Part 11: Bhagīratha returns and is installed on the throne

After hearing this from the omniscient, Bhagīratha, an ocean of discernment, acquired extreme disgust with worldly existence. Thinking, “May my lord grandfather not have grief after grief, like slaps on the cheek,” he did not become a mendicant at that time. After worshipping the omniscient’s feet, Bhagīratha got into his chariot again ând went to the town Sāketa.

His grandfather smelled his head repeatedly and touched him on the back with the hand when he came, after executing his orders, and was bowing to him. Sagara said to Bhagīratha with affection and pride, “You are a boy in years, but you are the first of the elders in judgment. Do not say, ‘I am a boy.’ Take the weight of the kingdom from us, that we, freed from the burden, may cross the ocean of existence. Even if existence is hard to cross, like the ocean Svayambhūramaṇa, yet I also have confidence in the thought, ‘It has been crossed, nevertheless, by my ancestors.’ Child, this burden of the kingdom was taken over by their sons. Then observe the bath shown by them. Support the earth.”

Bhagīratha, bowing, said to his grandfather, “It is fitting that the father should wish to adopt mendicancy which leads across existence. But, O master, this person also is eager for the vow. Do not show me disfavor by the favor of the gift of the kingdom.”

The Cakravartin said, “The vow is fitting in our family. But the vow to observe the elder’s command is stronger than that. Take mendicancy at the right time like me, noble sir. Impose the earth on your own son when he is of military age.”

After hearing this, Bhagīratha remained silent for a long time, his mind swayed by fear of breaking bis elder’s command and by fear of existence. Then Sagara seated Bhagīratha on his own lion-throne and installed him in the kingdom at that time with extreme joy.