03.190
मण्डूकोपाख्यानम्
The tale of the frog.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
भूय एव ब्राह्मणमहाभाग्यं वक्तुमर्हसीत्यब्रवीत्पाण्डवेयो मार्कण्डेयम् ॥०३-१९०-१॥
The son of Pāṇḍu said to Mārkaṇḍeya, "You should speak again about the great fortune of the Brāhmaṇa." (03-190-1)
अथाचष्ट मार्कण्डेयः ॥०३-१९०-२॥
Then Mārkaṇḍeya spoke. (03-190-2)
अयोध्यायामिक्ष्वाकुकुलोत्पन्नः पार्थिवः परिक्षिन्नाम मृगयामगमत् ॥०३-१९०-३॥
A king named Parikṣin, born in the Ikṣvāku lineage in Ayodhyā, went hunting. (03-190-3)
तमेकाश्वेन मृगमनुसरन्तं मृगो दूरमपाहरत् ॥०३-१९०-४॥
As he, following the deer with his single horse, the deer carried him far away. (03-190-4)
अथाध्वनि जातश्रमः क्षुत्तृष्णाभिभूतश्च कस्मिंश्चिदुद्देशे नीलं वनषण्डमपश्यत् तच्च विवेश ॥०३-१९०-५॥
Then, while on the journey, becoming weary and overcome by hunger and thirst, he saw a dark-blue grove in a certain place and entered it. (03-190-5)
ततस्तस्य वनषण्डस्य मध्येऽतीव रमणीयं सरो दृष्ट्वा साश्व एव व्यगाहत ॥०३-१९०-६॥
Then, having seen a very beautiful lake in the middle of that forest-grove, he entered it with his horse. (03-190-6)
अथाश्वस्तः स बिसमृणालमश्वस्याग्रे निक्षिप्य पुष्करिणीतीरे समाविशत् ॥०३-१९०-७॥
Then, feeling relieved, he placed the lotus-fibre before the horse and entered upon the bank of the pond. (03-190-7)
ततः शयानो मधुरं गीतशब्दमशृणोत् ॥०३-१९०-८॥
Then, while lying down, he heard the sweet sound of singing (03-190-8)
स श्रुत्वाचिन्तयत् नेह मनुष्यगतिं पश्यामि कस्य खल्वयं गीतशब्द इति ॥०३-१९०-९॥
He, having heard it, thought: "I do not perceive any human movement here. Whose indeed is this singing sound?" (03-190-9)
अथापश्यत्कन्यां परमरूपदर्शनीयां पुष्पाण्यवचिन्वतीं गायन्तीं च ॥०३-१९०-१०॥
Then he saw a maiden of exquisite beauty, who was gathering flowers and singing. (03-190-10)
अथ सा राज्ञः समीपे पर्यक्रामत् ॥०३-१९०-११॥
Then she approached near the king. (03-190-11)
तामब्रवीद्राजा कस्यासि सुभगे त्वमिति ॥०३-१९०-१२॥
The king said to her, 'O fortunate lady, whose are you?' (03-190-12)
सा प्रत्युवाच कन्यास्मीति ॥०३-१९०-१३॥
She replied, "I am a girl." (03-190-13)
तां राजोवाच अर्थी त्वयाहमिति ॥०३-१९०-१४॥
The king said to her: 'I am a supplicant to you.' (03-190-14)
अथोवाच कन्या समयेनाहं शक्या त्वया लब्धुम् नान्यथेति ॥०३-१९०-१५॥
Then the girl said: "I can be gained by you only by agreement, not otherwise." (03-190-15)
तां राजा समयमपृच्छत् ॥०३-१९०-१६॥
The king asked her about the agreement. (03-190-16)
ततः कन्येदमुवाच उदकं मे न दर्शयितव्यमिति ॥०३-१९०-१७॥
Then the maiden said, "Water must not be shown to me." (03-190-17)
स राजा बाढमित्युक्त्वा तां समागम्य तया सहास्ते ॥०३-१९०-१८॥
The king, having said, "Indeed," approached her and stayed together with her. (03-190-18)
तत्रैवासीने राजनि सेनान्वगच्छत् पदेनानुपदं दृष्ट्वा राजानं परिवार्यातिष्ठत् ॥०३-१९०-१९॥
There itself, as the king was seated, the army followed on foot, step by step; seeing the king, they surrounded him and stood. (03-190-19)
पर्याश्वस्तश्च राजा तयैव सह शिबिकया प्रायादविघाटितया स्वनगरमनुप्राप्य रहसि तया सह रमन्नास्ते नान्यत्किञ्चनापश्यत् ॥०३-१९०-२०॥
