14.096
Janamejaya said.
Who is this who has the form of a mongoose with a golden head, who spoke words like a human after being questioned? Tell me.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Previously, I was not questioned, nor was it spoken by us. Let it be heard: Nakula, who is he, and in what manner is his speech human. (14-96-2)
Once, Jamadagni resolved to perform a rite for the ancestors; then, the cow for sacrificial rites approached him, and she herself milked herself for him. (14-96-3)
He placed that milk in a new, firm, clean vessel. But that anger, by its own nature, overturned the pot. (14-96-4)
The inquisitive person thought, "What should the greatest sage do when something displeasing has occurred?" With this in mind, the wicked-minded one forcibly took that milk. (14-96-5)
Having recognized him, the sage did not become angry at him then. But Anger, embodied and with folded hands, stood and addressed him thus. (14-96-6)
O foremost Bhṛgu, the Bhṛgus—being extremely angry—take it as a false rumor in the world that I have been conquered by you. (14-96-7)
Today, I am situated in you, the patient and great-souled one; O saint, I fear austerity. O mighty one, please grant me your grace. (14-96-8)
Janamejaya said.
I have seen you directly, O Anger; depart, you whose agitation has ceased. There is no offence of mine towards you today; I do not harbor resentment. (14-96-9)
Know that the resolve regarding this water was made by me for your most fortunate ancestors; let it go to them. (14-96-10)
Having been thus addressed and stricken with fear, he vanished there; however, by his contact with the ancestors, he attained the form of a mongoose. (14-96-11)
He appeased them so that the curse might end. And he was told by them, "When you cast aside dharma, then you will be freed." (14-96-12)
At their instruction, he avoided the sacrificial places and holy forests, but while shunning and circling, he eventually approached that very sacrifice. (14-96-13)
Then, when Dharmaputra (Yudhishthira) was struck with a prastha of saktu by him, he was released from the curse; thereafter, the anger of Dharma indeed became Yudhishthira. (14-96-14)
Thus, at the sacrifice of that great-souled one, this happened: while we were watching there, Nakula disappeared. (14-96-15)
