-०९२-२३॥
Having thus instructed his son Shantanu, King Pratipa installed him in his own kingdom and then retired to the forest. (BORI: 1-092-23)
[PV-KDV:01_011_62] (Bharata)
स राजा शन्तनुर्धीमान् ख्यातः पृथ्व्यां धनुर्धरः। बभूव मृगयाशीलः सततं वनगोचरः ॥BORI: १-०९२-२४॥
That wise king Shantanu, renowned throughout the earth as an archer, became devoted to hunting and constantly roamed the forests. (BORI: 1-092-24)
[PV-KDV:01_011_63] (Bharata)
स मृगान्महिषांश्चैव विनिघ्नन् राजसत्तमः। गङ्गामनुचचारैकः सिद्धचारणसेविताम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-२५॥
That best of kings, killing deer and buffalo, wandered alone along the Ganges, which was frequented by Siddhas and Charanas. (BORI: 1-092-25)
[PV-KDV:01_011_64] (Bharata)
स कदाचिन्महाराज ददर्श परमस्त्रियम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-२६॥
One day, O great king, he saw a supremely beautiful woman. (BORI: 1-092-26A)
[PV-KDV:01_011_65] (Bharata)
तां दृष्ट्वा हृष्टरोमाभूद्विस्मितो रूपसम्पदा ॥BORI: १-०९२-२८॥
Seeing her, the king was thrilled, the hair on his body standing on end, and was amazed by her beauty. (BORI: 1-092-28A)
[PV-KDV:01_011_68] (Bharata)
तामुवाच ततो राजा सान्त्वयञ्श्लक्ष्णया गिरा। देवी वा दानवी वा त्वं गन्धर्वी यदि वाप्सराः ॥BORI: १-०९२-३०॥
Then the king addressed her, reassuring her in a gentle voice: “Whether you are a goddess, a demoness, a Gandharva woman, or an Apsara…” (BORI: 1-092-30)
[PV-KDV:01_011_71] (Bharata)
यक्षी वा पन्नगी वापि मानुषी वा सुमध्यमे। या वा त्वं सुरगर्भाभे भार्या मे भव शोभने ॥BORI: १-०९२-३१॥
Or whether you are a Yakshi, a serpent woman, or a human, slender-waisted lady—whoever you may be, radiant as one born of the gods, become my wife, beautiful one. (BORI: 1-092-31)
[PV-KDV:01_011_72] (Bharata)
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचो राज्ञः सस्मितं मृदु वल्गु च। वसूनां समयं स्मृत्वा अभ्यगच्छदनिन्दिता ॥BORI: १-०९२-३२॥
Hearing these gentle and charming words of the king, she smiled, remembered her agreement with the Vasus, and the blameless woman approached him. (BORI: 1-092-32)
[PV-KDV:01_011_73] (Bharata)
उवाच चैव राज्ञः सा ह्लादयन्ती मनो गिरा। भविष्यामि महीपाल महिषी ते वशानुगा ॥BORI: १-०९२-३३॥
Delighting the king’s heart with her words, she said to him, “O protector of the earth, I shall become your obedient queen.” (BORI: 1-092-33)
[PV-KDV:01_011_74] (Bharata)
यत्तु कुर्यामहं राजञ्शुभं वा यदि वाशुभम्। न तद्वारयितव्यास्मि न वक्तव्या तथाप्रियम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-३४॥
But whatever I may do, O king, whether good or bad, you must neither prevent me from doing it nor speak harshly to me about it. (BORI: 1-092-34)
[PV-KDV:01_011_75] (Bharata)
एवं हि वर्तमानेऽहं त्वयि वत्स्यामि पार्थिव। वारिता विप्रियं चोक्ता त्यजेयं त्वामसंशयम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-३५॥
For only on these terms will I live with you, O king. If you restrain me or speak harshly to me, I shall leave you without a doubt. (BORI: 1-092-35)
[PV-KDV:01_011_76] (Bharata)
एष मे समयो राजन्भज मां त्वं यथेप्सितम् । अनुनीताऽस्मि ते पित्रा भर्ता मे त्वं भव प्रभो ॥KUMB: १-१०४-८॥