Reassured, the king departed secretly by palanquin with her alone, reached his own city, and staying with her in private, enjoyed himself; he saw nothing else. (03-190-20)
अथ प्रधानामात्यस्तस्याभ्याशचराः स्त्रियोऽपृच्छत् किमत्र प्रयोजनं वर्तत इति ॥०३-१९०-२१॥
Then the chief minister, whose attendants were nearby, asked the women, "What is the purpose here?" (03-190-21)
अथाब्रुवंस्ताः स्त्रियः अपूर्वमिव पश्याम उदकं नात्र नीयतेति ॥०३-१९०-२२॥
Then those women said: "It appears as if we see unprecedented water, but water is not brought here." (03-190-22)
अथामात्योऽनुदकं वनं कारयित्वोदारवृक्षं बहुमूलपुष्पफलं रहस्युपगम्य राजानमब्रवीत् वनमिदमुदारमनुदकम् साध्वत्र रम्यतामिति ॥०३-१९०-२३॥
Then the minister, after creating a waterless forest filled with noble trees and abundant roots, flowers, and fruits, privately approached the king and said, "This forest is noble and without water; it would be good to enjoy here." (03-190-23)
स तस्य वचनात्तयैव सह देव्या तद्वनं प्राविशत्त स कदाचित्तस्मिन्वने रम्ये तयैव सह व्यवहरत् अथ क्षुत्तृष्णार्दितः श्रान्तोऽतिमात्रमतिमुक्तागारमपश्यत् ॥०३-१९०-२४॥
He, following her word, entered that forest together with the goddess herself. Once, while he was in that pleasant forest, he spent time with her. Then, afflicted by hunger and thirst and greatly fatigued, he saw an abandoned house. (3-190-24)
तत्प्रविश्य राजा सह प्रियया सुधातलसुकृतां विमलसलिलपूर्णां वापीमपश्यत् ॥०३-१९०-२५॥
Then the king, together with his beloved, entered and saw a reservoir, beautifully built on a nectarean foundation and filled with pure water. (03-190-25)
दृष्ट्वैव च तां तस्या एव तीरे सहैव तया देव्या व्यतिष्ठत् ॥०३-१९०-२६॥
He stood together with that queen on her bank, having seen her. (03-190-26)
अथ तां देवीं स राजाब्रवीत् साध्ववतर वापीसलिलमिति ॥०३-१९०-२७॥
Then the king said to the goddess, "O virtuous one, descend into the pond water." (03-190-27)
सा तद्वचः श्रुत्वावतीर्य वापीं न्यमज्जत् न पुनरुदमज्जत् ॥०३-१९०-२८॥
She, having heard that speech, descended into the pond, sank, and did not rise up again. (03-190-28)
तां मृगयमाणो राजा नापश्यत् ॥०३-१९०-२९॥
The king, seeking her, did not see (her). (03-190-29)
वापीमपि निःस्राव्य मण्डूकं श्वभ्रमुखे दृष्ट्वा क्रुद्ध आज्ञापयामास सर्वमण्डूकवधः क्रियतामिति यो मयार्थी स मृतकैर्मण्डूकैरुपायनैर्मामुपतिष्ठेदिति ॥०३-१९०-३०॥
Having even drained the tank and seeing a frog in the mouth of a jackal, he became angry and ordered: 'Let all the frogs be killed in this way; whoever desires my favor must come to me with dead frogs as gifts.' (03-190-30)
अथ मण्डूकवधे घोरे क्रियमाणे दिक्षु सर्वासु मण्डूकान्भयमाविशत् ते भीता मण्डूकराज्ञे यथावृत्तं न्यवेदयन् ॥०३-१९०-३१॥
Then, as the dreadful slaughter of frogs was taking place in all directions, fear entered the frogs; being frightened, they reported what had happened to the frog king. (03-190-31)
ततो मण्डूकराट्तापसवेषधारी राजानमभ्यगच्छत् ॥०३-१९०-३२॥
Then the king of frogs, in the guise of an ascetic, approached the king. (3-190-32)
उपेत्य चैनमुवाच
Having approached, he said to him.
