SECTION LV
(Astika Parva continued)
"Astika said, 'Soma and Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices of old
in Prayaga. But your sacrifice, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of
Parikshit, is not inferior to any of those. Let those dear unto us be
blessed! Sakra performed a hundred sacrifices. But this sacrifice of
thine, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit, is fully
equal to ten thousand sacrifices of Sakra. Let those dear unto us be
blessed! Like the sacrifice of Yama, of Harimedha, or of king Rantideva,
is the sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of
Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Maya,
of king Sasavindu, or of king Vaisravana, is this sacrifice of thine, O
foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Satyavati, in which he himself
was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of Nriga, of Ajamida, of the son
of Dasaratha, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata's
race, O son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the
sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, the son of a god and belonging to Ajamida
race, heard of (even) in the heavens, is this sacrifice of thine. O
foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit, let those dear unto
us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Krishna (Dwaipayana), the son of
Satyavati, in which he himself was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of
thine, O foremost one of Bharata's race, O son of Parikshit Let those
dear unto us be blessed! These (Ritwiks and Sadasyas) that are here
engaged in making your sacrifice, like unto that of the slayer of Vritra,
are of splendour equal to that of the sun. There now remains nothing for
them to know, and gifts made to them become inexhaustible (in merit). It
is my conviction that there is no Ritwik in all the worlds who is equal
to your Ritwik, Dwaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritwiks, competent for
their duties, travel over the earth. The high-souled bearer of libation
(viz., Agni), called also Vibhavasu and Chitrabhanu, having gold for his
vital seed and having his path, marked by black smoke, blazing up with
flames inclined to the right, beareth these your libations of clarified
butter to the gods. In this world of men there is no other monarch equal
to you in the protection of subjects. I am ever well-pleased with thy
abstinence. Indeed, you are either Varuna, or Yama, the god of Justice.
Like Sakra himself, thunderbolt in hand, you art, in this world, the
protector of all creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as
thou and no monarch who is your equal in sacrifice. Thou are like
Khatwanga, Nabhaga, and Dilipa. In prowess you are like Yayati and
Mandhatri. In splendour equal to the sun, and of excellent vows, you art
O monarch, like Bhishma! Like Valmiki you are of energy concealed. Like
Vasishtha you hast controlled your wrath. Like Indra is your lordship. Thy
splendour also shines like that of Narayana. Like Yama are thou
conversant with the dispensation of justice. Thou are like Krishna
adorned with every virtue. Thou are the home of the good fortune that
belongs to the Vasus. Thou are also the refuge of the sacrifices. In
strength you are equal to Damvodbhava. Like Rama (the son of Jamadagni)
thou are conversant with the scriptures and arms. In energy you art
equal to Aurva and Trita. Thou inspirest terror by your looks like
Bhagiratha.'
"Sauti said, 'Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz.,
the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwiks and the sacrificial fire. And king
Janamejaya beholding the signs and indications manifested all around,
addressed them as follows.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 55 ---------------------
