युधिष्ठिर उवाच यदिदं सहधर्मेति प्रोच्यते भरतर्षभ। पाणिग्रहणकाले तु स्त्रीणामेतत् कथं स्मृतम्॥
Yudhishthira said I ask, O foremost of Bharata's race, what is the origin of the declaration, about satisfying all duties jointly, which is made on the occasion of person's marriage.
आर्ष एष भवेद् धर्मः प्राजापत्योऽथवाऽऽसुरः। यदेतत् सहधर्मेति पूर्वमुक्तं महर्षिभिः॥
Is that declaration about satisfying all duties together due only to what is laid down by the great Rishis in days of yore, or does it refer to the duty of procreating children from religious motives, or has it reference to only the carnal pleasure that is expected from such an intercourse of the sexes?
संदेहः सुमहानेष विरुद्ध इति मे मतिः। इह यः सहधर्मो वै प्रेत्यायं विहितः क्व नु॥
Grcat is the doubt that fills my mind about. Indeed, I think that the declaration to which I refer is contrary to the natural impulses which lead to a union of the sexes. The union in this world for performing duties together ceases with death and is not to be seen to exit hereafter.
स्वर्गो मृतानां भवति सहधर्मः पितामह। पूर्वमेकस्तु म्रियते क्व चैकस्तिष्ठते वद।॥
This union for doing all duties together leads to heaven. But heaven, O grandfather, is attained to by persons that are dead. It is seen of a married couple that only one dies at a time. Where does the other then remain. Do tell me this.
नानाधर्मफलोपेता नानाकर्मनिवासिताः। नानानिरयनिष्ठान्ता मानुषा बहवो यदा॥
Men obtain various kinds of fruits by performing various kinds of duties. The occupations, again, to which men-follow are of various kinds. Various, again are the hells to which they go on account of such diversity of duties and acts.
अनृताः स्त्रिय इत्येवं सूत्रकारो व्यवस्यति। यदानृताः स्त्रियस्तात सहधर्मः कुतः स्मृतः॥
The Rishis have said that women, in particular are false in behaviour. When human beings are such, land when women in particular are described in the Shastras to be false, how, O sire, can there be a union between the sexes for purposes of performing all duties together.
अनृताः स्त्रिय इत्येवं वेदेष्वपि हि पठ्यते। धर्मोऽयं पूर्विका संज्ञा उपचारःक्रियाविधिः॥
In the very Vedas one may read that women are false, The word 'Duty', as used in the Vedas, appears to have been coined first for general application. Therefore the application of that word to the rites of marriage is, instead of being correct, only a form of speech forcibly applied where it has no application.
गह्वरं प्रतिभात्येतन्मम चिन्तयतोऽनिशम्। नि:संदेहमिदं सर्वं पितामह यथाश्रुति॥ यदैतद् यादृशं चैतद् यथा चैतत् प्रवर्तितम्। निखिलेन महाप्राज्ञ भवानेतद् ब्रवीतु मे॥
The subject appears to be inexplicable although I think of it always. O grandfather, O you of great wisdom, you should explain this to me fully, clearly and according to the Shruti. In fact, do you explain to me what it is, what its characteristics are, and the way in which it has come to pass. to me
भीष्म उवाच अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। अष्टावक्रस्य संवादं दिशया सह भारत॥
Bhishma said Regarding it is cited the old discourse between Ashtavakra and the lady known by the name of Disha.
निर्वेष्टुकामस्तु पुरा अष्टावक्रो महातपाः। ऋषेरथ वदान्यस्य ववे कन्यां महात्मनः॥
Formerly Ashtavakra of austere penances, desirous of marriage, begged the great Rishi Vadanya of his daughter.
सुप्रभां नाम वै नाम्ना रूपेणाप्रतिमां भुवि। गुणप्रभावशीलेन चारित्रेण च शोभनाम्॥
The name by which the lady was known was Suprabha. In beauty she was peerless on Earth. In virtues dignity, conduct, and manners, she was superior to all girls.