मा राजन्क्रोधवशं गमः प्रसादं कुरु नार्हसि मण्डूकानामनपराधिनां वधं कर्तुमिति ॥०३-१९०-३३॥
O king, do not act in anger; be calm. You should not kill the innocent frogs in this manner. (03-190-33)
श्लोकौ चात्र भवतः मा मण्डूकाञ्जिघांस त्वं कोपं सन्धारयाच्युत। प्रक्षीयते धनोद्रेको जनानामविजानताम् ॥०३-१९०-३४॥
Here are your verses. Do not intend to harm the frogs; restrain your anger, O Acyuta. The arrogance of wealth is destroyed in those ignorant people. (03-190-34)
प्रतिजानीहि नैतांस्त्वं प्राप्य क्रोधं विमोक्ष्यसे। अलं कृत्वा तवाधर्मं मण्डूकैः किं हतैर्हि ते ॥०३-१९०-३५॥
Promise that having given way to this anger, you will not let it go. You have committed your unrighteous act — but what benefit is there to you in killing these frogs? (03-190-35)
तमेवंवादिनमिष्टजनशोकपरीतात्मा राजा प्रोवाच न हि क्षम्यते तन्मया हनिष्याम्येतान् एतैर्दुरात्मभिः प्रिया मे भक्षिता सर्वथैव मे वध्या मण्डूकाः नार्हसि विद्वन्मामुपरोद्धुमिति ॥०३-१९०-३६॥
To him who spoke thus, the king, whose heart was afflicted with grief for his loved ones, said: 'This is indeed not to be forgiven by me; I shall kill these, for my beloved has been eaten by these evil-minded ones. Certainly, the frogs are to be killed by me, and you, O wise one, ought not to restrain me thus.' (03-190-36)
स तद्वाक्यमुपलभ्य व्यथितेन्द्रियमनाः प्रोवाच प्रसीद राजन् अहमायुर्नाम मण्डूकराजः मम सा दुहिता सुशोभना नाम तस्या दौःशील्यमेतत् बहवो हि राजानस्तया विप्रलब्धपूर्वा इति ॥०३-१९०-३७॥
Hearing those words, he, distressed in mind and senses, said: "Be gracious, O king! I am Āyuḥ, king of the frogs. That is my daughter, Suśobhanā by name. This is her wrongdoing—indeed, many kings have previously been deceived by her." (03-190-37)
तमब्रवीद्राजा तयास्म्यर्थी सा मे दीयतामिति ॥०३-१९०-३८॥
The king said to him: "I am a suitor for her; let her be given to me." (03-190-38)
अथैनां राज्ञे पितादात् अब्रवीच्चैनाम् एनं राजानं शुश्रूषस्वेति ॥०३-१९०-३९॥
Then her father gave her to the king and said to her, "Serve this king." (03-190-39)
स उवाच दुहितरम् यस्मात्त्वया राजानो विप्रलब्धास्तस्मादब्रह्मण्यानि तवापत्यानि भविष्यन्त्यनृतकत्वात्तवेति ॥०३-१९०-४०॥
He said to his daughter: "Because you deceived the kings, therefore your offspring shall be unworthy of the Brahmanical path, due to your untruthfulness." (03-190-40)
स च राजा तामुपलभ्य तस्यां सुरतगुणनिबद्धहृदयो लोकत्रयैश्वर्यमिवोपलभ्य हर्षबाष्पकलया वाचा प्रणिपत्याभिपूज्य मण्डूकराजानमब्रवीत् अनुगृहीतोऽस्मीति ॥०३-१९०-४१॥
And the king, having won her and with his heart bound by the quality of their union, feeling as though he had obtained the sovereignty of the three worlds, spoke with a streak of joyful tears, having bowed and honored the king of frogs: "I am favored." (03-190-41)
स च मण्डूकराजो जामातरमनुज्ञाप्य यथागतमगच्छत् ॥०३-१९०-४२॥
And the king of frogs, having allowed his son-in-law, departed as he had come. (03-190-42)
अथ कस्यचित्कालस्य तस्यां कुमारास्त्रयस्तस्य राज्ञः सम्बभूवुः शलो दलो बलश्चेति ततस्तेषां ज्येष्ठं शलं समये पिता राज्येऽभिषिच्य तपसि धृतात्मा वनं जगाम ॥०३-१९०-४३॥
