The Markandeya Purana

by Bibek Debroy

  Chapter 6

  The birds said, ‘Knowing that Krishna was extremely affectionate towards Partha, Rama, 104 the wielder of the plough, thought a lot. “What will bring about benefit? Without Krishna, I cannot go to Duryodhana’s side. How can I side with the Pandavas and bring down King Duryodhana? The lord of men is my disciple and my son-in-law. 105 Therefore, I will go neither to Partha, nor to King Duryodhana. Thus, until the destruction of the Kurus and the Pandavas takes place, I will be content within my own self and bathe in the waters of the tirthas.” Taking leave of Krishna, Partha and Duryodhana, and surrounded by his own soldiers, Shouri 106 went to Dvaraka. Rama went to Dvaravati, 107 which was full of happy and healthy people. On the next day, the wielder of the plough was going to travel to the tirthas. Therefore, he started to drink. Holding the beautiful Revati, who was like an apsara, by the hand, he went to the prosperous garden of Raivata. Amidst that cluster of women, since he was intoxicated, he stumbled as he walked. The brave one saw a beautiful and excellent grove, filled with flowers and fruits from every season. The place was populated by monkeys. The large forest was filled with lakes and there were clumps of auspicious lotuses. He heard many auspicious and intoxicating sounds that were pleasant to hear. Those beautiful and sweet sounds were uttered through the mouths of birds and entered his ears. There were burdens of fruits from every season. There were blazing flowers from every season. He saw the trees there, resounding with the calls of birds. There were mangoes, amratakas, 108 bhavyas, 109 coconuts, tindukas, 110 abilvakas, 111 cumin, pomegranates, bijapurakas, 112 jackfruit, lakuchas, 113 plantain trees, extremely beautiful nipas, 114 paravatas, 115 kankolas, 116 nalinas, 117 amlavetasas, 118 bhallatakas, 119 amalakas, 120 tindukas with large fruit, ingudas, 121 karamardakas, 122 haritakas and vibhitakas. The descendant of the Yadu lineage saw these and other trees—ashoka, 123 punnaga, 124 ketaki, 125 bakula, 126 champaka, 127 saptaparna, 128 karnikara, 129 malati, 130 parijata, 131 kovidara, 132 mandara, badari, 133 blossoming patalas, 134 beautiful devadaru trees, 135 sala, 136 tala, 137 tamala, 138 kimshuka 139 and excellent vanjula. 140 He heard the sweet callings, pleasant to the ears, of many kinds of birds that were present there—chakoras, 141 shatapatras, 142 bhringarajas, 143 parrots, cuckoos, kalavinkas, 144 haritas, 145 jivajivakas, 146 priyaputras 147 and chatakas. 148 There were lakes with sparkling waters, pleasing to the mind, with water lilies, lotuses, auspicious blue water lilies, white water lilies and lotuses in every direction. 149 In every direction, the place was populated by kadambas, chakravakas, waterfowl, karandavas, plavas, swans, tortoises, madgus and many other aquatic creatures. 150 As he progressively passed through this beautiful forest, Shouri looked at it and then, followed by the women, entered an excellent residence made out of creepers. He saw brahmanas who were accomplished in the Vedas and the Vedangas there—from the lineages of Koushika, Bhargava, Bharadvaja and Goutama. There were other excellent brahmanas, born from many kinds of lineages. Seated there, the great ones were attentively listening to what was being said. They were seated on spreads of shining kusha grass and their upper garments were made out of black antelope skin. In their midst, Suta was telling them about auspicious accounts from the Puranas and about the conduct of the original gods and rishis. All the brahmanas saw Rama, whose eyes were as red as the rising sun because he had been drinking liquor. Realizing that the wielder of the plough was intoxicated, with the exception of the descendant of the suta lineage, all of them quickly arose and honoured him. At this, the immensely strong wielder of the plough became angry. Dilating his eyes, the one who had killed a large number of danavas, slew him. When Suta had been brought down, all the brahmanas, clad in black antelope skin, left the forest, chanting the name of the brahman. The wielder of the plough took himself to be unclean. 151 He thought, “I have committed an extremely great sin. I have brought down Suta, who has left for Brahma’s world. Therefore, all these brahmanas have glanced towards me and have departed. There is an unpleasant smell on my body and it is like that of blood. I understand that I am as reviled as a person who kills a brahmana. Shame on my intolerance, the drink, my great pride and rashness. Overwhelmed by these, I have committed this great sin. To atone for it, I will observe a vow for twelve years. As supreme atonement, I will myself speak about what I have done. Therefore, I will now start on a visit to the tirthas. I will leave for Pratiloma 152 Sarasvati.” Hence Rama went to Pratiloma Sarasvati. After this, listen to the account of the Pandaveyas.’ 153

  Chapter 7

  The birds who followed dharma said, ‘In earlier times, in treta yuga, 154 there was a royal sage named Harishchandra. He had dharma in his soul and protected the earth. His excellent fame glittered. There was no famine or disease. Men did not die before their appointed time. As long as he ruled as the king, citizens were not prone to acts of adharma. They were not intoxicated and insolent because of their riches, valour or austerities. Until she had attained youth, no woman gave birth to a child.

