भगवद्यान पर्व — गालवको कथा

Narada said Then having alighted on the peak of the Rishava mountain, the two saw there a Brahmani named Shandili, endued with asceticism.

Suparna having done her honors, and Galava having worshipped her they were pointed to a seat by her after the usual welcome.

Both, of them, having partaken of the cooked food offered by her after having dedicated the same to the gods with the usual Mantra, were refreshed and both of them slept on the ground and in a moment lost their senses.

After a moment Suparna awoke with the desire of departing and the wanderer of the sky saw himself deprived of his wings.

The ranger of the sky became like a lump of flesh with a mouth and feet and Galava seeing him in that condition asked him with a heavy heart.

"What is this condition you find yourself in, as a result of your doing here, for what length of time shall we have to live here.

Is it that in your mind you have entertained a thought which is evil and against the dictates of virtue; this is the result of no small wickedness on your part.

Suparna then said to the regenerate one o twice born one, the thought has indeed been entertained by me of carrying away this lady who has been endued with asceticism from this place to where the lord of all creatures is,

Where resides the lord Mahadeva, where resides the eternal Vishnu and where there are virtue and sacrificial ceremonies, so that she might live there.

I now pray this goddess for my own good with my head bowed down: I have harbored this thought in my mind and have come to grief consequence thereof.

Out of great respect (for you) did I entertain the thought and whether I did right or wrong, it is fitting that out of your own generosity and noble mindedness you should forgive me. in

She, thus spoken to, was gratified with the chief of birds and said "Do not fear, O Suparna, become possessed of beautiful wings and leave aside your fears.

I have been insulted by your child and I do not forgive insults; that perpetrator of wicked deeds, who would insult me, would quickly be turned out of all regions of bliss.

Devoid as I am of all inauspicious signs, and who am blameless, I have obtained excellent asceticism by following the rules of good conduct.

Good conduct produces virtue, good conduct produces wealth and it is from good conduct that a man attains to prosperity; and good conduct nullifies all inauspicious signs.

Do you now, O lord of the rangers of the firinament, go wherever you like; no woman should henceforth be found fault with by you even when she ought to be blamed.

You will be endued with strength and prowess as before;" then did his two wings grow up and they were even stronger than before.

Being commanded by Shandili he then went away where he wanted to go (with Galava on his back) but did not come across horses of that description.

Vishvamitra, while standing on the path, saw Galava and that foremost among speakers said in the presence of the son of Vinata.

The wealth that you, of your own accord, promised me, O twice-born one, should be given to me; the time to receive the fruit of that promise has come, you can do as you like.

As I have waited all this time, so shall I wait for some time more, and Oregenerate being, look out for that means by which you may be successful.

Suparna then said to Galava who was struck with great sorrow, "What Vishvamitra said to you before, he has repeated in my presence.

Therefore do you come, O foremost among the twice-born, we shall consult together ( Galava; without giving to your preceptor the whole of the wealth promised by you, you cannot even sit down."