01.077
Vaiśampāyana said.
Yayāti reached his own city, which resembled the city of Indra. There he entered the inner apartments and lodged Devayānī. (01-77-1)
With Devayānī’s consent, he built a house near the Aśoka grove and settled that daughter of Vṛṣaparvan there. (01-77-2)
Śarmiṣṭhā, the descendant of Asura, was attended by a thousand maidservants, provided with garments, food, and drink, and treated with great honor. (01-77-3)
Accompanied by Devayānī, that king, the son of Nahuṣa, lived joyfully for many years, greatly delighted like a god. (01-77-4)
But when her fertile season arrived, the lovely Devayānī conceived first and gave birth to a son. (01-77-5)
But after a thousand years had passed, Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, having reached youth, saw that her fertile season had come and reflected upon it. (01-77-6)
My fertile season has arrived, and I have no chosen husband. What has come about? What indeed should be done? Or by doing what would the matter be accomplished? (01-77-7)
That Devayānī has given birth, while I have attained youth in vain. Just as she chose him as her husband, so too I choose him. (01-77-8)
My settled thought is this: the king should give the reward of a son. Even now, may that righteous-souled man come to see me in private. (01-77-9)
Then that king went out and, at that time by chance, came upon Śarmiṣṭhā near the Aśoka grove and stood there. (01-77-10)
Seeing him alone in a secluded place, the lovely-smiling Śarmiṣṭhā approached, folded her hands in reverence, and spoke to the king. (01-77-11)
In the lineage of Soma, Indra, Viṣṇu, Yama, Varuṇa, or yours, O descendant of Nahuṣa, who is worthy to touch a woman? (01-77-12)
O king, you have always known me for my beauty, noble lineage, and character. Therefore I entreat you, having won your favor: grant me my fertile season, O lord of men. (01-77-13)
Yayāti said.
I know you to be endowed with good conduct, a faultless Daitya maiden. And in your beauty I do not see even a needle-point’s worth of anything blameworthy. (01-77-14)
When I married Devayānī, Uśanas Kāvya said: this daughter of Vṛṣaparvan must not be summoned by you to bed. (01-77-15)
Śarmiṣṭhā said.
A statement made in jest does not harm; nor is falsehood sinful regarding women, O king, nor at the time of marriage. In danger to life and when all wealth is being taken away, they say these five falsehoods are not sins. (01-77-16)
But someone who, when questioned as a witness, says something different is said to be falsely charged, O king. But when the meaning has been consistently established, untruth destroys the one who speaks falsely. (01-77-17)
Yayāti said.
The king is the standard of truth for his people; if he speaks falsely, he is ruined. Even under hardship involving wealth or purpose, I do not dare to make anything false. (01-77-18)
Śarmiṣṭhā said.
O king, a husband and the man who is a friend's husband are regarded as equal; such a marriage is called equal. You have been chosen as husband by my friend. (1-77-19)
Yayāti said.
My vow has been established as, “It must be given to those who ask.” And you ask me for a desired boon. Tell me, what shall I do for you? (01-77-20)
Śarmiṣṭhā said.
Protect me from unrighteousness, O king, and set me upon the path of righteousness. Having offspring by you, I would practice the highest dharma in the world. (01-77-21)
Only three are without independent wealth, O king: a wife, a servant, and a son. Whatever they acquire is the wealth of the person to whom they belong. (01-77-22)
I am Devayani’s servant, and Bhargavi is under your authority. Both she and I are to be maintained by you, O king; accept me. (01-77-23)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus addressed, the king knew it to be true; he honored Śarmiṣṭhā and caused her to receive what was righteous. (01-77-24)
Having met Śarmiṣṭhā and attained what they desired, the two honored each other and went back the way they had come. (01-77-25)
At that union, fair-browed Śarmiṣṭhā, lovely in smile, first conceived from that best of kings. (01-77-26)
Then, at that time, O king, the lotus-eyed woman gave birth to a son who had a divine radiance and lotus-like eyes. (01-77-27)