  ‘Once, the mighty-armed one was pursuing a deer in the forest. He heard the sound of some women crying, “Save us.” Abandoning the deer, the king exclaimed, “Do not fear. When I rule, which evil-minded person is performing a wicked act?” He headed in the direction of the cries. The terrible Vighnaraj 155 is one who creates impediments for every kind of initiative. At that time, he thought, “The valiant Vishvamitra has resorted to unmatched austerities. He is undertaking vows so that he can obtain success in acquiring the knowledge of Bhava 156 and others, not mastered by anyone earlier. He is observing forgiveness, silence and control over his intelligence, striving for success. Afflicted by fear, those different kinds of learning are screaming. What shall I do now? The best among the Koushika lineage 157 is energetic and we are extremely weak. They are scared and are shrieking. It seems to me that this is extremely difficult to overcome. In addition, the king has arrived here and is repeatedly exclaiming, ‘Do not be scared.’ I will quickly enter his body and accomplish what I wish.” The terrible Vighnaraj thought this. Permeated by him, the king angrily spoke these words. “Who is this wicked man who has tied up a fire at the end of his garment? 158 I am the master, blazing in my strength and energy, and I am present. The arrows released from my bow will light up the ends of the directions. Whose limbs will they mangle and who will enter a long period of sleep?” Hearing the king’s words, Vishvamitra became angry. When the rishi was enraged, all those different kinds of learning instantly disappeared. The king saw Vishvamitra, a store of austerities. Suddenly scared, he trembled, like an ashvattha 159 leaf. The sage said, “O evil-souled person! Remain here.” Humbly, the king prostrated himself and replied, “O illustrious one! This is my dharma. O lord! Do not find fault with me. O sage! You should not be angry with me. I have been engaged in following my own dharma. Lords of the earth who know about dharma must donate and protect. Following the sacred texts of dharma, he must raise his bow and fight.” Visvamitra asked, “O king! Whom must you give to? Whom must you protect? If you are scared of dharma, quickly tell me this.” Harishchandra replied, “One must give to the best of brahmanas and others whose means of subsistence is suffering. Those who are scared must always be protected. One must fight against those who cause obstructions.” Vishvamitra said, “If you are a king who places the dharma of kings at the forefront, I am a brahmana. I desire something. Give me the dakshina I wish for.” Hearing these words, the core of the king’s heart was delighted. He thought that he had been born again and spoke to Koushika. “O illustrious one! Without any hesitation, tell me what I should give you. Even if it is extremely difficult to obtain, I must give it to you—silver, gold, a son, a daughter, my body, my life, the kingdom, the city, prosperity, or anything else that you might desire.” Vishvamitra said, “O king! The gift that you have given has been accepted by me. However, you must first give me the dakshina for the royal sacrifice.” Harishchandra replied, “O brahmana! I will give you that dakshina. O tiger among brahmanas! Tell me what you desire.” Vishvamitra said, “O brave one! This earth
, with its oceans, land, villages, habitations and your entire kingdom with its chariots, horses, elephants, treasuries and every other kind of wealth that you possess. O unblemished one! Your wife, your son and your own body are the only things that are exempted. O one who knows about all kinds of dharma! Your dharma follows you wherever you go. 160 There is no need to speak a lot. Give me all of this.” Showing no agitation on his face, the king heard the rishi’s words. With a delighted mind, he joined his hands in salutation and said that he agreed. Vishvamitra said, “O royal sage! You have given me the kingdom, the land, the army and the riches. If the kingdom has been vested in an ascetic like me, who is its lord now?” Harishchandra replied, “O brahmana! Since the time I handed over the kingdom to you, you are the lord. Who else can be the king now?” Vishvamitra said, “If you have given me your kingdom and the entire earth and if I am the lord of this dominion, then you should leave it. Unfasten your belt 161 and free yourself of all these ornaments. With your wife and your son, only wear the bark of trees.” The king agreed to what he had said and got ready to leave, with his wife, Shaibya, and his infant son.

