Yudhishthira said I ask, O foremost of Bharata's race, what is the origin of the declaration, about satisfying all duties jointly, which is made on the occasion of person's marriage.

Is that declaration about satisfying all duties together due only to what is laid down by the great Rishis in days of yore, or does it refer to the duty of procreating children from religious motives, or has it reference to only the carnal pleasure that is expected from such an intercourse of the sexes?

Grcat is the doubt that fills my mind about. Indeed, I think that the declaration to which I refer is contrary to the natural impulses which lead to a union of the sexes. The union in this world for performing duties together ceases with death and is not to be seen to exit hereafter.

This union for doing all duties together leads to heaven. But heaven, O grandfather, is attained to by persons that are dead. It is seen of a married couple that only one dies at a time. Where does the other then remain. Do tell me this.

Men obtain various kinds of fruits by performing various kinds of duties. The occupations, again, to which men-follow are of various kinds. Various, again are the hells to which they go on account of such diversity of duties and acts.

The Rishis have said that women, in particular are false in behaviour. When human beings are such, land when women in particular are described in the Shastras to be false, how, O sire, can there be a union between the sexes for purposes of performing all duties together.

In the very Vedas one may read that women are false, The word 'Duty', as used in the Vedas, appears to have been coined first for general application. Therefore the application of that word to the rites of marriage is, instead of being correct, only a form of speech forcibly applied where it has no application.

The subject appears to be inexplicable although I think of it always. O grandfather, O you of great wisdom, you should explain this to me fully, clearly and according to the Shruti. In fact, do you explain to me what it is, what its characteristics are, and the way in which it has come to pass. to me

Bhishma said Regarding it is cited the old discourse between Ashtavakra and the lady known by the name of Disha.

Formerly Ashtavakra of austere penances, desirous of marriage, begged the great Rishi Vadanya of his daughter.

The name by which the lady was known was Suprabha. In beauty she was peerless on Earth. In virtues dignity, conduct, and manners, she was superior to all girls.

By a look only that girl of beautiful eyes had robbed him of his heart even as a delightful grove in spring, decked with flowers robs the spectator of his heart.

The Rishi addressed Ashtavakra and said Yes, I shall give my daughter to you. Listen, however, to me. Make a journey to the sacred North. You will see inany things there.

Ashtavakra said You should tell me what I shall see in that region. Indeed, I am ready to carry out whatever command may be laid upon me by you.

Passing over the dominions of the Lord of Treasures you will cross the Himavat mountains. You will then see the plateau on which Rudra lives. It is inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.

It is full of the companions of Mahadeva, frolicsome and fond of dance and possessed of various faces. It is peopled with also many Pishachas, O lord, of various forms and all daubed with fragrant powders of various colours and dancing with joyous hearts in accompaniment with brazen instruments of different kinds. Encircled by these who dance with electric rapidity or refrain at times altogether from forward or backward or transverse motion of every sort, Mahadeva lives there.

That charining spot on the mountains, we have heard, is the favourite abode of the great god. It is said that great god as his companions are always present there.

It was there that the goddess Uma had practised the severest austerities for the sake of the three-eyed god. Hence, it is said, that spot is much liked by both Mahadeva and Uma.

Formerly there, on the summit of the Mahaparshva mountains, which are situate to the north of the mountains sacred to Mahadeva, the Seasons, and the last Night, and many gods, and many human beings also in their embodied forms, had worshipped Mahadeva. You will cross that region also in your northward journey.

You will then see a beautiful and charining forest blue of colour and resembling a mass of clouds. There in that forest, you will see a beautiful female ascetic loO king like the goddess of prosperity herself.

Venerable for age and highly blessed, she is going through the initiatory rite. Seeing her there you should duly adore her with reverence.

Returning to this place after having seen her, you will take the hand of my daughter in marriage. If you can make this agreement, proceed then on your journey and do what I order you.

Ashtavakra said So be it! I shall do your bidding. Verily, I shall proceed to that region of which you mention, O you righteous soul! On your side, you should make your words truthful.

Bhishma said The illustrious Ashtavakra started on his journey. He proceeded more and more towards the north and at last reached the Himavat mountains inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.

Arrived at the Himavat mountains that foremost of Brahmanas then reached the sacred river Vahuda whose waters produce great merit.

He bathed in one of the charming Tirthas of that river, which was free from mud, and pleased the gods with oblations of water. His ablutions being over, he spread a quantity of Kusha grass and laid himself down upon it for taking rest for some time.

Passing the night in this way the Brahmana rose with the day. He once more performed his ablutions in the sacred waters of the Vahuda and then lighted his homa fire and adored it with the help of many foremost of Vedic mantras.

He then adored with the due rites both Rudra and his wife Uma. and rested for some more time by the side of that lake in the course of the Vahuda whose shores he had reached. Refreshed by such rest, he started from that region and then proceed towards Kailasa.

