03.290
Vaiśampāyana said.
After that best of the twice-born had departed, at some turn of time, the maiden reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of the collection of mantras. (03-290-1)
I shall know before long what kind of collection of mantras has thus been given to me by that great-souled one, and what its strength is, as it were. (03-290-2)
Thus, as she was pondering, she unexpectedly experienced her menstrual period. Ashamed, she became a young maiden in her first menstruation. (03-290-3)
Then Pṛthā saw the shining, thousand-rayed, rising Sun; but she was not satisfied with the form of Bhānu, who had come at twilight. (03-290-4)
Her vision became divine; she saw a divine being—a god clad in armor and adorned with two earrings. (03-290-5)
O king, she was indeed curious about the mantra. Then the radiant lady extended an invitation to that god. (03-290-6)
Then, after touching his vital breaths, he called the sun. Thereupon, O king, the sun came quickly. (03-290-7)
With tawny-brown color, mighty arms, and a neck like a conch, as if smiling, wearing armlets, and a crown fastened to his head, he appeared as if he was lighting up all the directions. (03-290-8)
By the power of yoga, making himself twofold, he approached and was afflicted; then he addressed Kuntī with extremely sweet and gentle words. (03-290-9)
O auspicious one, I have come under your control, made so by the power of your mantra; what should I do, powerless as I am, O queen? Tell me, for I am ready to do that for you. (03-290-10)
Kunti said.
Please go, O revered one, to that place from where you have come. Out of curiosity, you were summoned; be gracious, O revered one, thus. (03-290-11)
The Sun said.
I will go as you say, O slender-waisted one; but it is not proper to summon the god and send him needlessly. (03-290-12)
O fortunate one, your intention is that a son, born from the Sun, may be (possessed of) incomparable prowess in the world—one who will be armored and wearing earrings.
Therefore, you perform self-dedication, O woman with the gait of an elephant. Indeed, a son will be born to you, just as you desire, O lady. (03-290-14)
Then I shall go, O auspicious one. Because I have not been united with you, O one with a pleasant smile, I, being angry, will curse you and your father, the brāhmaṇa. (03-290-15)
For your sake, I will destroy all of them without a doubt—your father also, who is deluded and does not know your misfortune. (03-290-16)
And today, of that brāhmaṇa who gave you the mantra without knowing your character and conduct, I will impart supreme discipline. (03-290-17)
O charming lady, all these gods, headed by Purandara (Indra), in heaven, see you being mocked, as if they are smiling. (03-290-18)
See, with this divine eye (which) has indeed been given you by me before, you have seen these groups of gods and me, by which (eye) you are able to see me. (03-290-19)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then the princess saw all the gods, each occupying their own seats in the sky, shining, radiant, and great—shining like the Sun itself. (03-290-20)
She, seeing them and appearing as if ashamed like a young girl, the goddess, fearful, spoke to the Sun: "Go, O lord of cows, to your vehicle; this pain comes from my maidenhood—such is the proper treatment." (03-290-21)
Father, mother, teachers, and others who are the cause of this body’s existence; I will not violate dharma in this world, for among women, the protection of one’s body is considered honorable. (03-290-22)
O Agni, I invoked you to know (test) the power of mantras. Considering that as childishness and me as a child, you ought to forgive that, O Lord, for my sake. (03-290-23)
The Sun said
O girl, having thus conciliated you, I will grant (you a boon); another would not obtain this conciliation. Offer yourself, O daughter of Kunti; only thus will you attain peace, O timid one. (03-290-24)
Nor indeed is it proper for me to go by means of a false deed. I would go, O faultless-limbed one, to universal ridicule in the world. Among all the wise, O auspicious one, I would become someone spoken of (disparagingly). (03-290-25)
Therefore, you—unite with me, and you will obtain a son like myself. You will become distinguished among all worlds, O beautiful one. (03-290-26)
