14.093
nakula uvāca॥
Nakula said.
hanta vo vartayiṣyāmi dānasya paramaṃ phalam। nyāyalabdhasya sūkṣmasya vipradattasya yad dvijāḥ ॥14-93-1॥
Indeed, I shall declare to you, O Brāhmaṇas, the supreme fruit of gifts—specifically that which is obtained righteously, is subtle, and given by a Brāhmaṇa. (14-93-1)
dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre dharmajñair bahubhir vṛte। uñchavṛttir dvijaḥ kaścit kāpotir abhavat purā ॥14-93-2॥
Once, in the field of dharma, Kurukṣetra, where many who knew dharma had gathered, there lived a certain twice-born named Kāpoti, who subsisted by gleaning. (14-93-2)
sabhāryaḥ saha putreṇa sasnuṣastapasi sthitaḥ। vadhūcaturtho vṛddhaḥ sa dharmātmā niyatendriyaḥ॥14-93-3॥
He, the aged and righteous-souled man of controlled senses, together with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law (as the fourth), dwelt engaged in penance. (14-93-3)
ṣaṣṭhe kāle tadā vipro bhuṅkte taiḥ saha suvrataḥ। ṣaṣṭhe kāle kadācic ca tasyāhāro na vidyate॥ bhuṅkte'nyasmin kadācit sa ṣaṣṭhe kāle dvijottamaḥ॥14-93-4॥
Then, in the sixth period, the virtuous Brāhmaṇa eats with them. Sometimes, in the sixth period, he has no food. Occasionally, at a different time, the best of Brāhmaṇas eats in the sixth period. (14-93-4)
kapotadharmiṇas tasya durbhikṣe sati dāruṇe। nāvidyata tadā viprāḥ sañcayas tān nibodhata ॥ kṣīṇauṣadhisamāvāyo dravyahīno'bhavat tadā ॥14-93-5॥
Of him, whose ways were like doves, during a terrible famine, then, no accumulation existed among the Brāhmins—know this. At that time, the collection of herbs was reduced and wealth was lacking. (14-93-5)
kāle kāle'sya samprāpte naiva vidyeta bhojanam. kṣudhāparigatāḥ sarve prātiṣṭhanta tadā tu te ॥14-93-6॥
At every appointed time, when his hour came, there was indeed no food to be found. Then, all of them, overcome by hunger, set out. (14-93-6)
uñchaṁs-tadā śuklapakṣe madhyaṁ tapati bhāskare| uṣṇārtaś-ca kṣudhārtaś-ca sa vipras-tapasi sthitaḥ ॥ uñcham-aprāptavān-eva sārdhaṁ parijanena ha ॥14-93-7॥
During the bright fortnight, at midday when the sun was blazing, afflicted by heat and hunger, that brāhmaṇa persisted in austerity, without having obtained any gleanings, together with his attendants. (14-93-7)
sa tathaiva kṣudhāviṣṭaḥ spṛṣṭvā toyaṃ yathāvidhi| kṣapayāmāsa taṃ kālaṃ kṛcchraprāṇo dvijottamaḥ ॥14-93-8॥
Afflicted by hunger, he—noble among Brāhmaṇas—having ritually touched water, spent that period with great difficulty, scarcely sustaining his life. (14-93-8)
atha ṣaṣṭhe gate kāle yavaprastham upārjayat। yavaprasthaṃ ca te saktūn akurvanta tapasvinaḥ ॥14-93-9॥
Then, in the sixth period, (he) acquired a measure of barley. The ascetics made sattu (parched barley flour) from that measure of barley. (14-93-9)
kṛta-japya-āhvikaḥ te tu hutvā vahniṃ yathā-vidhi| kuḍavaṃ kuḍavaṃ sarve vyabhajanta tapasvinaḥ ॥14-93-10॥
But after performing the japya and āhvika rites, and having duly offered oblations into the fire, all the ascetics distributed the food vessels among themselves. (14-93-10)
athāgacchad dvijaḥ kaścid atithiḥ bhuñjatāṃ tadā. te taṃ dṛṣṭvā atithim tatra prahṛṣṭamanasaḥ abhavan ॥14-93-11॥
