Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/123

Rh And Jaratkaru said, 'Ye are even my fathers and grand fathers gone before! Therefore, tell me what must I do for your welfarel I am that sinful son of yours, viz.. Jaratkaru 1 Punish me for sinful deeds, worthless as I am !

"The Pitris replied, saying.-'O son, by good luck hast thou arrived at this spot in course of thy rambles ! O Brahinana, why bast thou not taken a wife?'"

"Jaratkaru said, 'Ye Pitris this desire hath always existed in my heart that I would, with vital seed drawn up, carry this body to the other world I My mind hath been possessed with the idea that I would not take a wife. But ye grandsire, having seen you hanging like birds, I have diverted my mind from the Brahmacharya mode of life. I will truly do what you like! I will certainly marry, if ever I get maiden of my own name, I shall accept her who, bestowing herself of her own accord, shall be as alms unto me, and whom I shall not have to maintain ! I shall marry if I get such a one ; otherwise, I shall not. This is the truth, ye grandsire ! And the offspring that will be begot upon her shall be your salvation. And ye Pitris of mine, ye shall live for ever in blessedness and without fear of all!"

Sauti continued, "The Muni, having said so unto the Pitris, wandered over the Earth again. And, O Saunaka, old as he was, he obtained not a wife. And he grieved much that he was not successful. But directed (as before) by his ancestors, he continued the search. And going into the forest, he wept loudly in great grief. And having gone into the forest, the wise one, moved by the desire of doing good to his ancestors, said, 'I will ask for a bride,' distinctly repeating these words thrice. And he said, 'Whatever creatures are here, mobile and immobile, so what. ever that are invisible, O, bear my words 1 My ancestors, afflicted with grief, have directed me that am engaged in the most severe penances, saying, "Marry thou for the acquisition of) a son !'-0 ye, directed by my ancestors, I am roaming in poverty and sorrow, over the wide world for wedding a maiden that I may obtain as alms ! Let that creature, amongst those I have addressed, who hath a daughter, bestow ber on myself that am roaming far and near! Such a bride as is of the same name with me, to be bestowed on me as alms, and whom, besides, I shall not maintain. O bestow on me!' Then those snakes that had been set upon Jaratkaru's track, ascertaining his inclination, gave information to Vasuki. And the king of the snakes, hearing their words, took with him that maiden decked with ornaments, and went into the forest unto that Rishi. And, O Brahmana, Vasuki, the king of the snakes, baving gone there, offered that maiden asalms unto that high-souled Rishi. But the Rishi did not at once accept her. And the Rishi, thinking her not to