Bala Kanda · Sarga 52 of 77 · 23 verses
Vasishtha’s Hospitality and the Wish-Cow Shabala
Vishvamitra bows humbly to Vasishtha, who welcomes him, gives him a seat and offers fruit and roots. They ask after each other’s welfare: Vasishtha about the king’s people, servants, armies, treasury, allies and sons; Vishvamitra about Vasishtha’s austerity, fires, disciples and even the trees of the hermitage. After long, happy talk, Vasishtha, smiling, says he wishes to offer hospitality to the king and his whole army.
Vishvamitra politely declines: the fruit, water and the sight of Vasishtha are honour enough; he will go now, and asks to be looked on with friendship. But Vasishtha insists again and again, and at last the king agrees. Vasishtha calls his spotted cow Shabala, the wish-granting cow free of all stain: “Come quickly, Shabala. I mean to honour this royal sage and his army with a costly feast. Pour out for me, divine wish-giver, whatever each one desires, of all six tastes: rich food, drinks, things to lick and things to suck. Hurry, Shabala.”
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तं दृष्ट्वा परमप्रीतो विश्वामित्रो महाबलः । प्रणतो विनयाद् वीरो वसिष्ठं जपतां वरम् ॥ १ ॥
Seeing him, the mighty Vishvamitra was greatly pleased, and the hero bowed humbly to Vasishtha, best of those who pray.
उन्हें देखकर बलवान विश्वामित्र अत्यंत प्रसन्न हुए, और उस वीर ने जप करने वालों में श्रेष्ठ वसिष्ठ को विनम्रता से प्रणाम किया।
Commentary on the whole sarga
Vasishtha’s Hospitality and the Wish-Cow Shabala 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture King Vishvamitra bows humbly to Vasishtha. Their first meeting is warm and respectful. The rivalry has not yet begun; Valmiki makes us see the friendship before the break.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
स्वागतं तव चेत्युक्तो वसिष्ठेन महात्मना । आसनं चास्य भगवान् वसिष्ठो व्यादिदेश ह ॥ २ ॥
“Welcome to you,” said great-souled Vasishtha, and the blessed Vasishtha directed a seat for him.
महात्मा वसिष्ठ ने कहा, “आपका स्वागत है,” और भगवान वसिष्ठ ने उन्हें आसन दिखाया।
CommentaryNot scripture “Welcome.” Vasishtha offers him a seat. A sage receiving a king with simple courtesy.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
उपविष्टाय च तदा विश्वामित्राय धीमते । यथान्यायं मुनिवरः फलमूलमुपाहरत् ॥ ३ ॥
When the wise Vishvamitra had sat down, the best of sages brought him fruit and roots, as was proper.
जब बुद्धिमान विश्वामित्र बैठ गए, तब मुनिश्रेष्ठ ने उचित रीति से उन्हें फल और मूल भेंट किए।
CommentaryNot scripture Fruit and roots: the forest hermitage has no feasts, only what grows. Remember this simplicity; it will make the coming miracle all the more striking.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
प्रतिगृह्य तु तां पूजां वसिष्ठाद् राजसत्तमः । तपोऽग्निहोत्रशिष्येषु कुशलं पर्यपृच्छत ॥ ४ ॥
Accepting that honour from Vasishtha, the best of kings asked after the welfare of his austerity, his fire offerings and his disciples,
वसिष्ठ से वह सम्मान स्वीकार करके राजश्रेष्ठ ने उनके तप, अग्निहोत्र और शिष्यों का कुशल पूछा,
CommentaryNot scripture The king asks after Vasishtha’s austerity, fire offerings and students. He knows what a sage values.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
विश्वामित्रो महातेजा वनस्पतिगणे तदा । सर्वत्र कुशलं प्राह वसिष्ठो राजसत्तमम् ॥ ५ ॥
and the radiant Vishvamitra asked also about the trees; and Vasishtha said to the best of kings that all was well everywhere.
और तेजस्वी विश्वामित्र ने वृक्षों के बारे में भी पूछा; और वसिष्ठ ने राजश्रेष्ठ से कहा कि सब जगह कुशल है।
CommentaryNot scripture He even asks after the trees. A lovely detail: the hermitage’s trees are part of its family.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
सुखोपविष्टं राजानं विश्वामित्रं महातपाः । पप्रच्छ जपतां श्रेष्ठो वसिष्ठो ब्रह्मणः सुतः ॥ ६ ॥
To King Vishvamitra, seated at ease, Vasishtha of great austerity, best of those who pray, son of Brahma, put questions:
आराम से बैठे राजा विश्वामित्र से जप करने वालों में श्रेष्ठ, ब्रह्मा के पुत्र महातपस्वी वसिष्ठ ने प्रश्न किए:
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha, “son of Brahma”, asks in return.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
कच्चित्ते कुशलं राजन् कच्चिद् धर्मेण रञ्जयन् । प्रजाः पालयसे राजन् राजवृत्तेन धार्मिक ॥ ७ ॥
“King, are you well? Do you protect your subjects with dharma, delighting them, righteous king, in the way of kings?