सा तस्य दृष्वैव मनो जहार शुभलोचना। वनराजी यथा चित्रा वसन्ते कुसुमाचिता॥
By a look only that girl of beautiful eyes had robbed him of his heart even as a delightful grove in spring, decked with flowers robs the spectator of his heart.
ऋषिस्तमाह देया मे सुता तुभ्यं हि तच्छृणु। गच्छ तावद् दिशं पुण्यामुत्तरां द्रक्ष्यसे ततः॥
The Rishi addressed Ashtavakra and said Yes, I shall give my daughter to you. Listen, however, to me. Make a journey to the sacred North. You will see inany things there.
अष्टवक्र उवाच किं द्रष्टव्यं मया तत्र वक्तुमर्हति मे भवान्। तथेदानी मया कार्यं यथा वक्ष्यति मां भवान्॥
Ashtavakra said You should tell me what I shall see in that region. Indeed, I am ready to carry out whatever command may be laid upon me by you.
धनदं समतिक्रम्य हिमवन्तं च पर्वतम्। रुद्रस्यायतनं दृष्ट्वा सिद्धचारणसेवितम्॥
Passing over the dominions of the Lord of Treasures you will cross the Himavat mountains. You will then see the plateau on which Rudra lives. It is inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.
संहृष्टैः पार्षदैर्जुष्टं नृत्यद्भिर्विविधाननैः। दिव्याङ्गरागैः पैशाचैरन्यैर्नानाविधैः प्रभोः॥ पाणितालसुतालैश्च शम्पातालैः समैस्तथा। सम्प्रहृष्टैः प्रनृत्यद्भिः शर्वस्तत्र निषेव्यते॥
It is full of the companions of Mahadeva, frolicsome and fond of dance and possessed of various faces. It is peopled with also many Pishachas, O lord, of various forms and all daubed with fragrant powders of various colours and dancing with joyous hearts in accompaniment with brazen instruments of different kinds. Encircled by these who dance with electric rapidity or refrain at times altogether from forward or backward or transverse motion of every sort, Mahadeva lives there.
इष्टं किल गिरौ स्थानं तद्दिव्यमिति शुश्रुम। नित्यं संनिहितो देवस्तथा ते पार्षदाः स्मृताः॥
That charining spot on the mountains, we have heard, is the favourite abode of the great god. It is said that great god as his companions are always present there.
तत्र देव्या तपस्तप्तं शङ्करार्थं सुदुश्चरम्। अतस्तदिष्टं देवस्य तथोमाया इति श्रुतिः॥
It was there that the goddess Uma had practised the severest austerities for the sake of the three-eyed god. Hence, it is said, that spot is much liked by both Mahadeva and Uma.
पूर्वं तत्र महापार्श्वे देवस्योत्तरतस्तथा। ऋतवः कालरात्रिश्च ये दिव्या ये च मानुषाः॥ देवं चोपासते सर्वे रूपिणः किल तत्र ह। तदतिक्रम्य भवनं त्वया यात्वयमेव हि॥
Formerly there, on the summit of the Mahaparshva mountains, which are situate to the north of the mountains sacred to Mahadeva, the Seasons, and the last Night, and many gods, and many human beings also in their embodied forms, had worshipped Mahadeva. You will cross that region also in your northward journey.
ततो नीलं वनोद्देशं द्रक्ष्यसे मेघसंनिभम्। रमणीयं मनोग्राहि तत्र वै द्रक्ष्यसे स्त्रियम्॥
You will then see a beautiful and charining forest blue of colour and resembling a mass of clouds. There in that forest, you will see a beautiful female ascetic loO king like the goddess of prosperity herself.
तपस्विनी महाभागां वृद्धां दीक्षामनुष्ठिताम्। द्रष्टव्या सा त्वया तत्र सम्पूज्या चैव यत्नतः॥
Venerable for age and highly blessed, she is going through the initiatory rite. Seeing her there you should duly adore her with reverence.
तां दृष्ट्वा विनिवृत्तस्त्वं ततः पाणिं ग्रहीष्यसि। यद्येष समयः सर्वः साध्यतां तत्र गम्यताम्॥
Returning to this place after having seen her, you will take the hand of my daughter in marriage. If you can make this agreement, proceed then on your journey and do what I order you.
