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ADI PARVA
391

Vaisampayana continued, -"Saying these words, the Pandava wrathfully hurled at the Gandharva that blazing weapon made of fire which burnt the Gandharva's chariot in a trice. Deprived of consciousness by the force of that weapon, the mighty Gandharva was falling. head downward, from his chariot. Dhananjaya seized him by the hair of his head adorned with garlands of flowers and thus dragged the unconscious Gandharva towards his brothers. Beholding this, that Gandharva's wife Kumbhinasi, desirous of saving her husband, ran towards Yudhishthira and sought his protection. The Gandhavi said, 'O exalted one, extend to me thy protection ! O, set my husband free! O lord, I am Kumbhinasi by name, che wife of this Gandharva who seeketh thy protection !' Beholding her (so afflicated ), the mighty Yudhishthira addressed Arjuna and said,-'O slayer of foes, O child, who would slay a foe who hath been vanquished in fight, who hath been deprived of fame, who is protected by a woman, and who hath no prowess ?' Arjuna replied, saying.--"Take thou thy life, O Gandharva ! Go hence, and grieve not! Yudhishthira, the king of the Kutus commandeth me to show thee mercy.'

"The Gandharva replied,-'I have been vanquished by thee, I shall, therefore, abandon my former name Angaraparna (the blazing vebicle). As I have been vanquished by thee, I shall, therefore, abandon my former name. In name alone. O friend, I should not be boastful when my pride in my strength hath been overcome : I have been fortunate in that I have obtained thee, O Arjuna, that wielder of celestial weapons! I like to impart to thee the power of (producing) illusions which Gandharvas alone have. My excellent and variegated chariot hath been burnt by means of thy fiery weapon. I who had formerly been called after my excellent chariot should now be called after my burnt chariot. The science of (producing illusions that I have spoken of was formerly obtained by me by ascetic penances. That science I will to-day impart to the giver of my life-thy illustrious self ! What good luck doth he not deserve who, after overcoming a foe by his might, giveth him life when that foe asketh for it? This science is called Ohakshushi. It was communicated by Manu unto Soma and by Soma unto Viswavasu, and lastly by Viswa vasu unto me. Communicated by my preceptor, that science, having come unto me who am without energy, is gradually becoming fruitless. I have spoken to thee about its origin and transmission. Listen now to its power ! One may see (by its aid) whatever one wisheth to see, and whatever way he liketh (generally or particularly). One can acquire this science only after standing on one leg for six months. I shall however, communicate to thee this science without thyself being obliged to observe any rigid yow.