13.020
aṣṭāvakra uvāca॥
Aṣṭāvakra said.
tathāstu sādhayiṣyāmi tatra yāsyāmyasaṁśayam। yatra tvaṁ vadase sādho bhavānbhavatu satyavāk ॥13-20-1॥
So be it; I will accomplish this and go there without doubt, to the place you mention, O noble one. May you be a speaker of truth. (13-20-1)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhishma said.
tato'gacchatsa bhagavānuttarāmuttamāṃ diśam। himavantaṃ giriśreṣṭhaṃ siddhacāraṇasevitam ॥13-20-2॥
Then the venerable one went to the best northern direction, to Himavat, the greatest of mountains, which is attended by Siddhas and celestial singers. (13-20-2)
sa gatvā dvijaśārdūlo himavantaṃ mahāgirim। abhyagacchannadīṃ puṇyāṃ bāhudāṃ dharmadāyinīm ॥13-20-3॥
He, the best among the twice-born, having gone to the great mountain Himavat, approached the holy river Bāhudā, the giver of dharma. (13-20-3)
aśoke vimale tīrthe snātvā tarpya ca devatāḥ। tatra vāsāya śayane kauśye sukhamuvāsa ha ॥13-20-4॥
Having bathed at the pure sacred place of the Ashoka tree and having offered satisfaction to the deities, he then dwelt there comfortably on a silken bed for his stay. (13-20-4)
tato rātryāṃ vyatītāyāṃ prātarutthāya sa dvijaḥ। snātvā prāduścakārāgniṃ hutvā caiva vidhānataḥ ॥13-20-5॥
After the night had passed, the twice-born rose in the morning, bathed, kindled the fire, and performed the oblations according to the prescribed rules. (13-20-5)
rudrāṇī-kūpam āsādya hrade tatra samāśvasat। viśrāntaś ca samutthāya kailāsam abhito yayau ॥13-20-6॥
After reaching Rudrāṇī's well, he rested in the lake there. Once he was refreshed and had arisen, he proceeded towards Kailāsa. (13-20-6)
so'paśyat kāñcanadvāraṃ dīpyamānam iva śriyā. mandākinīṃ ca nalinīṃ dhanadasya mahātmanaḥ ॥13-20-7॥
He saw a golden gate shining with splendor, as well as the Mandakini river and the lotus-pond belonging to the great-souled Dhanada (Kubera). (13-20-7)
atha te rākṣasāḥ sarve ye'bhirakṣanti padminīm। pratyutthitā bhagavantaṃ maṇibhadrapurogamāḥ ॥13-20-8॥
Then all those rākṣasas who were protecting Padminī, having risen up, together with the venerable one, led by Maṇibhadra, (13-20-8).
sa tānpratyarcayāmāsa rākṣasānbhīmavikramān। nivedayata māṃ kṣipraṃ dhanadāyeti cābravīt ॥13-20-9॥
He respectfully approached those rākṣasas of terrible prowess and said, "Inform Dhanada of me quickly." (13-20-9)
te rākṣasās tadā rājan bhagavantam athābruvan। asau vaiśravaṇo rājā svayam āyāti te'ntikam ॥13-20-10॥
Then those rākṣasas, O king, said to the venerable one: "That king Vaiśravaṇa himself is coming near to you." (13-20-10)
vidito bhagavānasya kāryamāgamane ca yat। paśyainaṃ tvaṃ mahābhāgaṃ jvalantamiva tejasā ॥13-20-11॥
The Lord's purpose in coming is known; see this greatly fortunate one, shining as if with brilliance. (13-20-11)
tato vaiśravaṇo'bhyetya aṣṭāvakramaninditam। vidhivatkuśalaṃ pṛṣṭvā tato brahmarṣimabravīt ॥13-20-12॥
Then Vaiśravaṇa approached the blameless Aṣṭāvakra, inquired about his well-being as prescribed, and then spoke to the Brahmarṣi. (13-20-12)
sukhaṃ prāpto bhavān kaccit kiṃ vā mattaś cikīrṣasi। brūhi sarvaṃ kariṣyāmi yan māṃ tvaṃ vakṣyasi dvija ॥13-20-13॥
