23 - The dialogue with Rukmangada

Mohini said:

1. The statement made by you about the observance of fast in the month of Karttika is quite excellent. But the observance of Vrata etc. by kings is not found anywhere in the sacred texts.

2. In fact, excepting for a Brahmana, it has not been prescribed for anyone else; not for the Shudras and the Vaishyas too. (As the duty) of the kings, charitable gifts, protection (of subjects) and fighting are laid down (in Smrutis).

3. If you wish to retain me as your beloved, the Vrata should not be observed by you. O leading king, I cannot remain without you even for a Muhurta.

4-5a. O dear king having the lustre of god Brahma, how can I remain separated for a period of month? O ruler of the Earth, where you think of observing fast, food should rather be offered in lieu of it to Brahmanas of noble souls. Or may the eldest of all your wives observe the Vratas.

5b-6. When this was argued by Mohini, Rukmabhushana (i.e. Rukangada) called his auspicious and beloved wife Sandhyavali. The instant she was called, she came near the king who was one who had distributed religious gifts and fees in plenty.

7-8. He was seated on a divine like splendid bed clasped between the arms of Mohini. The tip of her breasts resembled golden pitcher when rubbing against him. O king (Mandhata) he was seated on the mattress of the lustful lady of charming eyes. With the palms joined in reverence, Sandhyavali stooped down her neck in bowing down to her husband.

9. She said to the king, “O darling, why have I been called? Being completely free from the jealousy usual among co-wives, I have always abided by your order.

10. There is no doubt about this, O king, that the more you indulge in sexual dalliance with Mohini the more my pleasure increases.

11-12. O king, the woman who becomes miserable at the personal pleasure of her husband is reborn as a she-falcon for eight years(?). Command me, O king, do not get abashed due to your lustfulness.

Rukmangada said:

13. O fair lady, I know your good conduct, and the nobility of your birth. It was at your instance that sexual dalliance with Mohini for a long time was indulged in by me.

14. Many Karttika months have gone by while I indulged in sexual dalliance. Though I have been enamoured of the happiness derived from my beloved, the day of Hari (i.e. Ekadashi) did not slip by.

15. By my frequent enjoyment of lustful pleasures I have achieved satiety. This month of Karttika is known to be the destroyer of all sins.

16. O gentle lady, I am desirous of observing the holy vow of Karttika Vrata that yields great merit. But O auspicious    lady, this daughter of Brahma  prevents   me from observing it.

17. O fair-complexioned lady, by no means should anything displeasing to her be committed. Hence you take up my Vrata called Krucchra that dries up the body.

18. On being urged thus by her husband, the lady whose complexion was like that of newly burnished gold, whose breasts and other limbs were plump and whose face resembled the moon spoke these words: - “I shall observe the holy Vrata for your satisfaction.”

19. O Lord of rulers of men, I shall perform only those things whereby you will have fame and renown, whereby you will have happiness without prejudice to your good reputation. I shall even cast off my tender body into the fire for your sake.

20. O king, at your instance, I will even kill my son. I will not consider it as something that should not be done. All the more, O ruler of men, I shall perform this simple holy rite.”

21. After saying this and after bowing to the king who was the enemy of the son of the sun (i.e. Yama), the gentle lady of charming large eyes performed holy rite for the destruction of sins.

22. When the excellent holy penance called Krucchra was begun by his beloved wife, the king derived much pleasure. He spoke these words to the daughter of the Kusha-emblemed deity (Brahma)-: “O lady of beautiful eyebrows, your suggestion has been carried out in accordance with your desire.

23. O beautiful lady with thighs resembling metacarpus, sport as you please with the gladness of your heart. Leave off your cares and concentrate your ambitions and desires in me. O lady of sweet eye-brows, for your sake I have eschewed my duties. There is no other woman to give me happiness.”

24. On being thus addressed by her Lord, she attained great pleasure. She spoke to the king thus: - “O Lord, it was after knowing that you are exceedingly loving (and tender) that I had come to you from the heaven.