“राजन, क्या आप कुशल से हैं? धर्मात्मा राजा, क्या आप राजाओं की रीति से प्रजा को प्रसन्न रखते हुए धर्म से उसकी रक्षा करते हैं?
CommentaryNot scripture “Do you protect your subjects with dharma, delighting them?” The sage’s first question to a king is about his people.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
कच्चित्ते सम्भृता भृत्याः कच्चित् तिष्ठन्ति शासने । कच्चित्ते विजिताः सर्वे रिपवो रिपुसूदन ॥ ८ ॥
“Are your servants well kept? Do they abide by your commands? Have all your enemies been conquered, destroyer of enemies?
“क्या आपके सेवकों का अच्छी तरह पालन होता है? क्या वे आपकी आज्ञा मानते हैं? शत्रुओं का नाश करने वाले, क्या आपके सब शत्रु जीत लिए गए हैं?
CommentaryNot scripture Servants, obedience, enemies. Vasishtha asks about everything a king must keep in order.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
कच्चिद् बलेषु कोशेषु मित्रेषु च परंतप । कुशलं ते नरव्याघ्र पुत्रपौत्रे तथानघ ॥ ९ ॥
“Scorcher of enemies, is all well with your armies, your treasury and your allies, tiger among men, and with your sons and grandsons, sinless one?”
“शत्रुओं को तपाने वाले, पुरुषसिंह, निष्पाप, क्या आपकी सेना, कोष और मित्रों के साथ, और आपके पुत्रों और पौत्रों के साथ सब कुशल है?”
CommentaryNot scripture Army, treasury, allies, sons and grandsons. These are the classic “limbs” of a kingdom in Indian political thought.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
सर्वत्र कुशलं राजा वसिष्ठं प्रत्युदाहरत् । विश्वामित्रो महातेजा वसिष्ठं विनयान्वितम् ॥ १० ॥
The radiant King Vishvamitra answered the humble Vasishtha that all was well everywhere.
तेजस्वी राजा विश्वामित्र ने विनम्र वसिष्ठ को उत्तर दिया कि सब जगह कुशल है।
CommentaryNot scripture All is well, the king answers.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
कृत्वा तौ सुचिरं कालं धर्मिष्ठौ ताः कथास्तदा । मुदा परमया युक्तौ प्रीयेतां तौ परस्परम् ॥ ११ ॥
Those two most righteous ones talked together for a long time, filled with the greatest joy, and delighted in each other.
वे दोनों अत्यंत धर्मात्मा परम आनंद से भरकर बहुत देर तक आपस में बातें करते रहे, और एक-दूसरे से प्रसन्न रहे।
CommentaryNot scripture They talk for a long time, delighting in each other. Two great men at ease: a king and a sage, friends.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
ततो वसिष्ठो भगवान् कथान्ते रघुनन्दन । विश्वामित्रमिदं वाक्यमुवाच प्रहसन्निव ॥ १२ ॥
Then, at the end of their talk, delight of the Raghus, the blessed Vasishtha said to Vishvamitra, as if smiling:
फिर, रघुनंदन, बातचीत के अंत में भगवान वसिष्ठ ने मानो मुस्कराते हुए विश्वामित्र से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha speaks “as if smiling”. He has something in mind.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
आतिथ्यं कर्तुमिच्छामि बलस्यास्य महाबल । तव चैवाप्रमेयस्य यथार्हं सम्प्रतीच्छ मे ॥ १३ ॥
“Mighty one, I wish to offer hospitality to this army of yours, and to you, of immeasurable power, as is fitting. Accept it from me.
“बलवान, मैं आपकी इस सेना का, और अपार प्रभाव वाले आपका, यथोचित आतिथ्य करना चाहता हूँ। इसे मुझसे स्वीकार कीजिए।
CommentaryNot scripture “I wish to offer hospitality to your army.” An army of thousands, fed by a forest hermit? The offer sounds impossible.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
सत्क्रियां हि भवानेतां प्रतीच्छतु मया कृताम् । राजंस्त्वमतिथिश्रेष्ठः पूजनीयः प्रयत्नतः ॥ १४ ॥
“Please accept this honour I offer, king; you are the best of guests and must be honoured with every effort.”
“राजन, मेरे दिए इस सम्मान को स्वीकार कीजिए; आप श्रेष्ठ अतिथि हैं और हर प्रयत्न से आपका सम्मान होना चाहिए।”
CommentaryNot scripture “You are the best of guests.” In Indian tradition, a guest is like a god (atithi devo bhava ), and must be honoured with every effort.
Scene 1 of 2 · The king and the sage, Vishvamitra and Vasishtha, sit together in the hermitage, talking long as friends.
एवमुक्तो वसिष्ठेन विश्वामित्रो महामतिः । कृतमित्यब्रवीद् राजा पूजावाक्येन मे त्वया ॥ १५ ॥
फलमूलेन भगवन् विद्यते यत् तवाश्रमे । पाद्येनाचमनीयेन भगवद्दर्शनेन च ॥ १६ ॥
सर्वथा च महाप्राज्ञ पूजार्हेण सुपूजितः । नमस्तेऽस्तु गमिष्यामि मैत्रेणेक्षस्व चक्षुषा ॥ १७ ॥
So addressed by Vasishtha, the wise King Vishvamitra said: “It is done already, by your words of honour, by the fruit and roots that are in your hermitage, lord, by water for the feet and for sipping, and by the sight of you. In every way, wise one worthy of honour, I am well honoured. Salutations to you; I will go. Look on me with a friendly eye.”
