For then, owing to thee, O
thou of fair hips, I may go the way that is reserved for those that are
blessed with children.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by Pandu, that subjugator of
hostile cities, the handsome Kunti, ever attentive to what was agreeable
and beneficial to her lord, then replied unto him, saying, 'In my girlhood,
O lord, I was in my father's house engaged in attending upon all guests. I
used to wait respectfully upon Brahmanas of rigid vows and great ascetic
merit. One day I gratified with my attentions that Brahmana whom people
call Durvasa, of mind under full control and possessing knowledge of all
the mysteries of religion. Pleased with my services, that Brahmana gave me
a boon in the form of a mantra (formula of invocation) for calling into my
presence any one of the celestials I liked. And the Rishi, addressing me,
said, 'Anyone among the celestials whom thou callest by this shall, O girl,
approach thee and be obedient to thy will, whether he liketh it or not.
And, O princess, thou shall also have offspring through his grace.' O
Bharata, that Brahmana told me this when I lived in my father's house. The
words uttered by the Brahmana can never be false. The time also hath come
when they may yield fruit. Commanded by thee, O royal sage, I can by that
mantra summon any of the celestials, so that we may have good children. O
foremost of all truthful men, tell me which of the celestials I shall
summon. Know that, as regards this matter, I await your commands.
Pages:
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498