Have you obtained happiness? Is there anything you wish to do with my help? Tell me everything; I will do whatever you tell me, O Brahmin. (13-20-13)
bhavanaṃ praviśa tvaṃ me yathākāmaṃ dvijottama। satkṛtaḥ kṛtakāryaś ca bhavān yāsyaty avighnataḥ ॥13-20-14॥
O best of the twice-born, enter my house as you desire. Having been honored and your task accomplished, you will depart without any obstacle. (13-20-14)
prāviśad bhavanaṃ svaṃ vai gṛhītvā taṃ dvijottamam। āsanaṃ svaṃ dadau caiva pādyam arghyaṃ tathaiva ca ॥13-20-15॥
He entered his own house, having brought the best of the twice-born with him; he gave him his own seat, as well as water for washing the feet and the customary offering, likewise. (13-20-15)
athopaviṣṭayostatra maṇibhadrapurogamāḥ। niṣedustatra kauberā yakṣagandharvarākṣasāḥ ॥13-20-16॥
Then, as the two sat there, Maṇibhadra led the way, and the followers of Kubera—Yakṣas, Gandharvas, and Rākṣasas—sat down there. (13-20-16)
tatasteṣāṃ niṣaṇṇānāṃ dhanado vākyamabravīt। bhavacchandaṃ samājñāya nṛtyerannapsarogaṇāḥ ॥13-20-17॥
Then, as they were seated, Kubera spoke these words. Understanding your wish, the groups of apsarases should dance. (13-20-17)
ātithyaṃ paramaṃ kāryaṃ śuśrūṣā bhavatas tathā। saṃvartatām ity uvāca munir madhurayā girā ॥13-20-18॥
The sage, with sweet words, said: "Supreme hospitality must be performed, and service by you as well; let it be so." (13-20-18)
athorvarā miśrakeśī rambhā caivorvaśī tathā। alambusā ghṛtācī ca citrā citrāṅgadā ruciḥ ॥13-20-19॥
Now, Urvarā, Miśrakeśī, Rambhā, and also Urvaśī; Alambusā, Ghṛtācī, Citrā, Citrāṅgadā, and Ruci. (13-20-19)
manoharā sukeśī ca sumukhī hāsinī prabhā। vidyutā praśamā dāntā vidyotā ratireva ca ॥13-20-20॥
She is mind-pleasing, with beautiful hair and a lovely face, smiling and radiant; like lightning, calm, self-restrained, shining, and truly delightful. (13-20-20)
etāś cānyāś ca vai bahvyaḥ pranṛttāpsarasaḥ śubhāḥ। avādayaṃś ca gandharvā vādyāni vividhāni ca ॥13-20-21॥
These and many other auspicious apsarases who had danced, and the gandharvas, played various musical instruments. (13-20-21)
atha pravṛtte gāndharve divye ṛṣir upāvasat। divyaṃ saṃvatsaraṃ tatra raman vai sumahātapāḥ ॥13-20-22॥
Then, when the divine gāndharva rite commenced, the sage of great austerity dwelt there, enjoying himself for a divine year. (13-20-22)
tato vaiśravaṇo rājā bhagavantam uvāca ha। sāgraḥ saṃvatsaro yātaḥ tava vipreha paśyataḥ ॥13-20-23॥
Then King Vaiśravaṇa said to the venerable one, "O brāhmaṇa, a year with remainder has passed for you while you were watching." (13-20-23)
hāryo'yaṃ viṣayo brahman gāndharvo nāma nāmataḥ। chandato vartatāṃ vipra yathā vadati vā bhavān ॥13-20-24॥
O Brahman, this object called Gandharva by name is to be abandoned; let it proceed as you or others say, O wise one. (13-20-24)
atithiḥ pūjanīyas tvam idaṃ ca bhavato gṛham। sarvam ājñāpyatām āśu paravanto vayaṃ tvayi ॥13-20-25॥
You are a guest worthy of worship, and this is your house. Please command everything quickly; we are dependent on you. (13-20-25)
atha vaiśravaṇaṃ prīto bhagavānpratyabhāṣata। arcito'smi yathānyāyaṃ gamiṣyāmi dhaneśvara ॥13-20-26॥
Then, the pleased Lord spoke to Vaiśravaṇa: "I have been worshipped properly; I shall depart, O Lord of wealth." (13-20-26)