Then, after some time, three sons were born to that king by her: Śala, Dala, and Bala. Thereafter, when the time came, the father, steadfast in mind, installed the eldest, Śala, in the kingdom and went to the forest for austerities. (3-190-43)
अथ कदाचिच्छलो मृगयामचरत् मृगं चासाद्य रथेनान्वधावत् ॥०३-१९०-४४॥
Then, once, Śala went hunting; having come upon a deer, he pursued it with his chariot. (03-190-44)
सूतं चोवाच शीघ्रं मां वहस्वेति ॥०३-१९०-४५॥
He said to the charioteer, "Quickly, carry me." (03-190-45)
स तथोक्तः सूतो राजानमब्रवीत् मा क्रियतामनुबन्धः नैष शक्यस्त्वया मृगो ग्रहीतुं यद्यपि ते रथे युक्तौ वाम्यौ स्यातामिति ॥०३-१९०-४६॥
Thus addressed, the charioteer said to the king: "Do not undertake the pursuit; this deer cannot be captured by you, even if you have two swift horses yoked to your chariot." (03-190-46)
ततोऽब्रवीद्राजा सूतम् आचक्ष्व मे वाम्यौ हन्मि वा त्वामिति ॥०३-१९०-४७॥
Then the king said to the charioteer, "Tell me, or by either way, I will kill you." (03-190-47)
स एवमुक्तो राजभयभीतो वामदेवशापभीतश्च सन्नाचख्यौ राज्ञे वामदेवस्याश्वौ वाम्यौ मनोजवाविति ॥०३-१९०-४८॥
Thus addressed, being afraid both of the king and Vāmadeva's curse, he did not tell the king about Vāmadeva's two horses named Vāmya and Manojava. (03-190-48)
अथैनमेवं ब्रुवाणमब्रवीद्राजा वामदेवाश्रमं याहीति ॥०३-१९०-४९॥
Then, as he was thus speaking, the king said, "Go to Vāmadeva's hermitage." (03-190-49)
स गत्वा वामदेवाश्रमं तमृषिमब्रवीत् भगवन्मृगो मया विद्धः पलायते तं सम्भावयेयम् अर्हसि मे वाम्यौ दातुमिति ॥०३-१९०-५०॥
Having gone to Vāmadeva's hermitage, he said to the sage: "O venerable one, the deer I struck is fleeing. May I secure him; you ought to consent to me with your two (eyes/lips)." (03-190-50)
तमब्रवीदृषिः ददानि ते वाम्यौ कृतकार्येण भवता ममैव निर्यात्यौ क्षिप्रमिति ॥०३-१९०-५१॥
The sage said to him: "I will give you the two women; when you have accomplished my task, they shall be promptly released by me." (03-190-51)
स च तावश्वौ प्रतिगृह्यानुज्ञाप्य चर्षिं प्रायाद्वाम्यसंयुक्तेन रथेन मृगं प्रति गच्छंश्चाब्रवीत्सूतम् अश्वरत्नाविमावयोग्यौ ब्राह्मणानाम् नैतौ प्रतिदेयौ वामदेवायेति ॥०३-१९०-५२॥
He accepted those two horses, and having taken leave of the sage, departed in a left-turning chariot towards the deer. As he went, he said to the charioteer: "These two horses are not suitable to be given to brāhmaṇas, and they should not be given to Vāmadeva." (03-190-52)
एवमुक्त्वा मृगमवाप्य स्वनगरमेत्याश्वावन्तःपुरेऽस्थापयत् ॥०३-१९०-५३॥
After saying this and obtaining the deer, he returned to his city and placed the horses in the inner quarters. (03-190-53)
अथर्षिश्चिन्तयामास तरुणो राजपुत्रः कल्याणं पत्रमासाद्य रमते न मे प्रतिनिर्यातयति अहो कष्टमिति ॥०३-१९०-५४॥
Then the sage thought, "The young prince, having received the good letter, rejoices and does not give it back to me. Alas, what trouble!" (03-190-54)
मनसा निश्चित्य मासि पूर्णे शिष्यमब्रवीत् गच्छात्रेय राजानं ब्रूहि यदि पर्याप्तं निर्यातयोपाध्यायवाम्याविति ॥०३-१९०-५५॥