“This is my condition, O king: take me as you desire. Your father has won me over; become my husband, my lord.” (KUMB: 1-104-8)
[PV-KDV:01_011_77] (Bharata)
तथेति राज्ञा सा तूक्ता तदा भरतसत्तम। प्रहर्षमतुलं लेभे प्राप्य तं पार्थिवोत्तमम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-३६॥
When the king said to her, “So be it,” she was filled with incomparable joy, O best of the Bharatas, at having won that foremost of kings. (BORI: 1-092-36)
[PV-KDV:01_011_78] (Bharata)
दिविष्ठान्मानुषांश्चैव भोगान्भुङ्क्ते स वै नृपः । आसाद्य शान्तनुः श्रीमान्मुमुदे योषितां वराम् ॥KUMB: १-१०५-२॥
That king enjoyed both heavenly and human pleasures. Having obtained the finest of women, the illustrious Shantanu rejoiced. (KUMB: 1-105-2)
[PV-KDV:01_011_85] (Bharata)
रममाणस्तया सार्धं यथाकामं जनेश्वरः। अष्टावजनयत्पुत्रांस्तस्याममरवर्णिनः ॥BORI: १-०९२-४३॥
Enjoying himself with her as he pleased, the king fathered eight sons by her, all radiant as the immortals. (BORI: 1-092-43)
[PV-KDV:01_011_86] (Bharata)
जातं जातं च सा पुत्रं क्षिपत्यम्भसि भारत। प्रीणामि त्वाहमित्युक्त्वा गङ्गास्रोतस्यमज्जयत् ॥BORI: १-०९२-४४॥
Each son as soon as he was born, she cast into the water, O Bharata; saying, “I do this to please you,” she submerged him in the current of the Ganges. (BORI: 1-092-44)
[PV-KDV:01_011_87] (Bharata)
तस्य तन्न प्रियं राज्ञः शन्तनोरभवत्तदा। न च तां किञ्चनोवाच त्यागाद्भीतो महीपतिः ॥BORI: १-०९२-४५॥
This did not please King Shantanu, but the ruler said nothing to her then, for fear that she would leave him. (BORI: 1-092-45)
[PV-KDV:01_011_88] (Bharata)
अथ तामष्टमे पुत्रे जाते प्रहसितामिव। उवाच राजा दुःखार्तः परीप्सन्पुत्रमात्मनः ॥BORI: १-०९२-४६॥
Then, when the eighth son was born, the grief-stricken king, wishing to save his child, said to her as she seemed to smile… (BORI: 1-092-46)
[PV-KDV:01_011_89] (Bharata)
मा वधीः कासि कस्यासि किं हिंससि सुतानिति। पुत्रघ्नि सुमहत्पापं मा प्रापस्तिष्ठ गर्हिते ॥BORI: १-०९२-४७॥
Do not kill him! Who are you, and to whom do you belong? Why do you kill your sons? Murderer of your own children, do not incur this terrible sin! Stop, you wicked woman! (BORI: 1-092-47)
[PV-KDV:01_011_90] (Bharata)
स्त्र्युवाच॥
The woman said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_91] (Bharata)
पुत्रकाम न ते हन्मि पुत्रं पुत्रवतां वर। जीर्णस्तु मम वासोऽयं यथा स समयः कृतः ॥BORI: १-०९२-४८॥
O you who long for a son, I will not kill your son, best of fathers. But my stay here is now at an end, in accordance with the agreement that was made. (BORI: 1-092-48)
[PV-KDV:01_011_92] (Bharata)
अहं गङ्गा जह्नुसुता महर्षिगणसेविता। देवकार्यार्थसिद्ध्यर्थमुषिटाहं त्वया सह ॥BORI: १-०९२-४९॥
I am Ganga, daughter of Jahnu, attended by hosts of great seers. I have lived with you in order to accomplish the gods’ purpose. (BORI: 1-092-49)
[PV-KDV:01_011_93] (Bharata)
अष्टे मे वसवो देवा महाभागा महौजसः। वसिष्ठ-शाप-दोषेण मानुषत्वम् उपागताः ॥BORI: १-०९२-५०॥
The eight gods known as the Vasus, greatly blessed and immensely powerful, have become human because of the curse laid upon them by Vasiṣṭha. (BORI: 1-092-50)
[PV-KDV:01_011_94] (Bharata)
तेषां जनयिता नान्यस्त्वदृते भुवि विद्यते। मद्विधा मानुषी धात्री न चैवास्तीह काचन ॥BORI: १-०९२-५१॥
