14.055
Janamejaya said.
By what austerity was Uttaṅka, of great austerity, enabled, who became desirous to pronounce a curse on Viṣṇu, the all-powerful Viṣṇu? (14-55-1)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Uttaṅka, endowed with great austerity and devoted to his teacher, O Janamejaya, was energetic and honored no one else. (14-55-2)
O Bhārata, of all the sons of sages, this was their wish: "May we indeed attain the conduct toward the teacher as was that of Uttaṅka." (14-55-3)
But, O Janamejaya, among Gautama's many disciples, a greater affection and love arose for Uttaṅka at that time. (14-55-4)
Gautama became pleased with him due to his restraint and purity, heroic deeds, and proper service. (14-55-5)
Then, after granting leave to thousands of disciples, Gautama, out of great affection, did not wish to let Uttaṅka go. (14-55-6)
O dear, gradually old age approached that great sage. But at that time, the sage, devoted to his teacher, did not notice it. (14-55-7)
Then once, O king, Uttaṅka went to fetch wood, and he brought back a very great load of wood. (14-55-8)
But he, overwhelmed by the burden, carrying the load of wood, O subduer of enemies, exhausted and hungry, crushed it on the ground, O king. (14-55-9)
His matted hair, shining like silver, became stuck on the wood. Then, along with the wood, it fell to the surface of the earth. (14-55-10)
Then Bhārgava, crushed by burden and overcome by hunger, upon seeing her aged condition, cried out in a distressed voice at that time. (14-55-11)
Then the teacher's daughter, whose eyes resembled lotus petals, the large-eyed and beautiful-hipped maiden, by her father's instruction and knowing what is right, bowed her head and took the tears with her hand. (14-55-12)
Her burnt hands fell to the ground with those tear-drops. Indeed, the earth was unable to bear the torrents of her tears. (14-55-13)
But Gautama, with a pleased mind, said to the Brāhmaṇa Uttaṅka: 'Why, dear one, is your mind today here appearing as if it has overcome grief? Tell me that freely, O best among Brāhmaṇas; I wish to hear your words.' (14-55-14)
Uttaṅka said.
With a mind fixed on you, motivated by the desire to do what pleases you, abiding here with devotion to you, and following your nature. (14-55-15)
May I grow old, with neither understanding nor known happiness by me; though you have lived with me a hundred years, you do not permit me. (14-55-16)
O best of the twice-born, at your permission, I have accepted inferior students—by the hundreds and by the thousands. (14-55-17)
Gautama said.
O best of the twice-born, by me, who served the guru with devotion joined to your pleasure, a great period of time passed unnoticed. (14-55-18)
O Bhārgava, if today you have faith in departing, then, having received permission from me, go home without delay. (14-55-19)
Uttanka said.
O best of the twice-born, for the sake of the teacher, what shall I give? Please tell me, O lord; having served him, I shall go with your permission. (14-55-20)
Gautama said.
Offering is indeed said by the good to be the satisfaction of teachers. By your actions, O Brahman, I am truly satisfied—there is no doubt about it. (14-55-21)
Thus, know me to be satisfied, O best of the Bhṛgus. You will become a youth of sixteen years today. (14-55-22)
I give you my wife, maiden and daughter, O Brahmin. Truly, except for her, no other is worthy of being united with your splendor. (14-55-23)
Then, having become a youth, he accepted the illustrious woman; having been permitted by the teacher, he then spoke to the teacher's wife. (14-55-24)
What shall I give you? For the sake of the teacher, appoint me. I indeed desire your cherished thing, even at the cost of my life or my wealth. (14-55-25)
Whatever extremely rare and marvelous gem there may be in this world—such a thing I am sure I can obtain through austerity. I have no doubt about this. (14-55-26)
Ahalya said.
I am always satisfied with you, my son, along with the Lord. May that blessing be yours; go, dear one, as you wish. (14-55-27)
Vaiśampāyana said.
But Uttaṅka, O great king, again spoke words: "Instruct me, O mother, in what should be done that is dear to you." (14-55-28)
Ahalya said.
Once the divine jeweled earrings have become known by Saudāsa's wife, bring them for yourself; may it be auspicious for you, and may your task for the teacher be well accomplished. (14-55-29)
Janamejaya, having agreed and having made the promise, then went to bring for the guru's wife what she desired. (14-55-30)
Then Uttaṅka, the eminent Brāhmaṇa, quickly went to Saudāsa the man-eater to beg for the bejeweled earrings. (14-55-31)
But Gautama said to his wife, "Uttaṅka is not seen today." When asked thus, she told him, "(He) has certainly gone for the sake of the earrings." (14-55-32)
Then he said to his wife, "You have not done this properly. Having been cursed, that king will surely kill the Brāhmaṇa." (14-55-33)
Ahalya said.
O revered one, the brāhmaṇa who was appointed by me today out of ignorance—by your grace, no fear at all will befall him. (14-55-34)
Thus addressed, Gautama said to his wife, "Let it be so." Uttaṅka, too, saw the king in the empty forest. (14-55-35)
