13.081
Dialogue of Śrī and the Cow.
Yudhishthira said;
I have heard that 'the dung of cows is indeed endowed with prosperity.' I wish to hear about this, for I have a great doubt about it. (13-81-1)
Bhīṣma said.
O best of the Bharatas, here too they relate this ancient story, a dialogue held among the cows with Śrī, O king. (13-81-2)
Śrī assumed a beautiful form here and indeed entered among the cows. The cows, then, were astonished, having seen the splendor of her beauty. (13-81-3)
The cows said.
O goddess, who are you? From where do you come, you who are incomparable in form on earth? We are truly astonished, O greatly fortunate one, at the splendor of your form. (13-81-4)
We wish to know you—who you are, where you will go; therefore, O golden-hued one, truly tell us all this. (13-81-5)
The blessed one said.
I am the beloved of the worlds; auspiciousness be upon you. Here, I am known by the name Śrī. By me, the Daityas have been abandoned and destroyed for everlasting ages. (13-81-6)
Indra, Vivasvat, Soma, Viṣṇu, the Waters, and Agni — all, when possessed by me, as well as sages and deities, thus prosper. (13-81-7)
Those whom I hate—their cows perish completely, and they are deprived of virtue, wealth, and pleasure, becoming afflicted with misfortune. (13-81-8)
Cows should thus recognize me, their giver of happiness and power. I also wish to always dwell among all of you. Having come, I, endowed with prosperity, earnestly request to be with you, O sinless ones. (13-81-9)
The cows spoke.
You are unstable, fickle, and common, associating with many; I do not desire you. Farewell to you; go wherever it pleases you. (13-81-10)
We, all possessing forms, what do we have to do with you today? Go wherever it is desired; we have fulfilled our work by you. (13-81-11)
Śrī said.
What is this fitting conduct by you, cows, that you did not welcome me here? Now you do not accept me; for what reason indeed, though I am rare (among women)? (13-81-12)
O virtuous ones, it is certain that both truth and popular opinion circulate in the world; when dishonor comes on its own, this is the established fact. (13-81-13)
Humans serve me by performing great and intense austerity; so do gods, demons, gandharvas, piśācas, serpents, and rākṣasas. (13-81-14)
O cows, this is indeed forgivable by you; please accept me here. Do not despise me, O gentle ones, anywhere in the three worlds with all moving and unmoving beings. (13-81-15)
The cows said.
O goddess, we do not despise you nor do we insult you. But since you are unsteady and fickle-minded, therefore we abandon you. (13-81-16)
Why say much here? Go wherever you desire. We all, beautiful-bodied ones—what have we to do with you, O sinless one? (13-81-17)
The revered one said.
O bestowers of honor, I shall be disregarded in all worlds; therefore, by your rejection, let this favor be granted. (13-81-18)
O greatly fortunate ladies, you are indeed worthy of refuge. Please always protect me, who is blameless and devoted to worship. But, auspicious ladies, I desire honor from you at all times. (13-81-19)
Even in a single limb, I wish to find among you something truly blameworthy; yet there is nothing blameworthy at all perceived in any of your limbs, O sinless ones. (13-81-20)
O holy, pure, and fortunate ones, grant my command. Please explain to me where I may reside, and in which limb I may dwell. (13-81-21)
Bhishma said;
But thus addressed, those auspicious, compassionate, and affectionate cows, having all consulted together, said to Śrī (prosperity), O king. (13-81-22)
We certainly must honor you, O illustrious lady. Dwell in excrement and urine; for us, O auspicious one, this is indeed merit. (13-81-23)
The Auspicious One spoke.
By good fortune, you have shown me favor, which is full of kindness. So may it be, may welfare be yours; I have been honored by you, who grant happiness. (13-81-24)
Bhīṣma said.
Thus, after making the agreement, Śrī, together with the cows, O Bhārata, in the sight of those women, then and there disappeared. (13-81-25)
O son, this greatness of the cow-sacrifice has been described to you. Now, listen further to the greatness of cows as spoken by me. (13-81-26)