There is no one on earth but you who can father them, nor is there any human woman like me to bear them. (BORI: 1-092-51)
[PV-KDV:01_011_95] (Bharata)
तस्मात्तज्जननीहेतोर्मानुषत्वमुपागता। जनयित्वा वसूनष्टौ जिता लोकास्त्वयाक्षयाः ॥BORI: १-०९२-५२॥
Therefore you assumed human form in order to become their mother. By giving birth to the eight Vasus, you have won imperishable worlds. (BORI: 1-092-52)
[PV-KDV:01_011_96] (Bharata)
देवानां समयस्त्वेष वसूनां संश्रुतो मया। जातं जातं मोक्षयिष्ये जन्मतः मानुषादिति ॥BORI: १-०९२-५३॥
But this was the agreement I had made with the gods, the Vasus: “I shall release each one, as soon as he is born, from human birth.” (BORI: 1-092-53)
[PV-KDV:01_011_97] (Bharata)
तत्ते शापाद्विनिर्मुक्ता आपवस्य महात्मनः। स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु गमिष्यामि पुत्रं पाहि महाव्रतम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-५४॥
Thus they have been freed from the curse of the great-souled Apava. May all be well with you. I shall go; protect this son, a keeper of great vows. (BORI: 1-092-54)
[PV-KDV:01_011_98] (Bharata)
एष पर्यायवासो मे वसूनां संनिधौ कृतः। मत्प्रसूतं विजानीहि गङ्गादत्तमिमं सुतम् ॥BORI: १-०९२-५५॥
My appointed sojourn among the Vasus is now complete. Know that this son was born of me and given by Ganga. (BORI: 1-092-55)
[PV-KDV:01_011_99] (Bharata)
शन्तनुरुवाच॥
Śantanu said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_129] (Bharata)
आपवो नाम को न्वेष वसूनां किं च दुष्कृतम्। यस्याभिशापात्ते सर्वे मानुषीं तनुमागताः ॥BORI: १-०९३-१॥
Who is this one among the Vasus named Āpava, and what wrong did he commit, through whose curse you have all assumed human form? (BORI: 1-093-1)
[PV-KDV:01_011_130] (Bharata)
अनेन च कुमारेण गङ्गादत्तेन किं कृतम्। यस्य चैव कृतेनायं मानुषेषु निवत्स्यति ॥BORI: १-०९३-२॥
And what did this prince, Gangadatta, do that will cause him to dwell among human beings? (BORI: 1-093-2)
[PV-KDV:01_011_131] (Bharata)
ईशानाः सर्वलोकस्य वसवस्ते च वै कथम्। मानुषेषूदपद्यन्त तन्ममाचक्ष्व जाह्नवि ॥BORI: १-०९३-३॥
And how did those Vasus, lords of all the worlds, come to be born among humans? Tell me that, Jahnavi. (BORI: 1-093-3)
[PV-KDV:01_011_132] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_133] (Bharata)
सैवमुक्ता ततो गङ्गा राजानमिदमब्रवीत्। भर्तारं जाह्नवी देवी शन्तनुं पुरुषर्षभम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-४॥
Thus addressed, the goddess Gaṅgā, daughter of Jahnu, then spoke these words to her husband, King Śantanu, foremost of men: (BORI: 1-093-4)
[PV-KDV:01_011_134] (Bharata)
यं लेभे वरुणः पुत्रं पुरा भरतसत्तम। वसिष्ठो नाम स मुनिः ख्यात आपव इत्युत ॥BORI: १-०९३-५॥
O best of the Bharatas, the son whom Varuna obtained long ago was the sage named Vasishtha, also known as Apava. (BORI: 1-093-5)
[PV-KDV:01_011_135] (Bharata)
तस्याश्रमपदं पुण्यं मृगपक्षिगणान्वितम्। मेरोः पार्श्वे नगेन्द्रस्य सर्वर्तुकुसुमावृतम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-६॥
His sacred hermitage stood on the slope of Meru, king of mountains, inhabited by herds of deer and flocks of birds and covered with flowers of every season. (BORI: 1-093-6)
[PV-KDV:01_011_136] (Bharata)
