RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 34
VISVMITRA’S ANCESTRY
His daughters were gone away with Brahmadatta. The childless father decided to perform a sacrifice for a son. It was to continue his line on Earth. Kusa was his father. He was the mind-born son of Brahma. He came down to him. And he said, “Son! You will be blessed with a boy. He will be a righteous one after your heart. You should call him Gadhi. He will hold up your name in all the worlds.” After this, he went back to the world of Brahma.
And in good time Kusanabha had a son. The son was named Gadhi. Gadhi was a marvel of virtue and holiness. I am proud of Gadhi. I am a kausika. I am a descendant of the godlike Kusa. I have a sister too. Her name is Satyavati. She was born before me. She is given in marriage to Richika. She is ever devoted to her husband. She followed him to Svarga in her mortal body. But soon she came down on earth. She came down as the holy steam Kausiki. She was heavenly in her origin. The water was pure and crystal-like. My sister has devoted herself for the good of humanity. Out of great love, I abide at her side on the slopes of the Himalaya. She flows from there. In pursuance of the vow, I have come down to Siddhasrama. It is far from my sister.
Well, it is past midnight. And I have kept you all from sweet sleep. And now you all go to sleep. Else our journey tomorrow will be delayed. Not a breath of air stirs the leaf of those trees. Beasts and birds have sought their silent abodes. And night has spread her black pall over the earth. The shades of twilight are gradually fading away. And dark Night keeps watch over the sleeping earth. And here comes the Queen of Night. She infuses joy and gladness into the hearts of all beings. See the Rangers of the night. They are the hosts of Yakshas, Rakshsas, and terrible monsters. They eat human flesh.”
When he ended the audience said, “You have spoken well, Holy One” And they praised him. “Noble is the race of the Kausikas. And they are always intent upon Right and Virtue. The kings that adorn that line is like the Father Himself. Your holy self has attained everlasting fame. Your sister, Kausiki also is not left behind. She is the best of streams. She is a bright gem in the crown of Kusa.”
To the sound of their sweet praise, Visvamitra sank into sleep. The Royal brother also praised Viswamitra. Their eyes were filled with awe and wonder. They also went to sleep.
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