Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/100

66 much distressed for the loss of their (sacrificial) fire. The Rishis in great anxiety went to the gods and addressed them thus:'Ye immaculate beings! the three regions of the universe are confounded at the cessation of their sacrifices and ceremonies in consequence of the loss of fire! Ordain what is to be done in this matter, so that there may be no loss of time.' Then the Rishis and the gods went together in the presence of Brahmā. And they represented to him all about the curse on Agni and the consequent interruption of all ceremonies. And they said, 'O thou greatly fortunate one! Agni hath been cursed by Bhrigu for some reason. Indeed, being the mouth of the gods and also the first who eateth of what is offered in sacrifices, the eater also the first who eateth of what is offered in sacrifices, the eater also of the sacrificial butter, how shall Agni be reduced to the condition of one who eateth of all things promiscuously?' And the creator of the universe hearing those words of theirs summoned Agni to his presence. And Brahmā addressed Agni the creator of all and eternal as himself in these gentle words:'Thou art the creator of the worlds and thou art their destroyer! Thou preservest the three worlds and thou art the promoter of all sacrifices and ceremonies! Therefore behave thyself so that ceremonies be not interrupted. And O thou eater of the sacrificial butter, why dost thou act so foolishly, being as thou art the Lord of all? Thou alone art always pure in the universe and thou art its stay! Thou shalt not, with all thy body, be reduced to the state of one who eateth all things promiscuously. O thou of flames, the flame that is in thy viler parts shall alone eat of all things alike. That body of thine which eateth of flesh (being in the stomach of all carnivorous animals) shall also eat of all things promiscuously. And as every thing touched by the sun's beams becometh pure so shall everything be pure that shall be burnt by thy flames. Thou, O fire, art the supreme energy born of thy own power. Then, O Lord, by that power of thine make the Rishi's curse true. Continue to receive thy own portion and that of the gods, offered at thy mouth.

Sauti continued:"Then Agni replied to the Grand-father, 'So be it.' And he then went away to obey the command of the supreme Lord. The gods and the Rishis also in delight returned