स वारुणिस्तपस्तेपे तस्मिन्भरतसत्तम। वने पुण्यकृतां श्रेष्ठः स्वादुमूलफलोदके ॥BORI: १-०९३-७॥
The son of Varuṇa, foremost among the virtuous, practiced austerities in that forest, O best of the Bharatas, where the roots, fruits, and water were sweet. (BORI: 1-093-7)
[PV-KDV:01_011_137] (Bharata)
दक्षस्य दुहिता या तु सुरभीत्यतिगर्विता। गां प्रजाता तु सा देवी कश्यपाद्भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-०९३-८॥
Daksha’s daughter, the exceedingly proud goddess named Surabhi, bore Kashyapa a cow, O bull of Bharata’s line— (BORI: 1-093-8)
[PV-KDV:01_011_138] (Bharata)
अनुग्रहार्थं जगतः सर्वकामदुघां वराम्। तां लेभे गां तु धर्मात्मा होमधेनुं स वारुणिः ॥BORI: १-०९३-९॥
…for the benefit of the world—an excellent cow that yielded every desired thing. The righteous Varuni obtained her as his sacrificial cow. (BORI: 1-093-9)
[PV-KDV:01_011_139] (Bharata)
सा तस्मिंस्तापसारण्ये वसन्ती मुनिसेविते। चचार रम्ये धर्म्ये च गौरपेतभया तदा ॥BORI: १-०९३-१०॥
Living in that ascetic grove frequented by sages, the cow then roamed its delightful, holy grounds without fear. (BORI: 1-093-10)
[PV-KDV:01_011_140] (Bharata)
अथ तद्वनमाजग्मुः कदाचिद्भरतर्षभ। पृथ्वाद्या वसवः सर्वे देवदेवर्षिसेवितम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-११॥
Then one day, O bull of Bharata’s line, all the Vasus, Prithu and the others, came to that forest, which was frequented by gods and divine seers. (BORI: 1-093-11)
[PV-KDV:01_011_141] (Bharata)
ते सदारा वनं तच्च व्यचरन्त समन्ततः। रेमिरे रमणीयेषु पर्वतेषु वनेषु च ॥BORI: १-०९३-१२॥
Accompanied by their wives, they roamed throughout that forest and delighted in its lovely mountains and woods. (BORI: 1-093-12)
[PV-KDV:01_011_142] (Bharata)
तत्रैकस्य तु भार्या वै वसोर्वासवविक्रम। सा चरन्ती वने तस्मिन्गां ददर्श सुमध्यमा । या सा वसिष्ठस्य मुनेः सर्वकामधुगुत्तमा ॥BORI: १-०९३-१३॥
There, O you of Indra-like valor, the slender-waisted wife of one of the Vasus, while roaming through that forest, saw the sage Vasiṣṭha’s excellent cow, which granted every desire. (BORI: 1-093-13)
[PV-KDV:01_011_143] (Bharata)
सा विस्मयसमाविष्टा शीलद्रविणसम्पदा। दिवे वै दर्शयामास तां गां गोवृषभेक्षण ॥BORI: १-०९३-१४॥
Filled with wonder at the cow’s wealth of fine qualities, she showed her to Dyu, O bull-eyed one. (BORI: 1-093-14)
[PV-KDV:01_011_144] (Bharata)
स्वापीनां च सुदोग्ध्रीं च सुवालधिमुखां शुभाम्। उपपन्नां गुणैः सर्वैः शीलेनानुत्तमेन च ॥BORI: १-०९३-१५॥
beautiful, with a fine udder, yielding abundant milk, with a lovely tail and face, endowed with every virtue and unsurpassed character... (BORI: 1-093-15)
[PV-KDV:01_011_145] (Bharata)
एवङ्गुणसमायुक्तां वसवे वसुनन्दिनी। दर्शयामास राजेन्द्र पुरा पौरवनन्दन ॥BORI: १-०९३-१६॥
Long ago, O king, delight of Puru’s line, the Vasu’s wife showed him the cow endowed with such qualities. (BORI: 1-093-16)
[PV-KDV:01_011_146] (Bharata)
द्यौस्तदा तां तु दृष्ट्वैव गां गजेन्द्रेन्द्रविक्रम। उवाच राजंस्तां देवीं तस्या रूपगुणान्वदन् ॥BORI: १-०९३-१७॥
Then, as soon as Dyaus saw that cow, O king, mighty as the lord of elephants, he spoke to the goddess, describing the cow’s beauty and virtues: (BORI: 1-093-17)
[PV-KDV:01_011_147] (Bharata)