अष्टवक्र उवाच तथास्तु साधयिष्यामि तत्र यास्याम्यसंशयम्। यत्र त्वं तदसे साधो भवान् भवतु सत्यवाक्॥
Ashtavakra said So be it! I shall do your bidding. Verily, I shall proceed to that region of which you mention, O you righteous soul! On your side, you should make your words truthful.
भीष्म उवाच ततोऽगच्छत् स भगवानुत्तरामुत्तरां दिशग्। हिमवन्तं गिरिश्रेष्ठं सिद्धचारणसेवितम्॥
Bhishma said The illustrious Ashtavakra started on his journey. He proceeded more and more towards the north and at last reached the Himavat mountains inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.
स गत्वा द्विजशार्दूलो हिमवन्तं महागिरिम्। अभ्यगच्छन्नदी पुण्यां बाहुदां धर्मशालिनीम्॥
Arrived at the Himavat mountains that foremost of Brahmanas then reached the sacred river Vahuda whose waters produce great merit.
अशोके विमले तीर्थं स्नात्वा वै तर्प्य देवताः। तत्र वासाय शयने कौशे सुखमुवास ह॥
He bathed in one of the charming Tirthas of that river, which was free from mud, and pleased the gods with oblations of water. His ablutions being over, he spread a quantity of Kusha grass and laid himself down upon it for taking rest for some time.
ततो रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां प्रातरुत्थाय च द्विजः। स्नात्वा प्रादुश्चकाराग्निं स्तुत्वा चैनं प्रधानतः॥
Passing the night in this way the Brahmana rose with the day. He once more performed his ablutions in the sacred waters of the Vahuda and then lighted his homa fire and adored it with the help of many foremost of Vedic mantras.
रुद्राणी रुद्रमासाद्य ह्रदे तत्र समाश्वसत्। विश्रान्तश्च समुत्थाय कैलासमभितो ययौ॥
He then adored with the due rites both Rudra and his wife Uma. and rested for some more time by the side of that lake in the course of the Vahuda whose shores he had reached. Refreshed by such rest, he started from that region and then proceed towards Kailasa.
सोऽपश्यत् काञ्चनद्वारं दीप्यमानमिव श्रिया। मन्दाकिनी च नलिनी धनदस्य महात्मनः॥
He then saw a golden gate that seemed to blaze with beauty. He saw also the Mandakini and the Nalini of the great Kubera the Lord of Riches.
अथ राक्षसाः सर्वं येऽभिरक्षन्ति पद्मिनीम्। प्रत्युत्थिता भगवन्तं मणिभद्रपुरोगमाः॥
Seeing the Rishi arrived there all the Rakshasas headed by Manibhadra who were engaged in protecting that lake full of beautiful lotuses, came out in a body for welcoming and honoring the illustrious traveller.
स तान् प्रत्यर्चयामास राक्षसान् भीमविक्रमान्। निवेदयत मां क्षिप्रं धनदायेति चाब्रवीत्॥
The Rishi adored in return those Rakshasas of terrible prowess and asked them report, forthwith his arrival to the Lord of Rishis.
ते ते राक्षसास्तथा राजन् भगवन्तमथाब्रुवन्। असौ वैश्रवणो राजा स्वयमायाति तेऽन्तिकम्॥
Requested by him to do this, those Rakshasas, O king, said to him king Vaishravana, without waiting for the news, is coming of his own accord to your presence.
विदितो भगवानस्य कार्यमागमनस्य यत्। पश्यैनं त्वं महाभागं ज्वलन्तमिव तेजसा॥
The illustrious Lord of Riches is well acquainted with the object of this hour journey See him that blessed Master, who blazes with his own energy
ततो वैश्रवणोऽभ्येत्य अष्टावक्रमनिन्दितम्। विधिवत्कुशलं पृष्ट्वा ततो ब्रह्मार्षब्रवीत्॥
Then king Vaishravana, approaching the innocent Ashtavakra, duly enquired about his welfare. The usual polite enquiries being over, the Lord of Riches then addressed the twice twiceborn Rishi, saying You are welcome. Do tell me what do you want from me. Inform me of it, I shall O twiceborn one, do whatever you may order me to accomplish.
