Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 3 Chapter 22:17-31

Book 3: Chapter 22

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 3: Chapter 22: Verses 17-31
The sage Kardama accepts the hand of Devahuti

(The other day), when she was sporting on the top of her royal mansion, following her ball with bewildered eyes, the elegance of her person heightened by the tinkling of ornaments on her feet, Viswavasu (a Gandharva well-known for his comeliness) was stupefied with infatuation to see her and fell down from his aerial car. What wise man would not welcome her, the very ornament of woman-hood, the beloved daughter of Swayambhuva Manu (yourself) and sister of Uttanapada, who cannot even be perceived by those that have not adored the gracious feet of the Lord, and who has come of her own accord, seeking my hand? Therefore, I shall take to wife this noble girl on condition that I shall remain with her till she bears (in her womb) through me a ray of the Supreme Spirit. Thereafter I am thinking of mostly devoting myself to practices (like self-control) which do not involve destruction of life and characterize the life of a Samnyasi (recluse), and which have been directly taught[1] (to me) by the Lord Himself. To me the highest authority in this behalf is the immortal Lord Sri Hari, the Ruler even of all Prajapatis (lords of created beings), from whom this wonderful universe has emanated, in whom it rests and in whom again, it will disappear. Maitreya went on : The sage, O Vidura (the wielder of a fierce bow), said only this much and became silent, clinging with his mind to the Lord whose navel is adorned by a lotus. His countenance, which was graced with a smile, captivated the heart of Devahuti. Having further unmistakably known the mind of the queen as well as of Devahuti, the emperor most gladly gave away to the sage, who was endowed with hosts of virtues, his daughter, who matched him well. Empress Satarupa lovingly bestowed on the bride and the bride-groom most valuable presents, suited to the occasion in the form of jewellery, raiment and other articles intended for household use. Relieved of all agony, the emperor enclosed within his arms his daughter-who had been bestowed on a suitable person-with a heart agitated with extreme fondness for her. Unable to bear separation from her, he shed tears again and again, and drenched with them his daughter's looks, crying, 'My daughter, my darling!" Bidding adieu to the great sage and obtaining his leave, the monarch mounted his chariot along with his spouse and drove to his capital, followed by his retinue and witnessing the beauty of the hermitages of the tranquil-minded seers on both the charming banks of the Saraswati, a river so agreeable to sages. Overjoyed to know of his arrival (beforehand), his subjects sallied forth from Brahmavarta to greet their lord with songs, panegyrics and instrumental music. The city of Barhismati (the capital of Swayambhuva Manu), which was rich in all kinds of wealth, was so-called because it was here that the hair of Lord Visnu (manifested in the form of the divine Boar) dropped from His body as He shook it and it was these very hair that turned into blades of the ever-green Kusa grass (also known by the name of Barhis) and Kasas (another species of grass used for mats, roofs, etc.), by means of which the sages got rid of those (demons etc.) who interfered with the performance of their sacrifices, and worshipped Lord Visnu (through those sacrifices). It was here, again, that the worshipful Manu spread a seat of Kusas and Kasas and propitiated the Lord presiding over sacrifices, from whom he had secured a footing in the shape of the terrestrial globe.

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References

  1. Vide verse 31 of Discourse XXI above.

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