ब्राह्मणों की महिमा की कथा

Vaishampayana said : Then the sons of Pandu said to the magnanimous Markandeya “(kindly) narrate to us of the greatness of the Brahmanas which we are very desirous of hearing."

Thus addressed, the highly energetic and divine Markandeya of great austerities and well versed in all the departments of religious writs replied (to them).

Markandeya said : Once upon a time a handsome and vigorous young prince of the Haihaya race, conqueror of enemies' cities, went out to hunt.

While he was wandering in the forest covered with grass and creepers he saw near (him) a Muni wrapped up in an antelope's skin which served as an upper garment.

And mistaking him for a deer he killed (the Muni). Afflicted at heart and smitten with grief for what he had done,

The lotus-eyed prince went to the distinguished Haihaya Chiefs and informed them of the matter,

O child, on hearing of it and seeing the (dead body) of the Muni who lived on fruits and roots they became sick at heart.

Then all those (kings) making enquiries here and there as to whose son the Muni was, soon arrived at the hermitage of Arishtanemi, the son of Kashyapa.

And bowing down to that high-souled sage constantly engaged in austerities they remained standing there and the Muni 10O busied himself to welcome them.

They then said to that magnanimous sage, "we are no longer worthy of your reception in as much as we have unfortunately killed a Brahmana."

And that Brahmanical sage said to them "how have you killed a Brahmana? Say where he is; and you all behold the power of my devotional exercise."

The chiefs, then having truly related to him all that had taken place and having returned to the place (where the corpse of the Rishi was) did not find it there.

And searching about for it they returned covered with shame and devoid of consciousness like one in a dream. Then, O the conqueror of your enemy's cities, that sage, the son of Kashyapa, said to them.

"O kings, is this the Brahmana who was killed by you? He is indeed my son devoted to great austerities."

And O king, beholding that Rishi they were highly amazed and they all exclaimed “it is indeed highly wonderful.

How has the dead been restored to life? Is it by the strength of asceticism that he has been brought to life again?

O Brahmana, we are (very) curious to hear it, if indeed it can be heard.” (Thereupon) he replied “O kings, death cannot display its power before us.

I will relate to you the reason here of briefly and argumentatively. As we strictly adhere to our own duties, we are not afraid of death.

We speak well of the Brahmanas and never vilify them; therefore we do not fear death.

As we entertain our guests with food and drink and regale our dependents with plenty of food and then eat what is left; so we have no fear of death.

We are peaceful, charitable of forgiving disposition, fond of visiting sacred shrines, benevolent and we dwell in holy places; therefore we entertain no fear of death. And as we associate with men of devotional spirit, death has no fear for us.

I have told you a bit only (of our devotional power). Now devoid of pride and vanity you all return together (to your homes).

O best of the Bharatas, (then) those kings, saying "be it so" and bowing down to that great sage returned cheerfully to their country.