prīto'smi sadṛśaṃ caiva tava sarvaṃ dhanādhipa। tava prasādādbhagavanmaharṣeśca mahātmanaḥ ॥ niyogādadya yāsyāmi vṛddhimānvṛddhimānbhava ॥13-20-27॥
I am pleased, O lord of wealth, that all is appropriate and fitting for you. By your grace, O revered one, and by the great sage, the great-souled one's favor, at your command today I shall go. Be prosperous and affluent. (13-20-27)
atha niṣkramya bhagavān prayayāv uttarāmukhaḥ। kailāsaṃ mandaraṃ haimaṃ sarvān anucacāra ha ॥13-20-28॥
Then, having departed, the Lord went northward and traversed all the mountains—Kailāsa, Mandara, and the golden one. (13-20-28)
tānatītya mahāśailān kairātaṃ sthānam uttamam। pradakṣiṇaṃ tataś cakre prayataḥ śirasā naman॥ dharaṇīm avatīryātha pūtātmā asau tadā abhavat॥13-20-29॥
After crossing those great mountains, he reverently circumambulated the excellent place of Kairāta, bowing his head with devotion. Then, having descended to the earth, that pure-souled one became thus. (13-20-29)
sa taṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā triḥ śailaṃ cottarāmukhaḥ। samena bhūmibhāgena yayau prītipuraskṛtaḥ ॥13-20-30॥
He circumambulated him and the mountain three times, facing north, and then proceeded with a joyful heart, keeping an equal portion of ground. (13-20-30)
tato'paraṃ vanoddeśaṃ ramaṇīyam apaśyata। sarvartubhir mūlaphalaiḥ pakṣibhiś ca samanvitam ॥ ramaṇīyair vanoddeśais tatra tatra vibhūṣitam ॥13-20-31॥
Then he saw another beautiful forest-region, endowed with roots, fruits, and birds of all seasons, adorned here and there by beautiful forest tracts. (13-20-31)
tatrāśramapadaṃ divyaṃ dadarśa bhagavānatha। śailāṃśca vividhākārānkāñcanānratanabhūṣitān॥ maṇibhūmau niviṣṭāśca puṣkariṇyastathaiva ca॥13-20-32॥
There, the illustrious one then beheld a divine hermitage; he saw mountains of various shapes, golden and adorned with jewels, and lotus-ponds likewise set upon jeweled ground. (13-20-32)
anyāny api suramyāṇi dadarśa subahūny atha। bhṛśaṃ tasya mano reme maharṣer bhāvitātmanaḥ ॥13-20-33॥
He also saw many other very pleasant places; then the mind of the great sage, whose self is purified, was exceedingly delighted. (13-20-33)
sa tatra kāñcanaṃ divyaṃ sarvaratnamayaṃ gṛham। dadarśādbhutasaṅkāśaṃ dhanadasya gṛhād varam ॥13-20-34॥
There he saw a golden, divine house made of all jewels, wonderful in appearance, superior to the house of Dhanada (Kubera). (13-20-34)
mahānto yatra vividhāḥ prāsādāḥ parvatopamāḥ। vimānāni ca ramyāṇi ratnāni vividhāni ca ॥13-20-35॥
Where there are great, various palaces resembling mountains, and beautiful mansions and various jewels. (13-20-35)
mandārapuṣpaiḥ saṅkīrṇā tathā mandākinī nadī। svayamprabhāś ca maṇayo vajrair bhūmiś ca bhūṣitā ॥13-20-36॥
The Mandākinī river was thus mixed with mandāra flowers; the ground was adorned with self-luminous gems and diamonds. (13-20-36)
nānāvidhaiś ca bhavanair vicitra-maṇi-toraṇaiḥ। muktā-jāla-parikṣiptair maṇi-ratna-vibhūṣitaiḥ ॥ mano-dṛṣṭi-harai ramyaiḥ sarvataḥ saṁvṛtaṁ śubhaiḥ ॥13-20-37॥
It was surrounded on all sides by various kinds of mansions with wondrous jewel arches, enclosed by nets of pearls, adorned with jewel gems, and beautiful, auspicious structures that captivated the mind and sight. (13-20-37)