Then, while they were eating, a Brāhmaṇa guest happened to arrive. Seeing the guest there, they became gladdened in their hearts. (14-93-11)
te'bhivādya sukhapraśnaṃ pṛṣṭvā tamatithiṃ tadā। viśuddhamanaso dāntāḥ śraddhādamasamanvitāḥ ॥14-93-12॥
They, after saluting and inquiring about the well-being of that guest at that time, approached him with pure minds, self-restraint, and full of faith and discipline. (14-93-12)
anasūyavo gatakrodhāḥ sādhavo gatamatsarāḥ। tyaktamānā jitakrodhā dharmajñā dvijasattamāḥ ॥14-93-13॥
The best of twice-born are those who are without envy, from whom anger and jealousy have departed, who are virtuous, who have abandoned pride, who have mastered their anger, and who know dharma. (14-93-13)
sabraḥmacaryaṃ svaṃ gotraṃ samākhyāya parasparam। kuṭīṃ praveśayāmāsuḥ kṣudhārtamatithiṃ tadā ॥14-93-14॥
Having introduced their respective lineages to each other as fellow celibates, they then admitted the guest, who was stricken with hunger, into the hut. (14-93-14)
idam arghyaṁ ca pādyaṁ ca bṛsī ca iyam tav ān agha. śucayaḥ saktavaś ca ime niyamopārjitāḥ prabho ॥ pratigṛhṇīṣva bhadraṁ te mayā dattā dvijottama ॥14-93-15॥
This arghya, pādya, and seat are for you, O sinless one. Here are also pure rice-cakes, prepared through observance of vows, O lord. Please accept these, O best of brahmins; may good come to you—they are given by me. (14-93-15)
ityuktaḥ pratigṛhyātha saktūnāṃ kuḍavaṃ dvijaḥ। bhakṣayāmāsa rājendra na ca tuṣṭiṃ jagāma saḥ॥14-93-16॥
Thus addressed, the brahmin took the measure of roasted flour and ate it, O King, but he did not attain satisfaction. (14-93-16)
sa uñchavṛttiḥ taṃ prekṣya kṣudhāparigataṃ dvijam। āhāraṃ cintayāmāsa kathaṃ tuṣṭo bhaved iti ॥14-93-17॥
He, the ascetic living by gleaning, seeing the twice-born man afflicted by hunger, thought about food: "How will he become satisfied?" (14-93-17)
tasya bhāryābravīd rājann madbhāgo dīyatām iti। gacchatv eṣa yathākāmaṃ santuṣṭo dvijasattamaḥ॥14-93-18॥
His wife said, O king, "let my share be given". Let this best of twice-born go satisfied, as he wishes. (14-93-18)
iti bruvantīṁ tāṁ sādhvīṁ dharmātmā sa dvijarṣabhaḥ। kṣudhāparigatāṁ jñātvā saktuṁs tān nābhyanandata ॥14-93-19॥
Thus, seeing the virtuous lady speaking so and realizing that she was overcome by hunger, the righteous best of the twice-born did not welcome those parched grains. (14-93-19)
jānanvṛddhāṃ kṣudhārtāṃ ca śrāntāṃ glānāṃ tapasvinīm। tvag-asthi-bhūtāṃ vepantīṃ tato bhāryām uvāca tām॥14-93-20॥
Then, realizing that his wife was old, hungry, weary, weak, an ascetic, emaciated to skin and bone, and trembling, he spoke to her. (14-93-20)
api kīṭapataṅgānāṃ mṛgāṇāṃ caiva śobhane। striyo rakṣyāś ca poṣyāś ca naivaṃ tvaṃ vaktum arhasi॥14-93-21॥
O beautiful one, even among insects, flying creatures, and animals, women are to be protected and supported; thus, you should not speak in this way. (14-93-21)
anukampito naro nāryā puṣṭo rakṣita eva ca। prapated yaśaso dīptān na ca lokān avāpnuyāt॥14-93-22॥
A man who is truly shown compassion, nourished, and protected by a woman may yet fall from fame and fail to attain the glorious worlds. (14-93-22)
