Harivamsha Purana
by Manmatha Nath Dutt | 1897 | 293,872 words | ISBN-10: 8178542188 | ISBN-13: 9788178542188
This page is entitled “the curse of the birds” and represents Chapter 22 of the first book (‘Adi Parva’) of the Harivamsa (English translation in Prose). The Harivamsha Purana narrates the lineage and life-story of Krishna (Hari). Although not officially mentioned in the list of Puranas, this book includes topics such as geology, creation theory, time (manvantaras), ancient historical legends and accounts of royal dynasties.
Chapter 22 - The Curse of the Birds
1. Markandeya said:—Thereupon his comrades the other two Cakravakas said to him:—"We shall be your ministers ever doing you good".
2. Having said "So be it" his mind was engaged in Yoga. After they had entered into this contract Shuchivak said to them. "
3. While deviating from the path of a Yogin and possessed by desire you pray for such a boon, hear what I have got to say in this matter.
4. Undoubtedly you will become the king of Kampilya and these two will be your ministers".
5. With these words the four ganders imprecated a curse on the other three. And on account of their falling off from Yoga consequent upon their praying for a kingdom they did not converse with those three.
6. Losing their Yoga (acquirements) and having their senses bewildered the cursed ganders prayed to their comrades for relief.
7. They were propitiated and Sumana, as the spokesman of all, communicated to them the following words of grace. "
8. Undoubtedly there will be an end of your curse. Freed from this birth you will be again born as men and practise Yoga.
9. Swatantra will be able to understand the sound of all animals. By his counsels we have secured the favour of the ancestral manes.
10. On account of our dedicating the cow to the ancestral manes after killing we have all acquired knowledge and been practising Yoga."
11. Hearing this only sloka, containing the story of those (seven) men, recited one shall acquire most excellent Yoga.