Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Shunakshepam
Narashreshta Grihithva Thu Mahashaya: |
Vyashramath
Pushkare Raja Madhyahne Raghunandana ||
Thasya
Vishramamanasya Shunakshepo Mahashaya: |
Pushkaram
Jyeshtam Agamya Vishwamithram Dhadharsha : ||
Thapyantham
Rishibhi: Sartham Mathulam Paramam Athura: |
Vishanna
Vadhano Dheena: Thrushnaya Cha Shramena Cha ||
Papath
Anke Mune Rama Vakyam Cha Idham Uvacha Ha |
Na
Mey Asthi Matha Na Pitha Jyayathe Bandhava: Krutha: ||
Thrathum
Arhasi Mama Souya Dharmana Munipungava |
Sage
Shathananda continued “ Oh! Raghunandana, the righteous King Ambareesha with
Shunakshepa arrived on the sacred land by afternoon, eventually King Ambareesha
retired to his chamber. In the meantime,
highly intelligent Shunakshepa moved around the lake side with great anxiety,
there he witnessed his maternal uncle Sage Vishwamithra and a group of sages
immersed in meditation. Shunakshepa was
completely exhausted, in a pathetic state faint down on the lap of Sage
Vishwamithra and uttered “ I have no mother or father or any relatives to
protect me, Oh! Illustrious Sage it will be appropriate for you to save
me. You are the savior of the world; let
the aspirations of King Ambareesha fulfilled, let me have longevity to practice
supreme asceticism to attain heavenly abode. Oh! Dharmathman, I am all alone
like an orphan, it is apt for you to protect me from the troubles like a
father.” Sage Vishwamithra pacified
Shunakshepa and commanded to his sons “A father produce a child for the performance
of auspicious deeds for the welfare of the world; he is the son of an ascetic
seeking shelter from me, and Oh! My dear sons provide him with long life and
protect him. You all have done various
pious deeds, appease Lord Agni while offering animal in the sacrificial fire by
King Ambareesha. So that, the Vedic
ritual of King Ambareesha will take place without any impediments, Shunakshepa
will be safe and sound, deities will be pleased and my promise to him will be
true.” After listening to the words of
their father, Madhushyandha and others were haughtily replied “Oh! Vibho, how
can you protect other’s child, when your own children were abandoned by you? We
consider it as incorrect like eating meat for the supper.” Sage Vishwamithra was extremely annoyed by
the words of his sons and his eyes were reddened with anger. Further, he cursed his sons for their
arrogance, to wander around the world for thousands of years taking birth in
the outcaste race, eating on meat like the sons of Sage Vashishta. Then Sage Vishwamithra spoke to Shunakshepa
who was in a wretched state, “ Oh! Shunakshepa/Muniputhra, you have to
reverentially greet Lord Agni while you are tied to the sacrificial post of
Vishnu, smeared in red paste and decked in red flower garlands around your
neck. You have to eulogize Lord Agni
with the sacred hymns, while the Vedic ritual of King Ambareesha takes place. Your aspirations will be fulfilled.” Sage Vishwamithra imparted the knowledge
about the sacred hymn to please Lord Agni to Shunakshepa. Shunakshepa courteously approached King
Ambareesha and informed the King about his willingness to offer him in place of
ritual animal in the sacrificial fire.
King Amabreesha was extremely happy at the words of the son of Sage
Richika and proceeded to ritual hall enthusiastically. The chief priest prepared Shunakshepa like a
ritual animal attired in red garments, and securely tied him to the ritual
post. Oh! Raghava, Shunakshepa eulogized Lord Indra and Lord
Upendra with the sacred hymns learned from Sage Vishwamithra, thousand eyed
Lord Indra was immensely pleased at Shunakshepa and blessed him longevity. Moreover, King Ambareesha attained the fruit
of Vedic-ritual manifolds with the grace of Lord Indra. The supreme acetic Sage Vishwamithra
continued severe austerities at the sacred land of Pushkar for another thousand
years.”
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
