Chapter 27 - Creating Agitation in Tripura

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-6. On hearing the words of Nārada, the queen said: “Be pleased, O eminent Brāhmaṇa. Accept whatever Dānas you wish. I shall offer you gold, jewels as well as different kinds of garments. Other rare and valuable things too I shall offer to you.”

On hearing the words of the queen, Nārada spoke thus: “O fair lady, let it be given to others, to the Brāhmaṇas who lack means of sustenance. We are richly endowed with everything acceptable and accessible always through devotion.”

On being told thus the queen invited poor Brāhmaṇas who were masters of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas and began distributing gifts as would be conducive to Saubhāgya (conjugal bliss and fortune). “May Hari and Śaṅkara be always pleased with me due to this Dāna rite that increases Saubhāgya (conjugal felicity) as instructed by Nārada.”

Thereafter the queen said to the great sage Nārada:

The Queen said:

7-13. Dāna has been made as instructed by you. It is done with my husband in view. O excellent Brāhmaṇa, in every birth of mine may Bāṇa alone be my husband. O dear excellent Brāhmaṇa, I don’t have any other deity excepting Bāṇa. On the strength of this truth, may my husband live for a hundred years. Women need not perform any other holy rite as the husband alone is their deity. Still at your instance the Dāna has been duly offered. O honourable Sir, now let us do our duty. I to my husband, O Brāhmaṇa Sage, go now. May blessing be granted (to me).

Then, O excellent king, Nārada took leave of her saying “So be it,” captivated the hearts of all and vanished from there with his mind dwelling on another matter. The Brāhmaṇa was duly adored by sky-walkers.

Then, O descendant of Bharata, all of them (the wives of Bāṇa) turned their minds towards their husband. Deluded and enchanted by Nārada all of them became pallid and devoid of lustre.