13.019
The dialogue between Aṣṭāvakra and the directions.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O best of the Bharatas, this which is spoken as 'sahadharma'—how is this remembered for women at the time of marriage? (13-19-1)
This is the duty as prescribed by the ṛṣis, or as belonging to Prajāpati or the Vasus. That which has been previously described as 'sahadharma' was spoken by the great sages. (13-19-2)
This doubt is very great and contradictory—such is my thought. Here, which joint duty indeed is prescribed for after death, where indeed? (13-19-3)
O grandsire, in heaven, is there companionship in duty among the dead? First, one dies, but where does the other remain? Tell me. (13-19-4)
When there are many humans, endowed with various fruits of actions, inhabiting various actions, and ending in various hellish abodes. (13-19-5)
The composer of the aphorisms thus decides: "Women are untruthful." If women are untruthful, dear one, how can shared dharma be considered? (13-19-6)
"Women are untruthful"—even in the Vedas, it is indeed stated so. This rule is an ancient designation, a figurative expression, and a ritual injunction. (13-19-7)
O grandsire, as I think unceasingly, this depth appears to me; without doubt, all this is just as the revelation (śruti) says. (13-19-8)
O greatly wise one, please tell me entirely of what kind this is, how this has been set in motion; (13-19-9)
Bhishma said.
Here too, O Bhārata, they recount this ancient story: the dialogue between Aṣṭāvakra and the direction. (13-19-10)
But once, Aṣṭāvakra, the great ascetic, wishing to marry, chose the daughter of the generous and noble sage. (13-19-11)
She was called Suprabha, truly by name, and was unmatched in beauty on earth, rich in virtues, virtuous in conduct, and radiant in character. (13-19-12)
As a variegated forest-grove adorned with flowers in spring, the auspicious-eyed lady, having just seen him, stole his mind. (13-19-13)
The sage said to him, "My daughter is to be given to you; listen to me. For now, go to the holy northern direction; there you will see (her)." (13-19-14)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
What should I see there? Please tell me, you are worthy to instruct me. Now, I will do as you direct me. (13-19-15)
The generous one said.
After passing Kubera and likewise the Himalaya, he saw the sanctuary of Rudra, which was attended by Siddhas and celestial minstrels. (13-19-16)
It was adorned by delighted attendants, dancers of various faces, divine body-painted beings, piśācas, forest-dwellers, and many other kinds of beings in this way. (13-19-17)
There, Śarva (Śiva) is worshipped with hand clapping, cymbals, sticks, and equal beats, by those who are very delighted and dancing. (13-19-18)
We have indeed heard that the desired place on the mountain is divine. The god is always present there, along with his auspicious attendants. (13-19-19)
There, the goddess performed austerities for Śaṅkara, which were extremely difficult to undertake; therefore, what was desired by the god was thus Umā, as stated in the Vedic scripture. (13-19-20)
There, to the north side of the deity, is a great well; likewise, the seasons, the night of time, and those who are divine and those who are human. (13-19-21)
All those with forms indeed worship the god there. But you must surely go beyond that abode. (13-19-22)
From there, you will see a dark-blue forest region resembling a cloud; there, you will indeed see a beautiful and captivating woman. (13-19-23)
There, you must see that ascetic woman, who is greatly fortunate, aged, and has performed initiation; she should indeed be honored by you with effort. (13-19-24)
After seeing her, you will turn away and then take her hand. If this agreement is true, let it be fulfilled; let it be carried out there. (13-19-25)
