03.289
Vaiśampāyana said.
But she, the maiden, O great king, being herself firm in vow, gratified the Brāhmaṇa of firm vow with a pure mind. (03-289-1)
Saying in the morning, 'I will come,' once the best of Brāhmaṇas, he comes, O king, in the evening, at night, and again. (03-289-2)
And she, the maiden, always honored him at all times with ever-increasing eatables, foods, and shelter. (03-289-3)
His observances regarding food and such matters, and the arrangement of his bed and seat, thus, increase day by day, but do not decrease. (03-289-4)
O king, at that time, Kuntī (Pṛthā), with reproaches, blame, and unpleasant words, did what was displeasing to the brāhmaṇa. (03-289-5)
At a disordered time, the twice-born often comes and sometimes does not come. Even if food is hard to obtain, it should indeed be given—thus he said. (03-289-6)
Pṛthā, being well disciplined, reported to him everything that had been done, with the regard one would show a disciple, a son, and even a sister. (03-289-7)
The blameless maiden, with every effort, aroused love for the foremost of the twice-born, as was appropriate, O king. (03-289-8)
The best among Brahmins was indeed satisfied with her conduct and character; then, with greater attention, he made even more effort for him. (03-289-9)
At dawn and dusk, her father asked her, O Bhārata: "Daughter, is the brāhmaṇa pleased with your service?" (03-289-10)
She, the glorious one, replied to him only by saying 'supreme'. Then Kuntibhoja, the great-minded, attained supreme joy. (03-289-11)
Then, when the year was completed, that best among those who recite japa, engaged in Pṛthā's affection, saw no misdeed whatsoever. (03-289-12)
Then, with a pleased mind, the Brāhmaṇa spoke to her: "I am supremely pleased, O auspicious lady, by your service, O auspicious one." (03-289-13)
O blessed lady, choose here those boons difficult for humans to obtain, by which you will excel all married women in fame. (03-289-14)
Kunti said;
All my actions, O supreme knower of the Vedas, for whom you, being pleased, are indeed as a father—and whatever is done by the best brāhmaṇas—is truly mine. (03-289-15)
The brāhmaṇa said.
If you do not desire the boon from me, O auspicious one and pure-smiled lady, then take this mantra from me for summoning the celestial beings. (03-289-16)
O auspicious one, whichever god you invoke with this mantra, each of them will remain under your control. (03-289-17)
Whether he is without desire or with desire, he will not come under your control; a wise man, pacified by counsel, is, in regard to words, like a servant who is bowed. (03-289-18)
Vaiśampāyana said.
She, the blameless one, was not able to refuse a second time. She indeed did not refuse him, the best of the twice-born, at that time out of fear of a curse, O king. (03-289-19)
Then, O king, the brāhmaṇa indeed caused her, whose limbs were flawless, to learn the collection of mantras that had been heard in the Atharvaśiras (Upaniṣad). (03-289-20)
Having given him away, Kuntibhoja, O king, indeed said: 'I have stayed happily, O king, and have been satisfied with the maiden.' (03-289-21)
He, always well-honored and well-settled in your house, said 'We shall accomplish so long' and then disappeared. (03-289-22)
But the king, seeing the twice-born brāhmaṇa disappear right there, was filled with amazement and honored Pṛthā greatly. (03-289-23)
