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Library: Sage Ārṣṭiṣeṇa's great austerities and attainment of Brahminhood by Sindhudvīpa.
Janamejaya said:
How did the revered sage Ārṣṭiṣeṇa perform great austerities, and how did Sindhudvīpa attain Brahminhood at that time?
O Brahman, please tell me how the gods and Viśvāmitra, the best among them, are involved, as I am indeed very curious about it.
Vaishampayana said:
Once upon a time, in the Krita Yuga, there was a sage named Shena, who was the best among the twice-born. He lived in the guru's abode and was always dedicated to his studies.
O king, while he was living in the guru's house, he never attained completion of his studies, neither in knowledge nor in the Vedas, O lord of men.
Disenchanted, the great ascetic performed penance, O king. Through his penance, he attained the supreme Vedas.
The wise sage, well-versed in the Vedas and accomplished in his practices, granted three boons at the sacred site.
In this sacred place by the great river, from today onwards, a person who bathes here will receive the full benefits of the horse sacrifice.
From today onwards, there will be no fear of the serpent here. Even with little effort, one will gain abundant rewards.
After speaking thus, the greatly radiant sage ascended to heaven. The divine Arṣṭiṣeṇa, having achieved perfection, was glorious.
At that very holy site, Sindhudvipa and Devapi, both illustrious figures, achieved the esteemed status of Brahminhood, O great king.
Thus, dear Kausika, who was always engaged in penance and had conquered his senses, indeed achieved the status of a Brahmin through his well-performed penance.
Gadhi, a renowned Kshatriya on earth, had a mighty son named Vishwamitra, O king.
King Kausika, who was very capable, indeed became a great ascetic. He then anointed his son Visvamitra.
As the body was being laid down, the subjects, bowing down, said to him: "O great wise one, do not leave, save us from this great fear."
Upon hearing this, Gadhi replied, "Then my son will become the protector of the universe and all its subjects."
After speaking thus, Gadhi appointed Viswamitra and ascended to heaven, O king. Viswamitra became a king, but despite his efforts, he could not protect the earth.
Then the king heard about a great threat from the demons and left the city with his fourfold army.
He traveled a long distance to reach the hermitage of Vasishtha. There, his soldiers caused many disturbances, O king.
Then the revered sage Vasiṣṭha went to the hermitage and saw that the entire great forest was being destroyed.
The great king Vasistha, best of sages, in his anger, instructed his own cow to create terrible Shabaras, indeed.
Upon being instructed, the cow created men who were terrifying to behold. These men, empowered by that strength, caused destruction in every direction.
Upon witnessing the army's retreat, Viśvāmitra, son of Gādhi, resolved his mind towards supreme penance, as if he were already engaged in it.
In this excellent pilgrimage site of Sarasvati, O king, he concentrated himself with strict observances and fasts, emaciating his own body.
He adopted a lifestyle of consuming only water, air, and leaves, and also slept on the ground, adhering to various other distinct rules.
The gods repeatedly tried to create obstacles to his vow, but the great soul's determination and intellect never wavered from his commitment.
Then, with great effort and after performing various penances, the son of Gadhi became as brilliant as the sun.
The grandsire, with great splendor, recognized Viśvāmitra, who was engaged in penance, as worthy of receiving a boon.
He chose the boon to become a Brahmin, and Brahma, the great-grandfather of all worlds, granted it, saying, "So be it."
Having achieved the esteemed status of a Brahmin through intense penance, he, renowned for his great fame, roamed the entire earth, his desires fulfilled, and appeared god-like.
In that sacred place, Rama bestowed various kinds of wealth, including milch cows, cows, vehicles, and beds.
Thus, joyfully, O king, he offered splendid garments, ornaments, food, and drink to honor the best of the Brahmins.
Then, O king, Rama went near the hermitage of Baka, where it is said that Dalbhya Baka performed intense penance.