Having mentally determined, when the month was complete, he said to his student: "Go, Ātreya, tell the king: If it is sufficient, send both us teachers." (03-190-55)
स गत्वैवं तं राजानमब्रवीत् ॥०३-१९०-५६॥
He then went to that king and spoke to him. (03-190-56)
तं राजा प्रत्युवाच राज्ञामेतद्वाहनम् अनर्हा ब्राह्मणा रत्नानामेवंविधानाम् किं च ब्राह्मणानामश्वैः कार्यम् साधु प्रतिगम्यतामिति ॥०३-१९०-५७॥
The king answered him: "Such a conveyance is not suitable for Brāhmaṇas; what use have Brāhmaṇas for jewels of this type or for horses? Well then, let him return." (03-190-57)
स गत्वैवमुपाध्यायायाचष्ट ॥०३-१९०-५८॥
He went to the teacher and thus spoke. (03-190-58)
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनमप्रियं वामदेवः क्रोधपरीतात्मा स्वयमेव राजानमभिगम्याश्वार्थमभ्यचोदयत् न चादाद्राजा ॥०३-१९०-५९॥
Hearing that unpleasant speech, Vāmadeva, filled with anger, himself approached the king and urged him for a horse, but the king did not give it. (03-190-59)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
प्रयच्छ वाम्यौ मम पार्थिव त्वं; कृतं हि ते कार्यमन्यैरशक्यम्। मा त्वा वधीद्वरुणो घोरपाशै; र्ब्रह्मक्षत्रस्यान्तरे वर्तमानः ॥०३-१९०-६०॥
O king, grant both of them to me; your task, impossible for others, has indeed been accomplished. Do not let Varuṇa kill you with his terrible bonds, while you dwell between Brāhmaṇa and Kṣatriya. (03-190-60)
राजोवाच॥
The king said.
अनड्वाहौ सुव्रतौ साधु दान्ता; वेतद्विप्राणां वाहनं वामदेव। ताभ्यां याहि त्वं यत्र कामो महर्षे; छन्दांसि वै त्वादृशं संवहन्ति ॥०३-१९०-६१॥
O Vāmadeva, these two bullock-carts, of good conduct and tamed, are the vehicles of the Brāhmaṇas. With these two, go wherever you desire, O great sage; indeed, the Vedic meters bear (those) like yourself. (03-190-61)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
छन्दांसि वै मादृशं संवहन्ति; लोकेऽमुष्मिन्पार्थिव यानि सन्ति। अस्मिंस्तु लोके मम यानमेत; दस्मद्विधानामपरेषां च राजन् ॥०३-१९०-६२॥
O king, it is said that the Vedic metres indeed support one such as myself—in that other world, whatever exist there. But in this world, this is the vehicle for myself, for others like me, and for others as well, O king. (03-190-62)
राजोवाच॥
The king said.
चत्वारो वा गर्दभास्त्वां वहन्तु; श्रेष्ठाश्वतर्यो हरयो वा तुरङ्गाः। तैस्त्वं याहि क्षत्रियस्यैष वाहो; मम वाम्यौ न तवैतौ हि विद्धि ॥०३-१९०-६३॥
Let four asses carry you, or excellent mules, or horses, or quick steeds. Go with those; this is the vehicle of a kṣatriya. Know that these two mules are mine, not yours. (03-190-63)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
घोरं व्रतं ब्राह्मणस्यैतदाहु; रेतद्राजन्यदिहाजीवमानः। अयस्मया घोररूपा महान्तो; वहन्तु त्वां शितशूलाश्चतुर्धा ॥०३-१९०-६४॥
They say this is a terrible vow of a Brahmin; semen, when a Kṣatriya lives here. Let the great and terrible ones made of iron, carrying sharp spears in four directions, bear you away. (03-190-64)
राजोवाच॥
The king said.
