अष्टावक्र उवाच ।
१३.२०.१
तथास्तु साधयिष्यामि तत्र यास्याम्यसंशयम् ।
यत्र त्वं वदसे साधो भवान्भवतु सत्यवाक् ॥
यत्र त्वं वदसे साधो भवान्भवतु सत्यवाक् ॥
M N Dutt
Ashtavakra said So be it! I shall do your bidding. Verily, I shall proceed to that region of which you mention, O you righteous soul! On your side, you should make your words truthful.
भीष्म उवाच ।
१३.२०.२
ततोऽगच्छत्स भगवानुत्तरामुत्तमां दिशम् ।
हिमवन्तं गिरिश्रेष्ठं सिद्धचारणसेवितम् ॥
हिमवन्तं गिरिश्रेष्ठं सिद्धचारणसेवितम् ॥
M N Dutt
Bhishma said The illustrious Ashtavakra started on his journey. He proceeded more and more towards the north and at last reached the Himavat mountains inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.
१३.२०.३
स गत्वा द्विजशार्दूलो हिमवन्तं महागिरिम् ।
अभ्यगच्छन्नदीं पुण्यां बाहुदां धर्मदायिनीम् ॥
अभ्यगच्छन्नदीं पुण्यां बाहुदां धर्मदायिनीम् ॥
M N Dutt
Arrived at the Himavat mountains that foremost of Brahmanas then reached the sacred river Vahuda whose waters produce great merit.
१३.२०.४
अशोके विमले तीर्थे स्नात्वा तर्प्य च देवताः ।
तत्र वासाय शयने कौश्ये सुखमुवास ह ॥
तत्र वासाय शयने कौश्ये सुखमुवास ह ॥
M N Dutt
He bathed in one of the charming Tirthas of that river, which was free from mud, and pleased the gods with oblations of water. His ablutions being over, he spread a quantity of Kusha grass and laid himself down upon it for taking rest for some time.
१३.२०.५
ततो रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां प्रातरुत्थाय स द्विजः ।
स्नात्वा प्रादुश्चकाराग्निं हुत्वा चैव विधानतः ॥
स्नात्वा प्रादुश्चकाराग्निं हुत्वा चैव विधानतः ॥
M N Dutt
Passing the night in this way the Brahmana rose with the day. He once more performed his ablutions in the sacred waters of the Vahuda and then lighted his homa fire and adored it with the help of many foremost of Vedic mantras.
१३.२०.६
रुद्राणीकूपमासाद्य ह्रदे तत्र समाश्वसत् ।
विश्रान्तश्च समुत्थाय कैलासमभितो ययौ ॥
विश्रान्तश्च समुत्थाय कैलासमभितो ययौ ॥
M N Dutt
He then adored with the due rites both Rudra and his wife Uma. and rested for some more time by the side of that lake in the course of the Vahuda whose shores he had reached. Refreshed by such rest, he started from that region and then proceed towards Kailasa.
१३.२०.७
सोऽपश्यत्काञ्चनद्वारं दीप्यमानमिव श्रिया ।
मन्दाकिनीं च नलिनीं धनदस्य महात्मनः ॥
मन्दाकिनीं च नलिनीं धनदस्य महात्मनः ॥
M N Dutt
He then saw a golden gate that seemed to blaze with beauty. He saw also the Mandakini and the Nalini of the great Kubera the Lord of Riches.
१३.२०.८
अथ ते राक्षसाः सर्वे येऽभिरक्षन्ति पद्मिनीम् ।
प्रत्युत्थिता भगवन्तं मणिभद्रपुरोगमाः ॥
प्रत्युत्थिता भगवन्तं मणिभद्रपुरोगमाः ॥
M N Dutt
Seeing the Rishi arrived there all the Rakshasas headed by Manibhadra who were engaged in protecting that lake full of beautiful lotuses, came out in a body for welcoming and honoring the illustrious traveller.
१३.२०.९
स तान्प्रत्यर्चयामास राक्षसान्भीमविक्रमान् ।
निवेदयत मां क्षिप्रं धनदायेति चाब्रवीत् ॥
निवेदयत मां क्षिप्रं धनदायेति चाब्रवीत् ॥
M N Dutt
The Rishi adored in return those Rakshasas of terrible prowess and asked them report, forthwith his arrival to the Lord of Rishis.
१३.२०.१०
ते राक्षसास्तदा राजन्भगवन्तमथाब्रुवन् ।
असौ वैश्रवणो राजा स्वयमायाति तेऽन्तिकम् ॥
असौ वैश्रवणो राजा स्वयमायाति तेऽन्तिकम् ॥
M N Dutt
Requested by him to do this, those Rakshasas, O king, said to him king Vaishravana, without waiting for the news, is coming of his own accord to your presence.
