Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Yevam
Uktha Vashishtena Shabala Shathrusoodhana |
Vidhadhey
Kamadhuk Kaman Yasya Yasya Yepsitham Yaya ||
Ikshun
Madhun Thatha Lajan Maireyan Cha Vara Asavan |
Panani
Cha Maha Arhani Makshayan Cha Uccha Avachan Thatha ||
Ushna
Adasya Odhanasya Api Shashaya: Parvathopama: |
Mrushta
Annani Cha Supa: Cha Dhadhi Kulya: Thathaiva Cha ||
Nana
Swadhu Rasanam Cha Ghandavanam Shadabanam Ththaiva Cha |
Bhajanani
Bhojanani Supurnani Gaoudanicha Sahasrasha:
||
Sage
Shathananda continued “Oh! Shathrusoodhana, Rama, The divine cow Shabala provided
all those sumptuous foodstuffs at the command of Sage Vashishta. She offered various sweets and savories made
of Sugar and honey, superior intoxicated drinks and produce best suited for the
royal people and their men of army.
There were huge mountain sized sweltering foodstuffs, Mrushtannam, and Dhadhi/curd
of various tastes in attractive vessels.
Oh! Rama, the army men of King Vishwamithra found immense pleasure in
the marvelous food served by Sage Vashishta.
King Vishwamithra and his families, members of the Kings Assembly,
Brahmins and royal Priests, ministers and associates, were joined in the extravagant
meal offered by Sage Vashishta. Further,
King Vishwamithra spoke to Sage Vashishta in high admiration “Oh! Revered Sage,
you have generously offered us with a luxurious meal, kindly listen to my words
now, you can offer this divine cow Shabala to me for hundred thousand cows and
these will remain as a fortune for you, Kings are the gatherers of treasure
therefore kindly offer Sabala to me.” The virtuous Sage Vashishta replied after
listening to the words of King Vishwamithra, “Oh Rajan, I cannot offer Sabala
for hundred thousand cow or millions of cows or not for the loads of silver either. Oh! Destroyer of enemy/Arindhama, Its
impossible for me to abandon her from my hermitage and she is reverential to
the virtuous, she belongs to me and she is inseparable from me. Oh! Rajarishey, Shabala makes the journey of
my life at ease, she provides all that required for the oblations to deities
and Pithrus, fire sacrifices, religious offerings etc.. The numerous offerings
prescribed in the scriptures are dependent on this divine cow. Oh! King, Shabala is everything to me and
there are many reasons I cannot offer this divine cow Shabala to you or anyone.” In this way, Sage Vashishta authoritatively
replied to the King. Vishwamithra spoke
“I am ready to offer you with fourteen thousand elephants decked with jewels,
various precious jewels and goads, I will grant you eight hundred golden
chariots tied with four fine horses decked with marvelous bells. I may offer you eleven thousand fine horses
from the marvelous breed. I can offer you
ten million cows of various colors and diverse breed for the divine cow
Shabala. Oh! Dhvijothama/virtuous Brahmin, I would offer various ornaments and
gems as gift, kindly offer Shabala to me.”
But Sage Vashishta firmly replied that he cannot offer Shabala for
precious gems or wealth, or elephants, or cows, or horses and Shabala is everything
to him and she is the purpose in his life, further she is the provider for all
the spiritual services, various essential services and Vedic rituals.” Thus Sage Shathanandha concluded the argument
between Sage Vashishta and King Vishwamithra about the divine cow Shabala.
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
