12.345
Bhishma said.
He, while visiting various forests, sacred fords, and lakes in order, indeed approached a certain sage. (12-345-1)
The Brāhmaṇa, having asked the Nāga as instructed by the Brāhmaṇa according to rule, and having heard, he indeed went. (12-345-2)
He, having reached the abode of serpents as described, the one who knows the meaning, spoke the words "I am"—speech adorned with the exclamation "bhoḥ". (12-345-3)
Then, upon hearing his words, the beautiful and virtuous wife of the serpent, devoted to her husband and to righteousness, revealed herself to the brāhmaṇa. (12-345-4)
She, devoted to dharma, performed worship for him according to the rules; having welcomed him, she said, "What shall I do?" (12-345-5)
The brāhmaṇa said:
I am rested and honored by your gentle words. O lady, I wish to see that divine being, the supreme serpent. (12-345-6)
Indeed, this is the supreme task; this is the fruit I desired. By this means, today I have attained the abode of serpents. (12-345-7)
The wife of the serpent said.
O noble one, the monthly traveler has gone to bear the sun's chariot; in seven or eight days, O brāhmaṇa, he will surely show it. (12-345-8)
This act of banishment is known to the noble one as mine; let it be for my husband; what else should be done, tell that to me. (12-345-9)
The brāhmaṇa said.
With this resolve, O virtuous lady, I have come here. Awaiting the arrival, O goddess, I will remain in this great forest. (12-345-10)
I, who have arrived here calmly and together, am to be announced as present. My arrival has been accomplished, and you must convey this message. (12-345-11)
I too will stay here on the auspicious bank of the Gomati river, observing the prescribed time and maintaining a limited diet as instructed. (12-345-12)
Bhishma said.
Then that brāhmaṇa, after repeatedly settling the female serpent, went to that same sandbank of the river, the foremost among brāhmaṇas. (12-345-13)