सुखं प्राप्तो भवान् कच्चित् किं वा मत्तश्चिकीर्षति। ब्रूहि सर्वे करिष्यामि यन्मा वक्ष्यसि वै द्विज॥ भवनं प्रविश त्वं मे यथाकामं द्विजोत्तम। सत्कृतः कृतकार्यश्च भवान् यास्यत्यविघ्नतः॥
Do you enter my house as pleases you. O foremost of Brahmanas. Duly entertained by me, and after your business is done, you may go without any obstacles being placed in your way.
प्राविशद् भवनं स्वं वै गृहीत्वा तं द्विजोत्तमम्। आसनं स्वं ददौ चैव पाद्यमर्थ्य तथैव च॥
Having said these words, Kubera took the hand of that foremost of Brahmanas and conducted him into his palace. He offered him his own seat as also water to wash his feet and the present of the usual ingredients.
अथोपविष्टयोस्तत्र मणिभद्रपुरोगमाः। निषेदुस्तत्र कौबेरा यक्षगन्धर्वकिन्नराः॥
After the two had been seated the Yakshas of Kubera headed by Manibhadra, and many Gandharvas and Kinnaras, also sat down before them.
ततस्तेषां निषण्णानां धनदो वाक्यमब्रवीत्। भवच्छन्दं समाज्ञाय नृत्येरन्नप्सरोगणाः॥
After all of them had taken their seats, the Lord of Riches said Understanding what your pleasure is, the various tribes of Apsaras will begin their dance.
आतिथ्यं परमं कार्य शुश्रूषा भवस्तथा। संवर्ततामित्युवाच मुनिर्मधुरया गिरा॥
It is proper that I should entertain you with hospitality and that you should be served with propriety. Thus addressed the ascetic Ashtavakra said, in a sweet voice Let the dance go on.
अथोर्वरा मिश्रकेशी रम्भा चैवोर्वशी तथा। अलम्बुषा घृताची च चित्रा चित्राङ्गदा रुचिः॥ मनोहरा सुकेशी च सुमुखी हासिनी प्रभा। विद्युता प्रशमी दान्ता विद्योता रतिरेव च॥
Then Urvara, Mishrakeshi, Rambha, Urvashi, Alumbusha, Ghritachi, Chitra, Chitrangada, Rochi, Manohara, Sukeshi, Sumukhi, Hasini, Prabha, Vidyuta, Prashami, Danta, Vidyota and Rati these and many other beautiful Apsaras began to dance. The Gandharvas played on various kinds of musical instruments.
वै एताश्चान्याश्च बयः प्रनृत्ताप्सरसः शुभाः। अवादयंश्च गन्धर्वा वाद्यानि विविधानि च॥ अथ प्रवृत्ते गान्धर्वे दिव्ये ऋषिरुपाविशत्। दिव्यं संवत्सरं तत्रारमतैष महातपाः॥
After such excellent music and dance had begun, the Rishi Ashtavakra of austere penances unconsciously passed a full celestial year there in the house of king Vaishravana.
ततो वैश्रवणो राजा भगवन्तमुवाच ह। साग्रः संवत्सरो जातो विप्रेह तव पश्यतः॥
Then king Vaishravana said to the Rishi O learned Brahmana, see a little more than a year has passed away since you arrival here.
हार्योऽयं विषयो ब्रह्मन् गान्धर्वो नाम नामतः। छन्दतो वर्ततां विप्र यथा वदति वा भवान्॥ अतिथिः पूजनीयस्त्वमिदं च भवतो गृहम्। सर्वमाज्ञाप्यतामाशु परवन्तो वयं त्वयि॥
This music and dance, especially known by the name of Gandharva, is a stealer of the heart (and of time), Act as you like, or let this go on if that be your pleasure. You are my guest and, therefore, worthy of worship. This is your house. Do you set your commands. We are all bound to you.
