05.192
Pancharatra-Ext: Shikandin does penance and asks Yaksha the boon to convert her to him.
Bhishma said:
Then, O mighty-armed king, the mother of Śikhaṇḍin revealed the truth about their daughter Śikhaṇḍinī to her husband.
O king, because I was without a son and feared my co-wives, this daughter Śikhaṇḍinī was declared to be a man.
O best of men, you have affectionately approved my actions. The duty of a son was fulfilled for the daughter, O bull among kings. You married the daughter of the lord of the Daśārṇas, O king.
You had previously mentioned, based on the interpretation of the divine words, that a girl would become a man, and this was overlooked.
Upon hearing this, Drupada, also known as Yajnasena, informed the wise men of all the truths and consulted with the king's counsel on whatever was deemed appropriate for the protection of the people.
O King, having established a connection with the king of Daśārṇa and having executed the deception himself properly, he proceeded with focused counsel to make a decision.
O Bharata, the city, naturally protected, was safeguarded by the king from all sides during times of distress, and it was well adorned.
The king, accompanied by his wife, faced great distress and conflict alongside the king of Daśārṇa, O best of the Bharatas.
Thinking about how to avoid a great conflict with his relation, he then worshipped the deities.
Upon seeing him then, O king, the queen, who was devoted to the gods, engaged in worship, and then the wife spoke.
The understanding of the gods is always truthful and virtuous. However, when faced with the ocean of sorrow, it may greatly benefit those who worship us.
All the deities should be worshipped with generous offerings, and the sacred fires should also be kindled for the protection of the Dāśārṇa.
O lord, consider the cessation of conflict through mental resolve; by the grace of the gods, all this will come to pass.
O wide-eyed one, execute what has been decided by the ministers along with you for the destruction of this city, O king.
O king, when fate is accompanied by human effort, it greatly succeeds. However, when there is mutual opposition, neither of these two succeeds.
Therefore, O lord of the people, establish order in the city with your ministers and worship the deities as you desire.
Seeing those two engaged in conversation and immersed in sorrow, Shikhandini, the wise maiden, appeared as if she was ashamed.
Then she thought that both of them were sorrowful because of her, and thus she decided to end her life.
Thus, having resolved firmly and being deeply immersed in sorrow, she left her home and went to the dense and lonely forest.
O king, the prosperous Yaksha Sthūṇākarṇa protects the forest, and people abandon it out of fear.
There, the house of the pillar is beautifully plastered with lime and clay, filled with the aromatic smoke of parched grain, and adorned with high walls and grand gateways.
Then Śikhaṇḍī, the daughter of King Drupada, entered and, by fasting for many days, emaciated her body.
The Yaksha, accompanied by honey and food, revealed the pillar to her. What is the purpose of this endeavor of yours? Tell me quickly, I shall accomplish it without delay.
She repeatedly told the Yaksha that it was impossible. The Guhyaka then replied to her, "I will do it."
I am a follower and boon-giver of the lord of wealth, O princess. I am willing to give even what is not meant to be given. Tell me what you wish for.
Then Shikhandi conveyed everything in detail to Sthunakarn, the chief of the Yakshas, O Bharata.
My father, the Yaksha, is in distress and will soon perish. The enraged king of Dasharna will indeed attack him.
The mighty and enthusiastic king, adorned with golden armor, therefore, O Yaksha, protect me, my father, and my mother.
You have indeed promised me relief from sorrow. By your grace, Yaksha, may I become a blameless man.
As long as the king does not come to my city, O great Yaksha, please grant your favor, Guhyaka.
