13.003
The sub-narrative (story) of Viśvāmitra.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O king, if the state of being a Brāhmaṇa is difficult to attain by the three castes, how was it attained by the great-souled Kṣatriya, O great king? (13-3-1)
O grandsire, O righteous-souled one, O bull among men, I wish to hear truly about the brāhmaṇa-hood of Viśvāmitra; please tell me that. (13-3-2)
O great-grandfather, indeed, by that immeasurably powerful one, the hundred sons of the great-souled Vasiṣṭha were immediately killed by austerity. (13-3-3)
Many demons and rākṣasas of fierce brilliance, created with bodies possessed by anger, were like the destroyer at the end of time. (13-3-4)
The great Kuśika lineage, filled with hundreds of Brahmarṣis, was established in this world of men by a wise one, praised by Brāhmaṇas. (13-3-5)
Śunaḥśepa, the son of Ṛcīka and a great ascetic, who had been released from the state of being a sacrificial victim at the great sacrifice. (13-3-6)
Having pleased the gods by his own splendor in the sacrifice of Hariścandra, he attained the status of son to the wise Viśvāmitra. (13-3-7)
O king, because he does not greet his elder Devarāta, his five hundred sons have also been cursed and have become dog-eaters. (13-3-8)
Triśaṅku, a descendant of Ikṣvāku, abandoned by his relatives, was affectionately led with his head downwards to heaven, having resorted to the southern direction. (13-3-9)
The broad river of Viśvāmitra, served by royal sages, is known as the holy and auspicious Kauśikī, attended by groups of Brahmarṣis. (13-3-10)
Rambhā, the well-esteemed celestial nymph known as Pañcachūḍā, who was an obstacle to austerities, due to a curse, has become a mountain. (13-3-11)
Thus, out of fear of him, Vasiṣṭha once bound himself and immersed himself in the water; the river Vipāśā brought him up again. (13-3-12)
From that time, the Vipāśā became a holy and great river, renowned because of the deed of the great-souled Vasiṣṭha. (13-3-13)
The Lord, having been praised by words by the leader of the divine army, was pleased in mind and released him from the curse. (13-3-14)
Just as Dhruva, the son of Uttānapāda, and the Brahmarṣis, so too, in the midst, he who always shines, having resorted to the northern direction. (13-3-15)
O Kaurava, these actions of his and other such actions of a kṣatriya—thus, therefore, this curiosity has arisen in me. (13-3-16)
O best of the Bharatas, explain in reality what this is. How did he become a Brāhmaṇa without attaining another body? (13-3-17)
O king, you ought to tell me all this truthfully; just as is the reality regarding Mataṅga, so indeed tell me this. (13-3-18)
O best of the Bharatas, Matanga did not attain Brahminhood in the proper way. Indeed, being born from a Caṇḍāla woman, how could he ever become a Brahmin? (13-3-19)
