VISHWAMITRA SAVES SHUNASHSHEPA

(This is the second part of Chapter 62 of Balakanda, Sri Valmeeki Ramayana, where sons of Vishwamitra refuse to sacrifice for the sake of Shunashshepa. But, Vishwamitra composes powerful hymns by chanting which, Shunashshepa  gets blessed by Indra with longevity. Please read, comment and share. SDN)

Rama, hearing the words of Vishwamitra, Madhushyanda and other sons mocked at him and said these

words of high headedness:

KaThamAtmasutAnhitvA trAyasE(a)nyasutam viBhO|

AkAryamiva pashyAmaha shwamAmsamiva BhOjanE||13||

“Oh great father of great capacity to do anything and everything, how can you try to save the son of someone else by sacrificing your sons? We have concluded that this task of yours is a misdeed. It is a shameful act. It is like rejecting delicious food and delicacies that have been kept ready for consumption and opting to eat dogs’ flesh. Similarly, the task you have accepted is very abusive and shameful.”

           Rama, most certainly the words of Madhushyanda and others caused such penury to Vishwamitra that he felt as if he had been pierced with a dagger. He was fuming with rage. His eyes turned red. Crackling his jaws furiously, he started addressing his children:

“Oh sons, you are speaking fearlessly without knowing who you are talking to. Your words are not only uncultured but also condemnable. Ignoring my words, you are blabbering without any sense. My whole body has been stiffened after hearing your words, which are coated with impropriety, bad vanity and false prestige or pride. You deserve to be punished for condemning my words in this manner, even as I am your father. From now on, let the dog’s flesh alone be your food. Let all of you convert into Mushtika community, a state in which the sons of Vasishtha have been cast due to my curse. You will be in that state and roaming about on earth for one thousand years.”

           After cursing all his children, Vishwamitra Maharshi first tied the arm of Shunahshshepa with a band of protection that had been sanctified with sacred hymns and then said: “Oh son of a Muni, wear a red garland made of holy thread, apply sandal paste to your body as a decorative cosmetic, go close to the sacramental pole and chant the hymn in praise of Fire God in your melodious voice. Later, offer prayer to Indra and Vishnu with two special Mantras I will be preaching you now with absolute devotion. If you stand near the sacramental pole and chant the Mantra I will be teaching you now, and chant the mantras repeatedly, you will secure eternity.

           As advised by his maternal uncle Vishwamitra, Shunahshshepa learnt the two Mantras taught by Vishwamitra, with total concentration, got out of the hermitage, joined Ambareesha and said:

“Lion-hearted King, let us immediately go to Yajnashala. Keeping me as the sacrificial animal, please 

complete the Yajna.”

           

Ambareesha was highly pleased and delighted by the words of Shunahshshepa. Shedding the laziness, the King instantly set off towards the Yajnashala, along with Shunahshshepa. Under the permission of priests, Ambareesha tied Shunahshshepa with holy grass that had been sanctified with relevant hymns, placed the symbols that were meant to be put for sacrificial animal, dressed him with red clothes and then tied him to the Vishnu-invoked sacrificial pole. After being tied in that manner, Shunahshshepa first offered prayer to Fire God, as directed by Vishwamitra, and then impressed Indra and the presiding Lord of sacrificial pole Vishnu by repetitive chanting of the hymns composed by Vishwamitra.

                  Raghava, highly impressed by the secret prayers of the son of Rishi, Indra bestowed upon Shunahshshepa longevity. He also blessed Ambareesha. Owing to the divine grace of Indra, Ambareesha completed the sacrifice without killing any animal or human being and acquired several good things and merits with that lone sacrifice.  Rama, spirituous Vishwamitra again undertook penance for thousands of years near that Pushkara with all devotion and dedication.