The Story of King Sagara and the 60,000 Sons (contd)

Brahma consoles the devas as Sagara's sons search for a stolen sacrificial horse. Their quest leads to four cosmic elephants and ends in tragedy with Kapila's wrath. 

Brahma Consoles the Devas and the Search for the Horse (Shlokas 1.40.1 - 1.40.8)

Brahma (the creator god) listened to the words of the frightened devas (celestial beings). The devas were overwhelmed by the power of fate and had lost their sensory perceptions. Addressing them, Brahma said:

"The entire earth belongs to the wise Vasudeva (a name for Vishnu). He constantly supports the earth in the form of Kapila. The princes will be consumed by the fire of his wrath. The excavation of this earth and the destruction of Sagara's short-lived sons have been predetermined since ancient times."

Upon hearing Brahma's words, the thirty-three devas became exceedingly delighted and returned the way they had come.

Meanwhile, as Sagara's noble sons were digging the earth, a thunderous sound emanated. After excavating the entire earth and circumambulating it, all of Sagara's sons approached their father and reported:

• We have searched the entire earth

• We have eliminated many mighty beings, including:

  • Devas (celestial beings)

  • Danavas (demons)

  • Rakshasas (evil spirits)

  • Pisachas (goblins)

  • Uragas (serpents)

  • Kinnaras (celestial musicians)

• However, we could not locate either the horse or the thief

• We seek your guidance on our next course of action

Sagara's Command and the Discovery of the Elephants (Shlokas 1.40.9 - 1.40.20)

King Sagara, angered by his sons' report, commanded them:

"Excavate the earth again. Locate the thief who stole the horse and return only after accomplishing your purpose."

Following their father's order, Sagara's sixty thousand sons dug towards the netherworld (Rasatala). As they excavated, they encountered four massive elephants supporting the earth:

1. In the east: Virupaksha

   • Size: As large as a mountain

   • Task: Held the entire earth with its mountains and forests on its head

   • Note: When Virupaksha shakes his head for rest on certain sacred days, it causes earthquakes

2. In the south: Mahapadma

   • Appearance: Resembled a great mountain

   • Task: Supported the earth on his head

3. In the west: Saumanasa

   • The princes paid respects and inquired about his well-being

4. In the north: Bhadra

   • Appearance: Snow-white with an auspicious form

   • Task: Held up the northern quarter of the earth

After paying respects to each elephant, the princes continued their excavation.

The Discovery of Kapila and the Fate of Sagara's Sons (Shlokas 1.40.21 - 1.40.30)

Moving towards the northeastern region, Sagara's sons dug with great wrath. These powerful princes, with their terrible speed, finally discovered:

1. Kapila (an incarnation of Vishnu)

2. The sacrificial horse grazing near Kapila

Overjoyed at finding the horse but enraged, the princes rushed towards Kapila:

• They were armed with spades, ploughshares, trees, and stones

• They shouted furiously, "Stop! Stop!"

• They accused Kapila: "O wicked one, you have stolen our sacrificial horse. Know that we who have come here are the sons of Sagara."

Kapila's reaction:

1. He became overwhelmed with great wrath upon hearing their words

2. He uttered a sound "Hum"

3. With this utterance from the immeasurably powerful Kapila, all of Sagara's sons were instantly reduced to ashes

Thus ends the Fortieth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.