Yudhishthira said O you of great wisdom, 'I have a doubt which is very great and which is as vast as the ocean itself. Listen to it, O mightyarmed one, and having learnt what it is, you should explain it to me.

I have a great curiosity about Jamadagni's son, O lord, viz., Rama, that foremost of all pious persons. you should satisfy that curiosity.

How was Rama born who was gifted with prowess incapable of being baffled? He belonged by birth to a family of twice born Rishis. How did he become a follower of Kshatriya practices?

Do you then, O king, recite to me in full the circumstances of Rama's birth. How also did a son of the race of Kushika, who was Kshatriya become a Brahmana?

Great, indeed, was the power of the highsouled Rama, O chief of men, as also of Vishvamitra.

Why did the grandson of Richika instead of his son become a Kshatriya? Why also did the grandson of Kushika and not his son become a Brahmana? Why did such untoward incidents befall the grandsons of both, instead of their sons? You should explain the truth of these circumstances.

Bhishma said Regarding it is cited an old history of the discourse between Chyavana and Kushika, O Bharata!

Gifted with great intelligence, Chyavana of Bhrigu's race, that best of ascetics, saw (with his spiritual eye) the stain that would affect his own race.

Reflecting upon the merits and faults of that incident, as also its strength and weakness, Chyavana having asceticism for his wealth, became desirous of consuming the race of the Kushikas.

Going then to the presence of king Kushika, Chyavana said to him,—o sinless one, the desire has arisen in my heart of living with you for sometime.

Kushika said O holy one, to live together is a deed which the learned ordain for girls wheir these are given away. The wise always speak of the practice in such connection only.

O Rishi having asceticism for your wealth, the residence which you seek with me is not sanctioned by the ordinance. Yet, however opposed to the dictates of duty and virtue, I shall do what you may be pleased to order.

Bhishma said Ordering a seat to be placed for the great ascetic Chyavana, king Kushika, accompanied by his wife, stood before him.

Bringing a little jar of water, the king offered him water for washing his feet. He then through his servants, caused all the rites to be duty performed in honour of his illustrious guest.

The illustrious Kushika, who was observant of restraints and vows, then cheerfully presented, in due forms, the ingredients consisting of honey and the other things, to the great Rishi and asked him to accept the same.

Having welcomed and honoured the learned Brahmana thus, the king once more addressed him and saidWe two await your orders! Command us what we are to do for you, O holy one.

If it is our kingdom or riches or kine, O you of rigid vows, or all articles that are given away in sacrifices, which you want, tell us the word and we shall bestow all upon you.

This palace, this kingdom, this seat of justice, are at your disposal. You are the master of all these! Do you rule the Earth! As regards myself, I depend entirely upon you.

Addressed in these words by the king, Chyavana of Bhrigu's race, filled with great joy, said to Kushika these words in reply.

Chyavana said I do not, O king covet your kingdom, nor your riches, nor the damsels you have nor your kine, nor your provinces, nor articles needed for sacrifice! Do you listen to me.

If it pleases you and your wife, I shall begin to observe a certain vow. I wish you and your me during that period unhesitatingly.

consort to serve Thus addressed by the Rishi, the king and the queen became filled with delight, O Bharata, and answered him, saying-Be it so, O Rishi.

Pleased with the Rishi's words, the king led him to an apartment of the place. It was an excellent one, agreeable to see. The king showed him everything in that room.

The king said This, O holy one, is your bed. Do you live here as you please! O you having asceticism for your wealth, myself and my queen shall try our best to give you every comfort and every pleasure.

While they were thus conversing with each other, the sun was over the meridian. The Rishi ordered the king to bring him food and drink.

Bowing to the Rishi, King Kushika asked him, saying-What kind of food is liked by you? What food, indeed, shall be brought for you.

Filled with joy, the Rishi answered that king, O Bharata, saying-Let food that is proper be given to me.

Receiving these words with respect, the king said,-So be it!-and then offered to the Rishi food of the proper kind.

Having finished his meals, the holy Chyavana, knowing every duty, addressed the king and the queen, saying I wish to sleep, O powerful one, sleep hinders me now.

Proceeding thence to a room that had been got ready for him, that best of Rishis then laid himself down upon a bed. The king and the queen sat down.

The Rishi told them-Do not, while I sleep, awake me! Do you keep yourself awake and continually press my feet as long as I sleep.

Kushika, conversant with every duty, unhesitatingly, saidSo be it! Indeed, the king and the queen kept themselves awake all night, duty engaged in tending and serving the Rishi in the manner directed the royal pair, O king, accomplished the Rishi's order with earnestness and attention.

Meanwhile the holy Brahmana, having thus commanded the king, slept soundly, without changing his posture or turning even once, for one and twenty days.

The king, O delighter of the Kurus, abstaining from food, along with his wife, sat joyfully the whole time, engaged in tending and serving the Rishi.

On the expiration of one and twenty days, the son of Bhrigu rose of his own accord. The great ascetic then went out of the room, without speaking to thein at all.

Famished and toilworn, the king and the queen followed him, but that foremost of Rishis did not please to cast a single look upon any of them.

Proceeding a little way, the son of Bhrigu disappeared in the very sight of the royal pair. At this, the king struck with grief, drooped down on the Earth.

Comforted. he up soon, and accompanied by his queen, the king possessed of great splendour, began to search everywhere for the Rishi. rose