26. I had forsaken the immortal ones, the groups of Daityas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, serpents and Rakshasas, who were awaiting me. Overcome with love, I approached you at the mountain of Mandara.

26. The like-mindedness of both (husband and wife) is the real fruit of passion. Passionate union with the mind else-where is no better than the union of two corpses.

27. Fruitful is my body. Fruitful is my beauty. O lover, with you full of love towards me, I have acquired that which is very rare in the three worlds.

28-29a. When the heart clasped within plumping breasts does not relent (break), I think it is certainly like Indra’s         thunderbolt. The nectarine juice from the lips of beautiful ladies is the very ambrosia in the world. It is being drunk with the breasts pressed close to the heart.”

29b-30a. After saying this, the lady of slender limbs embraced the king who was in the secluded spot and delighted him in accordance with the injunctions of Vatsyayana¹, the author of erotic science (Kama-sutra).

1.Vatsyayana (Circa 300-400 A.D.) h the author of the famous treatise, Kama Sutra. The instructions on erotics mentioned here are given in the Adhikarana (section) on Samprayogika. For details vide Kama sutra with com. Jayamangala. (Chowkhamba, 1912.)

30b-31. Even as he was diverting himself in the company of Mohini, the sound of drums which were placed on an intoxicated elephant according to the decree of Dharmangada reached his ears.

32. “O people, the day of Hari dawns tomorrow. Remain with only a single meal.² All shall eschew alkaline salts, taking in only Havisya (cooked rice soaked in ghee).

2. Compare the procedure of the Ekadashi Vrata Supra I. Ch. 23.

33. You must lie down on the bare ground. You must avoid sexual union with your beloved wives. Remember the Lord of the Chief of the Devas, the ancient and excellent Purusha.

34-35a. Either take a single meal or observe fast. You will thereby be able to go to the region of Shri Hari without performing a series of Shraddhas, without offering or taking Pindas and even when your sons have not gone to Gaya.³

3. A famous Sacred place in Bihar. It is supposed that by performing Shraddha and offering Pindas on Vishnupada at Gaya one redeems one thousand generations and takes them and himself to the world of Vishnu. The sacredness of the place and its efficacy to redeem the ancestors of the pilgrim is glorified in many other Puranas like AP., Vayu etc. Thus the Vayu 105.30 states he who performs Shraddha at Gaya repays his debts to his ancestors.

Shraddha-krud yo Gaya-kshetre pitrinam anruno hi sah|

For details vide infra Chs. 44 to 47 with annotations.

35b-38a· This is the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Karttika, which dispels the slumber of Hari. The Ekadashi dawns tomorrow. Do not take food at all. If one observes fast on the Prabodhini Ekadashi day, all the sins such as the slaughter of a Brahmana and the like which one might have committed wilfully, disappear. This is called Prabodhini Ekadashi because it enlightens virtuous persons and those who practise just activities. Also it wakens Hari from slumber.

38b-39a. The man who at least once observes the fast on this day that dispels the slumber of Hari, does not become a son once again. He is not reborn in any womb.

39b-40. O men, perform the worship of the discus-bearing Lord with your own wealth, clothes, flowers, incense, lights, excellent sandal paste, saffron, sweet fruits and scents. All of you worship the feet of Shri Hari.

41. He who does not carry out my instructions, conducive to the attainment of piety and salvation (attainment to the vision of Vishnu), is liable (lit. deserves) to be killed, banished from the realm or certainly punished (otherwise) by me.”

42. While the drum that had the sound of the clouds was being beaten to proclaim as before, the most excellent king dropped down the chewing betel along with camphor from his hand.

43. Withdrawing his chest that was in contact with the breasts of Mohini, the king (though) of enhanced appetite for sexual pleasure, stood up from his bed.

44. With bland speech he consoled Mohini who was afflicted with delusion and passion: - “O gentle lady the day of Hari that is destructive of sins dawns tomorrow.

45. I will be observing restraints. May I be forgiven. May I be excused. At your behest the Krucchra penance is being caused to be performed by Sandhyavali.