ṛṣiḥ samantato'paśyattatra tatra manoramam। tato'bhavattasya cintā kva me vāso bhavediti ॥13-20-38॥
The sage looked all around and saw many pleasing places. Then he began to wonder: "Where should my dwelling be?" (13-20-38)
atha dvāraṃ samabhito gatvā sthitvā tato'bravīt। atithiṃ māmanuprāptamanujānantu ye'tra vai ॥13-20-39॥
Then, having approached and stood at the door from all sides, he said: "Let those who are here indeed permit me, the guest who has arrived." (13-20-39)
atha kanyāparivṛtā gṛhāttasmādviniḥsṛtāḥ। nānārūpāḥ sapta vibho kanyāḥ sarvā manoharāḥ ॥13-20-40॥
Then, O lord, seven enchanting maidens of various forms, all together, emerged from that house, surrounding the maiden. (13-20-40)
yāṃ yām apaśyat kanyāṃ sa sā sā tasya mano'harat। nāśaknuvad dhārayituṃ mano'thāsyāvasīdati ॥13-20-41॥
Whichever maiden he saw, she stole his mind; he was unable to restrain his mind, and then his mind became dejected. (13-20-41)
tato dhṛtiḥ samutpannā tasya viprasya dhīmataḥ। atha taṃ pramadāḥ prāhur bhagavān praviśatv iti ॥13-20-42॥
Then, steadfastness arose in that wise brāhmaṇa. After that, the women said to him, "Let the revered one enter." (13-20-42)
sa ca tāsāṃ surūpāṇāṃ tasyaiva bhavanasya ca। kautūhalasamāviṣṭaḥ praviveśa gṛhaṃ dvijaḥ ॥13-20-43॥
He, filled with curiosity about those beautiful women and that very house, the twice-born entered the house. (13-20-43)
tatrāpaśyaj jarāyuktām arajombara-dhāriṇīm। vṛddhāṃ paryaṅkam āsīnāṃ sarvābharaṇa-bhūṣitām ॥13-20-44॥
There he saw an old woman, afflicted with age, wearing a clean garment, sitting on a couch and adorned with all kinds of ornaments. (13-20-44)
svastīti cātha tenoktā sā strī pratyavadattadā। pratyutthāya ca taṃ vipramāsyatāmityuvāca ha ॥13-20-45॥
When he said 'well-being', then that woman replied at that time; having risen and addressing the brāhmaṇa, she said, 'Be seated', indeed. (13-20-45)
aṣṭāvakra uvāca॥
Aṣṭāvakra said.
sarvāḥ svānālayāny āntu ekā mām upatiṣṭhatu. suprajñātā supraśāntā śeṣā gacchantu chanda taḥ ॥13-20-46॥
Let all the women go to their own homes; let one remain to attend to me. Let the rest, who are wise and calm, depart as they wish. (13-20-46)
tataḥ pradakṣiṇīkṛtya kanyās tās tam ṛṣiṃ tadā। nirākrāman gṛhāt tasmāt sā vṛddhā atha vyatiṣṭhata ॥13-20-47॥
Then, after circumambulating the sage, those maidens departed from that house; the old woman remained there. (13-20-47)
atha tāṃ saṃviśan prāha śayane bhāsvare tadā। tvayā api supyatāṃ bhadre rajanī hy ativartate ॥13-20-48॥
Then, as he lay down with her on the shining bed, he said: "You too should sleep, dear; the night is indeed passing." (13-20-48)
saṁlāpāttena vipreṇa tathā sā tatra bhāṣitā। dvitīye śayane divye saṁviveśa mahāprabhe ॥13-20-49॥
After conversing with the Brāhmaṇa in this way, she, having been spoken to there, entered the second divine bed, O great lord. (13-20-49)
atha sā vepamānāṅgī nimittaṃ śītajaṃ tadā। vyapadiśya maharṣervai śayanaṃ cādhyarohata ॥13-20-50॥
Then she, her limbs trembling from an omen born of cold, having indicated this to the great sage, ascended the bed. (13-20-50)
svāgataṃ svāgatenāstu bhagavāṃstāmabhāṣata। sopāgūhadbhujābhyāṃ tu ṛṣiṃ prītyā nararṣabha ॥13-20-51॥