ityuktā sā tataḥ prāha dharmārthau nau samau dvija। saktuprasthacaturbhāgaṃ gṛhāṇemaṃ prasīda me ॥14-93-23॥
Thus addressed, she then said: "For us, righteousness and wealth are equal, O twice-born. Please accept this quarter portion of a prastha of parched grain, and be pleased with me." (14-93-23)
satyaṁ ratiś ca dharmaś ca svargaś ca guṇanirjitaḥ. strīṇāṁ patisamādhīnaṁ kāṅkṣitaṁ ca dvijottama ॥14-93-24॥
Truth, delight, righteousness, and heaven—these are attained by virtues; for women, obedience to the husband is desirable, O best of twice-born. (14-93-24)
ṛturmātuḥ piturbījaṃ daivataṃ paramaṃ patiḥ। bhartuḥ prasādātstrīṇāṃ vai ratiḥ putraphalaṃ tathā॥14-93-25॥
The season of the mother, the father’s seed, divine agency, and the supreme is the husband. By the husband’s favor, indeed, women’s desire results in a son as offspring likewise. (14-93-25)
pālanāddhi patis tvaṃ me bhartāsi bharaṇān mama। putrapradānād varadas tasmāt saktūn gṛhāṇa me॥14-93-26॥
Indeed, by your protection you are my lord, by your support you are my husband, and by granting a son you are the giver of boons; therefore, accept these roasted grains from me. (14-93-26)
jarāparigato vṛddhaḥ kṣudhārto durbalo bhṛśam। upavāsapariśrānto yadā tvam api karśitaḥ ॥14-93-27॥
When you have grown old, are aged, afflicted by hunger, exceedingly feeble, exhausted by fasting, and you too are emaciated. (14-93-27)
ity-uktaḥ sa tayā saktūn pragṛhya idaṃ vaco 'bravīt। dvija saktūn imān bhūyaḥ pratigṛhṇīṣva sattama ॥14-93-28॥
Thus addressed by her, he took the roasted grains and spoke these words: "O Brāhmaṇa, please accept these roasted grains again, O best of men." (14-93-28)
sa tān pragṛhya bhuktvā ca na tuṣṭim agamat dvijaḥ। tam uñcha-vṛttim ālakṣya tataś cintāparaḥ abhavat ॥14-93-29॥
Having taken and eaten the food, the Brahmin did not find satisfaction. Observing that person's way of subsisting on gleanings, he then became full of worry. (14-93-29)
putra uvāca॥
The son spoke.
saktūnimān pragr̥hya tvaṃ dehi viprāya sattama। ityevaṃ sukṛtaṃ manye tasmād etat karomy aham ॥14-93-30॥
Taking these flour-cakes, give them to the Brāhmaṇa, O best one. Thinking thus, 'this is a virtuous act,' therefore I am doing this. (14-93-30)
bhavān hi paripālyo me sarvayatnair dvijottama। sādhūnāṃ kāṅkṣitaṃ hy etat pitur vṛddhasya poṣaṇam ॥14-93-31॥
You truly are to be cared for by me in every way, O best of Brahmins. For the virtuous, the care of an aged father is indeed most desired. (14-93-31)
putrārtho vihito hyeṣa sthāvirye paripālanam। śrutireṣā hi viprarṣe triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā ॥14-93-32॥
The purpose of a son, namely protection in old age, is indeed enjoined; O sage among Brāhmaṇas, this teaching is well known throughout the three worlds. (14-93-32)
prāṇadhāraṇamātreṇa śakyaṃ kartuṃ tapastvayā। prāṇo hi paramo dharmaḥ sthito deheṣu dehinām॥14-93-33॥
You can perform austerity simply by sustaining your breath. Indeed, the breath is the supreme duty present in the bodies of all living beings. (14-93-33)
pitovāca॥
The father said.
