13.052
Dialogue between Cyavana and Kuśika;
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O greatly wise one, my doubt is very great, like the ocean. Therefore, hear it from me, O mighty-armed one, and after hearing it, you are worthy to explain (it to me). (13-52-1)
O lord, I have a very great curiosity regarding Jāmadagnya (Paraśurāma). Please explain that to me with respect to Rāma, the foremost among the upholders of dharma. (13-52-2)
How was this Rama, who is truly valorous, born? How was one of kṣatriya nature born in the lineage of Brahmarṣis? (13-52-3)
O king, narrate entirely the origin of him. And how did a brāhmaṇa indeed arise from the kṣatriya lineage of Kuśika? (13-52-4)
Oh, indeed how great was the power of those two exalted souls—Rāma and Viśvāmitra, the tiger among men. (13-52-5)
How did this fault occur among the grandsons, passing over the sons? Abandoning the sons, you ought to explain that to me. (13-52-6)
Bhīṣma said.
Here too, O Bhārata, they recount this ancient narrative—the dialogue between Cyavana and Kuśika. (13-52-7)
Having previously seen this fault, Cyavana, the descendant of Bhr̥gu and the foremost among sages, who was very wise, foresaw it would occur in his own lineage. (13-52-8)
The ascetic, having thoroughly thought over all the virtues, faults, strengths, and weaknesses with his mind, wished to destroy the entire family of the Kuśikas. (13-52-9)
Cyavana, after reaching Kushika, spoke these words: "I have developed a desire to live with you, O sinless one." (13-52-10)
Kuśika said.
O revered one, the learned here regard this as joint duty; at the time of giving away maidens, it is always mentioned by the wise. (13-52-11)
But as for what has so far gone beyond the gate of dharma, O ascetic, I will perform that action; you ought to permit it. (13-52-12)
Bhīṣma said.
Then, having taken a seat for Cyavana, the great sage, Kushika, together with his wife, came to where the sage was. (13-52-13)
The king, after taking the argha-vessel, offered water for washing the feet to him and caused all the ceremonies for that great-souled man to be performed. (13-52-14)
Then that king, undistracted and steadfast in vows, made Cyavana accept madhuparka (the traditional offering of honey and other ingredients) according to the proper injunction. (13-52-15)
Having shown respect, he then spoke these words to the brāhmaṇa: "O revered one, in front of others, tell us what we should do." (13-52-16)
If it is the kingdom, or wealth, or cows, O one of firm vow, or sacrificial gifts— tell me; I shall give all to you. (13-52-17)
This house, this kingdom, this seat of righteousness—all these are yours. You are the king, govern the earth. I am your servant, subordinate to you. (13-52-18)
When these words were spoken, Cyavana, descendant of Bhṛgu, then joyfully spoke this to Kushika. (13-52-19)
O king, I do not desire a kingdom, nor wealth, nor women; nor cows, nor your regions, nor sacrifices; let this be heard. (13-52-20)
If you both agree, I shall propose a certain rule. I am to serve you both without any hesitation. (13-52-21)
O Bhārata, when thus addressed by him, the couple rejoiced and replied to the sage, saying, "Let it be so." (13-52-22)
Then Kuśika, gladdened, led him into the best place and then, in the house, showed him all that was worthy to be seen. (13-52-23)
Let this bed of the revered one be used as he wishes here. We will strive to bring you pleasure, O sage. (13-52-24)
Then, as they were conversing thus, the Sun passed overhead. Then the sage had food and drink brought likewise. (13-52-25)
Then King Kuśika, bowing, asked him at that time: "What kind of food do you desire? What shall I serve you?" (13-52-26)
Then, with great affection, he replied to the lord of men: "Give natural food yourself," O Bhārata. (13-52-27)
Having honored that speech, the king said 'so be it'; then, as was appropriate, the lord of people gave food to him. (13-52-28)
Then the Lord, having eaten, spoke to the couple as the knower of dharma: "I wish to sleep, O lord; sleep is afflicting me." (13-52-29)
Then the venerable best among sages, having reached the bedchamber, lay down; but the king, along with his wife, remained standing. (13-52-30)
Then Bhārgava said, "I am not to be awakened once I have slept; my feet are to be massaged and you two must remain awake at night." (13-52-31)
Without any doubt, Kuśika also said thus, being a knower of dharma. Those two did not awaken him then, at the end of the night. (13-52-32)
O great king, then the husband and wife, being self-controlled, became devoted to serving the great sage as per his command. (13-52-33)
Then that illustrious brāhmaṇa, having given instructions to the king, lay sleeping on one side for twenty-one days. (13-52-34)
But the king, together with his wife, O Kuru's delight, fasted and joyfully attended upon him, being engaged in the worship of Cyavana. (13-52-35)
But Bhārgava, the ascetic, rose up by himself and, without saying anything, the great ascetic went out from the house. (13-52-36)
But those two, the husband and wife, hungry and emaciated by fatigue, followed him; yet the best of sages did not look at them. (13-52-37)
But as those two watched, O king, the chief of the Bhārgavas vanished; then the king fell down on the ground. (13-52-38)
Having composed himself for a moment with the lady, the one of great splendor then again made supreme effort in searching. (13-52-39)