46. But this Ekadashi vow that is called Prabodhakarani should be performed by me. It cuts off bonds of all sins. It bestows salvation.

47. To all the three worlds, it is the cause of celebrating great festivities. Hence, O lady of elated gait, I will partake of only Havishya invariably.

48. O lady of large eyes propitiate Ashokshaja (Vishnu) Hrushikesha along with me, by being engaged in the observance of fast. Thereby, you will attain salvation devoid of burning sensation and dissolution.

Mohini said:

49. O king, you have spoken pertinently. At your behest, I shall perform the worship of the discus-bearing deity, that dispels births, deaths and old age.

50-52a. The time of fulfillment has come for that vow (promise) that had been undertaken by you formerly on the top of the Mandara mountain, along with the offering of the hand. It was marked by staking your merits. Hence, 1nay that be given to me. If you do not grant me that boon, all the merits that yon have accumulated since your birth with great difficulty, will perish instantaneously.

Rukmangada said:

52b-53. Come on, O lady of charming limbs I will carry out whatever you entertain in your mind. There is nothing which should not be given to you. Even n1y life shall be given to you, O beautiful lady-what then of villages, wealth etc. including the earth.

Mohini said:

54-57. O Lord, O love, O powerful king, O Lord of my life fond of sexual intercourse, if I, your beloved wife, am to be enjoyed, no fast should be observed on the day of Vishnu. O king, am I not your beloved wife? I do not wish to spend even a Muhurta without contact with you, O excellent one. So O king, devoted to truth, if you wish to enjoy 1ne, give up this vow of fast. May food be taken on the day of Hari.

57-58a. It is this boon that should be granted to me. This is what had been requested for by me formerly. O leading king, if you do not grant it (this boon) to me, you will become a man       of falsehood. You will fall into a terrible hell (and ren1ain there as long as all Jiving beings are dissolved. (up to the end of the world).                      

The king implored:

58b. O auspicious lady, please do not speak like this. This is not proper on your part

59. Why do you, though a daughter of god Brahma, create obstacles in the observance of holy rites. Ever since my birth I have never taken food on the day of Hari.

60-61a. O auspicious lady, now that my hairs have begun to turn grey, how shall I take food? Having recourse to the heavenly river (i.e. the Ganga) or the worship of Hari is proper in case of a man who has gone beyond the prime of youth and the power of whose sense-organs has dwindled.

61b-62a. This (i.e. taking food on the Ekadashi day) is what has not been committed by me whether in boyhood or in youth. It is a despicable act. How can I perform it now, when I have become feeble and am lacking in virility?

62b-63. Be pleased, O lady of roving side-glances. be pleased, O fair-complexioned lady. Do not create obstacles in my Vrata. I shall give you the riches of the kingdom. O Jady of beautiful eyes, if you do not wish for it, I shall do another thing.

64. i shall make you seated in a palanquin that is very splendid and resembling- the aerial chariot. Accompanied by my wife, I shall walk on food and take you wherever you wish.

65-66. If you do not like the aerial chariot made by me, I will make two pillars of gold adorned with corals. O my beloved wife, I will prepare a swing of pearls for your sake. I shall swing you therein day and night for many months.

67-68. O my beloved lady, O beautiful one, do not create obstacles in the performance of my holy rite. If food is taken on the day of Hari, O fair-faced lady, it is more despicable than eating the flesh (from the hands) of a Chandala or that of a dog. If one indulges in sexual intercourse when the moon dwindles (i.e. on the New Moon day), one incurs the sin of destroying the three worlds.

69-70. A man incurs sins in the following circumstances: - if he gets himself shaved on the Bhuta day (i.e. the fourteenth day in the dark half of the month of Karttika); if he takes food on the day of Vishnu; if he takes oil bath on Shasthi (sixth day of a       lunar fortnight); if he takes salt, O auspicious lady, on the Trutiya (third) day and meat on the Saptami (seventh) day if       he takes in ghee on the full moon day and drinks liquor during the transit of the sun from one sign of zodiac to another.