ये त्वा विदुर्ब्राह्मणं वामदेव; वाचा हन्तुं मनसा कर्मणा वा। ते त्वां सशिष्यमिह पातयन्तु; मद्वाक्यनुन्नाः शितशूलासिहस्ताः ॥०३-१९०-६५॥
Those who know you as a Brahmin, O Vāmadeva, and who seek to slay you by words, mind, or action—may they, together with their disciples, here bring about your downfall, being driven by my words, bearing sharp spears and swords in their hands. (03-190-65)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
नानुयोगा ब्राह्मणानां भवन्ति; वाचा राजन्मनसा कर्मणा वा। यस्त्वेवं ब्रह्म तपसान्वेति विद्वां; स्तेन श्रेष्ठो भवति हि जीवमानः ॥०३-१९०-६६॥
There are indeed various occupations for brāhmaṇas—by speech, O king, by mind, or by action; but the wise one who thus attains brahman through austerity, even while living, becomes superior to a thief. (03-190-66)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
एवमुक्ते वामदेवेन राज; न्समुत्तस्थू राक्षसा घोररूपाः। तैः शूलहस्तैर्वध्यमानः स राजा; प्रोवाचेदं वाक्यमुच्चैस्तदानीम् ॥०३-१९०-६७॥
When these words were spoken by Vāmadeva, O King, the terrible-looking demons arose. As the king was being attacked by those spear-wielding beings, he loudly uttered this speech at that moment. (03-190-67)
इक्ष्वाकवो यदि ब्रह्मन्दलो वा; विधेया मे यदि वान्ये विशोऽपि। नोत्स्रक्ष्येऽहं वामदेवस्य वाम्यौ; नैवंविधा धर्मशीला भवन्ति ॥०३-१९०-६८॥
Even if the Ikṣvāku dynasty, the group of Brāhmaṇas, or any other tribes should be obedient to me, I will not abandon the two wives of Vāmadeva; people of such righteous character do not act in this way. (3-190-68)
एवं ब्रुवन्नेव स यातुधानै; र्हतो जगामाशु महीं क्षितीशः। ततो विदित्वा नृपतिं निपातित; मिक्ष्वाकवो वै दलमभ्यषिञ्चन् ॥०३-१९०-६९॥
While thus speaking, he was killed by the demons, and the king quickly passed to the earth. Then, knowing that the king had fallen, the Ikṣvākus indeed anointed the group. (03-190-69)
राज्ये तदा तत्र गत्वा स विप्रः; प्रोवाचेदं वचनं वामदेवः। दलं राजानं ब्राह्मणानां हि देय; मेवं राजन्सर्वधर्मेषु दृष्टम् ॥०३-१९०-७०॥
Then, having gone there in the kingdom, that brāhmaṇa, Vāmadeva, said this speech: "A share for the king and for the brāhmaṇas indeed should be given; thus, O king, this is seen in all dharmic practices." (03-190-70)
बिभेषि चेत्त्वमधर्मान्नरेन्द्र; प्रयच्छ मे शीघ्रमेवाद्य वाम्यौ। एतच्छ्रुत्वा वामदेवस्य वाक्यं; स पार्थिवः सूतमुवाच रोषात् ॥०३-१९०-७१॥
"If you fear unrighteous conduct, O king, then grant me the two right away, today." Hearing this statement of Vāmadeva, the king angrily spoke to the charioteer. (03-190-71)
एकं हि मे सायकं चित्ररूपं; दिग्धं विषेणाहर सङ्गृहीतम्। येन विद्धो वामदेवः शयीत; संदश्यमानः श्वभिरार्तरूपः ॥०३-१९०-७२॥
Indeed, I have this one arrow of mine, having a varied appearance, smeared with poison, taken today; by which, if pierced, Vāmadeva would lie in distress, being bitten by dogs. (3-190-72)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
जानामि पुत्रं दशवर्षं तवाहं; जातं महिष्यां श्येनजितं नरेन्द्र। तं जहि त्वं मद्वचनात्प्रणुन्न; स्तूर्णं प्रियं सायकैर्घोररूपैः ॥०३-१९०-७३॥
O king, I know your ten-year-old son Śyenajita, born of your chief queen. Urged by my words, you kill that dear one swiftly with arrows of fearful form. (3-190-73)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
एवमुक्तो वामदेवेन राज; न्नन्तःपुरे राजपुत्रं जघान। स सायकस्तिग्मतेजा विसृष्टः; श्रुत्वा दलस्तच्च वाक्यं बभाषे ॥०३-१९०-७४॥
Thus, addressed by Vāmadeva, O King, within the inner chambers, he struck the prince. The arrow of fierce energy, when released, and hearing the words of the troop, he spoke (thus). (03-190-74)
इक्ष्वाकवो हन्त चरामि वः प्रियं; निहन्मीमं विप्रमद्य प्रमथ्य। आनीयतामपरस्तिग्मतेजाः; पश्यध्वं मे वीर्यमद्य क्षितीशाः ॥०३-१९०-७५॥
O descendants of Ikṣvāku, indeed I will do what is dear to you; I will kill this Brāhmaṇa today, having subdued him. Let another powerful one be brought—see my strength today, O kings. (03-190-75)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
यं त्वमेनं सायकं घोररूपं; विषेण दिग्धं मम संदधासि। न त्वमेनं शरवर्यं विमोक्तुं; सन्धातुं वा शक्ष्यसि मानवेन्द्र ॥०३-१९०-७६॥
The terrible, poison-smeared arrow which you are placing for me—O king of men, you will not be able to either shoot or even fit this excellent arrow (to the bow). (03-190-76)
राजोवाच॥
The king said.