अथ वैश्रवणं प्रीतो भगवान् प्रत्यभाषत। अर्चितोऽस्मि यथान्यायं गमिष्यामि धनेश्वर।॥
Thus addressed by king Vaishravana, the illustrious Ashtavakra, replied to him, with a pleased heart, saying I have been duly honoured by you. I desire now, O Lord of Riches, to go hence.
प्रीतोऽस्मि सदृशं चैव तव सर्वं धनाधिप। तव प्रसादाद् भगवन् महर्षेश्च महात्मनः॥ नियोगादद्य यास्यामि वृद्धिमानृद्धिमान् भव। अथ निष्क्रम्य भगवान् प्रययावुत्तरामुखः॥
Indeed, I am highly pleased. All this befits you, O Lord of Riches. Through your grace, O illustrious one, and according to the command of the great Rishi Vadanya, I shall now proceed to my journey's end. May you enjoy prosperity. Having said these words, the illustrious Rishi left Kubera's palace and proceeded northwards.
कैलासं मन्दरं हैमं सर्वाननुचचार ह। तानतीत्य महाशैलान् कैरातं स्थानमुत्तमम्॥
He crossed the Kailasa and the Mandara as also the golden mountains. Beyond those high and great mountains is situate that excellent region where Mahadeva dressed as an humble ascetic was living.
प्रदक्षिणं तथा चक्रे प्रयतः शिरसा नतः। धरणीमवतीर्याथ पूतात्मासौ तदाभवत्॥
He went round the spot with a composed mind, bending his head in respect the while. Descending then on the Earth, he regarded himself purified for having seen that holy spot which is the residence of Mahadeva.
स तं प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा त्रिः शैलं चोत्तरामुखः। समेन भूमिभागेन ययौ प्रीतिपुरस्कृतः॥
Having gone round that mountain thrice, the Rishi with face turned towards the north, went on with a joyous heart.
ततोऽपरं वनोद्देशं रमणीयमपश्यत। सर्वर्तुभिर्मूलफलैः पक्षिभिश्च समन्वितैः॥
Then he saw another forest that was very delightful. It was adorned with the fruits and roots of every season, and it was filled with the music of bards.
रमणीयैर्वनोद्देशैस्तत्र तत्र विभूषितम्। तत्राश्रमपदं दिव्यं ददर्श भगवानथ॥
There were many charming groves in the forest. The illustrious Rishi then saw a beautiful asylum.
शैलांश्च विविधाकारान् काञ्चनान् रत्नभूषितान्। मणिभूमौ निविष्टाश्च पुष्करिण्यस्तथैव च॥
The Rishi saw also many golden hills decked with gems and possessed of various forms. There he saw many lakes and tanks also.
अन्यान्यपि सुरम्याणि पश्यतः सुबहून्यथ। भृशं तस्य मनो रेमे महर्षे वितात्मनः॥
And he saw various other highly beautiful objects. Seeing these things, the mind of that Rishi of purified soul became filled with joy.
स तत्र काञ्चनं दिव्यं सर्वरत्नमयं गृहम्। ददर्शाद्भुतसंकाशं धनदस्य गृहाद् वरम्॥
He then saw a beautiful palace made of gold and adorned with all sorts of gems. Of wonderful structure, that palace surpassed the palace of Kubera himself in every respect.
महान्तो यत्र विविधा मणिकाञ्चपर्वताः। विमानानि च रम्याणि रत्नानि विविधानि च॥
Around it there were many hills and mounts of jewels and gems. Many beautiful cars and heaps of jewels also were seen there.
मन्दारपुष्पैः संकीर्णो तथा मन्दाकिनी नदीम्। स्वयंप्रभाश्च मणयो वढभूमिश्च भूषिता॥
The Rishi saw there the river Mandakini whose waters were covered with numberless Mandara flowers. There also were seen many selfluminous gems, and the soil all around was decked with diamonds of various species.
नानाविधैश्च भवनैर्विचित्रमणितोरणैः। मुक्ताजालविनिक्षिप्तैर्मणिरत्नविभूषितैः॥
The palace which the Rishi saw contained many chambers whose arches were set with various kinds of stones. Those chambers were adorned also with nets of pearls interspersed with jewels and gems of various species.
