05.112

Nāradā said:

Then Suparṇa, the foremost among those who fly, said to the distressed Gālava: "All gold is created by fire on the earth and solidified by the wind in this way. Therefore, gold is called 'hiraṇya,' meaning composed of gold." (5-112-1)

It holds and sustains this wealth for this reason; thus, this wealth endures eternally in the three worlds. (5-112-2)

At all times, through the Proṣṭhapada stars, and when the moon is in Śukra or Dhanapati, Śukra also takes up from humans the wealth they have acquired by their mental effort. (5-112-3)

It is protected by Ajaikapada, the serpent Budhnya, and by Dhanada; thus, O best of twice-born, what is unattainable cannot be attained. (5-112-4)

Without wealth, the horses cannot be obtained for you. Therefore, request here from some king descended from royal sages—a king who, without burdening his citizens, might grant us what we need. (5-112-5)

There is a certain king, a friend of mine, born in the Soma lineage. Let us go to him—he possesses great wealth on earth. (5-112-6)

The royal sage named Yayati, son of Nahusha, of true valor—he will grant it, having been addressed by me and personally requested by you. (5-112-7)

His prosperity was very great, like that of Kubera, yet he, understanding the nature of wealth, used it up solely by giving gifts. (5-112-8)

So, as the two continued talking and thinking over whatever was appropriate, they approached King Yayāti at Pratiṣṭhāna. (5-112-9)

Having accepted the honored welcome—arghya and the like, and excellent food—and when asked the reason for his coming, the son of Vinatā replied. (5-112-10)

O Nāhuṣa, this Gālava, my friend, a treasure of asceticism, was a disciple of Viśvāmitra for tens of thousands of years, O king. (5-112-11)

So, having been permitted by him and wishing to do a service, that brahmin said to him, 'O venerable one, what shall I give you as a teacher’s fee?' (5-112-12)

Having been repeatedly spoken to by him, somewhat with rising annoyance, he was told, 'Give,' by one who knew that the wealth was little. (5-112-13)

On the one hand, give me eight hundred white horses with dark ears, of pure birth and moon-like radiance. (5-112-14)

If you think this is for your teacher, then let it be given, Gālava—Viśvāmitra, the ascetic, said this angrily. (5-112-15)

He, that best of Brahmins, tormented by great sorrow and unable to repay that, has sought refuge in you. (5-112-16)

Having received alms from you, O tiger among men, freed from his distress and having performed the proper act of renunciation for his teacher, he will undertake great austerity. (5-112-17)

Through the distribution of his ascetic merit, he will also honour you; by his royal-sage's own austerity, he will make you completely fulfilled. (5-112-18)

O king, as many hairs as there are on a horse, a giver of horses attains that many worlds, O lord of the earth. (5-112-19)

This is a worthy recipient for receiving, and likewise you are a worthy recipient for giving; let this be like milk abiding in a conch shell—thus is the comparison. (5-112-20)