Chapter 35
“Vaisampayana said, ‘King Dhritarashtra had never beheld his own sons.Obtaining eye-sight through the grace of the Rishi, he beheld, for thefirst time, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, those children of his that werevery like his own self. That foremost of men, viz., the Kuru monarch, hadlearnt all the duties of kings, as also the Vedas and the Upanishadas,and had acquired certitude of understanding (from the same source).Vidura of great wisdom attained to high success through the power of hispenances. Dhritarashtra also attained to great success in consequence ofhaving met the ascetic Vyasa.’
“Janamejaya said, ‘If Vyasa, disposed to grant me a boon, kindly show memy sire in that form which he had, clad as he used to be clad, and as oldas he was when he departed from this world, I may then believe all thatthou hast told me. Such a sight will be most agreeable to me. Indeed, Ishall regard myself crowned with success. I shall have gained a certaintyof conclusion. O, let my wish be crowned with fruition through the graceof that foremost of Rishis.’
“Sauti said,–‘After king Janamejaya had said these words, Vyasa of greatenergy and intelligence showed his grace and brought Parikshit (from theother world). King Janamejaya beheld his royal father, possessed of greatbeauty, brought down from Heaven, in the same form that he had and of thesame age as he was (at the time of leaving this world). The high-souledSamika also, and his son Sringin, were similarly brought there. All thecounsellors and ministers of the king beheld them. King Janamejaya.performing the final bath in his sacrifice, became highly glad. He pouredthe sacred water on his father, even as he caused it to be poured onhimself. Having undergone the final bath, the king addressed theregenerate Astika who had sprung from the race of the Yayavaras and whowas the son of Jaratkaru, and said these words,–‘O Astika, thissacrifice of mine is fraught with many wonderful incidents, since this mysire has been seen by me–he who has dispelled all my sorrows.’
“Astika said, ‘The performer of that sacrifice in which the ancientRishi, the Island-born Vyasa, that vast receptacle of penances, ispresent, is sure, O foremost one of Kuru’s race, to conquer both theworlds. O son of the Pandavas, thou hast heard a wonderful history. Thesnakes have been consumed into ashes and have followed the footsteps ofthy sire. Through thy truthfulness, O monarch, Takshaka has withdifficulty escaped a painful fate. The Rishis have all been worshipped.Thou hast seen also the end that has been attained by thy high-souledsire. Having heard this sin-cleansing history thou hast achieved abundantmerit. The knots of thy heart have been untied through sight of thisforemost of person. They that are the supporters of the wings ofRighteousness, they that are of good conduct and excellent disposition,they at sight of whom sins become attenuated,–we should all bow to them.’
“Sauti continued, ‘Having heard this from that foremost of regenerateones, King Janamejaya worshipped that Rishi, repeatedly honouring him inevery way. Conversant with all duties he then asked the RishiVaisampayana of unfading glory about the sequel, O best of ascetics, ofking Dhritarashtra’s residence in the woods.'”
