14.007
Saṁvarta said.
How did you come to know me, or by whom was I told to you? Tell me this truthfully, if you wish for my favor. (14-7-1)
If you speak the truth, all your desires shall be fulfilled; but if you speak falsehood, your head will split into seven parts. (14-7-2)
Marutta said.
Since you were introduced to me by Nārada as ‘my preceptor’s son’ while traveling on the path, therefore I have the greatest affection for you. (14-7-3)
Saṁvarta said.
What you have said is true—he knows me as a sacrificer. Please tell me this one thing: where at this moment is Nārada? (14-7-4)
Marutta said.
The best of divine sages, having spoken to you on my behalf, then granted me permission and entered the sacred fire. (14-7-5)
Vyāsa said;
But, having heard of this action of the king with great joy, (he/she) then said, "I too shall do thus much to this person." (14-7-6)
Then Marutta, appearing agitated, repeatedly addressed the brāhmaṇa with harsh words, as if rebuking, O king. (14-7-7)
How do you wish to be sacrificed by me, predominated by vāta, acting according to my own mind, and thus with a distorted form? (14-7-8)
My brother, who is capable and honored by Vāsava (Indra), is engaged in sacrifice; have those actions performed by him. (14-7-9)
My house, my possessions, the sacrificial and all household deities have all been abandoned by my ancestor; but this body alone is left out (excluded from that abandonment). (14-7-10)
O Āvikṣita, I should never cause you to perform a sacrifice in any way without his permission; for he is the one most worthy of reverence for me. (14-7-11)
So, you go to Bṛhaspati and, having obtained his permission, return here. Then I will conduct the sacrifice for you, if you wish to perform it here. (14-7-12)
Marutta said.
I, Saṃvarta, had previously gone to Bṛhaspati; hear that. He, having been hindered by Vāsava, does not desire me for the sacrifice. (14-7-13)
O sage, having attained the immortal sacrifice, do not ever have me perform a human sacrifice; you should have Marutta, who is of mortal nature and distressed, perform the sacrifice instead. (14-7-14)
That king always rivals me, O brāhmaṇa; indeed, he does. When your brother, the slayer of Vṛtra, was thus addressed, he replied, "Let it be so." (14-7-15)
He, having approached me with affection like a sacrificer, does not desire (to grant). Know that, O foremost of sages, having resorted to the king of the gods. (14-7-16)
Therefore, I wish to have you conduct (a sacrifice) for me even with all your wealth; I desire to surpass Indra by virtues accomplished through you. (14-7-17)
Indeed, O Brahmin, no idea arises in me to go to Bṛhaspati, for I have been rejected by him, even though no fault was committed. (14-7-18)
Saṁvarta said.
You wish to act as you please; all this is surely dependent on you. O king, if you carry out all my intentions. (14-7-19)
Accomplish this one thing: let Bṛhaspati and Purandara, both equally angry, hate you, who is being about to be sacrificed by me. (14-7-20)
How could you possess steadfastness here? That you should indeed make certain. Angry as I am, I could now turn you and your relatives to ashes without doubt. (14-7-21)
Marutta said.
As long as the sun shines and its rays remain upon the mountains, I would not accept even all the worlds if I must abandon this companionship. (14-7-22)
Let me never attain even auspicious understanding here at any time, if I would ever abandon connection with right knowledge or with the object. (14-7-23)
Saṁvarta said.
O Āvikṣita, may auspicious wisdom be applied to your actions. For the sacrificial rite that is mine is likewise performed by you, O King. (14-7-24)
O king, I will provide you with excellent, imperishable wealth, by which you shall surpass the gods, the Gandharvas, and even Śakra (Indra). (14-7-25)
But for me, no intention arises regarding wealth or sacrifices again. Rather, I intend to do something displeasing to both my brother and to Indra. (14-7-26)
I will surely grant you equality with Indra, and I will do what is dear to you. This is the truth—I speak it to you. (14-7-27)
