Viswamitra's Transformation from King (contd)

Sage Viswamitra seeks a new place for austerities. King Ambarisha's sacrifice is disrupted by Indra, leading to Sunassepha's selfless offer as a substitute, testing familial bonds and duty. 

Viswamitra's Decision (1.61.1 - 1.61.4)

Viswamitra, a powerful sage, saw his fellow ascetics preparing to depart. He addressed them, saying:

"A great obstacle has arisen in the southern direction. Let's go to another region to perform our austerities. In the vast western region, there's a sacred place called Pushkara1. We'll practice our penances peacefully in that forest, which is ideal for austerities."

After speaking, the mighty sage Viswamitra journeyed to Pushkara. There, sustaining himself on only fruits and roots, he performed intense, unparalleled austerities.

King Ambarisha's Sacrifice (1.61.5 - 1.61.8)

During this time, a renowned king of Ayodhya named Ambarisha began preparations for a grand sacrifice. However, as he was performing the ritual, Indra2, the king of the gods, stole the sacrificial animal.

When the animal couldn't be found, the priest addressed King Ambarisha:

"O King, the animal has been stolen due to your ineffective policies. A king who fails to protect his subjects is doomed by his own shortcomings. O Best of men, you must make amends for this grave error. Bring either the missing animal or a human substitute quickly, so that the sacrifice can be completed."

The Search for a Substitute (1.61.9 - 1.61.12)

Upon hearing the priest's urgent words, the intelligent King Ambarisha embarked on a extensive search for a human substitute. He offered thousands of cows in exchange, scouring:

• Countries

• Villages

• Cities

• Forests

• Sacred hermitages

His quest led him to Mount Bhrigutunda3, where he encountered the sage Richika. The sage was seated with his sons and wife.

The brilliant king bowed respectfully to Richika, a brahmarshi (sage of the highest order) who radiated with the power of his spiritual practices. After greeting him and inquiring about the welfare of all present, Ambarisha made his request.

The King's Request (1.61.13 - 1.61.14)

Ambarisha addressed Richika:

"O Fortunate descendant of the Bhrigu race, if you would sell one of your sons as a sacrificial substitute in exchange for a hundred thousand cows, my purpose would be fulfilled. I've searched far and wide but couldn't find a suitable sacrificial animal. Please consider my offer to purchase one of your sons for this price."

The Family's Response (1.61.15 - 1.61.19)

The sage Richika, renowned for his wisdom, replied firmly:

"O Best among men, I will not sell my eldest son under any circumstances."

Hearing her husband's words, the distressed mother of the sons then addressed King Ambarisha:

"The venerable sage Richika has declared that the eldest son cannot be sold. O King, you should know that Sunaka, the youngest, is my beloved child. For this reason, I cannot give you my youngest son.

O Best among men, it is generally understood that the eldest sons are the favorites of their fathers, while the youngest are most dear to their mothers. Therefore, I shall protect my youngest son."

Sunassepha's Offer (1.61.20 - 1.61.23)

After both the sage and his wife had spoken, their middle son, Sunassepha, stepped forward and said of his own accord:

"Father has said the eldest can't be sold, and mother won't part with the youngest. I believe this means the middle son is available. O King, take me."

King Ambarisha, greatly pleased by this unexpected offer, accepted Sunassepha in exchange for a hundred thousand cows. Without delay, the illustrious king had Sunassepha mount his chariot, and they swiftly departed.

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