The Arrival of Viswamitra

Sri Valmiki

1. When the great sage said thus, Dasaratha, struck by sorrow and doubt, kept silent for a moment.

2. The queens in the palace were in a mood of distress.They were observing the activities of Rama closely.

3. At such a time, the famous sage Viswamitra arrived to see king Dasaratha.

4. -5. The "yajna" being performed by the sage for the protection of Dharma was being disturbed by people who were adept in the arts of "Maya".Because of these disturbances, the sage was not able to finish his sacrifice.He therefore, wanted to see Dasaratha and seek his help in protecting the sacrifice.

6. -7. The great "Tapasvi" wanted to destroy those interlopers.And so,the sage of great power arrived in Ayodhya.He arrived at the palace gate and told the commander of the palace gate :"I Viswamitra, son of king Gadhi, have arrived at the gate. I want to see the king immediately.Please go and tell your king."

8. -9. Hearing these words, the gatekeepers hurriedly repaired to insideof the palace and informed the king's attendant about the arrival of Viswamitra.Then, Yastika the chief of the retinue of the king quickly went to Dasaratha who was in a conference with his feudatories.

10. -13. "My lord, there arrived at the gate the great Viswamitra with olden mane and shining like the morning sun.Our elephants and horses and weapons are glowing red, reflecting his golden brilliance."

14. -15. Hearing this,King Dasaratha walked towards the palace gate, accompanied by ministers, sages Vasista and Vamadeva, and other retinue.

16. -17. There he saw sage Viswamitra who is the embodiment of the power of wisdom and valour.It looked as if the sun had descended to the earth for some reason.

18. -20. His body was emaciated due to severe austerities.His shoulders were covered by long matter hairs.He looked like a mountain covered by evening clouds.His body was quietly resplendant and pleasing to see. It looked invincible, like an embodiment of energy. The emenating light was delicate and terrifying, pleasing and agitating, majestic and immense.

21. -23. In his hands was the "kamandalu", his life-accompaniment.His mind was pure, compassionate and pleasant, he spoke in sweet tones and drenched people with the nectar of his looks.Adorned with the sacred thread, and with wide and white eyebrows, he induced endless wonder in the minds of spectators.

24. -26. Seeing this sage, Dasaratha bowed to him even from a distance. Viswamitra returned the bow with sweet words like the sun bowing the Indra.Then Vasista and others also appropriately welcomed the great sage.

Dasaratha

27. -29. "O great sage,we are blessed by your visit like the lotuses by the sun.Seeing you, we experience infinite happiness.We feel fully accomplished in dharma with your visit here."

30. Saying thus, the sages and the king entered the assembly hall and took their appropriate seats.

31. -34. Dasaratha worshipped Viswamitra, the most resplendant sage with smiles but with fear of any shortcomings in propriety.Viswamitra recieved the worship gracefully and praised Dasaratha.He enquired of him about the welfare of the state and himself.He greeted sage Vasista with great reverance and enquired about his disciples and the birds and other animals in his hermitage.

35. -38. Those gathered there, enquired of each other and felt very happy.Their power increased as a consequence.Dasaratha gave many presents,clothes, cows and money, to the seated sage Viswamitra.Then Dasaratha asked of Viswamitra with humility and folded hands thus in sweet tones.

39. -43. "O sage, your visit is like the gain of nectar; It is like arrival of rain after drought.It is like gaining sight by a blind man.It is like obtaining a son through a loved wife. Your arrival is like obtaining a thing seen in dreams. It is like meeting the loved ones; like finding something that was lost.Your arrival gives such a happiness like the return of one who has departed to the skies.Welcome to you o great sage.Whoever does not like residence in "Brahmaloka"! Your visit is causing such a happiness.I am telling the truth".

44. -45. "What need brings you here?What can I do?You are the most righteous person deserving to recieve any gift.You were a king-sage earlier.Scattering around illumination and glow of severe askesis.Having attained the state of "Brahmarshi" you are highly worship-worthy to us."

46. -47. "Seeing you my heart is gladdened and cooled.Its like a bath in the waters of the Ganga. You have no fear, no anger, no desires, no bodily disabilities.Yet you have come to us.It is a wonder."

48. -51. "O best of scholars in scriptures and Vedas, with your visit, my house and soul have been sanctified.I am excited as if I am in the world of moon.I deem your visit as that of Brahma.My life is fulfilled.I have been graced.I am not able to contain myself with the happiness caused by worshipping you."

52. -54. "O sage, please treat as if the cause of your visit is done.You are our revered guest.O bhagavan, o Kausika, do not hesitate to ask.What is it that cannot be given to you? Do not be worried about the appropriateness of that deed that you want.It is my duty to fulfill your need.You are verily a god."

55. The sage was immensely pleased, hearing these pleasant and apt words of king Dasaratha.