api varṣasahasrī tvaṁ bāla eva mato mama। utpādya putraṁ hi pitā kṛtakṛtyo bhavatyuta ॥14-93-34॥
Even if you are a thousand years old, to me you are still just a child. By begetting a son, a father indeed becomes one who has fulfilled his duty. (14-93-34)
bālānāṃ kṣudbalavatī jānāmy etad ahaṃ vibho। vṛddho'ham dhārayiṣyāmi tvaṃ balī bhava putraka ॥14-93-35॥
I know that hunger is strong in children, O lord. I am old and will endure it; you be strong, dear son. (14-93-35)
jīrṇena vayāsā putra na mā kṣudbādhate'pi ca। dīrghakālaṃ tapastaptaṃ na me maraṇato bhayam ॥14-93-36॥
Because of old age, son, hunger does not trouble me at all; for I have long practiced austerities, and I have no fear of death. (14-93-36)
putra uvāca॥
The son said.
apatyamasmi te putrastrāṇātputro hi viśrutaḥ। ātmā putraḥ smṛtastasmāttrāhyātmānamihātmanā ॥14-93-37॥
I am your child; since protecting the son is truly renowned as the act of a son. The self is regarded as one's son; therefore, protect yourself here by your own self. (14-93-37)
pitovāca॥
The father said.
rūpeṇa sadṛśastvaṃ me śīlena ca damena ca. parīkṣitaśca bahudhā saktūnādadmi te tataḥ ॥14-93-38॥
You are similar to me in form, and also in character and self-control. Having tested you in many ways, I have therefore given you barley-meal. (14-93-38)
ity uktvā ādāya tān saktūn prītātmā dvijasattamaḥ | prahasann iva viprāya sa tasmai pradadau tadā ॥14-93-39॥
Having spoken thus, the best of the twice-born, his heart delighted, took those parched grains and, as if smiling, gave them at that time to the brāhmaṇa. (14-93-39)
bhuktvā tān api saktūn naiva tuṣṭo babhūva ha। uñchavṛttis tu savrīḍo babhūva dvijasattamaḥ ॥14-93-40॥
Even after eating those parched grains, he truly did not feel satisfied. However, the best of the twice-born living on gleanings felt ashamed. (14-93-40)
taṃ vai vadhūḥ sthitā sādhuī brāhmaṇapriyakāmyayā। saktūn ādāya saṃhṛṣṭā guruṃ taṃ vākyam abravīt ॥14-93-41॥
Indeed, the virtuous young wife, standing with a desire to please the Brāhmaṇa, joyfully took parched grains and spoke these words to her preceptor. (14-93-41)
santānāt tava santānaṁ mama vipra bhaviṣyati। saktūnim ān atithaye gṛhītvā tvaṁ prayaccha me ॥14-93-42॥
From your offspring, a brāhmaṇa descendant of mine will arise. Take these parched grains for the guest and give them to me. (14-93-42)
tava prasava-nirvṛtyā mama lokāḥ kilākṣayāḥ। pautreṇa tān avāpnoti yatra gatvā na śocati॥14-93-43॥
Indeed, through your begetting a child my worlds become imperishable; and by means of the grandson, one attains those (worlds) where, having reached, there is no grief. (14-93-43)
dharmādyā hi yathā tretā vahnitretā tathaiva ca। tathaiva putrapautrāṇāṃ svarge tretā kilākṣayā॥14-93-44॥
Just as the duties and so on are associated with the Treta (yuga), and the sacrificial fire of three kindlings likewise; so also, the connection of sons and grandsons in heaven is imperishable like the Treta. (14-93-44)
pitṝṁs trāṇāt tārayati putra ity anuśuśruma। putrapautraiś ca niyataṁ sādhulokān upāśnute ॥14-93-45॥
We have heard that a son saves his forefathers from danger. And by means of sons and grandsons, one certainly attains the worlds of the virtuous. (14-93-45)
śvaśura uvāca॥
The father-in-law said.
