Chapter 96
“Yudhishthira said, ‘What did that foremost of ascetics, viz., Jamadagniendued with great energy, do when thus besought by the maker of day?'”
“Bhishma said, ‘O descendant of Kuru, despite all the supplications ofSurya, the sage Jamadagni, endued with the effulgence of fire, continuedto cherish his anger. Then. O king, Surya, in the guise of a Brahmana,bowed his head unto him and addressed him, with folded hands, in thesesoft words. ‘O regenerate Rishi, the sun is always in motion! How shaltthou pierce the Lord of day who is continually moving forward?'”
“Jamadagni said, With the eye of knowledge I know thee to be both movingand motionless! I shall surely read thee a lesson this day. At middaythou seemest to stay in the heavens for a moment. It is then, O Surya,that I shall pierce thee with my arrows! There is no swerving from thismy resolution!'”
“Surya said ‘O regenerate Rishi, without doubt, thou knowest me, O bestof archers! But, O holy one, though I have offended, behold, I am asuppliant for thy protection!'”
“Bhishma continued, ‘At this, the adorable Jamadagni smilingly addressedthe maker of day, saying, ‘O Surya, when thou hast sought my protection,thou hast nothing to fear! He would transcend the simplicity that existsin Brahmanas, the stability that exists in the Earth, the mildnessexisting in the Moon, the gravity existing in Varuna, the effulgenceexisting in Agni, the brightness of Meru, and the heat of the sun, whowould slay a suppliant for protection! The man that can slay a suppliantis capable of violating the bed of his preceptor, of slaying a Brahmana,and of drinking alcohol. Do thou, therefore, think of some remedy forthis evil, by which people may be relieved when heated by the rays!'”
“Bhishma continued, ‘So saying, that excellent descendant of Bhriguremained silent for a while, and Surya forthwith made over to him anumbrella and a pair of sandals.'”
“Surya said, ‘Do thou, O great Rishi, take this umbrella wherewith thehead may be protected and my rays warded off. This pair of sandals ismade of leather for the protection of the feet. From this day forth thegift of these articles in all religious rites shall be established as aninflexible usage!'”
“Bhishma continued, ‘This custom of giving umbrellas and shoes wasintroduced by Surya! O descendant of Bharata, these gifts are consideredmeritorious in the three worlds. Do thou, therefore, give away umbrellasand shoes to Brahmanas. I have no doubt that thou shalt then acquiregreat religious merit by the act. O foremost one of Bharata’s race, hewho gives away a white umbrella with a hundred ribs to a Brahmana,attains to eternal felicity after death and resides in the region ofIndra, respected by Brahmanas, Apsaras, and Devas. O puissant one, he whogives shoes to Snataka Brahmanas as also to Brahmanas practising therites of religion whose feet have become sore with the heat of the sun,attains to regions coveted by the very deities. Such a man, O Bharata,dwells in happiness in the highest Heaven after his death. O foremost oneof Bharata’s race, I have thus recited to thee in full, the merits ofgiving away shoes and umbrellas at religious ceremonies!'”
