King Dhritarashtra had never seen his own sons. Getting eye-sight through the favour of the Rishi, he saw for the first time, O perpetuator of Kuru's race, those children of his who were very like his own self.

That foremost of men, viz., the Kuru king had learnt all the royal duties as also the Vedas and the Upanishads, and had acquired certitude of understanding.

ighly wise Vidura acquired great success through the power of his penances. Dhritarashtra also acquired great success for having inet the ascetic Vyasa.

Janamejaya said If Vyasa, disposed to grant me a boon, kindly show me my father in that form which he had clad as he used to be clad, and as old as he was when he left this world, I may then believe all that you have told me.

Such a sight will be most agreeable to me. Indeed, I shall consider myself crowned with success. I shall have gained a certainty of conclusion. O let my wish be satisfied through the favour of that foremost of Rishis!

Sauti said After king Janamejaya had said these words, the highly energetic and intelligent Vyasa, showed his favour and brought Parikshit.

King Janamejaya saw his royal father possessed of great beauty, brought down from the celestial region, in the same form that he had and of the same age as he was (at the time of leaving this world).

The great Shamika also, and his son Shringin, were similarly brought there. All the counselors and ministers of the king saw them.

King Janamejaya performing the final both in his sacrifice, became highly pleased. He poured the sacred water on his father even as he caused it to be poured on himself.

Having performed the final bath, the king addressed the twice-born Astika who had originated from the race of the Yayavaras and who was the son of Jaratkaru, and said these words — 'O Astika, this sacrifice of mine is fraught with many wonderful incidents, since this my sire has been seen by me, he who has removed all my sorrow.

Astika said The performer of that sacrifice in which the ancient Rishi, Dvaipayana Vyasa, that vast receptacle of penances is present, is sure O foremost one of Kuru's race, to conquer both the worlds.

O son of the Pandavas, you have heard a wonderful history. The snakes have been reduced into ashes and have followed the footsteps of your father.

Through your truthfulness, o king, Takshaka has with difficulty escaped a painful fate. The Rishis have been all adored. You have seen also he end that has been acquired by your great father.

Having heard this sin-cleansing history you have acquired abundant merit. The knots of your heart have been united through seeing this foremost of persons.

They who are the supporters of the wings of Virtue, they who are of good conduct and excellent disposition, they on seeing whom sins disappear, we should all bow to them.

Sauti said--Having heard this from that foremost of twice-born ones, king Janamejaya adored that Rishi, repeatedly honouring him in every way.

Knowing all duties, he then asked the Rishi Vaishampayana of undecaying glory about the sequel, O best of ascetics, of king Dhritarashtra's residence in the forest.