vātātapa-viśīrṇāṅgīṃ tvāṃ vivarṇāṃ nirīkṣya vai। karśitāṃ suvratācāre kṣudhā-vihvalacetasam ॥14-93-46॥
Seeing you, whose limbs are wasted by wind and heat, pale, emaciated, of supreme conduct, and with your mind shaken by hunger. (14-93-46)
kathaṁ saktūn-grahīṣyāmi bhūtvā dharmopaghātakaḥ। kalyāṇavṛtte kalyāṇi naivaṁ tvaṁ vaktum-arhasi ॥14-93-47॥
How could I take barley meal by becoming a destroyer of righteousness? O auspicious lady of virtuous conduct, you should not speak this way. (14-93-47)
ṣaṣṭhe kāle vratavatīṃ śīlaśaucasamanvitām। kṛcchravṛttiṃ nirāhārāṃ drakṣyāmi tvāṃ kathaṃ nvaham॥14-93-48॥
How shall I, on the sixth day, see you, who are observing a vow, endowed with character and purity, practicing austerities, and without food? (14-93-48)
bālā kṣudhārtā nārī ca rakṣyā tvaṁ satataṁ mayā। upavāsapariśrāntā tvaṁ hi bāndhavanandinī ॥14-93-49॥
You, a young woman afflicted by hunger, are to be always protected by me. Being weary due to fasting, you are indeed the delight of your relatives. (14-93-49)
snuṣovāca॥
The daughter-in-law spoke.
gurormama gurustvaṃ vai yato daivatadaivatam। devātidevastasmāttvaṃ saktūnādatsva me vibho ॥14-93-50॥
You are indeed my teacher's teacher, because you are the god of gods. Therefore, O supreme one, please accept the parched grain from me. (14-93-50)
dehaḥ prāṇaś ca dharmaś ca śuśrūṣārtham idaṃ guroḥ। tava vipra prasādena lokān prāpsyāmy abhīpsitān ॥14-93-51॥
My body, life, and righteousness—indeed, all this exists for serving my teacher. By your favor, O brāhmaṇa, I shall attain the worlds I desire. (14-93-51)
avekṣyā iti kṛtvā tvaṁ dṛḍhabhaktyeti vā dvija. cintyā mameyamiti vā saktūnādātumarhasi ॥14-93-52॥
O twice-born, whether you have reflected in this manner, or have determined with firm devotion, or have thought 'this is mine,' you should give the parched grains. (14-93-52)
śvaśura uvāca॥
The father-in-law said;
anena nityaṃ sādhvī tvaṃ śīlavṛttena śobhase। yā tvaṃ dharmavratopetā guruvṛttimavekṣase॥14-93-53॥
Because of this, O virtuous woman, you always shine through your conduct and character; you, who are devoted to dharma, carefully attend to the duties towards elders. (14-93-53)
tasmātsaktūn grahīṣyāmi vadhūr nārhasi vañcanām। gaṇayitvā mahābhāge tvaṃ hi dharmabhṛtāṃ varā ॥14-93-54॥
Therefore, I will take the parched grains; O bride, you should not act deceitfully. Having counted, O highly fortunate one, you are indeed the best among those who uphold dharma. (14-93-54)
ity uktvā tān upādāya saktūn prādād dvijātaye. tataḥ tuṣṭaḥ abhavat vipraḥ tasya sādhoḥ mahātmanaḥ ॥14-93-55॥
Having spoken thus and taking those parched grains, he gave them to the Brāhmaṇa; then the Brāhmaṇa became satisfied with that great-souled sage. (14-93-55)
prītātmā sa tu taṃ vākyam idam āha dvijarṣabham। vāgmī tadā dvijaśreṣṭho dharmaḥ puruṣavigrahaḥ ॥14-93-56॥
With a delighted heart, he himself then addressed these words to the foremost of twice-born; the eloquent and noble brahmin, Dharma incarnate in human form. (14-93-56)
śuddhena tava dānena nyāyopāttena yatnataḥ। yathāśakti vimuktena prīto'smi dvijasattama ॥14-93-57॥
O best of the twice-born, I am pleased by your pure, carefully righteously-obtained gift, freely-given according to your ability. (14-93-57)
