14.005
Yudhishthira said.
How did he become mighty, that king, the best among speakers? And how was he connected with gold, O twice-born? (14-5-1)
O venerable one, where does that wealth exist at present? And, O possessor of austerity, how is it possible for us to obtain it? (14-5-2)
Vyāsa said.
O dear one, both asuras and devas, who were the many offspring of Dakṣa, the Lord of Progeny, contended with each other. (14-5-3)
Likewise, Aṅgiras had two sons equal to a vow—Bṛhaspati, of great energy, and Saṁvarta, rich in austerity. (14-5-4)
O king, those two rivals also stayed apart from each other, and Bṛhaspati repeatedly harassed Saṁvarta. (14-5-5)
O Bhārata, constantly oppressed by his elder brother, he abandoned his wealth, donned only the directions (became naked), and chose to live in the forest. (14-5-6)
Indra too, having conquered and slain all the demons, after obtaining Indra-hood among the worlds, then chose as his priest the eldest son of Aṅgiras, the best of Brāhmaṇas, Bṛhaspati. (14-5-7)
Karandhama, a king of the Aṅgiras lineage, worthy of worship, lived formerly. He was peerless in his might, conduct, and strength in the world—like Indra in vigor, righteous in soul and resolute in his vows. (14-5-8)
O king, by meditation alone—and by the breath from (his) mouth—his vehicle, warriors, and various objects all came into being in every way. (14-5-9)
He, possessing virtues, made all the kings submit to his authority, becoming the lord of men. Having lived out his desired lifespan, he went to heaven with his body. (14-5-10)
His son, like Yayāti, became a knower of dharma; he subdued his foes and brought the entire earth under his control. That king, through valor and virtues, was just like a father. (14-5-11)
Marutta, powerful and equal to Indra, was his son by name. The earth, with the ocean as her garment, was fond of him. (14-5-12)
The king indeed constantly competes with Indra, the king of the gods; and Indra in turn competes with Marutta, O son of Pandu. (14-5-13)
Marutta, the lord of the earth, was pure and virtuous. Even when striving, he was not overcome by Indra. (14-5-14)
He, unable to achieve the desired result, summoned Bṛhaspati and, together with the gods, Indra (the bearer of Hari), spoke these words. (14-5-15)
O Bṛhaspati, do not in any way perform for Marutta either a divine rite or an ancestral one, if you wish to please me. (14-5-16)
O Bṛhaspati, I alone, among the gods in the three worlds, have obtained the position of Indra; but King Marutta has also attained it. (14-5-17)
O Brāhmaṇa, how could you, having conducted a sacrifice for the immortal lord of the gods, without hesitation propose to conduct a sacrifice for Marutta, who is subject to mortality? (14-5-18)
Choose me or the auspicious Marutta, the king, for yourself. Abandoning Marutta if you wish, take me according to your inclination. (14-5-19)
O Kauravya, when thus addressed by the lord of the gods, Bṛhaspati, after considering for a moment, spoke to the lord of the gods. (14-5-20)
You are the lord of beings; the worlds are established in you. You are the slayer of Namuci, Viśvarūpa, and also Bala. (14-5-21)
O destroyer of strength, you alone, O hero, have brought the supreme splendor of the gods, and you always support both the earth and heaven. (14-5-22)
O lord of the host of gods, having performed your priesthood, how might I be able to conduct the sacrifice for the mortal Marutta, O Indra? (14-5-23)
Take comfort, O lord of the gods; I will never accept the ladle in a sacrifice from a mortal. Also, listen to this my word. (14-5-24)
If my truth should waver, may the waters of the golden-semened sun arise, the earth be overturned, and the sun cease to give light. (14-5-25)
Śakra, after hearing the words of Bṛhaspati and praising him, being now free from envy, then entered his own abode at that time. (14-5-26)
