“Ashtaka said, ‘Capable of assuming any form at will, thou hast lived fora million years in the gardens of Nandana. For what cause, O foremost ofthose that flourished in the Krita age, hast thou been compelled to leavethat region and come hither?’
“Ashtaka said, ‘Those cognisant of the Vedas differ in opinion as to howthe followers of each of the four modes of life, viz., Grihasthas,Bhikshus, Brahmacharins, and Vanaprashthas, should conduct themselves inorder to acquire religious merit.”
“Ashtaka asked, ‘Who amongst these, O king, both exerting constantly likethe Sun and the Moon, first attaineth to communion with Brahma, theascetic or the man of knowledge?’
“Vasumat said, ‘I am Vasumat, the son of Oshadaswa. I would ask thee, Oking, whether there are any worlds for me to enjoy as fruits of myreligious merits, in heaven or the firmament. Thou art, O high-souledone, acquainted with all holy regions.’
“Janamejaya said, ‘O adorable one, I desire to hear the histories ofthose kings who were descended from Puru. O tell me of each as he waspossessed of prowess and achievements. I have, indeed, heard that inPuru’s line there was not a single one who was wanting in good behaviourand prowess, or who was without sons.
“Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, I have now heard from thee this greathistory of my ancestors. I had also heard from thee about the greatmonarchs that were born in this line.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘There was a king known by the name of Mahabhishaborn in the race of Ikshvaku. He was the lord of all the earth, and wastruthful (in speech) and of true prowess. By a thousand horse-sacrificesand a hundred Rajasuyas he had gratified the chief of the celestials andultimately attained to heaven.
“Vaisampayana said. ‘There was a king of the name of Pratipa, who waskind to all creatures. He spent many years in ascetic penances at thesource of the river Ganga. The accomplished and lovely Ganga, one day,assuming the form of a beautiful female, and rising from the waters, madeup to the monarch.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘The maiden then, hearing those soft and sweet wordsof the smiling monarch, and remembering her promise to the Vasus,addressed the king in reply. Of faultless features, the damsel sending athrill of pleasure into the heart by every word she uttered, said, ‘Oking, I shall become thy wife and obey thy commands.
“Santanu asked, ‘What was the fault of the Vasus and who was Apava,through whose curse the Vasus had to be born among men? What also haththis child of thine, Gangadatta, done for which he shall have to liveamong men? Why also were the Vasus, the lords of the three worlds,condemned to be born amongst men? O daughter of Jahnu, tell me all.’