71-73. On the day of Hari, food (to be taken in) contains the sin accrued in the following acts viz.-if one spoils the pastureland of cows., if one commits perjury; if one misappropriates a deposit, if one causes hardships to a virgin (e.g. making her marriage impossible), if one commits breach of trust; if one milks a cow the calf of which is dead; if he does not give an excellent Brahmana what he solemnly promises to give saying ‘I will give you:, in Manikuta (fraud committed in regard to a precious gem), in Tulikuta        (in using false weights), in Kanyanruta (in uttering a lie about a virgin) and in Gavanruta (in uttering a lie over a cow). Hence, O   fair-eyed lady, how shall I take food knowing that it is a great sin?

Mohini said:

74-77. While I was in the mountain of Mandara, Gautama told me thus: O leading king, one shall not pass an Ekadashi day by taking in single meal throughout the day or a nocturnal meal or unsolicited food¹ or by observing fast. Observance of fast is not proper for women advanced in pregnancy, for Gruhasthas (worshippers) of domestic sacrificial fires), Krushas (worn-out weaklings), sick men, Shishu (children) and the wrinkled worn-out bodied (old people). O leading king, those who are engaged in Yajnas and their enjoyment, those who serve the Earth, those who fight and the Pativratas (chaste ladies) must not observe fast.

1. This verse is found in other Puranas e.g. Mk. P. quoted by Hemadri on Kala p. 17O, Gd, P. I. 136. 2-3. The snag in Mohini’s argument is that she applies these to an ablebodied person like Rukmangada. Manu X 1.28 & 3O forbids an able-bodied capable person to resort to these alternatives. Mbh. Shanti 165.17 supports this. The terms ekabhakta or abhukta (taking meal after mid-day-dinaraha-samayetite), nakta (taking food after the appearance of stan after the sun-set) and aytichita (subsistence on food not obtained by begging or soliciting) were used formerly with reference to Prayaschittas like Krucchra. They came to be applied to fasts in Puranas later on.

78. O excellent man, the day of Vishnu must not be spent without the observance of Vrata. Those Brahmanas who have maintained the sacred fire should be known as Gruhasthas (householders).

79. Those who abide by the duties of protecting the subjects should be known as Rajas (kings). Gurvini is the lady who is pregnant for eight months. Shishus are children up to their eighth year.

80. Kshinas are those who observe too many fasts. Valigatras are those old men (whose body contains wrinkles) Mahotsavas are those who arc busily engaged in auspicious rites such as marriage etc.

81-82. Those who are engaged in Yajnas arc the persons who refrain from worldly activities         (Defective) The woman who is engaged in the welfare of her husband by mans of the three Karanas (organs etc) (i.e. mind, body and speech) should be known as, Pativrata (chaste lady). So also         the woman who protects her vagina) passage. O      king, of what    avail are the many utterances I may indulge in?

83. will be pleased if you take food on the Ekadashi day but I won’t by pleased even if you cut off your own head and give it to me.

84. O king, if you do not take food on the day of Hari, I will not touch the body belonging to you who are untruthful in your words.

85. O leading king, truthfulness is revered among people of all stages of life and castes. O king, especially it is so among rulers of kingdom like you.

86. It is through truth that the sun blazes;¹ the moon shines through truth. O king, the Earth is established in truth. It is the truth that upholds the universe.

1. It appears that in VV. 86-89 the Vedic concept of Ruta is     extended to Satya (Truth).

87. The wind blows through truthfulness and the fire burns through truth. This entire Universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile beings has truth for its support.

88. It is through truth that the ocean does not move (away from its place). O king (for the same reason) the Vindhya mountain does grow (rise) up. Never does a young woman carry the child in her crossing the time limit (i.e. beyond a stipulated period of about ten months, she does not hold it.)

89. It is only when they are abiding by truthfulness that trees put forth flowers and fruits. O king, the means of Divine judgement, etc. of men has for its basis, truthfulness alone.

90. Truthfulness surpasses, thousands of horse-sacrifices. Through falsehood you will be tainted with such a sin as that of drinking liquor.