RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 38
SAGARA
Here ended his tale. And Visvamitra took up another narrative. “Rama there lived an ancestor of yours. His name was Sagara. He was a righteous ruler and a great hero. And Ayodhya was his capital. His heart yearned for a son but in vain. Kesini was his wife. She was the eldest daughter of the ruler of Vidarbha. Kesini was his first wife. She was very truthful and righteous. Sumati was his second wife. She was very fair. She was the daughter of Arishtanemi. He retired to the Bhrigu Prasaravana among the Himalayas. He went there along with his wives. He performed stern Tapas. A hundred years passed. Bhrigu was pleased with his Tapas. He conferred on him a boon. “A mighty race shall be born to you. And your glory shall be unparalleled. You shall have one son. Through him, your race shall continue on earth. Your other wife shall give you 60000 sons.” Thereupon the queens approached him reverently. “Your words shall ever come to pass. But which of us shall have one son and which many?” “It is for you to choose,” said Bhrigu. One son who will continue your race. Or many sons, famous, valiant and energetic. Suit yourself.”
Then Kesini chose before the king to continue the earth. And Sumati chose 60000sons. Thus the kings purpose was served. He and the queens returned to their kingdom.
In course of time, Kesini brought forth a son. He was named Asamanjas. While Sumati conceived a lump of flesh. They broke it and 60000 sons came out. The nurses brought them up in cases of clarified butter.
Asamanjas amused himself with throwing the children of the townsmen into the dark waters of Sarayu. And he laughed at their dying agonies. So Sagara banished that wicked son of his. But Amsuman, his valiant son endeared himself to all.
Long years after that, Sagara decided to celebrate a sacrifice. He consulted his priests and chaplains. They were well-versed in Vedas. The king set about the holy rite.”
{Dear Readers, apart from this blog, I am writing 6 more blogs. They are:
kaviriyinselvan.blogspot.com
bagavatgitaintamil.blogspot.com
The above two are in Tamil. The following are in English:
raguramkrishnabagavatgita.blogspot.com
raguramkarikalanandthetimemachin.blogspot.com
panjakini.blogspot.com
myresourcefulaunt.blogspot.com}
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