एषा गौरुत्तमा देवि वारुणेरसितेक्षणे। ऋषेस्तस्य वरारोहे यस्येदं वनमुत्तमम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-१८॥
This excellent cow, O dark-eyed goddess, belongs to the sage whose splendid forest this is, O lovely-waisted one. (BORI: 1-093-18)
[PV-KDV:01_011_148] (Bharata)
अस्याः क्षीरं पिबेन्मर्त्यः स्वादु यो वै सुमध्यमे। दश वर्षसहस्राणि स जीवेत्स्थिरयौवनः ॥BORI: १-०९३-१९॥
O slender-waisted lady, any mortal who drinks this cow’s sweet milk will live for ten thousand years, retaining his youth. (BORI: 1-093-19)
[PV-KDV:01_011_149] (Bharata)
एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु सा देवी नृपोत्तम सुमध्यमा। तमुवाचानवद्याङ्गी भर्तारं दीप्ततेजसम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-२०॥
Hearing this, O best of kings, the lovely goddess of slender waist addressed her radiant husband: (BORI: 1-093-20)
[PV-KDV:01_011_150] (Bharata)
अस्ति मे मानुषे लोके नरदेवात्मजा सखी। नाम्ना जिनवती नाम रूपयौवनशालिनी ॥BORI: १-०९३-२१॥
In the human world I have a friend, a king’s daughter, named Jinavati, who is endowed with beauty and youth. (BORI: 1-093-21)
[PV-KDV:01_011_151] (Bharata)
उशीनरस्य राजर्षेः सत्यसन्धस्य धीमतः। दुहिता प्रथिता लोके मानुषे रूपसम्पदा ॥BORI: १-०९३-२२॥
the daughter of the wise royal sage Uśīnara, true to his word, renowned in the human world for her beauty. (BORI: 1-093-22)
[PV-KDV:01_011_152] (Bharata)
तस्या हेतोर्महाभाग सवत्सां गां ममेप्सिताम्। आनयस्वामरश्रेष्ठ त्वरितं पुण्यवर्धन ॥BORI: १-०९३-२३॥
For her sake, O greatly fortunate one, quickly bring me the cow with her calf that I desire, O best of the immortals, increaser of merit. (BORI: 1-093-23)
[PV-KDV:01_011_153] (Bharata)
यावदस्याः पयः पीत्वा सा सखी मम मानद। मानुषेषु भवत्वेका जरारोगविवर्जिता ॥BORI: १-०९३-२४॥
So that, after drinking her milk, that friend of mine may alone among mortals be free from old age and disease, O bestower of honor. (BORI: 1-093-24)
[PV-KDV:01_011_154] (Bharata)
एतन्मम महाभाग कर्तुमर्हस्यनिन्दित। प्रियं प्रियतरं ह्यस्मान्नास्ति मेऽन्यत्कथञ्चन ॥BORI: १-०९३-२५॥
O illustrious, blameless one, you should do this for me, for there is nothing you could do that would please me more than this. (BORI: 1-093-25)
[PV-KDV:01_011_155] (Bharata)
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्या देव्याः प्रियचिकीर्षया। पृथ्वाद्यैर्भ्रातृभिः सार्धं द्यौस्तदा तां जहार गाम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-२६॥
Hearing the goddess’s words and wishing to please her, Dyaus, together with his brothers Prithu and the others, then stole that cow. (BORI: 1-093-26)
[PV-KDV:01_011_156] (Bharata)
तया कमलपत्राक्ष्या नियुक्तो द्यौस्तदा नृप। ऋषेस्तस्य तपस्तीव्रं न शशाक निरीक्षितुम् । हृता गौः सा तदा तेन प्रपातस्तु न तर्कितः ॥BORI: १-०९३-२७॥
Thus urged by the lotus-eyed woman, Dyu, O king, failed to take the sage’s severe ascetic power into account. He stole the cow, never anticipating his downfall. (BORI: 1-093-27)
[PV-KDV:01_011_157] (Bharata)
अथाश्रमपदं प्राप्तः फलान्यादाय वारुणिः। न चापश्यत गां तत्र सवत्सां काननोत्तमे ॥BORI: १-०९३-२८॥
Then Vāruṇi returned to the hermitage with fruit, but in that excellent forest he did not see the cow with her calf. (BORI: 1-093-28)
[PV-KDV:01_011_158] (Bharata)
