Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 4 Chapter 30:1-15

Book 4: Chapter 30

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 30: Verses 1-15
Bhagavan Visnu confers a boon on the Pracetas, who then return to their city and marry the foster-daughter of the trees

Vidura said : What reward did the sons of Pracinabarhi, mentioned by you, get, 0 holy sage, by propitiating Sri Hari through (the repetition of) the hymn sung by Sri Rudra ? Having accidentally met with (secured the presence of) Lord Siva (who lives on Mount Kailasa), I am sure, the Pracetas, who were able to win the grace of that divine Personage, the favourite of Bhagavan Narayana (the Dispenser of Liberation) must have eventually accomplished the supreme object of their life (in the shape of finai beatitude). What (else) did they achieve, O Maitreya (pupil of the sage Brhaspati), either here or hereafter ? Maitreya replied : In obedience to the commands of their father (king Pracinabarhi) the Pracetas propitiated Lord Sri Hari (the Creator of all bodies) through worship in the form of repeating the hymn sung by Sri Rudra and austerities carried on in water in a lake almost as extensive as the ocean[1]. At the end of a myriad years Bhagavan Narayana (the supreme and eternal Purusa) appeared (before them) in His placid form (consisting of Sattva unmixed with Rajas and Tamas), soothing by His (very) effulgence their agony (caused by long and severe austerities). Mounted on the shoulders of Garuda (the king of the birds), He looked like a cloud settled on a peak of Meru (the mountain of gold), was dressed in yellow and had the Kaustubha gem suspended from His neck, by the splendour of which (and above all by His own effulgence) He drove away the darkness from (all) the quarters. Not only His cheeks but His entire face shone brightly with brilliant gold ornaments presenting a variety of attractive hues (due to the various precious stones embedded in them): He wore (on His head) a glorious crown and was waited upon by His eight weapons (viz., a conch, a lotus, an arrow, a bow, a mace, a sword and a shield, appearing in living forms, though usually adorning His eight arms) as well as by (a number of) attendants, sages and rulers of gods (Brahma and others), His glory sung by Garuda like the Kinnaras (through the music of his wings). Encircled on the bosom by a wreath of sylvan flowers whose splendour vied with that of Goddess Laksmi, adorning the space enclosed by His eight long and rounded arms, Lord Narayana (the most ancient Person) spoke to the sons of Barhisman-who had sought His protection-in a voice (deep) as the rumbling of clouds (as follows), casting a merciful look at them. The glorious Lord said : Seek you from Me any boon you choose. God bless you, 0 princes, observing as you do the same sacred vows by virtue of your amity. I am (really) pleased with your mutual affection. The man who will remember you everyday at dusk will not only have the same affection for his brothers as for his own self but will cherish friendly feelings for (all) living beings. And I will confer the desired blessing as well as a brilliant intellect (even) on them who will glorify Me every morning and evening with a concentrated mind through the hymn taught by Sri Rudra. Inasmuch as you have joyfully carried out the command of your father, your bright renown will accordingly pervade all the (different) worlds (comprised in this universe). An illustrious son will be born to you, who will be in no way inferior to Brahma (the creator) in point of virtues and who will fill all the three worlds with his progeny. The sage Kandu got a girl with eyes charming as the lotus through Pramloca (a celestial nymph). And the (spirits presiding over) trees, O princes, took charge of the girl, who had been abandoned (by the nymph). Moved with compassion, the celebrated moon-god, the king (of herbs and annual plants), put his index finger, dripping with nectar, in the mouth of that girl, who was oppressed with hunger and crying. Commanded by your father-who is (now) devoted to My path-to beget children, marry that girl with lovely hips without delay for the said purpose.

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References

  1. (vide IV. xxiv. 14)

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