14.095
Janamejaya said:
O venerable one, if by renunciation that accords with dharma all exists, declare all this to me, for you are indeed skilled in speaking. (14-95-1)
Then, regarding the conduct of begging, whatever is practiced in the giving of saktu, its result is great; this has been told to me, O brāhmaṇa—this is certainly true and there is no doubt about it. (14-95-2)
O best of twice-born, please tell me completely how supreme certainty can be established in all sacrifices. (14-95-3)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Here also, O conqueror of foes, they recite this ancient story that happened long ago at the great sacrifice of Agastya. (14-95-4)
Once, Agastya of great splendor, devoted to the welfare of all beings, entered into a twelve-year vow of religious observance, O great king. (14-95-5)
There in that sacrifice were great-souled priests like fire: some ate only roots, some abstained from all food, some ate even pebbles, and some subsisted on sunrays. (14-95-6)
Here, those who scrape, collectors of remnants, those who wash clean, as well as ascetics and mendicants, were assembled. (14-95-7)
All of them, possessing manifest righteous conduct, having conquered anger and their senses, established in self-restraint, are entirely free from hypocrisy and delusion. (14-95-8)
The great sages, always established in pure conduct and with their senses restrained, worshipped that sacrifice and partook of it. (14-95-9)
That food was acquired by the revered one according to his capacity. In that sacrificial session, there was nothing at all unsuitable. For thus, many great sacrifices were performed by the sages. (14-95-10)
O best of the Bharatas, when such a one as Agastya was present at the great sacrifice, the thousand-eyed Indra did not cause rain at that time. (14-95-11)
Then, O king, during another occasion related to the great-souled Agastya, this story occurred among those sages whose minds have been purified. (14-95-12)
This Agastya, the sacrificer, gives food without envy. But if the rain-cloud does not rain, how will there be food? (14-95-13)
O brāhmans, this great sacrificial session of the sage will last twelve years; and for these twelve years the god (Indra) will not send rain. (14-95-14)
Having considered this, you all are worthy to bestow favor on this great and intelligent Ṛṣi Agastya, who is of extreme austerity. (14-95-15)
When these words had been spoken in this way, the powerful Agastya, eloquent, after pleasing the sages by bowing his head, spoke these words. (14-95-16)
If Indra does not bring rain for twelve years, I will perform the mental sacrifice—this Brahmā is eternal. (14-95-17)
If Vāsava (Indra) does not cause rain for twelve years, I shall by exertion undertake other sacrifices and extremely rigorous vows. (14-95-18)
This seed-sacrifice has indeed been collected by me over many years; I shall perform it with prepared seeds, and no obstacle will arise here. (14-95-19)
This sacrifice of mine cannot possibly be rendered void in any way. Here the god will rain, or the god will not be (present) here. (14-95-20)
Then, either upon request, Indra should not act here according to desire. I myself will become Indra and will sustain the creatures. (14-95-21)
He who is of whichever type of food, he will become of precisely that kind; and I certainly bring about the distinction again and again exceedingly. (14-95-22)
May gold come here today, and whatever other wealth is difficult to obtain; whatever exists in the three worlds, let that itself come here. (14-95-23)
May the divine hosts of Apsarases, along with the Gandharvas and Kinnaras, Viśvāvasu, and all others — may they also always worship you. (14-95-24)
Let whatever treasure may be found among the northern Kurus and the Kurus, all of it, present itself here of its own accord at my sacrifice. May heaven, the seats of heaven, and virtue, all likewise come by themselves. (14-95-25)
When this was said, all of it indeed came to pass by the wise one's power. Then, seeing the sage's ascetic strength, the astonished sages all spoke these words, full of great meaning. (14-95-26)
We are pleased by your words; but we do not desire you to expend your austerities. We are truly satisfied by our own sacrifices and we wish for what is just. (14-95-27)
Sacrifices, initiations, oblation rituals, and anything else we seek—let all that be gained for us through our own sacrifices; we do not seek (it) from elsewhere. (14-95-28)
We, engaged in our own duties and partaking of food acquired by justice, duly seek the Vedas through celibacy and in a rightful manner. (14-95-29)
We, having departed justly from our homes after the proper time, shall undertake austerities by the means enjoined by religious law. (14-95-30)
Your understanding is truly correct, being free from violence. You should always proclaim this non-violence in sacrifices, O Lord. (14-95-31)
O best among the excellent twice-born, we shall then be pleased. Having been dismissed at the close of this sacrificial session, we shall depart. (14-95-32)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, while they were speaking, Indra, the king of the gods, Purandara, possessing great brilliance, caused it to rain upon seeing his ascetic power. (14-95-33)
O Janamejaya, while his great sacrifice was yet unfinished, Indra, the lord of the gods of immense valor, bestowed abundant rains. (14-95-34)
And the lord of the gods, having himself approached, O royal sage, caused Agastya to be pleased, placing Bṛhaspati at the forefront. (14-95-35)
Then, when the sacrifice was completed, Agastya, having duly honored the great sages and being deeply pleased, dismissed them. (14-95-36)