ततः स मृगयामास वने तस्मिंस्तपोधनः। नाध्यगच्छच्च मृगयंस्तां गां मुनिरुदारधीः ॥BORI: १-०९३-२९॥
Then the ascetic searched for her in that forest, but though he searched, the noble-minded sage could not find the cow. (BORI: 1-093-29)
[PV-KDV:01_011_159] (Bharata)
ज्ञात्वा तथापनीतां तां वसुभिर्दिव्यदर्शनः। ययौ क्रोधवशं सद्यः शशाप च वसूंस्तदा ॥BORI: १-०९३-३०॥
Realizing through his divine sight that the Vasus had carried her away, he was immediately overcome by anger and then cursed them. (BORI: 1-093-30)
[PV-KDV:01_011_160] (Bharata)
यस्मान्मे वसवो जह्रुर्गां वै दोग्ध्रीं सुवालधिम्। तस्मात्सर्वे जनिष्यन्ति मानुषेषु न संशयः ॥BORI: १-०९३-३१॥
“Since you Vasus have stolen my milk-giving cow with the fine tail, you shall all be born among human beings—of this there is no doubt.” (BORI: 1-093-31)
[PV-KDV:01_011_161] (Bharata)
एवं शशाप भगवान्वसूंस्तान्मुनिसत्तमः। वशं कोपस्य सम्प्राप्त आपवो भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-०९३-३२॥
Thus the blessed Āpava, that foremost of sages, having fallen under the sway of anger, cursed those Vasus, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-093-32)
[PV-KDV:01_011_162] (Bharata)
शप्त्वा च तान्महाभागस्तपस्येव मनो दधे। एवं स शप्तवान्राजन्वसूनष्टौ तपोधनः। महाप्रभावो ब्रह्मर्षिर्देवान्रोषसमन्वितः ॥BORI: १-०९३-३३॥
Having cursed them, the illustrious sage fixed his mind once more on his austerities. Thus, O king, that ascetic rich in austerity—the Brahmarṣi of immense power—cursed the eight Vasus, filled with wrath against the gods. (BORI: 1-093-33)
[PV-KDV:01_011_163] (Bharata)
अथाश्रमपदं प्राप्य तं स्म भूयो महात्मनः। शप्ताः स्म इति जानन्त ऋषिं तमुपचक्रमुः ॥BORI: १-०९३-३४॥
Then, having reached the hermitage, those great-souled ones, aware that they had been cursed, approached that sage once more. (BORI: 1-093-34)
[PV-KDV:01_011_164] (Bharata)
प्रसादयन्तस्तमृषिं वसवः पार्थिवर्षभ। न लेभिरे च तस्मात्ते प्रसादमृषिसत्तमात्। आपवात्पुरुषव्याघ्र सर्वधर्मविशारदात् ॥BORI: १-०९३-३५॥
O bull among kings, though the Vasus sought to appease the sage, they obtained no forgiveness from that foremost of sages, Āpava, O tiger among men, who was versed in every dharma. (BORI: 1-093-35)
[PV-KDV:01_011_165] (Bharata)
उवाच च स धर्मात्मा सप्त यूयं धरादयः। अनु संवत्सराच्छापमोक्षं वै समवाप्स्यथ ॥BORI: १-०९३-३६॥
And that righteous man said, “You seven, Dhara and the others, will indeed be released from the curse after one year.” (BORI: 1-093-36)
[PV-KDV:01_011_166] (Bharata)
अयं तु यत्कृते यूयं मया शप्ताः स वत्स्यति। द्यौस्तदा मानुषे लोके दीर्घकालं स्वकर्मणा ॥BORI: १-०९३-३७॥
But this Dyaus, on whose account I cursed you, will dwell in the human world for a long time because of his own deed. (BORI: 1-093-37)
[PV-KDV:01_011_167] (Bharata)
नानृतं तच्चिकीर्षामि युष्मान्क्रुद्धो यदब्रुवम्। न प्रजास्यति चाप्येष मानुषेषु महामनाः ॥BORI: १-०९३-३८॥
I do not wish to make false what I said to you in anger. And this noble-minded one will have no offspring among human beings. (BORI: 1-093-38)
[PV-KDV:01_011_168] (Bharata)
भविष्यति च धर्मात्मा सर्वशास्त्रविशारदः॥BORI: १-०९३-३९॥
He will be righteous and thoroughly versed in all the scriptures. (BORI: 1-093-39A)
[PV-PAN:01_011_169] (Bharata)
