01.221
Pancharatra: Struggle of Jarita and her four offspring.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, when Śukra was ignited, the Śārṅgakas, greatly afflicted and deeply distressed, could not find any refuge. (1-221-1)
O king, upon hearing her sons, the ascetic mother Jarita, overwhelmed with sorrow, began to lament. (1-221-2)
This terrible fire, having reached the forest, comes burning; it inflames the world, and fearsomely increases my sorrow. (1-221-3)
These dull-minded children drag me; unworthy, deprived of the feet, the refuge of our ancestors; and this one comes frightening, licking the trees. (1-221-4)
Because of incapacity, my sons are not able to move; nor am I able to take my sons and move them elsewhere. (1-221-5)
And I am not able to abandon; my heart feels as if it is pained. Whom indeed should I abandon, my son? Whom should I take and go? (1-221-6)
What could I possibly do for you, my sons? How do you think I can help? While I ponder, I find no way to bring you liberation. Therefore, covering you with my own body, I will die together with you. (1-221-7)
The two householders—this family is indeed established by seniority. A son who continues the lineage and increases the family of the ancestors should be born. (1-221-8)
Stambamitra should perform austerity; Droṇa, the foremost knower of Brahman. Having said this, your pitiless father departed long ago. (1-221-9)
She, distressed, wondered: "What could I take up to reach the greatest misfortune of someone? What, indeed, if done, would fulfill my duty?" (1-221-10)
She could not perceive, by her own wisdom, the liberation of her sons from the fire at that time. Thus, as she was speaking, the Śārṅgas replied to their mother. (1-221-11)
O mother, abandoning affection, you fall where there is no sacred fire. Indeed, if we are destroyed, your sons would be the future. But if you, mother, are destroyed, our family lineage would not continue. (1-221-12)
O mother, having examined both of these, whatever is proper for our family, that indeed should be done by you at the appropriate time. (1-221-13)
Do not, indeed, out of affection for our sons, act in a way that would destroy the family; for this action should not be in vain for our father who desires worldly prosperity. (1-221-14)
The sage Jarita spoke.
This is the mongoose's burrow on the ground near this tree. Enter it quickly; here, you need not fear the fire. (1-221-15)
Then I shall cover the hole with dust, my sons. In this way, I believe the burning of the black wick is counteracted. (1-221-16)
Then I will go, after the time has passed, to play in the heap of sand in the fire. Let this method be agreeable to you for release from the fire. (1-221-17)
The descendants of Śārṅga said.
The flesh-eating rat should destroy us, who are of flesh, from the unworthy. Seeing this danger, we will not be able to stay here. (1-221-18)
How can it be that fire does not burn us? How can the mouse not eat? How can the father not be in vain? How can the mother be sustained for us? (1-221-19)
The destruction of the rat's hole can be accomplished by fire from those who move in the sky. Considering both options, burning is preferable to eating. (1-221-20)
For us, a death by being eaten by a rat in a hole would be disgraceful. The abandonment of the body in fire, as instructed by the noble, is preferable. (1-221-21)
