03.128
Story of creatures
Somaka said.
O Brahman, whatever is to be done in whatever manner, do that just so. Desiring a son, I will perform everything according to your instruction. (03-128-1)
Lomasha said.
Then he made Somaka perform the sacrifice with Jantu; but the mothers, filled with compassion, forcefully drew their son away. (03-128-2)
Alas! 'Slain, indeed!' or so they cried out, filled with excessive grief. His mothers pulled him, having seized his right hand. But seizing his left hand, the priest also indeed was pulling. (03-128-3)
But, just as the distressed female curlews, he drew away that son, and having killed him, offered his flesh into the fire according to the prescribed method. (03-128-4)
When the fat was being offered and the mothers smelled the odor, they, being distressed, suddenly collapsed upon the earth, O joy of the Kurus. And then all those royal ladies were unable to bear children. (03-128-5)
After that, O Bhārata, in ten months, O lord of kings Somaka, a full hundred sons were born to all of them. (03-128-6)
O Bhārata, Jantu, being the eldest, was born of their mother and was especially beloved by them; the other sons, their own, were not regarded so. (03-128-7)
That distinguishing feature of his was a golden mark on the northern side. Among the hundred sons, he became the foremost, endowed with virtues. (03-128-8)
Then, the guru of Somaka went to the highest world; after some time had passed, Somaka too went to the supreme state. (03-128-9)
Then he saw him being cooked in the terrible hell. He asked him, 'Why are you being cooked in hell, O twice-born?' (03-128-10)
The teacher then said to him, as he was being severely burned by fire: 'O king, since you were made to perform the sacrifice by me, this is the result of that act.' (03-128-11)
Hearing this, the royal sage addressed Yama: "I will enter here; let my priest be freed. For my sake, the highly fortunate one is suffering in the fire of hell." (03-128-12)
Dharma said;
O king, no one other than the doer ever enjoys the fruit; these fruits of giving are seen as yours, O best one. (03-128-13)
Somaka said.
I do not wish for the heavenly worlds earned by virtue without the Brahmavādin; I only want to live together with him in the gods’ abode. (03-128-14)
Whether in hell or, O King of Dharma, by this act I am indeed your equal. May the result of merit and demerit, O god, be the same for both of us. (03-128-15)
Dharma said.
If this is your wish, O king, enjoy this fruit together with him; at the same time, afterwards, you will attain the good state. (03-128-16)
Lomaśa said.
That lotus-eyed king did all just so. Again, by his actions, he obtained his own auspicious, conquered worlds. He, dear to his guru, was with that very Brahmin and preceptor. (03-128-17)
This is his holy hermitage which shines ahead; a man who has been forgiven, staying here for six nights, attains a good path. (03-128-18)
Here also, O King, we shall stay free from affliction; remain self-controlled for six nights, and be prepared, O best of the Kurus. (03-128-19)