१३.२०.११
विदितो भगवानस्य कार्यमागमने च यत् ।
पश्यैनं त्वं महाभागं ज्वलन्तमिव तेजसा ॥
पश्यैनं त्वं महाभागं ज्वलन्तमिव तेजसा ॥
M N Dutt
The illustrious Lord of Riches is well acquainted with the object of this hour journey See him that blessed Master, who blazes with his own energy
१३.२०.१२
ततो वैश्रवणोऽभ्येत्य अष्टावक्रमनिन्दितम् ।
विधिवत्कुशलं पृष्ट्वा ततो ब्रह्मर्षिमब्रवीत् ॥
विधिवत्कुशलं पृष्ट्वा ततो ब्रह्मर्षिमब्रवीत् ॥
M N Dutt
Then king Vaishravana, approaching the innocent Ashtavakra, duly enquired about his welfare. The usual polite enquiries being over, the Lord of Riches then addressed the twice twiceborn Rishi, saying You are welcome. Do tell me what do you want from me. Inform me of it, I shall O twiceborn one, do whatever you may order me to accomplish.
१३.२०.१३
सुखं प्राप्तो भवान्कच्चित्किं वा मत्तश्चिकीर्षसि ।
ब्रूहि सर्वं करिष्यामि यन्मां त्वं वक्ष्यसि द्विज ॥
ब्रूहि सर्वं करिष्यामि यन्मां त्वं वक्ष्यसि द्विज ॥
M N Dutt
Do you enter my house as pleases you. O foremost of Brahmanas. Duly entertained by me, and after your business is done, you may go without any obstacles being placed in your way.
१३.२०.१४
भवनं प्रविश त्वं मे यथाकामं द्विजोत्तम ।
सत्कृतः कृतकार्यश्च भवान्यास्यत्यविघ्नतः ॥
सत्कृतः कृतकार्यश्च भवान्यास्यत्यविघ्नतः ॥
M N Dutt
Do you enter my house as pleases you. O foremost of Brahmanas. Duly entertained by me, and after your business is done, you may go without any obstacles being placed in your way.
१३.२०.१५
प्राविशद्भवनं स्वं वै गृहीत्वा तं द्विजोत्तमम् ।
आसनं स्वं ददौ चैव पाद्यमर्घ्यं तथैव च ॥
आसनं स्वं ददौ चैव पाद्यमर्घ्यं तथैव च ॥
M N Dutt
Having said these words, Kubera took the hand of that foremost of Brahmanas and conducted him into his palace. He offered him his own seat as also water to wash his feet and the present of the usual ingredients.
१३.२०.१६
अथोपविष्टयोस्तत्र मणिभद्रपुरोगमाः ।
निषेदुस्तत्र कौबेरा यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः ॥
निषेदुस्तत्र कौबेरा यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः ॥
M N Dutt
After the two had been seated the Yakshas of Kubera headed by Manibhadra, and many Gandharvas and Kinnaras, also sat down before them.
१३.२०.१७
ततस्तेषां निषण्णानां धनदो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ।
भवच्छन्दं समाज्ञाय नृत्येरन्नप्सरोगणाः ॥
भवच्छन्दं समाज्ञाय नृत्येरन्नप्सरोगणाः ॥
M N Dutt
After all of them had taken their seats, the Lord of Riches said Understanding what your pleasure is, the various tribes of Apsaras will begin their dance.
१३.२०.१८
आतिथ्यं परमं कार्यं शुश्रूषा भवतस्तथा ।
संवर्ततामित्युवाच मुनिर्मधुरया गिरा ॥
संवर्ततामित्युवाच मुनिर्मधुरया गिरा ॥
M N Dutt
It is proper that I should entertain you with hospitality and that you should be served with propriety. Thus addressed the ascetic Ashtavakra said, in a sweet voice Let the dance go on.
१३.२०.१९
अथोर्वरा मिश्रकेशी रम्भा चैवोर्वशी तथा ।
अलम्बुसा घृताची च चित्रा चित्राङ्गदा रुचिः ॥
अलम्बुसा घृताची च चित्रा चित्राङ्गदा रुचिः ॥
M N Dutt
Then Urvara, Mishrakeshi, Rambha, Urvashi, Alumbusha, Ghritachi, Chitra, Chitrangada, Rochi, Manohara, Sukeshi, Sumukhi, Hasini, Prabha, Vidyuta, Prashami, Danta, Vidyota and Rati these and many other beautiful Apsaras began to dance. The Gandharvas played on various kinds of musical instruments.