पितुः प्रियहिते युक्तः स्त्रीभोगान्वर्जयिष्यति । एवमुक्त्वा वसून्सर्वाञ्जगाम भगवानृषिः ॥BORI: १-०९३-३९॥
Devoted to what is dear and beneficial to his father, he will abstain from relations with women. Having said this to all the Vasus, the venerable sage departed.(BORI: 1-093-39B)
[PV-KDV:01_011_170] (Bharata)
ततो मामुपजग्मुस्ते समस्ता वसवस्तदा। अयाचन्त च मां राजन्वरं स च मया कृतः । जाताञ्जातान्प्रक्षिपास्मान्स्वयं गङ्गे त्वमम्भसि ॥BORI: १-०९३-४०॥
Then all the Vasus came to me together and asked me for a boon, O king, which I granted: “O Ganga, as each of us is born, cast us yourself into the water.” (BORI: 1-093-40)
[PV-KDV:01_011_171] (Bharata)
एवं तेषामहं सम्यक्षप्तानां राजसत्तम। मोक्षार्थं मानुषाल्लोकाद्यथावत्कृतवत्यहम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-४१॥
Thus, best of kings, I duly did what they, having all been cursed, asked of me, so as to release them from the human world. (BORI: 1-093-41)
[PV-KDV:01_011_172] (Bharata)
अयं शापादृषेस्तस्य एक एव नृपोत्तम। द्यौ राजन्मानुषे लोके चिरं वत्स्यति भारत ॥BORI: १-०९३-४२॥
O best of kings, this one alone—Dyaus—will, because of that sage’s curse, remain in the human world for a long time, O King, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-093-42)
[PV-KDV:01_011_173] (Bharata)
एतदाख्याय सा देवी तत्रैवान्तरधीयत। आदाय च कुमारं तं जगामाथ यथेप्सितम् ॥BORI: १-०९३-४३॥
Having told him this, the goddess vanished there and then, taking the boy with her and going wherever she wished. (BORI: 1-093-43)
[PV-KDV:01_011_174] (Bharata)
शन्तनुश्चापि शोकार्तो जगाम स्वपुरं ततः॥BORI: १-०९३-४५A॥
Then Śantanu, afflicted with grief, returned to his own city. (BORI: 1-093-45A)
[PV-KDV:01_011_176] (Bharata)
स समाः षोडशाष्टौ च चतस्रोऽष्टौ तथापराः। रतिमप्राप्नुवन्स्त्रीषु बभूव वनगोचरः ॥BORI: १-०९४-१८॥
For thirty-six years—sixteen, eight, four, and another eight—he found no pleasure among women and lived as a frequenter of the forest. (BORI: 1-094-18)
[PV-KDV:01_011_199] (Bharata)
स कदाचिन्मृगं विद्ध्वा गङ्गामनुसरन्नदीम्। भागीरथीमल्पजलां शन्तनुर्दृष्टवान्नृपः ॥BORI: १-०९४-२१॥
Once, after shooting a deer, King Shantanu followed the river Ganga and saw that the Bhagirathi had little water. (BORI: 1-094-21)
[PV-KDV:01_011_202] (Bharata)
तां दृष्ट्वा चिन्तयामास शन्तनुः पुरुषर्षभः। स्यन्दते किं न्वियं नाद्य सरिच्छ्रेष्ठा यथा पुरा ॥BORI: १-०९४-२२॥
Seeing it, Shantanu, bull among men, wondered, “Why does this foremost of rivers not flow today as it did before?” (BORI: 1-094-22)
[PV-KDV:01_011_203] (Bharata)
ततो निमित्तमन्विच्छन्ददर्श स महामनाः। कुमारं रूपसम्पन्नं बृहन्तं चारुदर्शनम् ॥BORI: १-०९४-२३॥
Then, as he searched for the cause, that great-hearted man saw a tall, handsome, fine-looking youth… (BORI: 1-094-23)
[PV-KDV:01_011_204] (Bharata)
दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वाणं यथा देवं पुरंदरम्। कृत्स्नां गङ्गां समावृत्य शरैस्तीक्ष्णैरवस्थितम् ॥BORI: १-०९४-२४॥
wielding a divine weapon like the god Purandara, and standing there after blocking the entire Ganges with sharp arrows. (BORI: 1-094-24)
[PV-KDV:01_011_205] (Bharata)
तां शरैरावृतां दृष्ट्वा नदीं गङ्गां तदन्तिके। अभवद्विस्मितो राजा कर्म दृष्ट्वातिमानुषम् ॥BORI: १-०९४-२५॥
