RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 62
VISVAMITRA SAVES SUNASSEPHA
At noon the monarch unyoked his horses. The place was the banks of the lake, Pushkara. The king wanted to take a short break. Sunassepha was wandering all over the place with a heavy heart. He chanced upon Visvamitra, his mother’s brother. Visvamitra was engaged with many a hermit in stern austerities. Sunassepha was faint with toil and thirst. He ran up to where sat Visvamitra. He fell across his breast and cried piteously.
“I have no father. Nor do I have a fondling mother. You are my refuge. I call upon you to save me from this fate. You are ever the champion of the oppressed. You are a shield between the wretched and their misery. Find a way so that the king will achieve his object. And find a way for me to spend many years in austerities and win the abode of the Gods. I have no protector, so you protect me. You become my father and chase away this danger that hangs over my head.”
Visvamitra calmed the grief of the boy. And infused hope into his heart. Turning to his sons, he said, “The time has come for you to prove you are my worthy sons. This boy is a son of a hermit. He clasps my feet for protection. Save his life and bring joy and happiness to him. Everyone of you has kept the observances. Not one of you has swerved from the path of right and the duty. You take his place at the sacrifice of Ambarisha. And may the bright God of Fire fine in you a sweet offering. Sussanapha shall be saved from death. The sacrifice will come to a happy end. The gods will depart well pleased. And my word to the boy will have been well kept.
Visvamitra’s sons Madhusyanda and others laughed aloud. They had proud heart and hearty spirit. They spoke back to their father. You are a fine father. You put a stranger’s brat before his own flesh and blood. The very idea is repulsive to us. It is like dog’s meat for dinner.”
Fire flashed from the eyes of Visvamitra. He cried out in a terrible voice: “You dared to speak to me in such words as these? You dared to set my commands at defiance? You shall be wanderers over the earth for a thousand years. You abhorred dog’s meat! You shall eat dog’s meat alone a thousand years. You shall be like this as the sons of my rival, Vasishtha.” After that, the sage turned to the despairing Sussanapha. He performed certain protective rites to ensure his safety. “Fair son, two spells I give you with which you shall win the grace of Indra and Vishnu. You must chant these hymns of unspeakable power in the sacrificial hall. And you will come by no harm.”
Sunassepha humbly received the potent charms and with a joyful heart went back to the royal master. He said to the king, “Mighty king, we have tarried too long on the way. Let us proceed to the place of sacrifice. Don’t forget to take upon yourself the initiatory vow.”
Soon they were at Ayodhya. Ambarisha was now with all joy. He caused Sunassepha to be bound to the sacrificial stake. Writhes of the sacred Kusa encircled hid graceful limbs. His garments were fiery red. It enhanced the horror of the scene. The holy priest directed him so nothing would go wrong. The supreme moment came that was to decide his fate. The helpless victim started to sing the mantra praising Indra and Vishnu. The thousand-eyed Lord was surprised and pleased. It was so as Visvamitra had taught. The mysterious words of praise were known to no sons of earth. Long happy years were the need of him that won the Lord’s heart. Ambarisha also came in for his share of praise.
All the while, Visvamitra, the protector of the boy went on with his Tapas. He went on with his Tapas for one thousand years.
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