वसिष्ठ के ऐसा कहने पर बुद्धिमान राजा विश्वामित्र ने कहा: “यह तो हो ही चुका, भगवन, आपके सम्मान भरे वचनों से, आपके आश्रम के फलों और मूलों से, पाद्य और आचमन के जल से, और आपके दर्शन से। सम्मान के योग्य बुद्धिमान, मैं हर प्रकार से भली-भाँति सम्मानित हूँ। आपको प्रणाम; मैं जाऊँगा। मुझे मित्र भाव से देखिए।”
CommentaryNot scripture The king politely declines: “Your words, your fruit, the water and the sight of you are honour enough.” He does not want to burden a poor hermitage. A gracious refusal, from a good king.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
एवं ब्रुवन्तं राजानं वसिष्ठं पुनरेव हि । न्यमन्त्रयत धर्मात्मा पुनः पुनरुदारधीः ॥ १८ ॥
As the king spoke so, the righteous Vasishtha, generous of mind, invited him again and again.
राजा के ऐसा कहने पर उदार मन वाले धर्मात्मा वसिष्ठ ने उन्हें बार-बार निमंत्रण दिया।
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha insists again and again. Indian hospitality does not take the first no.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
बाढमित्येव गाधेयो वसिष्ठं प्रत्युवाच ह । यथाप्रियं भगवतस्तथास्तु मुनिपुंगव ॥ १९ ॥
“Very well,” the son of Gadhi replied to Vasishtha. “Let it be as pleases the lord, best of sages.”
“ठीक है,” गाधि के पुत्र ने वसिष्ठ को उत्तर दिया। “मुनिश्रेष्ठ, जैसा भगवन को अच्छा लगे।”
CommentaryNot scripture “Very well.” The king gives in. And so the story turns.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
एवमुक्तस्तथा तेन वसिष्ठो जपतां वरः । आजुहाव ततः प्रीतः कल्माषीं धूतकल्मषाम् ॥ २० ॥
So addressed by him, Vasishtha, best of those who pray, delighted, called his spotted cow, whose stains had been shaken off.
उनके ऐसा कहने पर जप करने वालों में श्रेष्ठ वसिष्ठ ने प्रसन्न होकर अपनी चितकबरी गाय को बुलाया, जिसके दोष धुल चुके थे।
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha calls his cow Shabala, “the spotted one”, “whose stains had been shaken off”. She is a kamadhenu , a wish-fulfilling cow, the source of the sage’s power to give.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
एह्येहि शबले क्षिप्रं शृणु चापि वचो मम । सबलस्यास्य राजर्षेः कर्तुं व्यवसितोऽस्म्यहम् । भोजनेन महार्हेण सत्कारं संविधत्स्व मे ॥ २१ ॥
“Come, come, Shabala, quickly, and hear my words. I am resolved to honour this royal sage with his army. Arrange for me a reception with a costly feast.
“आओ, आओ, शबला, जल्दी, और मेरी बात सुनो। मैंने इस राजर्षि का उनकी सेना सहित सत्कार करने का निश्चय किया है। मेरे लिए बहुमूल्य भोज सहित स्वागत की व्यवस्था करो।
CommentaryNot scripture “Come quickly, Shabala.” He asks her for a feast for an entire army. Vasishtha speaks to the cow as to a beloved helper.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
यस्य यस्य यथाकामं षड्रसेष्वभिपूजितम् । तत् सर्वं कामधुग् दिव्ये अभिवर्ष कृते मम ॥ २२ ॥
“Whatever each one wishes, honoured with the six tastes, all that, divine wish-giver, pour forth for my sake.
“हर कोई जो चाहे, छहों रसों से सम्मानित, वह सब, दिव्य कामधेनु, मेरे लिए बरसा दो।
CommentaryNot scripture “Whatever each one wishes, with the six tastes.” Indian cooking recognises six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. A complete feast includes them all.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
रसेनान्नेन पानेन लेह्यचोष्येण संयुतम् । अन्नानां निचयं सर्वं सृजस्व शबले त्वर ॥ २३ ॥
“With savoury dishes, food, drink, things to lick and to suck, create every kind of abundance of food, Shabala. Hurry!”
“चटपटे व्यंजनों, भोजन, पेय, चाटने और चूसने की चीज़ों से, शबला, हर प्रकार के भोजन की भरमार रच दो। जल्दी करो!”
CommentaryNot scripture Savoury dishes, drinks, things “to lick and to suck”: the old Sanskrit way of naming every kind of food. “Hurry!” The cow will produce a banquet out of nothing. When the king sees what she can do, he will want her.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vasishtha calls Shabala, his spotted wish-giving cow, to feast the king’s whole army.