इक्ष्वाकवः पश्यत मां गृहीतं; न वै शक्नोम्येष शरं विमोक्तुम्। न चास्य कर्तुं नाशमभ्युत्सहामि; आयुष्मान्वै जीवतु वामदेवः ॥०३-१९०-७७॥
O Ikṣvākus, look at me, I have been seized; indeed, I am unable to release this arrow. Nor am I able to destroy him. Truly, may the long-lived Vāmadeva live. (03-190-77)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said;
संस्पृशैनां महिषीं सायकेन; ततस्तस्मादेनसो मोक्ष्यसे त्वम्। मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Touch this she-buffalo with an arrow; then you will be freed from that sin. Markandeya said.
ततस्तथा कृतवान्पार्थिवस्तु; ततो मुनिं राजपुत्री बभाषे। यथा युक्तं वामदेवाहमेनं; दिने दिने संविशन्ती व्यशंसम् ॥०३-१९०-७९॥
Then, the king did as prescribed; afterwards, the princess spoke to the sage. She said, “O Vāmadeva, as is proper, I used to report everything to him each day as I entered.” (03-190-79)
ब्राह्मणेभ्यो मृगयन्ती सूनृतानि; तथा ब्रह्मन्पुण्यलोकं लभेयम् ॥०३-१९०-७९॥
Seeking to please the Brāhmaṇas with pleasing words—thus, O Brahman, may I attain the world of merit. (03-190-79)
वामदेव उवाच॥
Vāmadeva said.
त्वया त्रातं राजकुलं शुभेक्षणे; वरं वृणीष्वाप्रतिमं ददानि ते। प्रशाधीमं स्वजनं राजपुत्रि; इक्ष्वाकुराज्यं सुमहच्चाप्यनिन्द्ये ॥०३-१९०-८०॥
You have protected the royal family, O auspicious-eyed one; choose an unparalleled boon—I will give it to you. Rule your own people, O princess; and the exceedingly great kingdom of Ikṣvāku is also yours, O blameless one. (3-190-80)
राजपुत्र्युवाच॥
The princess said.
वरं वृणे भगवन्नेकमेव; विमुच्यतां किल्बिषादद्य भर्ता। शिवेन चाध्याहि सपुत्रबान्धवं; वरो वृतो ह्येष मया द्विजाग्र्य ॥०३-१९०-८१॥
O Lord, I choose only one boon: let my husband be freed from sin today. With auspiciousness, may you also protect him along with his son and relatives. This is the boon I have chosen indeed, O best of Brāhmaṇas. (03-190-81)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
श्रुत्वा वचः स मुनी राजपुत्र्या; स्तथास्त्विति प्राह कुरुप्रवीर। ततः स राजा मुदितो बभूव; वाम्यौ चास्मै सम्प्रददौ प्रणम्य ॥०३-१९०-८२॥
Hearing the princess's words, the sage said, "So be it," to the hero of the Kuru clan. Then the king, delighted, became happy and, after bowing, gave the two maidens to him. (03-190-82)