मनोदृष्टिहरै रम्यैः सर्वतः संवृतं शुभैः। ऋषिभिश्चावृतं तत्र आश्रमं तं मनोहरम्॥
Various sorts of beautiful objects, capable of stealing the heart and the eye surrounded that palace. That charming retreat was inhabited by numberless Rishis.
ततस्तस्याभवच्चिन्ता कुत्र वासो भवेदिति। अथ द्वारं समभितो गत्वा स्थित्वा ततोऽब्रवीत्॥
Seeing these beautiful sights all around, the Rishi began to think of where he would take shelter. Proceeding then to the gate of the palace, he uttered these words:
अतिथिं समनुप्राप्तमभिजानन्तु येऽत्र वै। अथ कन्याः परिवृता गृहात् तस्माद् विनिर्गताः॥
Let those that live here know that a guest has come. Hearing the voice of the Rishi, a number of maidens came out in a body from that palace.
नानारूपाः सप्त विभो कन्याः सर्वा मनोहराः। यां यामपश्यत् कन्यां वै सा सा तस्य मनोऽहरत्॥६८
They were seven in number, O king, Of different sorts of beauty, all of them were highly charming. Every one of those maidens the Rishi saw stole his heart.
न च शक्तो वारयितुं मनोऽस्याथावसीदति। ततो धृतिः समुत्पन्ना तस्य विप्रस्य धीमतः॥
The sage could not, with even his utmost struggles control his mind. Indeed, seeing those maidens of very great beauty, his heart lost its balance. Seeing himself to give way to such influences, the Rishi made a vigorous effort, and greatly wise as he was he at last succeeded in controlling himself.
अथ तं प्रमदाः प्राहुर्भगवान् प्रविशत्विति। स च तासां सुरूपाणां तस्यैव भवनस्य हि॥ कौतूहलं समाविष्टः प्रविवेश गृहं द्विजः। तत्रापश्यज्जरायुक्तामरजोऽम्बरधारिणीम्॥ वृद्धां पर्यङ्कमासीनां सर्वाभरणभूषिताम्। स्वस्तीति तेन चैवोक्ता सा स्त्री प्रत्यवदत् तदा॥ प्रत्युत्थाय च तं विप्रमास्यतामित्युवाच ह।
Those ladies then addressed the Rishi saying Let the illustrious one enter. Stricken with curiously about those highly beautiful ladies, as also of that palace the twiceborn Rishi entered as he was commanded. Entering the palace lie saw an old lady, with marks of decrepitude, dressed in white robes and adorned with every kind of ornament. The Rishi blessed her, saying Good be to you. The old lady returned his good wishes in due form, Rising up, she offered a seat to the Rishi.
सर्वाः स्वानालयान् यान्तु एका मामुपतिष्ठतु॥ प्रज्ञाता या प्रशान्ता या शेषा गच्छन्तु च्छन्दतः।
Having taken his seat, Ashtavakra said Let all the ladies go to their respective quarters. Only let one stay here. Let that one remain here who is endued with wisdom and who has tranquillity of heart. Indeed, let all the others go away as they like,
ततः प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य कन्यास्तास्तमृषि तदा॥ निश्चक्रमुर्गृहात् तस्मात् सा वृद्धार्थं व्यतिष्ठत।
Thus addressed, all those damsels went round the Rishi and then left the chamber, only that aged lady remaining there.
अथ तां संविशन् प्राह शयने भास्वरे तदा॥ त्वयापि सुप्यतां भद्रे रजनी ह्यतिवर्तते।
The day quickly passed and night came. The Rishi, seated on a splendid bed addressed the old lady, saying blessed lady, the night is growing deeper, Do you go to sleep.
संलापात् तेन विप्रेण तथा सा तत्र भाषिता॥ द्वितीये शयने दिव्ये संविवेश महाप्रभे।
Their conversation being thus put a stop to by the Rishi the old lady laid herself down on an excellent bed of great beauty.