He then saw a golden gate that seemed to blaze with beauty. He saw also the Mandakini and the Nalini of the great Kubera the Lord of Riches.

Seeing the Rishi arrived there all the Rakshasas headed by Manibhadra who were engaged in protecting that lake full of beautiful lotuses, came out in a body for welcoming and honoring the illustrious traveller.

The Rishi adored in return those Rakshasas of terrible prowess and asked them report, forthwith his arrival to the Lord of Rishis.

Requested by him to do this, those Rakshasas, O king, said to him king Vaishravana, without waiting for the news, is coming of his own accord to your presence.

The illustrious Lord of Riches is well acquainted with the object of this hour journey See him that blessed Master, who blazes with his own energy

Then king Vaishravana, approaching the innocent Ashtavakra, duly enquired about his welfare. The usual polite enquiries being over, the Lord of Riches then addressed the twice twiceborn Rishi, saying You are welcome. Do tell me what do you want from me. Inform me of it, I shall O twiceborn one, do whatever you may order me to accomplish.

Do you enter my house as pleases you. O foremost of Brahmanas. Duly entertained by me, and after your business is done, you may go without any obstacles being placed in your way.

Having said these words, Kubera took the hand of that foremost of Brahmanas and conducted him into his palace. He offered him his own seat as also water to wash his feet and the present of the usual ingredients.

After the two had been seated the Yakshas of Kubera headed by Manibhadra, and many Gandharvas and Kinnaras, also sat down before them.

After all of them had taken their seats, the Lord of Riches said Understanding what your pleasure is, the various tribes of Apsaras will begin their dance.

It is proper that I should entertain you with hospitality and that you should be served with propriety. Thus addressed the ascetic Ashtavakra said, in a sweet voice Let the dance go on.

Then Urvara, Mishrakeshi, Rambha, Urvashi, Alumbusha, Ghritachi, Chitra, Chitrangada, Rochi, Manohara, Sukeshi, Sumukhi, Hasini, Prabha, Vidyuta, Prashami, Danta, Vidyota and Rati these and many other beautiful Apsaras began to dance. The Gandharvas played on various kinds of musical instruments.

After such excellent music and dance had begun, the Rishi Ashtavakra of austere penances unconsciously passed a full celestial year there in the house of king Vaishravana.

Then king Vaishravana said to the Rishi O learned Brahmana, see a little more than a year has passed away since you arrival here.

This music and dance, especially known by the name of Gandharva, is a stealer of the heart (and of time), Act as you like, or let this go on if that be your pleasure. You are my guest and, therefore, worthy of worship. This is your house. Do you set your commands. We are all bound to you.

Thus addressed by king Vaishravana, the illustrious Ashtavakra, replied to him, with a pleased heart, saying I have been duly honoured by you. I desire now, O Lord of Riches, to go hence.

Indeed, I am highly pleased. All this befits you, O Lord of Riches. Through your grace, O illustrious one, and according to the command of the great Rishi Vadanya, I shall now proceed to my journey's end. May you enjoy prosperity. Having said these words, the illustrious Rishi left Kubera's palace and proceeded northwards.

He crossed the Kailasa and the Mandara as also the golden mountains. Beyond those high and great mountains is situate that excellent region where Mahadeva dressed as an humble ascetic was living.

He went round the spot with a composed mind, bending his head in respect the while. Descending then on the Earth, he regarded himself purified for having seen that holy spot which is the residence of Mahadeva.

Having gone round that mountain thrice, the Rishi with face turned towards the north, went on with a joyous heart.

Then he saw another forest that was very delightful. It was adorned with the fruits and roots of every season, and it was filled with the music of bards.

There were many charming groves in the forest. The illustrious Rishi then saw a beautiful asylum.

The Rishi saw also many golden hills decked with gems and possessed of various forms. There he saw many lakes and tanks also.

And he saw various other highly beautiful objects. Seeing these things, the mind of that Rishi of purified soul became filled with joy.

He then saw a beautiful palace made of gold and adorned with all sorts of gems. Of wonderful structure, that palace surpassed the palace of Kubera himself in every respect.

Around it there were many hills and mounts of jewels and gems. Many beautiful cars and heaps of jewels also were seen there.

The Rishi saw there the river Mandakini whose waters were covered with numberless Mandara flowers. There also were seen many selfluminous gems, and the soil all around was decked with diamonds of various species.

The palace which the Rishi saw contained many chambers whose arches were set with various kinds of stones. Those chambers were adorned also with nets of pearls interspersed with jewels and gems of various species.

Various sorts of beautiful objects, capable of stealing the heart and the eye surrounded that palace. That charming retreat was inhabited by numberless Rishis.

Seeing these beautiful sights all around, the Rishi began to think of where he would take shelter. Proceeding then to the gate of the palace, he uttered these words:

Let those that live here know that a guest has come. Hearing the voice of the Rishi, a number of maidens came out in a body from that palace.