The venerable one said to her, "Welcome! Let there be welcome." Then, O bull among men, he affectionately embraced the sage with both his arms. (13-20-51)
nirvikāram ṛṣiṁ cāpi kāṣṭhakuḍyopamaṁ tadā। duḥkhitā prekṣya sañjalpam akārṣīd ṛṣiṇā saha ॥13-20-52॥
Then, seeing the unchanging sage, who was like a wooden wall, she, being distressed, spoke together with the sage. (13-20-52)
brahmanna kāmakāro'sti strīṇāṃ puruṣato dhṛtiḥ। kāmena mohitā cāhaṃ tvāṃ bhajantīṃ bhajasva mām ॥13-20-53॥
O Brahman, there is no desire-based action; the steadfastness of women comes from men. Deluded by desire, I am, and as I serve you, accept me. (13-20-53)
prahṛṣṭo bhava viprarṣe samāgaccha mayā saha। upagūha ca māṃ vipra kāmārtāhaṃ bhṛśaṃ tvayi ॥13-20-54॥
O best of Brāhmaṇas, be delighted and come together with me. Embrace me, O Brāhmaṇa, for I am intensely afflicted by desire for you. (13-20-54)
etaddhi tava dharmātmaṃstapasaḥ pūjyate phalam। prārthitaṃ darśanādeva bhajamānāṃ bhajasva mām ॥13-20-55॥
O righteous-souled one, this is indeed the honored fruit of your austerity; as desired, from merely seeing, accept me who seeks you. (13-20-55)
sadma cedaṃ vanaṃ cedaṃ yaccānyadapi paśyasi। prabhutvaṃ tava sarvatra mayi caiva na saṃśayaḥ ॥13-20-56॥
This house, this forest, and whatever else you see—your sovereignty is everywhere, including in me; there is no doubt about it. (13-20-56)
sarvān kāmān vidhāsyāmi ramasva sahitaḥ mayā। ramaṇīye vane vipra sarva-kāma-phala-prade ॥13-20-57॥
O brāhmaṇa, I shall grant all your desires; enjoy with me in this beautiful forest, which bestows all desired fruits. (13-20-57)
tvad-vaśāhaṃ bhaviṣyāmi raṃsyase ca mayā saha। sarvān kāmān upāśnāno ye divyā ye ca mānuṣāḥ ॥13-20-58॥
I will be under your control; you will enjoy with me, experiencing all desires, both divine and human. (13-20-58)
nātaḥ paraṃ hi nārīṇāṃ kāryaṃ kiñcana vidyate। yathā puruṣasaṃsargaḥ parama etad dhi naḥ phalam ॥13-20-59॥
Indeed, there is no duty of women beyond this; just as association with a man is the highest fruit for us. (13-20-59)
ātmacchandena vartante nāryo manmathacoditāḥ। na ca dahyanti gacchantyaḥ sutaptairapi pāṃsubhiḥ ॥13-20-60॥
Women, impelled by desire, act according to their own will; and those who go (thus) are not burned even by well-heated sand. (13-20-60)
aṣṭāvakra uvāca॥
Aṣṭāvakra said.
paradārān ahaṃ bhadre na gaccheyaṃ kathaṃcana। dūṣitaṃ dharmaśāstreṣu paradārābhimarśanam ॥13-20-61॥
O auspicious one, I would never approach other men's wives in any way. Contact with other men's wives is condemned in the treatises on dharma. (13-20-61)
bhadre niveṣṭukāmaṃ māṃ viddhi satyena vai śape। viṣayeṣvanabhijño'haṃ dharmārthaṃ kila santatiḥ ॥13-20-62॥
O blessed one, know that I, wishing to settle, swear to you truly: I am unacquainted with sense objects; this progeny is indeed for the sake of dharma. (13-20-62)
evaṃ lokān gamiṣyāmi putrair iti na saṃśayaḥ। bhadre dharmaṃ vijānīṣva jñātvā coparamasva ha ॥13-20-63॥
Thus, I will go to the worlds with my sons; there is no doubt about it. O auspicious one, understand your duty, and having understood, indeed desist. (13-20-63)
stryuvāca॥
The woman said.
