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Library: Kuṇi Gārgya's daughter and son of Gālava - how did the maiden engage in penance in ancient times? Balarama receives the news about death of Shalya.
Janamejaya said:
O Lord, how did the maiden engage in penance in ancient times? What was the purpose of her penance, and what vow did she undertake?
O Brahman, I have heard this excellent and very difficult truth from you. Please explain the entire truth as she is situated in penance.
Vaishampayana said:
The sage Kuṇi of the Gārgyas, known for his great strength and fame, performed intense penance. O king, he was indeed the best among those who perform penance. He mentally created a beautiful-browed daughter, being the powerful one.
Upon seeing her, Kuṇi Gārgya, who was greatly pleased and renowned, departed to heaven, leaving his mortal body behind, O king.
She, with beautiful eyebrows and lotus-like eyes, indeed then, performed great fierce penance and established a blameless hermitage, auspiciously.
She used to worship the ancestors and gods with fasting in the past. However, due to her intense penance, a long time elapsed, O king.
She, though being offered by her father, did not wish for a husband, being blameless. However, she did not find a husband who was suitable for her.
Then she subjected her body to severe penance and became devoted to the worship of her ancestors and the gods in the lonely forest.
Even though she considered herself accomplished, she was weary and emaciated by old age and penance, O king.
When she was unable to move even a step by herself, she decided to depart for the other world.
Nārada, upon seeing the body of the girl who desired liberation, said: "O sinless one, where are the worlds for your unrefined daughter?"
Thus indeed, we have heard, O great vow, that supreme penance is attained in the world of gods, but you have not conquered the worlds.
Upon hearing Nārada's words, she addressed the assembly of sages, offering half of her penance to the bridegroom, acknowledging the esteemed ones present.
After these words, the son of Gālava took her hand. The sage named Śṛṅgavān spoke these words before the appointed time.
"O beautiful one, by agreement, today I shall touch your hand if you agree to stay with me for one night."
"Thus, having promised, she gave her hand to him then. Gālava arranged the marriage and his wedding."
At night, she transformed into a young woman of divine beauty, O king, adorned with celestial ornaments, garments, garlands, and ointments.
Gālava, upon seeing her, was pleased and stayed for the night, as she seemed to shine by herself. In the morning, she spoke to him.
O wise one, the agreement you made for me, the best among ascetics, has been fulfilled. May you be blessed, farewell, I am leaving.
Having been granted permission, he spoke again: "The one who is focused in this sacred place will remain for one night after offering satisfaction to the gods."
The virtuous woman, after advising to practice celibacy for forty-eight years, left her body and ascended to heaven.
The sage, distressed by contemplating her beauty, eventually accepted half of the penance with great difficulty over time.
After achieving self-realization, he followed her path, overwhelmed by her beauty, feeling sorrowful. O best of the Bharatas, this great story of the old maiden has been narrated to you.
While being there, Halayudha heard of Shalya's death. He gave gifts to the Brahmins and lamented the death of Shalya, who was killed in battle by the Pandavas.
Then Madhava, after leaving the gate of the five surroundings, asked the group of sages, including Rama, about the significance of Kurukshetra.
When asked by Yadu's lion about the outcome of Kurukshetra, the great souls explained everything to him exactly as it happened, O lord.
