Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/181

This page needs to be proofread.
ADI PARVA
167

with every species of water-fowl playing on its bosom. And that stream infused gladness into the hearts of the ascetics who resorted to it for purposes of ablutions. And the king beheld in its banks many innocent animals of the deer species and was exceedingly delighted with all he saw."

"And the monarch the course of whose chariot no foe could obstruct, then entered that asylum which was like unto the region of the celestials, being exceedingly beautiful all over, And the king saw that it stood on the margin of the sacred stream which was like the mother of all the living creatutes residing in its vicinage. And on its bank sported the Chakravaka, and waves of milkwhite foam. And there stood also the habitations of Kinnaras. And monkeys and bears too disported in num. bers. And there lived also holy ascetics engaged in studies and meditation. And there could be seen also elephants and tigers and snake. And it was on the banks of that stream that the excellent asylum of the illustrious Kasyapa stood, offering a home to numerous Rishis of great ascetic merit. And beholding that river, and also the asylum washed by that river which was studded with many islands and which possessed banks of so much beauty-an asylum like unto that of Nara and Narayana loved by the waters of Ganga the Ganges-the king resolved to enter into that sacred abode. And that bull among men, desirous of beholding the great Rishi of ascetic wealth, the illustrious Kanwa of the face of Kasyapa, one who possessed every virtue and who, for his splendour, could be gazed at, with difficulty approached that forest resounding with the notes of maddened peacocks and like unto the gardens of the great Gandharva Chitraratha himself. And halting his army consisting of flags, cavalry, infantry, and elephants at the entrance of the forest, the monarch spoke as follows:-'I shall go to behold the mighty ascetic of Kasy apa's race, one who is without darkness. Stay ye here until my return !" **

"And the king having entered that torest which was like unto Indra's garden, soon forgot his hunger and thirst. And he was pleased beyond measure. And the monarch, laying aside all signs of royalty, entered that excellent asylum with but his minister and his priest, desirous of beholding that Rishi who was an indestructible mass of ascetic merit. And the king saw that the asylum was like unto the region of Brahman. Here were bees sweetly humming and there were winged warblers of various species pouring forth their melodies. At particular places that tiger among men heard the chanting of Rik hymns by first-rate Brabmanas according to the just rules of intonation. Other places again were graced with Brahmanas acquainted with ordinances of sacrifice of the Angas and of the hymns of the Yayurveda. Other places again were Glled with