They were seven in number, O king, Of different sorts of beauty, all of them were highly charming. Every one of those maidens the Rishi saw stole his heart.

The sage could not, with even his utmost struggles control his mind. Indeed, seeing those maidens of very great beauty, his heart lost its balance. Seeing himself to give way to such influences, the Rishi made a vigorous effort, and greatly wise as he was he at last succeeded in controlling himself.

Those ladies then addressed the Rishi saying Let the illustrious one enter. Stricken with curiously about those highly beautiful ladies, as also of that palace the twiceborn Rishi entered as he was commanded. Entering the palace lie saw an old lady, with marks of decrepitude, dressed in white robes and adorned with every kind of ornament. The Rishi blessed her, saying Good be to you. The old lady returned his good wishes in due form, Rising up, she offered a seat to the Rishi.

Having taken his seat, Ashtavakra said Let all the ladies go to their respective quarters. Only let one stay here. Let that one remain here who is endued with wisdom and who has tranquillity of heart. Indeed, let all the others go away as they like,

Thus addressed, all those damsels went round the Rishi and then left the chamber, only that aged lady remaining there.

The day quickly passed and night came. The Rishi, seated on a splendid bed addressed the old lady, saying blessed lady, the night is growing deeper, Do you go to sleep.

Their conversation being thus put a stop to by the Rishi the old lady laid herself down on an excellent bed of great beauty.

Soon after, she rose from her bed and pretending to tremble with cold, left it for the bed of the Rishi.

The great Ashtavakra welcomed her courteously. The lady, however stretching her arms, tenderly embraced the Rishi, O foremost of men.

Seeing the Rishi quite unmoved and as inanimate as a piece of wood, she became very sorry and began to converse with him.

There is no pleasure, except that from desire which women can derive from a person of the other sex! I am now under the influence of lust. I seek you for that reason. Do you seek me in return.

Be cheerful O learned Rishi, and unite yourself with me! Do you embrace me, o learned one for I desire you greatly.

O you of righteous soul this union with me is the best and desirable reward of those severe penances which you had practised. At the first sight I have become disposed to seek you. Do you also seek me.

All this riches and every other precious article that you see these are mine. Do you indeed, become the master of all this with my person and heart.

I Shall satisfy every wish of yours! Do you sport with me, therefore, in these delightful forests, O Brahmana, which can grant every wish.

I shall obey you implicitly in every thing and you will sport with me according to your pleasure! All objects of desire that are human or that belong to heaven shall be enjoyed by us.

There is no other pleasure more agreeable to women. Indeed, union with a person of the opposite sex is the most desirable object of joy that we can get.

When moved by the god of love women become very whimsical. Then they do not feel any pain even they walk over a desert of burning sand.

Ashtavakra said O blessed lady, I never approach another's wife. One's union with another man's wife is condemned by persons conversant with the scriptures on morality.

I am an utter stranger to enjoyments of every kind. O blessed lady, know that I have become desirous of marriage for getting children. I swear by truth itself.

Through the help of offspring righteously got, I shall proceed to those regions of happiness which cannot be attained without such help. O good lady, know what is consistent with morality, and knowing desist from your efforts.

The lady said The very gods of wind and fire and water, or the other celestials, O twice born one are not so agreeable to women as the god of love. Indeed women are greatly fond of sexual union.

Among a thousand women, or perhaps, among hundreds of thousands, sometimes only one may be found who is devoted to her husband.

Under the influence of desire, they care not for fainily or father or mother or brother or husband or sons or husband's brother.

Seeking what they consider happiness, they destroy the family even as many rivers wash away the banks that contain them. The Creator himself had said this marking the faults of women.

Bhishma said The Rishi, bent upon finding out the faults of women, addressed that lady saying Cease to speak to me thus! Yearning originates from liking. Tell ine what I am to do.

That lady then said in return illustrious one you will all see according to time and place. Do you only live here (for sometime), O highly blessed one, and I shall consider myself sufficiently rewarded!

Thus addressed by her, the twice born Rishi, O Yudhishthira, expressed his resolution to satisfy her request, saying I shall live with you in this place as long as I can venture to do so. The Rishi then seeing that lady possessed by decrepitude, began to think seriously on the matter. He appeared to be even pained by his thoughts.

The eyes of that foremost of Brahmanas could not get any delight from those parts of that lady's person whereupon they were fixed. On the other hand, his looks appeared to be dispelled by the ugliness of those particular limbs.

This lady is forsooth, the mistress of this palace. Has she been made ugly through some curse! It is not proper that I should quickly determine the cause of this.

Thinking thus in his heart and curious to know the reason the Rishi passed the rest of that day in anxiety.

The lady then addressed him, saying O illustrious one, look at the Sun reddened by the evening clouds! What service shall I do to you.

The Rishi addressed her saying 'Fetch water for my ablution! Having bathed, I shall recite my evening prayers, controlling my tongue and the senses.'