nānilō'gnirna varuṇō na cānyē tridaśā dvija। priyāḥ strīṇāṃ yathā kāmō ratiśīlā hi yōṣitaḥ ॥13-20-64॥
O twice-born, neither the wind, nor fire, nor Varuṇa, nor any of the other thirty gods are as dear to women as Kāma, for women are indeed fond of pleasure. (13-20-64)
sahasraikā yatā nārī prāpnotīha kadācana. tathā śatasahasreṣu yadi kācitpativratā ॥13-20-65॥
Just as only one woman among a thousand is ever found here, so too, among a hundred thousand, if there is any woman devoted to her husband. (13-20-65)
naitā jānanti pitaraṃ na kulaṃ na ca mātaram। na bhrātṝn na ca bhartāraṃ na putrān na ca devarān ॥13-20-66॥
These women do not recognize their father, nor their family, nor even their mother; nor their brothers, nor their husband, nor their sons, nor their brothers-in-law. (13-20-66)
līlāyantyaḥ kulaṃ ghnanti kūlānīva saridvarāḥ। doṣāṃś ca mandān mandāsu prajāpatiḥ abhāṣata ॥13-20-67॥
Those who behave playfully destroy their family just as the best of rivers erode their banks. Prajapati spoke about the faults found among the weak. (13-20-67)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
tataḥ sa ṛṣir ekāgrāṃ tāṃ striyaṃ pratyabhāṣata। āsyatāṃ ruciraṃ chandaḥ kiṃ vā kāryaṃ bravīhi me ॥13-20-68॥
Then the sage addressed that focused woman: "Please be seated. Tell me your pleasant wish or what task you have." (13-20-68)
sā strī provāca bhagavan rakṣyase deśakālataḥ। vasa tāvan mahāprājña kṛtakṛtyo gamiṣyasi ॥13-20-69॥
That woman said: "O revered one, you will be protected from dangers of place and time. Stay here for now, O greatly wise one; when your purpose is accomplished, you may depart." (13-20-69)
brahmarṣis tām atho vāca sa tatheti yudhiṣṭhira। vatsye'ham yāvad utsāho bhavatyā nātra saṃśayaḥ ॥13-20-70॥
The brahma-sage then said to her in this way, O Yudhishthira: "I will remain as long as you make the effort; there is no doubt about this." (13-20-70)
atharṣir abhisamprekṣya striyaṃ tāṃ jarayānvitām। cintāṃ paramikāṃ bheje santapta iva cābhavat ॥13-20-71॥
Then the sage, seeing that woman who had become aged, fell into deep thought and became as if tormented. (13-20-71)
yadyadaṅgaṃ hi so'paśyattasyā viprarṣabhastadā। nāramattatra tatrāsya dṛṣṭī rūpaparājitā ॥13-20-72॥
Whatever part of her the best of Brāhmaṇas saw, he was not pleased there; his gaze was overcome by her beauty. (13-20-72)
devateyaṁ gṛhasyāsya śāpānnūnaṁ virūpitā। asyāśca kāraṇaṁ vettuṁ na yuktaṁ sahasā mayā ॥13-20-73॥
This divinity of this house has certainly been deformed by a curse; it is not proper for me to suddenly seek to know the cause of this. (13-20-73)
iti cintā-viṣaktasya tam arthaṃ jñātum icchataḥ। vyagamat tad ahaḥ-śeṣaṃ manasā vyākulena tu॥13-20-74॥
Thus, as he was absorbed in thought and wished to know that matter, the rest of that day passed for him with an agitated mind. (13-20-74)
atha sā strī tadovāca bhagavanpaśya vai raveḥ। rūpaṃ sandhyābhra-saṃyuktaṃ kim upasthāpyatāṃ tava ॥13-20-75॥
Then that woman said: "O revered one, look at the form of the sun mingled with twilight and cloud; what should be presented to you?" (13-20-75)
sa uvāca tadā tāṃ strīṃ snānōdakam ihānaya। upāsiṣye tataḥ sandhyāṃ vāgyataḥ niyatendriyaḥ ॥13-20-76॥
He then said to the woman, "Bring bathing water here." After that, I will perform the twilight worship, restraining my speech and controlling my senses. (13-20-76)
