The Mahabharata

Book 1: Adi Parva

Kisari Mohan Ganguli, tr.

[1883-1896]

SECTION V

(Pauloma Parva continued)

“Saunaka said, ‘Child, thy father formerly read the whole of the Puranas, O
son of Lomaharshana, and the Bharata with Krishna-Dwaipayana. Hast thou also made
them thy study? In those ancient records are chronicled interesting stories and
the history of the first generations of the wise men, all of which we heard being
rehearsed by thy sire. In the first place, I am desirous of hearing the history
of the race of Bhrigu. Recount thou that history, we shall attentively listen
to thee.”

“Sauti answered, ‘By me hath been acquired all that was formerly studied by
the high-souled Brahmanas including Vaisampayana and repeated by them; by me hath
been acquired all that had been studied by my father. O descendant of the Bhrigu
race, attend then to so much as relateth to the exalted race of Bhrigu, revered
by Indra and all the gods, by the tribes of Rishis and Maruts (Winds). O great
Muni, I shall first properly recount the story of this family, as told in the
Puranas.

“The great and blessed saint Bhrigu, we are informed, was produced by the self-existing
Brahma from the fire at the sacrifice of Varuna. And Bhrigu had a son, named Chyavana,
whom he dearly loved. And to Chyavana was born a virtuous son called Pramati.
And Pramati had a son named Ruru by Ghritachi (the celestial dancer). And to Ruru
also by his wife Pramadvara, was born a son, whose name was Sunaka. He was, O
Saunaka, thy great ancestor exceedingly virtuous in his ways. He was devoted to
asceticism, of great reputation, proficient in law, and eminent among those having
a knowledge of the Vedas. He was virtuous, truthful, and of well-regulated fare.’

“Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, I ask thee why the illustrious son of Bhrigu
was named Chyavana. Do tell me all.’

“Sauti replied, ‘Bhrigu had a wife named Puloma whom he dearly loved. She became
big with child by Bhrigu. And one day while the virtuous continent Puloma was
in that condition, Bhrigu, great among those that are true to their religion,
leaving her at home went out to perform his ablutions. It was then that the Rakshasa
called Puloma came to Bhrigu’s abode. And entering the Rishi’s abode, the Rakshasa
saw the wife of Bhrigu, irreproachable in everything. And seeing her he became
filled with lust and lost his senses. The beautiful Puloma entertained the Rakshasa
thus arrived, with roots and fruits of the forest. And the Rakshasa who burnt
with desire upon seeing her, became very much delighted and resolved, O good sage,
to carry her away who was so blameless in every respect.

‘My design is accomplished,’ said the Rakshasa, and so seizing that beautiful
matron he carried her away. And, indeed, she of agreeable smiles, had been betrothed
by her father himself, to him, although the former subsequently bestowed her,
according to due rites, on Bhrigu. O thou of the Bhrigu race, this wound rankled
deep in the Rakshasa’s mind and he thought the present moment very opportune for
carrying the lady away.

“And the Rakshasa saw the apartment in which the sacrificial fire was kept
burning brightly. The Rakshasa then asked the flaming element ‘Tell me, O Agni,
whose wife this woman rightfully is. Thou art the mouth of gods; therefore thou
art bound to answer my question. This lady of superior complexion had been first
accepted by me as wife, but her father subsequently bestowed her on the false
Bhrigu. Tell me truly if this fair one can be regarded as the wife of Bhrigu,
for having found her alone, I have resolved to take her away by force from the
hermitage. My heart burneth with rage when I reflect that Bhrigu hath got possession
of this woman of slender waist, first betrothed to me.'”

“Sauti continued, ‘In this manner the Rakshasa asked the flaming god of fire
again and again whether the lady was Bhrigu’s wife. And the god was afraid to
return an answer. ‘Thou, O god of fire,’ said he, residest constantly within every
creature, as witness of her or his merits and demerits. O thou respected one,
then answer my question truly. Has not Bhrigu appropriated her who was chosen
by me as my wife? Thou shouldst declare truly whether, therefore, she is my wife
by first choice. After thy answer as to whether she is the wife of Bhrigu, I will
bear her away from this hermitage even in sight of thee. Therefore answer thou
truly.'”

“Sauti continued, ‘The Seven flamed god having heard these words of the Rakshasa
became exceedingly distressed, being afraid of telling a falsehood and equally
afraid of Bhrigu’s curse. And the god at length made answer in words that came
out slowly. ‘This Puloma was, indeed, first chosen by thee, O Rakshasa, but she
was not taken by thee with holy rites and invocations. But this far-famed lady
was bestowed by her father on Bhrigu as a gift from desire of blessing. She was
not bestowed on thee O Rakshasa, this lady was duly made by the Rishi Bhrigu his
wife with Vedic rites in my presence. This is she–I know her. I dare not speak
a falsehood. O thou best of the Rakshasas, falsehood is never respected in this
world.'”