अम्बोपाख्यान पर्व — शिखण्डिनी की कथा; उसकी स्थूलकर्ण नामक यक्ष से भेंट

Bhishma said The mother of Shikhandin, O mightyarmed ruler of men, related to her husband all about her daughter Shikhandin in accordance with the real facts.

Childless as I was, O great king, and from fear of my companion, wives, my daughter Shikhandin, when born, was represented to you as a son,

O best of men, you had, also, from love of me, corroborated it and O best among kings, the rites belonging to a son were performed for this daughter.

And a wife was given to her, O king viz., the daughter of the king of the Dasharna territories and it was approved of by me; seeing as I did the meaning of the words of that dirty, "Born as a maiden, she will become a male" we ignored this fact of her being a daughter.

Hearing this, king Drupada known as Yagasena, having conformed all his councillors of all these facts, held a consultation, O king, as to the best means of protecting his subjects.

Although he had himself deceived the king of the Dasharna country, yet sanctioning the alliance as quite proper, he began to settle his plans with concentrated attention.

Naturally well-defended, O Bharata, (he) began to fortify his city, at the time of danger, in all possible ways, and adorned it (with works of defense).

But the king was nevertheless afflicted with great grief, together with his queen, O best among Bharata's race, at this enmity with the king of Dasharna territories.

Considering in his mind as to how there might not be this great enmity with his son's father-in-law, he began to worship the gods.

Thereupon, perceiving him to be devoted to the gods, O king, and paying his worship, his wife, that goddess like lady spoke these words.

Though in prosperity, the worship of gods is truly prescribed by all righteous men, what then (ought to bu said) about those who are in distress? Therefore, worship your superiors.

Pay worship also to all the gods with large presents (to the Brahmanas) and let the sacred fires be ablaze, to pacify the Dasharna king.

O my lord, think in your mind (about a way) for pacification without involving a war. Through the grace of the gods, all this will happen.

Do as you had been counseled when you consulted with your ministers, O you with large eyes, for the preservation of this city, O king.

When earthy power is joined to godly power, it will surely succeed, O king. But there is no success when these are against each other,

Therefore, having taken the necessary steps as regard this city with your ministers, pay adoration, O lord of earth, to the gods according to your desire.

Perceiving those two, overwhelmed with grief, talking to each other, that daughter Shikhandin, ascetic as she was, filled with shame.

Thereupon she thought (within herself), "these two (my father and mother) are afflicted with grief on my account.” Then she made up her mind for destroying her own life.

Having firmly taken this resolution and been deeply afflicted with grief, she went out to a deep and lonely forest, abandoning her house.

That forest, O king, was inhabited by a very rich and powerful Yaksha named Sthunakarna a and it was through his fear that men forsook that forest.

And there was the abode of Sthuna, washed with lime, from which issued smoke bearing the smell of fried paddy, and (surrounded) with high walls with a gate way.

Entering it, the daughter of king Drupada Shikhandin, O king, began to reduce her body by remaining without food for many a day.

That Yaksha Sthuna, who was endued with kindliness, showed himself to her (and said), "for what purpose have you began this proceeding? Tell me and do not make delay, for I will do it."

"It cannot be performed”, she replied to the Yaksha again and again. But that Guhyaka returned her answer immediately (by saying) “I shall surely do it."

“O daughter of the king, I am an attendant of the god of wealth, and I can grant boons. I will bestow even what is unbestowable. So tell me what you desire."

Thereupon Shikhandin related to that chief of the Yakshas, named Sthunakarma, 0 Bharata, everything in detail.

Shikhandin said “O Yaksha, my father, bereft of a son, will very soon meet with destruction, for the lord of the Dasharna territories is marching against him with anger.

That golden-armoured king is very powerful, and of great energy. Therefore protect me, O Yaksha, and my father and mother.

The pacification of my grief has been promised by you. Let me become a man, O Yaksha, through your grace, O faultless one.

So long as that king does not depart from my city, bestowed your grace, O great Yaksha and Guhyaka.