Chapter 2 - Dialogue between Triśanku and Vasiṣṭha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1. When that Liṅga was extricated from the ground, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, the water of Jāhnavī flowed out of Pātāla through that path. It is destructive of all the sins of men and it accords all desired things.

2. Even as I relate listen, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, to what naturally happened there formerly, causing surprise unto all the worlds.

3. A great king named Triśanku who had attained the state of a Cāṇḍāla had his bath there and regained his body befitting a king.

The sages said:

4. O Sūtanandana (son of a Sūta), how did the excellent king Triśaṅku attain the state of a Cāṇḍāla? Do recount all this in detail.

Sūta said:

5. I shall recount unto you all, this ancient story that pertains to Triśaṅku, that is very sacred and that destroys all sins.

6. Once, formerly there was a tiger among kings well-known as Triśaṅku. He was born in the Solar race and was valarous like a tiger.

7-10. He was a disciple of Sage Vasiṣṭha. He was a performer of Yajñas. The Lord had great interest in making gifts. Makhas (Sacrifices) beginning with Agniṣṭoma were performed by him always every year with the full complement of Dakṣiṇās. All kinds of Dānas were given by that noble-souled one to the distinguished ones, particularly to those who were poor. Vratas were duly performed. Those who sought refuge in him were protected. Common people were fondled by him as though they were his own sons. Enemies were killed. He had wandered all over the world visiting all the Tīrthas and shrines. He gave to ascetics the desired wealth in accordance with the wish expressed by them.

11. After some time, once, while the holy Sage Vasiṣṭha was present in the assembly, he duly bowed to him and said:

Triśaṅku said:

12. O holy Sir, now I wish to perform that Yajña whereby one can immediately go to heaven along with the physical body.

13. Hence do me the favour. Gather together all the requisite things quickly for a due performance of that Yajña and also invite competent Brāhmaṇas for the same.

Vasiṣṭha said:

14. There is now such Kratu (Sacrifice), O king, whereby one can go to heaven along with the present physical body. I am telling you the truth.

15. Agniṣṭoma and other Yajñas were prescribed formerly by the Self-born Lord; but, O king, Svarga is obtained due to the performance of those Yajñas only with another body.

16-17. If, O king, you have seen or heard about a king, Brāhmaṇa, Vaiśya or any other person on this earth who attained heaven along with this physical body, do mention it (his name).

Triśaṅku said:

18. O Brāhmaṇa-Sage, I know really that there is nothing which you cannot achieve. Hence do me the favour and get my desire fulfilled.

Vasiṣṭha said:

19. No falsehood has been uttered earlier by this tongue even in playful joke. Hence in fact there is no Yajña of the type you wish to perform.

Triśaṅku said:

20-2la. O tiger among Brāhmaṇas, if you are incapable of performing a Yajña, on my behalf, that can accord Svarga along with this physical body, of what avail is your Brāhmaṇical power of penance, O efficient one?

21b-22. Further, listen to this statement of mine made clearly in the presence of the groups of sages and others who may witness, O excellent Brāhmaṇa. In spite of my repeated request, if you do not carry out my behest, I shall make another Brāhmaṇa my preceptor and get that Yajña performed.

Sūta said:

23. On hearing his words, the holy sage Vasiṣṭha told him laughingly, “Do so, O Lord of the earth.”