05.174
Bhishma said:
Then all the ascetics became active, pondering over what should be done about the girl, as was their duty.
Some ascetics suggested taking him to his father's house, while some of the best Brahmins decided to reproach us.
Some believed that they should go to the lord of the Śālvas to be employed, while others decided against it, as she was indeed rejected by him.
When the situation was thus, what indeed could be done by the wise, O auspicious one? Then all those ascetics, firm in their vows, spoke again.
O auspicious one, it is enough of wandering here. Listen to these beneficial words: Go from here for your own welfare to your father's abode.
Your father, the king, will take care of everything thereafter. You will live there happily, O blessed one, with all virtues. There is no other rightful path for you, dear lady, than what your father decides.
O beautiful lady, either the husband or the father serves as the support for a woman. In normal circumstances, the husband is the support, but in difficult times, it is the father who provides support.
Renunciation is indeed very challenging for someone as delicate as you, especially being a princess and by nature a maiden, O beautiful lady.
O beautiful one, indeed, many faults exist in the hermitage, but they would not be present in your father's house.
Then the Brahmins spoke to the ascetic woman, warning her that being alone in the dense and deserted forest might attract the attention of kings, and advised her not to entertain such thoughts.
The mother spoke:
It is impossible for me to return to the city of Kashi, to my father's house. I will undoubtedly be disregarded by my relatives.
Indeed, I lived differently in my childhood in my father's house with ascetics. I will not go to the place where my father is. I wish to perform penance, protected by the ascetics.
O best of Brahmins, in order to prevent such a great calamity and misfortune from occurring in my world, I shall therefore undertake penance.
Bhishma spoke:
While the wise were contemplating in various ways, the royal sage and ascetic Hotravahana arrived at the forest.
Then all the ascetics honored the king with offerings, greetings, a seat, and water.
As he sat there, resting and listening, the forest dwellers once more began to tell a story to the girl.
Upon hearing the story of Ambā, the trembling king of Kāśi rose, and then the father of her mother placed the girl on his lap and consoled her, O Bhārata.
He inquired from her thoroughly about the origin of the misfortune from the start, and she explained everything to him in detail as it had occurred.
Then the royal sage, overwhelmed with sorrow and grief, took upon his duties with a focused mind, demonstrating great austerity.
Trembling and filled with sorrow, he spoke to the distressed girl: "Do not return to your father's home, dear one, for I am truly your mother's father."
I will relieve you of your sorrow, indeed, stay with me, dear daughter. Your mind is strong enough, dear daughter, when you feel so desolate.
Go to Rama, the son of Jamadagni, the ascetic, as per my words. Rama will alleviate your great sorrow and grief. He will kill Bhishma in battle if he does not follow the words.
Go to the illustrious Bhargava, whose brilliance rivals the fire of destruction. This great ascetic will guide you on the righteous path.
Then, repeatedly shedding tears with a voice, she spoke to her mother's father, Hotravahana.
After paying respects with a bow, I will proceed as per your command. Hopefully, today I will be able to see the noble, world-renowned person.
I want to know how Bhārgava will alleviate my intense sorrow. I wish to hear this before I proceed there.
