Yudhishthira said Tell me why had that lady no fear of Ashtavakra's curse although Ashtavakra was gified with great energy? How also did Ashtavakra succeed in returning from that palace?

Bhishma said Ashtavakra asked her, saying How do you change your form so? You should not say anything false. I wish to know this. Do you speak truly before a Brahmana.

The lady said O best of Brahmanas, wherever you may live, in the celestial region or on Earth. This desire of union between the sexes is to be observed. O you of infallible prowess, hear with rapt attention, what it all is.

This trial was converted by me, O sinless one, for examining you aright, O you of infallible prowess, you have conquered all the worlds by the strength of mind.

Know me as the embodiment of the Northern point of the compass. You have seen the lightness of the female character. Even old women are tortured by the desires of sexual union.

The grandfather himself and all the gods with Indra have been pleased with you. I know the object for which your illustrious self has come here.

O foremost of twice born persons, you have been sent here by the Rishi Vadanya the father of your bride in order that I may instruct you. According to the wishes of that Rishi I have already instructed you.

You will return home safely. Your journey back will not be toilsome. You will get for wife the girl you have chosen. She will bear you a son.

Through desire I had solicited you. You gave me the very best answer. People of the three worlds cannot get over the desire for sexual union.

Return to your quarters, having achieved such merit. What else is there which yo!' wish to hear (from me)? I shall truly describe it to you, O Ashtavakra.

I was gratified by the Rishi Vadanya in the first instance for your sake, Otwice born ascetic! For the sake of honouring him, I have said all this to you.

Bhishma said Hearing these words of hers, the twiceborn Ashtavakra joined his hands respectfully. He then begged the lady for her permission to return. Getting the permission he sought, he returned to his own hermitage.

Resting himself for sometime at home and getting the permission of his kinsmen and friends, he then, in a proper way, went, O delighter of the Kurus, to the Brahmana Vadanya.

Welcomed with the usual enquiries by Vadanya the Rishi Ashtavakra, with a wellpleased heart described all that he had seen.

He said ordered by you I proceeded to the mountains of Gandhamadana. In the quarter lying to the north of those mountains I saw a very superior goddess,

I was received by her with courtesy. She named you before me, and also instructed me in various matters. Having listened to her I have returned,Olord.

The learned Vadanya said to him take my daughter's hand according to due rites and under the proper constellations. You are the fittest bridegroom I can select for the girl.

Bhishma said Ashtavakra said So be it! and espoused the girl. Indeed, having married the girl, the highly pious Rishi became filled with joy.

Having taken as his wife that beautiful lady, the Rishi continued to live in his own hermitage freed from every sort of mental trouble.