चैत्ररथ पर्व — और्वको कथा

The Gandharva said : Having been thus addressed by the illustrious Vasishtha, the Brahmana Rishi (Parashara) controlled his word destroying wrath.

But the greatly effulgent Parashara, the son of Shakti, the foremost of all persons learned in the Vedas, performed a great Rakshasas sacrifice.

Remembering the slaughter of Shakti, the great Rishi began to consume the Rakshasas, young and old, in the sacrifice that he performed.

Vasishtha from his desire of not obstructing this second vow (of his grandson) did not prevent him from destroying the Rakshasas.

The great Rishi (Parashara) sat in that sacrifice before three blazing fires, himself looking a fourth fire.

Like the sun emerged from the clouds, the firmament was illuminated by that stainless sacrifice in which large were the libation of ghee poured.

Then Vasishtha and the other Rishis regarded that Rishi, blazing with his own energy, as if he were a second sun.

Then the great and the liberal-minded Rishi Atri came to that place with the desire of ending that sacrifice, a highly difficult act for any others.

O chastiser of foes, there also came Pulaha, Kratu and Mahakratu with the desire of saving the Rakshasas.

O best of the Bharata race, O Partha, seeing that many Rakshasas had been already killed, Pulastya spoke thus to that chastiser of foes, Parashara,

“O child, I hope there is no obstruction to your this sacrifice. Do you take, Pleasure, O child, in destroying the Rakshasas who know nothing of your father's death.

You should not thus destroy all creatures. O sun, it is not a (proper) act for the Brahmanas devoted to asceticism.

O Parashara, peace is the highest virtue; therefore practice peace. O Parashara, being such a superior man, you (should not) consider sinful acts to be for your good.

You should not transgress against Shakti who was learned in all the precepts of religion. You should not exterminate my creatures.

O son of Vasishtha, what befell your father all came upon him on account of his own curse. It was for his own fault that Shakti was taken to haven.

O Rishi, on Rakshasas was capable of devouring him; he himself provided for his death.

O Parashara, Vishvamitra was mere an instrument in that matter. The king Kalmashapada, also ascending heaven, enjoy great happiness.

Shakti and other sons of the great Rishi Vasishtha are all even now in great happiness enjoying themselves with the celestials.

O great Rishi, all this was known to Vasishtha. O child, O grandson of Vasishtha, you have been in this sacrifice only an instrument in the destruction of those innocent Rakshasas. Be blessed. Give up this sacrifice. Let it come to an end.

The Gandharva said : Having been thus addressed by Pulastya and the intelligent Vasishtha, the great Rishi, the son of Shakti (Parashara), brought that sacrifice to an end.

He (Parashara) threw away the fire that was kindled for the Rakshasas-sacrifice into the great forest on the north of the Himalayas.

There that fire may be seen to this day, always devouring in all seasons the Rakshasas, trees and stones.