RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 65
VISVAMITRA, THE BRAHMARSHI
Thereafter the great sage left the Hymalaya. He went to the western parts. There he renewed his Tapas. It was unparalleled in the history of men. And it seemed almost an impossible task. It was his vow of absolute silence for a thousand years. And the long period drew to a close. Visvamitra had become indifferent to sensations as a block of wood or stone. The ever watchful gods threw in his way many obstacles. Anger left his heart completely. His vow was terrible. And he manfully kept to it.
The thousand years were passed. Visvamitra sat down to break his long fast. Indra came to him as a Brahmana. And he asked to be fed. At once the sage offered him the ready food. He was true to his vow of silence. He did not speak a word to the Brahmana. He ate Visvamitra’s food.
He carried on his Tapas for another thousand years. This time it was even more terrible. Visvamitra did not breathe. His life-breaths were restrained within his frame. Thick clouds of smoke began to issue from the crown of his head. And it lighted up the three worlds. The beings of the worlds were stupefied. Gods and Asuras, Gandharvas, Pannagas and Rakshasas sought Brahma’s help. Because they lost their natural brilliance they sought the help.
“We are at our wit’s end. We have done everything to beguile Visvamitra. We could not rouse him to anger. All our labours only make his Tapas more rapid. We could not find the least flaw in him. If you deny him the desire of his heart, he will destroy every creation. The quarters are dull and dark. The ocean waves rise high. The earth trembles in fear. The wind blows in silent guts. We cannot see beyond the present. Men scoff at the Almighty and His Law of Right. The worlds stand in dull despair. The bright sun is like a black cloud beside the brilliance of the sage. Please hasten to soften Visvamitra. Otherwise, he will reduce the whole creation to nothing through the fire of his Tapas. Grant him anything he asks. Even if he asks the overlordship of the empire of gods, grant him.
Brahma led the Gods to where the sage was performing his Tapas. “Hail! Brahmarshi!” he spoke to the sage. “Is it all well with you? Your austere Tapas won our grace. It has placed you at the forefront of the twice-born ones. I give you the happy boon of long life. The assembled Gods are glad to confirm the same.”
These words fell sweet on the hungry ears of the sage. He replied, “If I am granted the status of a Brahmana, let Omkara, Vashatkara and the Vedas be fruitful in me. Let Vasishtha recognize me as such. For, he stands peerless among those who know the Vedas which regulate the lives of the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas. Let the Gods here give their assent to it.”
The Gods approached Vasishtha and requested him to make friends with Visvamitra.
“Be it even so” replied Vasishtha. He acknowledged Visvamitra as his equal. “You are a Brahmarshi. No doubt about it.” And the delighted Gods went back to their living place.
Thereupon Visvamitra rendered affectionate reverence to Vasishtha. And then Visvamitra wandered over the Earth. He engaged in holy Tapas.
It was thus, dear Rama, he won the rank of a Brahmana. And here he stands as the best and foremost of sages. In him you see Tapas incarnate. He is ever wedded to Right. He is the highest ideal of human valour,” spoke Satananda. Janaka and the princely youth drank in the tale with eager ears.
“I am thrice blessed. My star shins high. The great sage is present at my sacrifice along with the royal youths. Best of Saints! Envy of men! I have set my eyes on you today. My soul is all pure. Both Rama and I are fortunate to hear your story. Your Tapas is something incredible. Never can I hear enough of your marvelous deeds. But as it is time for the evening prayers. I hope I have your leave to withdraw.”
Visvamitra praised the noble king. He gave him leave to retire. Thereupon, Janaka reverently went round Visvamitra. Satananda led the king and his kin. Visvamitra then left for his quarters. The assembled sages rose to do him reverence. Rama and Lakshmana followed in his wake.
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