aho dānaṃ ghuṣyate te svarge svarganivāsibhiḥ। gaganāt puṣpavarṣaṃ ca paśyasva patitaṃ bhuvi ॥14-93-58॥
Oh! Your gift is being praised in heaven by the heavenly dwellers. Behold also the shower of flowers fallen from the sky onto the earth. (14-93-58)
suraṛṣidevagandharvā ye ca devapuraḥsarāḥ। stuvanto devadūtāśca sthitā dānena vismitāḥ ॥14-93-59॥
The gods, sages, gandharvas, and all those led by the gods, along with the divine messengers, stood astonished at his gift, offering praise. (14-93-59)
brahmarṣayo vimānasthā brahmalokagatāś ca ye। kāṅkṣante darśanaṃ tubhyaṃ divaṃ gaccha dvijarṣabha ॥14-93-60॥
The brahma-ṛṣis in their celestial vehicles and those who have attained Brahma's world all wish to see you. Go to heaven, O best among the twice-born. (14-93-60)
pitṛlokagatāḥ sarve tāritāḥ pitarastvayā. anāgatāśca bahavaḥ subahūni yugāni ca ॥14-93-61॥
All the ancestors who have gone to the world of the ancestors have been saved by you; and many yet to come, in countless future ages as well. (14-93-61)
brahmacaryeṇa yajñena dānena tapasā tathā। aghavareṇa dharmeṇa tasmādgaccha divaṃ dvija ॥14-93-62॥
O twice-born, therefore, by celibacy, sacrifice, charity, austerity, absence of deceit, and righteousness, go to heaven. (14-93-62)
śraddhayā parayā yas tvaṃ tapaś carasī suvrata। tasmād devās tavānena prītā dvijavarottama ॥14-93-63॥
O best among the twice-born, because you practise austerity with supreme faith, O virtuous one, the gods are pleased with you by this. (14-93-63)
sarvasvam etad yasmāt te tyaktaṃ śuddhena cetasā। kṛcchra-kāle tataḥ svargaḥ jitaḥ ayaṃ tava karmaṇā ॥14-93-64॥
Because you have abandoned all this wealth with a pure mind in a time of hardship, therefore heaven has been conquered by your action. (14-93-64)
kṣudhā nirṇudati prajñāṃ dharmyāṃ buddhiṃ vyapohati. kṣudhāparigatajñāno dhṛtiṃ tyajati caiva ha ॥14-93-65॥
Hunger afflicts wisdom and removes righteous understanding. A person whose knowledge is overcome by hunger certainly abandons resolve. (14-93-65)
bubhukṣāṃ jayate yastu sa svargaṃ jayate dhruvam। yadā dānarucirbhavati tadā dharmo na sīdati ॥14-93-66॥
The one who overcomes hunger truly attains heaven; when the wish to give arises, then righteousness does not falter. (14-93-66)
anavekṣya sutasnehaṃ kalatrasneham-eva ca। dharmam-eva guruṃ jñātvā tṛṣṇā na gaṇitā tvayā॥14-93-67॥
You disregarded affection for your son and wife, and, recognizing righteousness as the highest value, you did not give any place to desire. (14-93-67)
dravyāgamo nṛṇāṃ sūkṣmaḥ pātre dānaṃ tataḥ param | kālaḥ parataro dānācchraddhā cāpi tataḥ parā ॥14-93-68॥
The acquisition of wealth by men is subtle; giving to a worthy recipient is greater than that. Time is even greater than such giving, but faith is supreme above all. (14-93-68)
svargadvāraṃ susūkṣmaṃ hi narairmohānna dṛśyate। svargārgalaṃ lobhabījaṃ rāgaguptaṃ durāsadam ॥14-93-69॥
The gate of heaven, being very subtle, is indeed not seen by men due to delusion. The bolt of heaven, whose seed is greed and which is concealed by passion, is difficult to overcome. (14-93-69)
tattu paśyanti puruṣā jitakrodhā jitendriyāḥ। brāhmaṇāstapasā yuktā yathāśaktipradāyinaḥ॥14-93-70॥