Seeing the river Ganges nearby covered with arrows, the king was astonished at the superhuman feat. (BORI: 1-094-25)
[PV-KDV:01_011_206] (Bharata)
जातमात्रं पुरा दृष्टं तं पुत्रं शन्तनुस्तदा। नोपलेभे स्मृतिं धीमानभिज्ञातुं तमात्मजम् ॥BORI: १-०९४-२६॥
Though Shantanu had seen that son long before, when he was newborn, the wise king could not remember him well enough to recognize him as his own son. (BORI: 1-094-26)
[PV-KDV:01_011_207] (Bharata)
स तु तं पितरं दृष्ट्वा मोहयामास मायया। संमोह्य तु ततः क्षिप्रं तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥BORI: १-०९४-२७॥
But when he saw his father, he bewildered him with his magic; then, having bewildered him, he quickly vanished on the spot. (BORI: 1-094-27)
[PV-KDV:01_011_208] (Bharata)
तदद्भुतं तदा दृष्ट्वा तत्र राजा स शन्तनुः। शङ्कमानः सुतं गङ्गामब्रवीद् दर्शयेति ह ॥BORI: १-०९४-२८॥
Seeing that marvel there, King Shantanu suspected that it was his son and said to Ganga, “Show him to me.” (BORI: 1-094-28)
[PV-KDV:01_011_209] (Bharata)
गङ्गोवाच॥
Gaṅgā said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_212] (Bharata)
यं पुत्रमष्टमं राजंस्त्वं पुरा मय्यजायिथाः। स तेऽयं पुरुषव्याघ्र नयस्वैनं गृहान्तिकम् ॥BORI: १-०९४-३१॥
O king, this is that eighth son whom you once fathered by me. O tiger among men, take him home. (BORI: 1-094-31)
[PV-KDV:01_011_213] (Bharata)
स चायं पुरुषव्याघ्र सर्वास्त्रविदनुत्तमः । गृहाणेमं महाराज मया संवर्धितं सुतम् ॥KUMB: १-१०७-३४; KUMB: १-१०७-३५; NILA: ०१.१००.०३३; NILA: ०१.१००.०३४॥
This one, O tiger among men, is unsurpassed in his knowledge of every weapon. Accept this son whom I have raised, great king. (KUMB: 1-107-34; KUMB: 1-107-35; NILA: 01.100.033; NILA: 01.100.034)
[PV-KDV:01_011_214] (Bharata)
इत्युक्त्वा सा महाभागा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥KUMB: १-१०७-४१क्ष्॥
Having said this, the illustrious woman vanished on the spot. (KUMB: 1-107-41क्ष्)
[PV-KDV:01_011_220] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_011_221] (Bharata)
तयैवं समनुज्ञातः पुत्रमादाय शन्तनुः। भ्राजमानं यथादित्यमाययौ स्वपुरं प्रति ॥BORI: १-०९४-३७॥
Thus permitted by her, Shantanu took his son, radiant as the sun, and returned to his own city. (BORI: 1-094-37)
[PV-KDV:01_011_222] (Bharata)
पौरवः स्वपुरं गत्वा पुरंदरपुरोपमम्। सर्वकामसमृद्धार्थं मेने आत्मानमात्मना । पौरवेषु ततः पुत्रं यौवराज्येऽभ्यषेचयत् ॥BORI: १-०९४-३८॥
Returning to his own city, which resembled Indra’s city, the Paurava felt that all his desires had been fulfilled. He then consecrated his son as crown prince of the Pauravas. (BORI: 1-094-38)
[PV-KDV:01_011_223] (Bharata)
पौरवाञ्शन्तनोः पुत्रः पितरं च महायशाः। राष्ट्रं च रञ्जयामास वृत्तेन भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-०९४-३९॥
The illustrious son of Shantanu delighted the Pauravas, his father, and the entire kingdom by his conduct, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-094-39)
[PV-KDV:01_011_224] (Bharata)
स तथा सह पुत्रेण रममाणो महीपतिः। वर्तयामास वर्षाणि चत्वार्यमितविक्रमः ॥BORI: १-०९४-४०॥
Thus the king of boundless valor spent four years enjoying life with his son. (BORI: 1-094-40)
[PV-KDV:01_011_225] (Bharata)