Witness the clash between sage Vasishta and King Viswamitra over Kamadhenu, the divine cow. Sabala's loyalty and mystical powers ignite an epic battle of wits and might.

Viswamitra's Attempt to Take Kamadhenu (Shlokas 1.54.1 - 1.54.23)

Viswamitra's Forceful Action (1.54.1 - 1.54.2)

Rama, when sage Vasishta refused to give up Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow), Viswamitra forcibly dragged away Sabala (another name for Kamadhenu). As Viswamitra carried her away, Sabala became distressed and overcome with sorrow. She began to reflect while weeping.

Sabala's Lament (1.54.3 - 1.54.4)

Sabala thought to herself:

• "Has the magnanimous Vasishta abandoned me?"

• "Why am I being taken away by the king's attendants in this pitiable state?"

• "What wrong have I done to that great sage of purified soul?"

• "Why does Vasishta, this righteous one, forsake me - his innocent, devoted, and beloved cow?"

Sabala's Return to Vasishta (1.54.5 - 1.54.7)

After much contemplation and sighing, Sabala took action:

1. She shook off hundreds of the king's attendants.

2. She rushed back to Vasishta with the speed of wind.

3. Standing before Vasishta, she bellowed like thunder.

4. Sabala asked, "O venerable son of Brahma, have you abandoned me? Why are the king's servants taking me away from your presence?"

Vasishta's Response (1.54.8 - 1.54.11)

Vasishta, addressing Sabala as he would a sorrowful sister, replied:

"O Sabala, I have not forsaken you, nor have you done me any harm. This powerful king, Viswamitra, is forcibly taking you away from me. I am no match for his strength, especially as he is both a king and a warrior, lord of the earth. Viswamitra commands a full akshauhini (a large army division) crowded with:

• Horses

• Chariots

• Elephants

• Banners

For this reason, he is mightier than I am in physical strength."

Sabala's Encouragement (1.54.12 - 1.54.15)

Sabala, knowledgeable in speech, humbly addressed Vasishta:

"O best of Brahmins, it is said that a Brahmin's strength is greater than a Kshatriya's (warrior class). Your power is divine and immeasurable. Even the valiant Viswamitra is not stronger than you. Your splendor is unmatched.

O fortunate one, command me, for I possess your Brahmic power. I will destroy the insolent might of that wicked-minded king, Viswamitra."

Creation of Sabala's Army (1.54.16 - 1.54.18)

Hearing Sabala's words, the glorious Vasishta said, "Create an army capable of crushing the enemy's power."

Obeying his command:

1. Sabala created an army.

2. From her "Humbha" sound emerged hundreds of Paplavas (a warrior tribe).

3. The Paplavas destroyed Viswamitra's entire army before his eyes.

Viswamitra's Counterattack (1.54.19 - 1.54.23)

Seeing his army routed, Viswamitra's reaction was swift:

1. He became furious, his eyes wide with anger.

2. He mounted his chariot.

3. Viswamitra destroyed the Paplavas with various weapons.

Observing hundreds of Paplavas crushed by Viswamitra, Sabala created more warriors out of anger:

• Sakas mixed with Yavanas (foreign tribes)

These newly created warriors:

• Were brilliant and supremely brave

• Resembled golden filaments

• Covered the earth

• Were armed with long swords and lances

• Were clad in yellow apparel

• Consumed Viswamitra's entire army like a raging fire

In response, Viswamitra unleashed his weapons, scattering the Yavanas, Kambhojas, and Paplavas.

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