But that is seen by men who have conquered anger and their senses, Brahmins endowed with austerity, who give according to their ability. (14-93-70)
sahasraśaktiś ca śataṃ śataśaktir daśāpi ca। dadyād apaś ca yaḥ śaktyā sarve tulyaphalāḥ smṛtāḥ ॥14-93-71॥
He who gives water according to his ability—whether with a thousandfold, a hundredfold, a tenfold power, or less—all are considered to receive equal fruit. (14-93-71)
rantidevo hi nṛpatir apaḥ prādād akiñcanaḥ। śuddhena manasā vipra nākapṛṣṭhaṃ tato gataḥ॥14-93-72॥
O brāhmaṇa, Rantideva, though a king possessing nothing, indeed gave water and, with a pure mind, thereafter went to heaven. (14-93-72)
na dharmaḥ prīyate tāta dānaiḥ dattaiḥ mahāphalaiḥ। nyāya-labdhaiḥ yathā sūkṣmaiḥ śraddhā-pūtaiḥ sa tuṣyati॥14-93-73॥
O dear one, dharma is not pleased by gifts of great results that are given, but he is satisfied by even small ones acquired justly and purified by faith. (14-93-73)
gopradāna-sahasrāṇi dvijebhyo'dān nṛgo nṛpaḥ। ekāṃ dattvā sa pārakyāṃ narakaṃ samavāptavān॥14-93-74॥
King Nṛga gave a thousand cows to Brāhmaṇas, but by giving even one that belonged to another, he attained hell. (14-93-74)
ātma-māṁsa-pradānena śibi-rauśīnaraḥ nṛpaḥ। prāpya puṇya-kṛtāṁl lokān modate divi suvrataḥ॥14-93-75॥
By offering his own flesh, King Śibi of the Uśīnara lineage attained the worlds of the righteous and rejoices in heaven, steadfast in his good vows. (14-93-75)
vibhave na nṛṇāṃ puṇyaṃ svaśaktyā svarjitaṃ satām। na yajñairvividhairvipra yathānyāyena sañcitaiḥ॥14-93-76॥
O brāhmaṇa, in wealth, the merit of men does not lie in what is self-acquired by their own power, O good one; it does not arise from various sacrifices that are accumulated by unjust means. (14-93-76)
krodho dānaphalaṃ hanti lobhātsvargaṃ na gacchati। nyāyavṛttir hi tapasā dānavit svargam aśnute ॥14-93-77॥
Anger destroys the reward of charity, and due to greed, one does not reach heaven. But a person who lives righteously, practices austerity, and is charitable truly attains heaven. (14-93-77)
na rājasūyair bahubhir iṣṭvā vipula-dakṣiṇaiḥ। na ca aśvamedhair bahubhiḥ phalaṃ samam idaṃ tava॥14-93-78॥
Not by performing many rājasūya-sacrifices with abundant gifts, nor even by many aśvamedha-sacrifices, is the fruit equal to this of yours. (14-93-78)
saktuprasthena hi jito brahmalokastvayānagha। virajo brahmabhavanaṃ gaccha vipra yathecchakam ॥14-93-79॥
By offering a prastha of parched grain, O sinless brāhmaṇa, you have truly conquered Brahmaloka. Free from all passion, go to Brahma's abode as you wish. (14-93-79)
sarveṣāṃ vo dvijaśreṣṭha divyaṃ yānamupasthitam। ārohata yathākāmaṃ dharmo'smi dvija paśya mām ॥14-93-80॥
O best of Brāhmaṇas, a divine vehicle has arrived for all of you. Ascend as you desire. I am Dharma—O Brāhmaṇa, behold me. (14-93-80)
pāvito hi tvayā deho loke kīrtiḥ sthirā ca te. sabhāryaḥ sahaputraś ca sasnuṣaś ca divaṃ vraja ॥14-93-81॥
Indeed, your body has been purified by you; your fame remains steady in the world. Go to heaven with your wife, your son, and your daughter-in-law. (14-93-81)
ity-uktavākyo dharmeṇa yānam āruhy sa dvijaḥ। sabhāryaḥ sasutaś cāpi sasnuṣaś ca divaṃ yayau ॥14-93-82॥