अथ सा वेपमानाङ्गी निमित्तं शीतजं तदा॥ व्यपदिश्य महर्षेः शयनं व्यवरोहत।
Soon after, she rose from her bed and pretending to tremble with cold, left it for the bed of the Rishi.
स्वागतेनागतां तां तु भगवानभ्यभाषत॥ सोपागूहद् भुजाभ्यां तु ऋषि प्रीत्या नरर्षभ।
The great Ashtavakra welcomed her courteously. The lady, however stretching her arms, tenderly embraced the Rishi, O foremost of men.
निर्विकारमृर्षि चापि काष्ठकुड्योपमं तदा॥ दुःखिता प्रेक्ष्य संजल्पमकार्षीदृषिणा सह।
Seeing the Rishi quite unmoved and as inanimate as a piece of wood, she became very sorry and began to converse with him.
ब्रह्मन्नकामतोऽन्यास्ति स्त्रीणां पुरुषतो धृतिः॥ कामेन मोहिता चाहं त्वां भजन्तीं भजस्व माम्।
There is no pleasure, except that from desire which women can derive from a person of the other sex! I am now under the influence of lust. I seek you for that reason. Do you seek me in return.
प्रहृष्टो भव विप्रर्षे समागच्छ मया सह॥ उपगूह च मां विप्र कामार्ताहं भृशं त्वयि।
Be cheerful O learned Rishi, and unite yourself with me! Do you embrace me, o learned one for I desire you greatly.
एतद्धि तव धर्मात्मंस्तपसः पूज्यते फलम्॥ प्रार्थितं दर्शनादेव भजमानां भजस्व माम्।
O you of righteous soul this union with me is the best and desirable reward of those severe penances which you had practised. At the first sight I have become disposed to seek you. Do you also seek me.
मम चेदं धनं सर्वे यच्चान्यदपि पश्यसि॥ प्रभुस्त्वं भव सर्वत्र मयि चैव न संशयः।
All this riches and every other precious article that you see these are mine. Do you indeed, become the master of all this with my person and heart.
सर्वान् कामान् विधास्यामि रमस्व सहितो मया।।८४ रमणीये वने विप्र सर्वकामफलप्रदे।
I Shall satisfy every wish of yours! Do you sport with me, therefore, in these delightful forests, O Brahmana, which can grant every wish.
त्वद्वशाहं भविष्यामि रंस्यसे च मया सह॥ सर्वान् कामानुपाश्नीमो ये दिव्या ये च मानुषाः।
I shall obey you implicitly in every thing and you will sport with me according to your pleasure! All objects of desire that are human or that belong to heaven shall be enjoyed by us.
नातः परं हि नारीणां विद्यते च कदाचन॥ यथा पुरुषसंसर्गः परमेतद्धि नः फलम्।
There is no other pleasure more agreeable to women. Indeed, union with a person of the opposite sex is the most desirable object of joy that we can get.
आत्मच्छन्देन वर्तन्ते नार्यो मन्मथचोदिताः॥ न च दह्यन्ति गच्छन्त्यः सुतप्तैरपि पांसुभिः।
When moved by the god of love women become very whimsical. Then they do not feel any pain even they walk over a desert of burning sand.
अष्टावक्र उवाच परदारनहं भद्रे न गच्छेयं कथंचन॥ दूषितं धर्मशास्त्रज्ञैः परदाराभिमर्शनम्।
Ashtavakra said O blessed lady, I never approach another's wife. One's union with another man's wife is condemned by persons conversant with the scriptures on morality.
भद्रे निवेष्टुकामं मां विद्धि सत्येन वै शपे॥ विषयेष्वनभिज्ञोऽहं धर्मार्थं किल संततिः।
I am an utter stranger to enjoyments of every kind. O blessed lady, know that I have become desirous of marriage for getting children. I swear by truth itself.
एवं लोकान् गमिष्यामि पुत्रैरिति न संशयः॥ भद्रे धर्मे विजानीहि ज्ञात्वा चोपरमस्व ह।
Through the help of offspring righteously got, I shall proceed to those regions of happiness which cannot be attained without such help. O good lady, know what is consistent with morality, and knowing desist from your efforts.
