05.175
Hotravahana spoke:
Dear, you will encounter Rama, the son of Jamadagni, in the vast forest, where he is engaged in intense penance, known for his truthfulness and great strength.
In the best of mountains, Mahendra, Rama is perpetually worshiped by sages, Vedic scholars, Gandharvas, and Apsaras.
Go there and convey my words, offering your respects first to the ascetic elder who is firm in his vows. May blessings be upon you.
O auspicious one, you should tell him again what task you desire. When I am mentioned, Rama will accomplish everything for you.
My friend Rama is dear and affectionate, and he is my well-wisher. The son of Jamadagni is a hero and the best among all weapon bearers.
As the maiden spoke to the king in the sacrificial chariot, Rama's dear and unwounded follower appeared.
Then all the sages rose in thousands, and the aged king Sṛñjaya, Hotravāhana, was present.
Then, after inquiring according to the rules, those forest dwellers, together with the best of the Bharatas, sat down surrounding him.
Then they narrated those delightful and divine stories, O King, filled with joy and happiness.
At the conclusion of the tale, the noble sage Hotravāhana, a great soul, inquired of Rama, the foremost of the great sages, who remained unscathed.
O mighty-armed one, where is the powerful son of Jamadagni now? The unwounded one, indeed, is capable of being seen, as he is the best among the knowers of the Veda.
Akritavrana spoke:
Rama constantly sings your praises, O lord. Sṛñjaya, my dear friend, is known as a royal sage, O king.
Here, I believe Rama will be here tomorrow morning. You will see him coming here eager to see you.
O royal sage, I wish to know why this girl has come to the forest. Whose daughter is she, and who are you?
Hotravahana spoke:
O lord, this is my granddaughter, the auspicious daughter of the king of Kashi. She stood with her eldest sisters in the self-choice ceremony, O sinless one.
This is the one known as 'Mother', the eldest daughter of the king of Kashi. Ambika and Ambalika are the other younger daughters, O sage.
In the city of Kāśī, the royal warriors gathered, and then a great festival took place for the maiden, O sage.
Then, the mighty Bhishma, son of Shantanu, challenged the kings and powerfully abducted the three maidens.
After defeating the rulers of the earth, the pure-hearted Bhishma arrived at Gajahvaya with the maidens, O Bharata.
After informing Satyavati, the lord commanded regarding the marriage of his brother Vichitravirya.
Then, having witnessed the marriage, this girl was acquired. There, the best of the twice-born, Bhishma, spoke among the ministers.
I have mentally surrounded the lord of Śālva, a hero. You, who understand dharma, should not give me away to someone else's thoughts.
Upon hearing those words, Bhishma, after consulting with his ministers and making a decision, sent her away, adhering to Satyavati's wishes.
Permitted by Bhishma, Shalva, the lord of Saubha, then this joyful maiden spoke to the Brahmin at the right time.
I have been released by Bhishma, so please instruct me in my duty. Previously, my mind was enveloped by you, O best of kings.
Śālva, suspecting her character, rejected her. She arrived at the hermitage and was deeply engaged in penance.
I have recognized, through the mention of the lineage, that Bhishma is considered the origin of this sorrow here.
The mother spoke:
O Lord, it is exactly as the king said. Sṛñjaya Hotravāhana, the creator of my mother's body.
I am unable to return to my city, O revered sage, due to the fear of disrespect and shame, O great sage.
O best of the twice-born, whatever the divine Rama tells me, that I consider my foremost duty, as per my divine understanding.
