Section CIV

"Narada then said,

'This one is the charioteer of the name of Matali. He is besides a dear friend of Sakra. Pure in conduct, he has an excellent disposition and possesses numerous virtues. Endued with strength of mind, he has great energy and great might. He is the friend, counsellor, and charioteer of Sakra. It has been seen in every battle that small is the difference that exists between him and Vasava as regards prowess and strength. In all the battles between the gods and Asuras, it is this Matali that drives, by his mind alone, that ever-victorious and best of cars belonging to Indra, which is drawn by thousand steeds. Vanquished by his management of the steeds, the enemies of the gods are subjugated by Vasava by the use of his hands. Defeated before-hand by Matali, the Asuras are subsequently slain by Indra.

Matali has an excellent daughter, who in beauty is unrivalled in the world. Truthful and possessed of every accomplishment, she is known by the name of Gunakesi. He was searching the three worlds for an eligible bridegroom. O you that art possessed of the splendour of a celestial, your grandson, Sumukha, has become acceptable to him as a husband for his daughter. If O best of serpents, his proposal be acceptable to you, quickly make up your mind, O Aryaka, to take his daughter in gift for your grandson. As Lakshmi in Vishnu’s house, or Svaha in that of Agni so let the slender-waisted Gunakesi be a wife in your race. Let Gunakesi, therefore be accepted by you for your grandson, like Sachi for Vasava who deserves her. Although this youth has lost his father, yet we choose him for his virtues, and for the respectability of Airavata and your own. Indeed, it is in consequence of Sumukha’s merits, his disposition, purity, self-restraint and other qualifications that Matali has become himself desirous of giving away his daughter unto him. It behoves you, therefore, to honour Matali.'

"Kanva continued,

'Thus addressed by Narada, Aryaka beholding his grandson elected as a bridegroom and remembering the death of his son was filled with delight and sorrow at the same time.

And he then addressed Narada and said,

'How, O celestial Rishi, can I desire Gunakesi for a daughter-in-law'!

It cannot be, O great Rishi, that your words are not highly honoured by me, for who is there that would not desire an alliance with the friend of Indra? I hesitate, however, O great Muni, in consequence of the instability of the very cause that would not make that alliance lasting. O you of great effulgence, the author of this youth, viz., my son, has been devoured by Garuda. We are afflicted with sorrow on that account.

But worse still, O lord, Vinata’s son, at the time of leaving these regions, said,

'After a month I will devour this Sumukha also. Surely, it will happen as he has said, for we know with whom we have to deal. At these words, therefore, of Suparna we have become cheerless!'

"Kanva continued,

'Matali then said unto Aryaka,

'I have formed a plan. This your grandson is elected by me as my son-in-law. Let this Naga then, proceeding with me and Narada, come to the Lord of heaven the chief of the celestials, O best of Nagas. I shall then endeavour to place obstacles in the way of Suparna, and as a last resource, we will ascertain the period of life that has been vouchsafed to Sumukha. Blessed be you, O Naga, let Sumukha, therefore, come with me to the presence of the Lord of the celestials.' Saying this, they took Sumukha with them, and all the four, endued with great splendour, coming to heaven beheld Sakra the chief of the gods seated in all his glory. And it so happened that the illustrious Vishnu of four arms was also present there. Narada then represented the whole story about Matali and his choice.'

"Kanva continued,

'Hearing all that Narada said, Vishnu directed Purandara, the Lord of the universe, saying,

'Let Amrita be given to this youth, and let him be made immortal like gods themselves. Let Matali, and Narada, and Sumukha, O Vasava, all attain their cherished wish through your grace.'

Purandara, however, reflecting on the prowess of Vinata’s son, said unto Vishnu,

'Let Amrita be given unto him by you.'

Thus addressed, Vishnu said,

'You are the Lord of all mobile and immobile creatures. Who is there, O lord, that would refuse a gift that may be made by you?'

At these words Sakra gave unto that Naga length of days. The slayer of Vala and Vritra did not make him a drinker of Amrita. Sumukha, having obtained that boon, became Sumukha^[1] (in reality) for his face was suffused with marks of joy. And having married Matali’s daughter, he cheerfully returned home. And Narada and Aryaka also filled with delight at the success of their object, went away, after having worshipped the glorious chief of the celestials.'"

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

Literally, one that hath a beautiful or excellent face.