03.122
The narrative of Sukanya
Lomaśa said.
Cyavana, the son of the great sage Bhṛgu, known as a descendant of Bhṛgu, practiced asceticism near the lake; he was greatly radiant. (03-122-1)
O Pāṇḍava, O lord of men, having become immovable like a pillar and greatly radiant, he stood for a long time in one place in the posture of a hero. (03-122-2)
The sage became an anthill, enveloped by creepers, and after a long time, O king, he was covered with ants. (03-122-3)
Thus, O king, that wise man, completely enveloped like a lump of clay, practiced penance, entirely covered by an ant-hill. (03-122-4)
Then, after a long time, King Śaryāti by name came to this excellent and pleasant lake to sport. (03-122-5)
He had four thousand wives, O Bhārata, but only one daughter, the auspicious Sukanya, by name. (03-122-6)
She, adorned with all ornaments and surrounded by her friends, while walking about, came near the anthill of Bhārgava. (03-122-7)
She, indeed the beautiful-toothed lady, there, seeing delightful trees and searching them, wandered attended by her friends. (03-122-8)
With beauty, youth, passion, and intoxication, they broke the branches of the forest trees in full bloom. (03-122-9)
The wise Bhārgava saw her—adorned, alone, bereft of companions, dressed in a single garment—wandering like lightning. (03-122-10)
Seeing her alone, the brahma-rṣi of supreme radiance and lean neck, endowed with ascetic power, delighted in her. He addressed the auspicious lady, but she did not listen to him. (03-122-11)
Then Sukanya, gazing into the ant-hill through the eyes of Bhārgava, driven by curiosity and the force of mental delusion, acted with a thorn. (03-122-12)
Having said, "What truly is this?", he pierced his eyes. Even when pierced in the eye by her, he did not become angry, though possessing supreme wrath. Then, excrement and urine covered the army of Śaryāti. (03-122-13)
Thereupon, when the army was suffering from retention of feces and urine and afflicted with flatulence, seeing them arrive in such a state, the king inquired about it. (03-122-14)
Something has happened today here to the great-souled Bhārgava, who is ever engaged in austerity, old, and especially wrathful, by someone; whether it is known or unknown, tell that truth without delay. (03-122-15)
All the soldiers said to him, "We do not know of any wrongdoing by us. By all means, as you wish, may you achieve that." (03-122-16)
Then he, the king, himself approached his group of friends both gently and sternly, inquiring of them, although recognizing them as well. (03-122-17)
Then, seeing that army afflicted by lack of food and misery, and her father also sorrowful, Sukanyā spoke these words. (03-122-18)
While I was moving here in the anthill, I saw a being shining brightly; recognizing it as a firefly, I struck it nearby. (03-122-19)
But having heard this, Śaryāti quickly ran to the anthill. There he saw the Bhārgava, grown in asceticism and age. (03-122-20)
The king of the earth, with joined palms, asked (for) the army. Whatever was done to you by the child out of ignorance, you ought to forgive that. (03-122-21)
Then Cyavana, the Bhārgava, spoke to the king about a woman endowed with beauty and generosity, but overpowered by greed and delusion. (03-122-22)
O King, having accepted her—your daughter—I will forgive; O lord of the earth, this I truly say to you. (03-122-23)
Śaryāti, having understood the words of the sage, without hesitation gave his daughter to Cyavana, the great-souled one. (03-122-24)
Cyavana, having accepted the maiden, was indeed pleased. The king, having gained his favor, returned again with his army. (03-122-25)
Sukanya too, having gained her ascetic and blameless husband, always served him with love, with austerity, and with self-discipline. (03-122-26)
She, who was intent on service, not envious, and with an auspicious face, quickly and devotedly served Cyavana as well as the sacred fires and guests. (03-122-27)