  ‘However, as he was about to leave, he 162 obstructed the path and addressed the king. “Without having given me the dakshina for the royal sacrifice, where are you going?” Harishchandra replied, “O illustrious one! I have conferred the kingdom on you, bereft of thorns. O brahmana! It is only these three bodies that are left with me now.” Vishvamitra said, “Nevertheless, you must give me the dakshina for the sacrifice. In particular, if a pledge made to brahmanas is not kept, this leads to destruction. O king! Until brahmanas are satiated at a royal sacrifice, until then, the dakshina of royal sacrifices must continue to be given to them. You have promised to give, fight against assassins and protect the afflicted. You have already pledged this.” Harishchandra replied, “O illustrious one! I have nothing to give you now. I will give it to you in the course of time. O brahmana rishi! Think about virtuous behaviour and show me your favours.” Vishvamitra asked, “O lord of men! How long will I have to wait for? Tell me quickly, so that the fire of my curse does not burn you down.” Harishchandra replied, “O brahmana rishi! I will give you the riches for the dakshina within a month. I have no wealth to give now. Therefore, you should grant me permission to leave.” Vishvamitra said, “Go. O best among kings! Go and protect your own dharma. May you be fortunate and let there be no obstructions along the route.” Having obtained permission, the lord of the earth left. His beloved did not deserve to walk on foot, but followed him. With his wife and son, the best among kings emerged from the city. On seeing this, all the citizens cried out and followed the king. “O protector! Alas! Why are you abandoning us? We are always afflicted and oppressed. O king! You have always been devoted to dharma and have shown your favours towards the citizens. O royal sage! If you follow dharma, take us too. O Indra among kings! Stay for an instant, while, like bees, our eyes drink in your lotus face. When will we see you again? When you proceeded, kings advanced in front and at the rear. Holding your infant son, your wife is following you now. When you proceeded, servants astride elephants used to advance in front of you. That Harishchandra, Indra among kings, is proceeding on foot now. Alas! O king! You are delicate. Your face has excellent eyebrows, excellent skin and a peaked nose. What will happen to it, when it suffers from the dust along the road? Wait. O best among kings! Wait. Follow your own dharma. Non-violence is supreme dharma, especially among kshatriyas. 163 O protector! What will we do with wives, sons, riches and grain? Giving up all this, we will be like your shadows. O protector! Alas! O great king! Alas! O lord! Alas! Why are you forsaking us? We will be wherever you are. Happiness is wherever you are. The city is where you are. Heaven is where our king is.” Hearing these words of the citizens, the king was overwhelmed with sorrow. Overcome by compassion towards them, he stood on the road.

  ‘Vishvamitra saw that he was disturbed by the words of the citizens. His eyes dilated in rage and intolerance. He approached and spoke these words. “Shame on you. You are wicked in conduct. You have spoken false and deceitful words. Having conferred the kingdom on me, you wish to take it back again.” Addressed in these harsh words, the distressed king said, “We are going.” Saying this, he left swiftly, dragging his beloved by the hand. His wife was being dragged in this way and was exhausted and miserable. Koushika suddenly struck her with a wooden staff. Seeing that she was struck in this way, King Harishchandra was wretched and miserable. He said, “I am going,” and said nothing else. Filled with compassion, five Vishvadevas 164 said, “How will this extremely wicked Vishvamitra easily obtain any worlds? He has uprooted the best among those who sacrifice from his own kingdom. Who will faithfully ensure the purification of soma plant at great sacrifices, to the accompaniment of mantras, so that we can drink it and obtain delight?” Hearing their words, Koushika became extremely angry. He cursed them, “All of you will become humans.” When they placated him, the great sage again said, “Though you will be humans, you will not have any offspring. You will not have any wives, nor will you suffer from jealousy. You will be free of desire and anger and you will become gods again.” Portions of those gods were born in the home of the Kurus. Those were the five descendants of the Pandu lineage who were born from Droupadi’s womb. Because of this reason, the five maharatha Pandaveyas did not have any wives. This was the result of the great sage’s curse. Everything about the account of the Pandaveyas has thus been described to you. Answers to your four questions have been chanted. What else do you wish to hear?’

  Chapter 8

  Jaimini asked, ‘In response to my questions, you have progressively described this. I have a great curiosity about Harishchandra’s account. Alas! The great-souled one suffered this great hardship. O best among birds! Did he ever regain his former happiness?’

  The birds replied, ‘Hearing Vishvamitra’s words, the miserable king proceeded slowly, followed by his wife, Shaibya, and his young son. The lord of the earth went to the divine city of Varanasi. Since this had been created by the wielder of the trident, 165 it was not meant to be enjoyed by humans. Followed by his wife, he advanced miserably on foot. As he was about to enter, he saw Vishvamitra present there. Seeing that he had arrived, he bowed down in humility. Joining his hands in salutation, Harishchandra spoke to the great sage. “O sage! My life, my wife and my son—out of these, quickly accept whichever is the best arghya for you. Grant me permission to undertake whatever else I must do.” Vishvamitra replied, “O royal sage! A month has elapsed. If you remember your own words at the time of the rajasuya sacrifice, give me my dakshina.” Harishchandra said, “O brahmana! O store of austerities that do not fade away! The month will be completed today. Wait for half a day. You won’t have to wait for a long time.” Vishvamitra replied, “O great king! So be it. I will come again and I will curse you if you do not give it to me today.” Having said this, the brahmana left.