१३.२०.२०
मनोहरा सुकेशी च सुमुखी हासिनी प्रभा ।
विद्युता प्रशमा दान्ता विद्योता रतिरेव च ॥
विद्युता प्रशमा दान्ता विद्योता रतिरेव च ॥
M N Dutt
Then Urvara, Mishrakeshi, Rambha, Urvashi, Alumbusha, Ghritachi, Chitra, Chitrangada, Rochi, Manohara, Sukeshi, Sumukhi, Hasini, Prabha, Vidyuta, Prashami, Danta, Vidyota and Rati these and many other beautiful Apsaras began to dance. The Gandharvas played on various kinds of musical instruments.
१३.२०.२१
एताश्चान्याश्च वै बह्व्यः प्रनृत्ताप्सरसः शुभाः ।
अवादयंश्च गन्धर्वा वाद्यानि विविधानि च ॥
अवादयंश्च गन्धर्वा वाद्यानि विविधानि च ॥
M N Dutt
After such excellent music and dance had begun, the Rishi Ashtavakra of austere penances unconsciously passed a full celestial year there in the house of king Vaishravana.
१३.२०.२३
ततो वैश्रवणो राजा भगवन्तमुवाच ह ।
साग्रः संवत्सरो यातस्तव विप्रेह पश्यतः ॥
साग्रः संवत्सरो यातस्तव विप्रेह पश्यतः ॥
M N Dutt
Then king Vaishravana said to the Rishi O learned Brahmana, see a little more than a year has passed away since you arrival here.
१३.२०.२४
हार्योऽयं विषयो ब्रह्मन्गान्धर्वो नाम नामतः ।
छन्दतो वर्ततां विप्र यथा वदति वा भवान् ॥
छन्दतो वर्ततां विप्र यथा वदति वा भवान् ॥
M N Dutt
This music and dance, especially known by the name of Gandharva, is a stealer of the heart (and of time), Act as you like, or let this go on if that be your pleasure. You are my guest and, therefore, worthy of worship. This is your house. Do you set your commands. We are all bound to you.
१३.२०.२५
अतिथिः पूजनीयस्त्वमिदं च भवतो गृहम् ।
सर्वमाज्ञाप्यतामाशु परवन्तो वयं त्वयि ॥
सर्वमाज्ञाप्यतामाशु परवन्तो वयं त्वयि ॥
M N Dutt
This music and dance, especially known by the name of Gandharva, is a stealer of the heart (and of time), Act as you like, or let this go on if that be your pleasure. You are my guest and, therefore, worthy of worship. This is your house. Do you set your commands. We are all bound to you.
१३.२०.२६
अथ वैश्रवणं प्रीतो भगवान्प्रत्यभाषत ।
अर्चितोऽस्मि यथान्यायं गमिष्यामि धनेश्वर ॥
अर्चितोऽस्मि यथान्यायं गमिष्यामि धनेश्वर ॥
M N Dutt
Thus addressed by king Vaishravana, the illustrious Ashtavakra, replied to him, with a pleased heart, saying I have been duly honoured by you. I desire now, O Lord of Riches, to go hence.
१३.२०.२७
प्रीतोऽस्मि सदृशं चैव तव सर्वं धनाधिप ।
तव प्रसादाद्भगवन्महर्षेश्च महात्मनः ।
नियोगादद्य यास्यामि वृद्धिमानृद्धिमान्भव ॥
तव प्रसादाद्भगवन्महर्षेश्च महात्मनः ।
नियोगादद्य यास्यामि वृद्धिमानृद्धिमान्भव ॥
M N Dutt
Indeed, I am highly pleased. All this befits you, O Lord of Riches. Through your grace, O illustrious one, and according to the command of the great Rishi Vadanya, I shall now proceed to my journey's end. May you enjoy prosperity. Having said these words, the illustrious Rishi left Kubera's palace and proceeded northwards.
१३.२०.२९
तानतीत्य महाशैलान्कैरातं स्थानमुत्तमम् ।
प्रदक्षिणं ततश्चक्रे प्रयतः शिरसा नमन् ।
धरणीमवतीर्याथ पूतात्मासौ तदाभवत् ॥
प्रदक्षिणं ततश्चक्रे प्रयतः शिरसा नमन् ।
धरणीमवतीर्याथ पूतात्मासौ तदाभवत् ॥
M N Dutt
He went round the spot with a composed mind, bending his head in respect the while. Descending then on the Earth, he regarded himself purified for having seen that holy spot which is the residence of Mahadeva.
१३.२०.३०
स तं प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा त्रिः शैलं चोत्तरामुखः ।
समेन भूमिभागेन ययौ प्रीतिपुरस्कृतः ॥
समेन भूमिभागेन ययौ प्रीतिपुरस्कृतः ॥
M N Dutt
Having gone round that mountain thrice, the Rishi with face turned towards the north, went on with a joyous heart.
