05.120

Nārada said:

Then, as soon as he was recognized by those worthy ones, Yayati, the foremost of men, assumed a divine form and became free from suffering. (5-120-1)

Adorned with divine garlands and garments, adorned with divine ornaments, endowed with the quality of divine fragrance, he did not touch the earth with his feet. (5-120-2)

Then Vasumanas, well-known as the lord of gifts in the world, loudly uttered words in front of the king. (5-120-3)

Whatever I have gained in this world, blameless among all classes, that too I shall now give—may you be united with it. (5-120-4)

Whatever reward is gained by generosity, whatever reward is gained by patience, and whatever reward I myself have attained in making this offering—may you be joined with all of that. (5-120-5)

Then Pratardana, the foremost of warriors, also spoke these words: "As I am always devoted to righteousness and ever intent on battle..." (5-120-6)

I have obtained, in this world, the fame that arises from a warrior's duty and also the reward of being called a hero; therefore, let you and I be united in this matter. (5-120-7)

Shibi, the wise king of Ushinara, spoke sweet words: "Just as to children, to women, and to playful people, so also..." (5-120-8)

In battles, in disasters, and in calamities and misfortunes, I have never spoken a falsehood before. By that truth, pass through the sky. (5-120-9)

Just as I would give up my life, my kingdom, actions, and pleasures, O king, but never truth—by that truth, enter the sky. (5-120-10)

Just as righteousness is secured for me by truth, just as Agni is appeased by truth, and Śakra as well, so by that truth go to the sky. (5-120-11)

But then Aṣṭaka, the royal sage, Kauśika, son of Mādhavī, who knew dharma, addressed these words to the one who had performed many hundreds of sacrifices: (5-120-12)

O master, hundreds of Pundarika and Gosava sacrifices have been performed by me, as well as Vajapeya rituals; may you obtain the fruit of these. (5-120-13)

The gems are not for me, nor treasure, nor other such possessions that were not offered in the sacrifices; by that truth, go to the sky. (5-120-14)

The more his grandsons reproached that king, the more he abandoned the earth and went to heaven. (5-120-15)

Thus, all those kings together, by their own good deeds, quickly rescued Yayāti, who had fallen from heaven. (5-120-16)

The grandsons, born in four royal families and expanders of their lineage, indeed, by their own righteousness and by acts of sacrifice and charity, lift their greatly wise maternal grandfather up to heaven. (5-120-17)

The kings said:

O king, those grandsons of yours, endowed with the virtues of royal duty and possessing all the virtues of righteousness—may the king ascend to heaven. (5-120-18)