Having thus spoken, the twice-born, with righteousness, mounted the vehicle, and together with his wife, son, and daughters-in-law, went to heaven. (14-93-82)
tasmin vipre gate svargaṃ sasute sasnuṣe tadā। bhāryācaturthe dharmajñe tato'haṃ niḥsṛto bilāt ॥14-93-83॥
When that brāhmaṇa went to heaven along with his son and daughter-in-law, and then, with the wife as the fourth person and a knower of dharma, I then emerged from the hole. (14-93-83)
tatastu saktugandhena kledena salilasya ca. divyapuṣpāvamardācca sādhordanalavaiśca taiḥ । viprasya tapasā tasya śiro me kāñcanīkṛtam ॥14-93-84॥
But then, because of the smell of the flour, the moisture of water, the pressing of divine flowers, and by the remnants of food offerings from the sage, by all these, and by the brāhmaṇa's austerity, my head was turned to gold. (14-93-84)
tasya satyābhisandhasya sūkṣmadānena caiva ha। śarīrārdhaṃ ca me viprāḥ śātakumbhamayaṃ kṛtam॥ paśyatedaṃ suvipulaṃ tapasā tasya dhīmataḥ॥14-93-85॥
O brāhmaṇas, half of my body has become golden due to the subtle gift of that truth-devoted wise one; see this vast (transformation), accomplished by his penance. (14-93-85)
kathamevaṁ-vidhaṁ me syād anyat-pārśvam iti dvijāḥ। tapovanāni yajñāṁś ca hṛṣṭo'bhyemi punaḥ punaḥ॥14-93-86॥
How can such a condition be mine on the other side? Thus, O Brāhmaṇas, with delight I again and again approach forests of penance and sacrifices. (14-93-86)
yajñaṃ tv aham imaṃ śrutvā kururājasya dhīmataḥ। āśayā parayā prāpto na cāhaṃ kāñcanīkṛtaḥ॥14-93-87॥
Indeed, having heard of this sacrifice of the wise king of the Kurus, I came with great hope, but I was not made golden. (14-93-87)
tato mayoktaṃ tadvākyaṃ prahasya dvijasattamāḥ। saktuprasthena yajño'yaṃ saṃmito neti sarvathā ॥14-93-88॥
Thereupon, when I had spoken that statement, the excellent twice-born ones laughed and said: 'This sacrifice cannot at all be measured by just a prastha of saktu.' (14-93-88)
saktuprasthalavaistair hi tadāhaṃ kāñcanīkṛtaḥ। na hi yajño mahāneṣa sadṛśastairmato mama ॥14-93-89॥
By those measures of parched grain, indeed, at that time I was turned into gold. I do not regard this great sacrifice as equal to those.
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
ity uktvā nakulaḥ sarvān yajñe dvijavarāṁs tadā। jagāmādarśanaṁ rājan viprās te ca yayur gṛhān ॥14-93-90॥
Having thus spoken to all the excellent Brāhmaṇas at the sacrifice, Nakula disappeared from sight. O king, the Brāhmaṇas too returned to their homes. (14-93-90)
etatte sarvam ākhyātaṃ mayā parapurañjaya। yadāścaryam abhūt tasmin vājimedhe mahākratau ॥14-93-91॥
O conqueror of enemy cities, I have told you all of this—what wonder occurred in that horse-sacrifice, in that great ritual. (14-93-91)
na vismayas te nṛpate yajñe kāryaḥ kathañcana। ṛṣikoṭisahasrāṇi tapobhir ye divaṃ gatāḥ ॥14-93-92॥
O king, you should not feel any amazement at the sacrifice; countless crores of sages have reached heaven through their austerities. (14-93-92)
adrohaḥ sarvabhūteṣu santoṣaḥ śīlam ārjavam | tapo damaś ca satyaṃ ca dānaṃ ceti samaṃ matam ॥14-93-93॥
Absence of hostility towards all beings, contentment, good character, honesty, austerity, self-restraint, truthfulness, and charity — all these are regarded as equally important. (14-93-93)