१३.२०.३१
ततोऽपरं वनोद्देशं रमणीयमपश्यत ।
सर्वर्तुभिर्मूलफलैः पक्षिभिश्च समन्वितम् ।
रमणीयैर्वनोद्देशैस्तत्र तत्र विभूषितम् ॥
सर्वर्तुभिर्मूलफलैः पक्षिभिश्च समन्वितम् ।
रमणीयैर्वनोद्देशैस्तत्र तत्र विभूषितम् ॥
M N Dutt
Then he saw another forest that was very delightful. It was adorned with the fruits and roots of every season, and it was filled with the music of bards.
१३.२०.३२
तत्राश्रमपदं दिव्यं ददर्श भगवानथ ।
शैलांश्च विविधाकारान्काञ्चनान्रत्नभूषितान् ।
मणिभूमौ निविष्टाश्च पुष्करिण्यस्तथैव च ॥
शैलांश्च विविधाकारान्काञ्चनान्रत्नभूषितान् ।
मणिभूमौ निविष्टाश्च पुष्करिण्यस्तथैव च ॥
M N Dutt
The Rishi saw also many golden hills decked with gems and possessed of various forms. There he saw many lakes and tanks also.
१३.२०.३३
अन्यान्यपि सुरम्याणि ददर्श सुबहून्यथ ।
भृशं तस्य मनो रेमे महर्षेर्भावितात्मनः ॥
भृशं तस्य मनो रेमे महर्षेर्भावितात्मनः ॥
M N Dutt
And he saw various other highly beautiful objects. Seeing these things, the mind of that Rishi of purified soul became filled with joy.
१३.२०.३४
स तत्र काञ्चनं दिव्यं सर्वरत्नमयं गृहम् ।
ददर्शाद्भुतसंकाशं धनदस्य गृहाद्वरम् ॥
ददर्शाद्भुतसंकाशं धनदस्य गृहाद्वरम् ॥
M N Dutt
He then saw a beautiful palace made of gold and adorned with all sorts of gems. Of wonderful structure, that palace surpassed the palace of Kubera himself in every respect.
१३.२०.३५
महान्तो यत्र विविधाः प्रासादाः पर्वतोपमाः ।
विमानानि च रम्याणि रत्नानि विविधानि च ॥
विमानानि च रम्याणि रत्नानि विविधानि च ॥
M N Dutt
Around it there were many hills and mounts of jewels and gems. Many beautiful cars and heaps of jewels also were seen there.
१३.२०.३६
मन्दारपुष्पैः संकीर्णा तथा मन्दाकिनी नदी ।
स्वयंप्रभाश्च मणयो वज्रैर्भूमिश्च भूषिता ॥
स्वयंप्रभाश्च मणयो वज्रैर्भूमिश्च भूषिता ॥
M N Dutt
The Rishi saw there the river Mandakini whose waters were covered with numberless Mandara flowers. There also were seen many selfluminous gems, and the soil all around was decked with diamonds of various species.
१३.२०.३७
नानाविधैश्च भवनैर्विचित्रमणितोरणैः ।
मुक्ताजालपरिक्षिप्तैर्मणिरत्नविभूषितैः ।
मनोदृष्टिहरै रम्यैः सर्वतः संवृतं शुभैः ॥
मुक्ताजालपरिक्षिप्तैर्मणिरत्नविभूषितैः ।
मनोदृष्टिहरै रम्यैः सर्वतः संवृतं शुभैः ॥
M N Dutt
The palace which the Rishi saw contained many chambers whose arches were set with various kinds of stones. Those chambers were adorned also with nets of pearls interspersed with jewels and gems of various species.
१३.२०.४५
स्वस्तीति चाथ तेनोक्ता सा स्त्री प्रत्यवदत्तदा ।
प्रत्युत्थाय च तं विप्रमास्यतामित्युवाच ह ॥
प्रत्युत्थाय च तं विप्रमास्यतामित्युवाच ह ॥
अष्टावक्र उवाच ।
१३.२०.४६
सर्वाः स्वानालयान्यान्तु एका मामुपतिष्ठतु ।
सुप्रज्ञाता सुप्रशान्ता शेषा गच्छन्तु च्छन्दतः ॥
सुप्रज्ञाता सुप्रशान्ता शेषा गच्छन्तु च्छन्दतः ॥
M N Dutt
Having taken his seat, Ashtavakra said Let all the ladies go to their respective quarters. Only let one stay here. Let that one remain here who is endued with wisdom and who has tranquillity of heart. Indeed, let all the others go away as they like,
१३.२०.४७
ततः प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य कन्यास्तास्तमृषिं तदा ।
निराक्रामन्गृहात्तस्मात्सा वृद्धाथ व्यतिष्ठत ॥
निराक्रामन्गृहात्तस्मात्सा वृद्धाथ व्यतिष्ठत ॥
M N Dutt
Thus addressed, all those damsels went round the Rishi and then left the chamber, only that aged lady remaining there.
॥ इति १३.२० ॥
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