01.172
Library: Parashara stops the sacrifice to kill demons, asked by Pulastya.
The gandharva said.
Thus, when addressed by the great-souled Vasiṣṭha, the Brāhmaṇa-sage restrained his anger that arose from the defeat of all worlds.
Parāśara, the son of Śakti, the illustrious sage and foremost among all knowers of the Vedas, performed a sacrifice against the rākṣasas.
Then the great sage, recalling the killing of Śakti, burned both the old and young rākṣasas in the extended sacrifice.
Vasiṣṭha did not stop him from killing the Rākṣasas, firmly resolved that the second vow should not be broken.
In that sacrifice, the great sage was present before the three blazing fires, like a fourth fire himself.
By that pure sacrifice, which was being offered properly, the sky was illuminated, just as it is by the sun when the clouds have cleared.
All the sages there, including Vasiṣṭha, considered him to be shining in the sky with brilliance, like a second sun.
Then, the noble-minded sage Atri, wishing to complete that sacrifice which was nearly impossible for others, came there.
Thus, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and the great Kratu approached the destroyer of enemies of the Rākṣasas, seeking to preserve their lives.
But Pulastya, O best of the Bharatas, after the destruction of those Rākṣasas, spoke these words to Parāśara, O son of Pṛthā, destroyer of enemies.
Dear son, I hope nothing is obstructing your happiness; I hope you are not rejoicing, dear child, at the killing of all the innocent and ignorant Rākṣasas.
O Parāśara, you, being the most excellent and best of Soma-drinkers, are committing this most unrighteous act of total destruction of my progeny. King Kalmāṣapāda also desires to ascend to heaven.
O great sage, those who are the descendants of Śakti, the sons of Vasiṣṭha, all of them rejoice together with the gods in happiness. All this is indeed known to Vasiṣṭha, O great sage.
O son of Vasiṣṭha, this destruction of the rākṣasas and of the ascetics has you as its cause here in the sacrifice, O dear one. Now release the sacrifice; may good be to you; let this be completed for you.
Thus, when Pulastya and the wise Vasiṣṭha had spoken, Śākti and Parāśara then completed the sacrificial session.
The sage gathered fire for the destruction of all rākṣasas and released it in the great forest on the northern side of the Himalayas.
Even today, there, fire is always seen devouring demons, trees, and stones, especially on every festival.
