Viswamitra's Transformation from King (contd)

Viswamitra protects Sunassepha from sacrifice, cursing his own sons. King Ambarisha's yajna proceeds, with Indra granting Sunassepha long life. Epic tale of duty, divine intervention, and destiny. 

The King's Rest and Sunassepha's Plea (1.62.1 - 1.62.7)

King Ambarisha, renowned for his virtue, journeyed with Sunassepha. By midday, they reached Pushkara, a sacred site, where the king paused to rest. As Ambarisha rested, Sunassepha, overwhelmed by distress, wandered into Pushkara. There, he stumbled upon his maternal uncle, the great sage Viswamitra, engaged in deep meditation alongside other ascetics.

Fatigued and parched, Sunassepha's face had lost its color. He collapsed at Viswamitra's feet, pouring out his heart:

"O Revered Sage, pinnacle of ascetic virtue, I stand alone in this world - bereft of mother, father, friends, or kin. I implore you to shield me, as dharma (righteousness) dictates. You are known as the guardian and benefactor of all. Under your protection, may the king's purpose be fulfilled, and may I be granted longevity and immortality. After dedicating myself to rigorous penance, may I ascend to the celestial realms."

"O Virtuous One, I beseech you to be my guardian. As a father shields his child from harm, I pray you'll rescue me from this dire predicament."

Viswamitra's Response and His Sons' Refusal (1.62.8 - 1.62.14)

Viswamitra, the sage of immense spiritual power, listened intently to Sunassepha's desperate plea. After consoling the boy, he turned to address his own sons:

"My sons, the moment has arrived that gives meaning to parenthood - the opportunity to secure our children's welfare in the afterlife. This young sage's son seeks refuge with me. You can fulfill his wish by offering your own lives. Your lives have been marked by virtue and devotion to dharma. By becoming sacrificial offerings for the king, you will appease Agni (the fire god)."

"Through this act, Sunassepha will find protection, the king's sacrifice will proceed unimpeded, the gods will be pleased, and my word will be honored."

However, Madhuchanda and Viswamitra's other sons responded with indignation:

"Father, how can you advocate sacrificing your own children to save another's son? We view this proposal as abhorrent as consuming dog flesh."

Viswamitra's Curse and Instructions to Sunassepha (1.62.15 - 1.62.20)

Upon hearing his sons' defiant words, Viswamitra's eyes blazed with fury. He pronounced:

"You have not only defied my command but have also transgressed the bounds of dharma. Your words are so callous and horrifying that they make one's flesh crawl. As punishment, you shall roam the earth for a millennium, subsisting on dog meat, mirroring the fate of Vasishta's sons in the Mushtika lineage."

Having cursed his sons, Viswamitra turned to the distraught Sunassepha and instructed:

"Anoint yourself with red sandalwood paste and don crimson garlands. You will be bound to a Vaishnava sacrificial post with consecrated ropes. There, invoke Agni with these sacred hymns. Chant these two divine verses during Ambarisha's yajna (sacrifice). This will ensure your triumph and grant you long life."

Sunassepha's Appeal to King Ambarisha (1.62.21 - 1.62.28)

Sunassepha, having committed the verses to memory, hurried to King Ambarisha and urged:

"O lion among kings, paragon of strength, let us hasten to the sacrificial arena without delay. O greatest of monarchs, commence the initiatory rites and conduct the yajna."

Elated by Sunassepha's words, Ambarisha swiftly proceeded to the sacrificial grounds. With the blessings of the officiating priests, the king adorned Sunassepha with sacred symbols using Kusha grass, clothed him in red garments, and bound him to the sacrificial post.

Thus tethered, Sunassepha offered heartfelt praise to Indra and Upendra (Vishnu). Pleased by the confidential hymn, Indra bestowed upon Sunassepha the gift of longevity.

O Rama, through Indra's grace, King Ambarisha reaped bountiful rewards from the sacrifice, far exceeding his expectations.

Meanwhile, the virtuous and powerful ascetic Viswamitra resumed his spiritual practices at Pushkara, continuing his austerities for a thousand years.

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