13.098
The gift of umbrella and shoes.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Thus, then, what action did the very illustrious sage Jamadagni undertake when the Sun was beseeching? (13-98-1)
Bhīṣma said.
Thus, O descendant of Kuru, even after being repeatedly entreated, the sage Jamadagni, whose radiance was like that of fire, did not attain peace. (13-98-2)
Then the Sun, assuming the form of a Brāhmaṇa with joined palms and having bowed, addressed him with sweet words, saying this, O lord of men. (13-98-3)
O sage among the twice-born, the cause of movement is always with the journeying Sun. How will you, who always sees the Sun moving, know what is truly moving? (13-98-4)
Jamadagni said.
Whether fixed or moving, I recognize you with the eye of knowledge. Today it is necessary for me to offer you respect. (13-98-5)
O Sun, in the afternoon you remain only for half a moment. There I shall know you—O Sun, for me there is no doubt about this. (13-98-6)
The sun said.
O sage among Brahmins, without doubt, you will know me, O best of bowmen. But, O venerable one, know me—even though I have caused harm—as one who has sought refuge. (13-98-7)
Bhīṣma said.
Then, having laughed, the venerable Jamadagni said to him: "O Sūrya, you should not cause fear; because he has indeed submitted, you are (to him)." (13-98-8)
The straightforwardness found in Brāhmaṇas, the steadfastness on the earth’s surface, the gentleness of Soma, and the depth of Varuṇa—(13-98-9)
One who surpasses the splendor of Agni, the radiance of Meru, and the heat of the sun—such a person, indeed, should kill someone who has come for refuge. (13-98-10)
He is regarded as one who sleeps with his teacher's wife, a Brāhmaṇa-slayer, or a drinker of intoxicating liquor, who slays someone that has sought refuge. (13-98-11)
O dear, consider the solution to removing this, so that the path, warmed by your rays, may become easily accessible. (13-98-12)
Bhīṣma said.
Having said this, he then became silent, O best of Bhṛgus. Then the Sun quickly gave him a parasol and sandals indeed. (13-98-13)
The Sun said;
O great sage, please accept this head-protection—the umbrella that wards off the sun's rays—and for your feet, these leather sandals for protection. (13-98-14)
From today onward, indeed, this will become prevalent in the world; in all acts of pious giving, it will be the supremely imperishable. (13-98-15)
Bhīṣma said.
O Bhārata, this footshade indeed was set in motion here by the sun. This is a meritorious act, well-known in the three worlds. (13-98-16)
Therefore, give the excellent umbrella and footwear to the brāhmaṇas. The righteousness you gain will be exceedingly great; for me, in this matter, there is no deliberation. (13-98-17)
O best of the Bharatas, whoever gives to a twice-born a white umbrella with a hundred ribs, indeed, after death he attains happiness. (13-98-18)
He resides in Indra's world, honored by the twice-born, always by the Apsarases and the gods, O best of the Bharatas. (13-98-19)
O strong-armed one, whoever gives a pair of sandals to a brāhmaṇa who is suffering from burning, to a snātaka (graduate), to a twice-born who is firm in vows— (13-98-20)
He too attains the worlds highly revered by the gods; he dwells joyfully in Goloka after leaving this body, O Bhārata. (13-98-21)
O best of the Bharatas, I have now declared to you in full the fruit of giving an umbrella and footwear, O foremost among the Bharatas. (13-98-22)
