Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Vishamithro
Mahatheja: Prasyathan Veekshya Than Rishin |
Abraveeth
Narashardhoola Sarvan Than Vana Vasina: ||
Mahavidhna:
Pravruththo Ayam Dakshinam Asthiyatho Dhisham |
Dhisham
Anyam Prapathsyam: Thathra Thapsyamahe Thapa: ||
Paschimayam
Vishalayam Pushkareshu Mahathmana: |
Sukham
Thapa: Charishyam: Paramam Thatha Hi Thapo Vanam ||
Yevam
Ukthva Mahatheja: Pushkareshu Mahamuni: |
Thapa
Ugram Duradharsham Thepe Moolaphalashana: ||
Yethasmin
Yevakale Thu Ayodhya Adhipadhi: Mahan |
Ambareesha
Ithi Khyatho Yashtum Samupachakrame ||
Thasya
Vai Yajamanasya Pashum Indhro Jahara Ha |
Pranashtey
Thu Pashai Vipro Rajanam Idham Abraveeth ||
Sage
Shathananda continued “ Oh! Narashardhoola, the sages assembled upon the
invitation of Sage Vishwamithra for the performance of Vedic ritual was prepared
to retire to woodland, Sage Vishwamithra said “ Oh! Mahathman, we will leave
the southern parts which has created obstacles to my asceticism, therefore we
will proceed to westward direction, where situated serene wood and holy lakes
suitable to practice asceticism.” Sage
Vishwamithra continued severe penance on this holy land, consumed on fruits and
rooted vegetables. In the meantime, King
Ambareesha of Kingdom of Ayodhya arrived on this sacred land to perform Vedic-ritual. Unfortunately the horse kept for offering in
the ritual was taken away by Lord Indra, the principal officiator, chief priest
of the Vedic ritual spoke to King Ambareesha “ Oh! Rajan, The horse kept for
the ritual purpose was lost, unprotected materials used for the Vedic ritual
would bring harmful results for the King who performs the ritual. You have to make some sacrifices for the loss
of the sacrificial animal, and make arrangements for an ritual animal at the
earliest to conduct the Vedic ritual.”
The righteous King Ambareesha, after listening to the words of the
principal priest, sincerely conducted a search for an animal for ritual for
barter of thousands of cow. Oh! Raghunandana, King Ambareesha conducted a
rigorous search in the provinces, villages, woods, hermitages, etc…ultimately
he arrived in the hermitage of Sage Richika located on the Bhringathunga, where
Sage Richika was settled with his pious wife and sons. King Ambareesha reverentially greeted the
resplendent Sage Richika, further Rajarishi enquired about the welfare of Sage
Richika and spoke “ I am in a meticulous
search for a ritual animal, willing to offer thousands of cow as barter for the
animal. I have been to many provinces,
villages and hermitages in search of a ritual animal, if you are willing to
offer your son for thousands of cow I would treat myself as fortunate.” But Sage Richika from the Bhargava dynasty
was refused to accept the offer of King Ambareesha, Sage Richika’s wife
intervened and informed her willingness to give away her youngest son Shunaka,
who is dearest to her and she narrated that normally the eldest child in the
family will be the favorite to father and the youngest will be the favorite to
mother. After listening to the verdict
of father and mother, the middle child Shunakshepa revealed his willingness to
go with the King Ambareesha. Oh!
Raghunandana, Shunakshepa who was profound in Veda enthusiastically followed
King Ambareesha, in barter King offered heaps of gold, precious stones, silver
along with the thousands of cow and hastily returned with Shunakshepa to the
place of Vedic ritual in a chariot.”
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