स्व्युवाच नानिलोऽग्निर्न वरुणो न चान्ये त्रिदशा द्विज॥ प्रियाः स्त्रीणां यथा कामोरतिशीला हि योषितः।
The lady said The very gods of wind and fire and water, or the other celestials, O twice born one are not so agreeable to women as the god of love. Indeed women are greatly fond of sexual union.
सहस्रे किल नारीणां प्राप्येतैका कदाचन॥ तथा शतसहस्रेषु यदि काचित् पतिव्रता।
Among a thousand women, or perhaps, among hundreds of thousands, sometimes only one may be found who is devoted to her husband.
नैता जानन्ति पितरं न कुलं न च मातरम्॥ न भ्रातॄन् न च भर्तारं न च पुत्रान् न देवरान्।
Under the influence of desire, they care not for fainily or father or mother or brother or husband or sons or husband's brother.
लीलायन्त्यः कुलं घ्नन्ति कूलानीव सरिद्वराः। दोषान् सर्वांश्च मत्वाऽऽशु प्रजापतिरभाषत॥
Seeking what they consider happiness, they destroy the family even as many rivers wash away the banks that contain them. The Creator himself had said this marking the faults of women.
भीष्म उवाच ततः स ऋषिरेकाग्रस्तां स्त्रियं प्रत्यभाषत। आस्यतां रुचितश्छन्दः किं च कार्यं ब्रवीहि मे॥
Bhishma said The Rishi, bent upon finding out the faults of women, addressed that lady saying Cease to speak to me thus! Yearning originates from liking. Tell ine what I am to do.
सा स्त्री प्रोवाच भगवन् द्रक्ष्यसे देशकालतः। वस तावन्महाभाग कृतकृत्यो भविष्यसि॥
That lady then said in return illustrious one you will all see according to time and place. Do you only live here (for sometime), O highly blessed one, and I shall consider myself sufficiently rewarded!
ब्रह्मर्पिस्तामथोवाच स तथेति युधिष्ठिर। वत्स्येऽहं यावदुत्साहो भवत्या नात्र संशयः॥ अथर्षिरभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य स्त्रियं तां जरयार्दिताम्। चिन्तां परमिकां भेजे संतप्त इव चाभवत्॥
Thus addressed by her, the twice born Rishi, O Yudhishthira, expressed his resolution to satisfy her request, saying I shall live with you in this place as long as I can venture to do so. The Rishi then seeing that lady possessed by decrepitude, began to think seriously on the matter. He appeared to be even pained by his thoughts.
यद् यदकं हि सोऽपश्यत् तस्या विप्रर्षभस्तदा। नारमत् तत्र तत्रास्य दृष्टी रूपविरागिता॥
The eyes of that foremost of Brahmanas could not get any delight from those parts of that lady's person whereupon they were fixed. On the other hand, his looks appeared to be dispelled by the ugliness of those particular limbs.
देवतेयं गृहस्यास्य शापात् किं नु विरूपिता। अस्याश्च कारणं वेत्तुं न युक्तं सहसा मया॥
This lady is forsooth, the mistress of this palace. Has she been made ugly through some curse! It is not proper that I should quickly determine the cause of this.
इति चिन्ताविविक्तस्य तमर्थे ज्ञातुमिच्छतः। व्यगच्छत् तदहःशेषं मनसा व्याकुलेन तु॥
Thinking thus in his heart and curious to know the reason the Rishi passed the rest of that day in anxiety.
अथ सा स्त्री तथोवाच भगवन् पश्य वै रवेः। रूपं संध्याभ्रसंरक्तं किमुपस्थाष्यतां तव॥
The lady then addressed him, saying O illustrious one, look at the Sun reddened by the evening clouds! What service shall I do to you.
स उवाच ततस्तां स्त्री स्नानोदकमिहानय। उपासिष्ये ततः सन्ध्यां वाग्यतो नियतेन्द्रिय॥
The Rishi addressed her saying 'Fetch water for my ablution! Having bathed, I shall recite my evening prayers, controlling my tongue and the senses.'