Vasishta refuses to give his divine cow Sabala to King Viswamitra, despite extravagant offers. Their dispute reveals the cow's immense spiritual value in ancient Hindu tradition. 

Vasishta and Viswamitra's Dispute (Shlokas 1.53.1 - 1.53.25)

Vasishta's Hospitality (Shlokas 1.53.1 - 1.53.7)

Rama, the destroyer of foes, listened as Vasishta instructed Sabala (the divine wish-fulfilling cow) to satisfy everyone's desires. Sabala provided an abundance of food and drink:

• Sugarcane, honey, and fried grain

• Invigorating liquors in fine containers

• Excellent syrups and various foods

• Mountains of hot rice

• Savory dishes and condiments

• Rivers of curd

• Thousands of containers filled with delicacies of all six tastes

• Jaggery preparations

Viswamitra's entire army was thoroughly satisfied, well-fed, and happy. The royal sage Viswamitra, along with his wives, priests, counselors, ministers, and attendants, was delighted with the hospitality. Impressed by this display of abundance, Viswamitra approached Vasishta with a request.

Viswamitra's Request (Shlokas 1.53.8 - 1.53.9)

Filled with great joy, Viswamitra addressed Vasishta:

"O Brahman (priest), you who are worthy of worship have received me with respect and honored me well. O sage skilled in speech, listen to my words. Give me Sabala in exchange for a hundred thousand cows. This cow is indeed a jewel, and as a king, I am entitled to acquire such treasures. Therefore, O Brahmin, Sabala rightfully belongs to me."

Vasishta's Refusal (Shlokas 1.53.10 - 1.53.15)

The virtuous and eminent ascetic Vasishta replied to the king:

"O King, I will not give up Sabala for:

• A hundred thousand cows

• A hundred crore cows

• Heaps of silver

It is not proper to separate this cow from me. Sabala is as permanent to me as fame is to a righteous man. This cow is essential for:

• Havyam (oblations to gods) and Kavyam (oblations to ancestors)

• Fulfilling life's necessities

• Maintaining the sacred fire and offering oblations

• Offerings to spirits of all created beings

• Swaha and Vashat (ritual exclamations)

• Various branches of learning

Sabala is truly my whole possession and always brings me contentment. For these many reasons, O King, I will not give Sabala to you."

Viswamitra's Offer (Shlokas 1.53.16 - 1.53.21)

Viswamitra, skilled in conversation, became extremely excited and said:

"I shall give you:

• 14,000 elephants with gold trappings and golden goads

• 800 golden chariots, each with four white horses and decorated with tinkling bells

• 11,000 mighty horses of good breed from noble countries

• One crore young cows of various colors

O best of Brahmins, I shall offer you as many jewels or as much gold as you desire. I shall give you everything. Give Sabala to me."

Vasishta's Final Refusal (Shlokas 1.53.22 - 1.53.25)

The venerable Vasishta replied to the sagacious Viswamitra:

"O King, I shall not give Sabala by any means. This cow is:

• My jewel

• My wealth

• My all-in-all

• My very life

Sabala is essential for my:

• Darsa (new moon) sacrifices

• Purnamasa (full moon) sacrifices

• Appropriate gifts

• Various rites

All my actions are rooted in her, without doubt. Why these useless words? I will never give up this wish-fulfilling cow."

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