Bhishma said Then did all those anchorites engage themselves in their respective duties and those virtuous ones thought as to what they should do for that lady.

Some among them then said “Let us take her to her father's place," and some of the anchorites thought of finding fault with ourselves.

Some thought of going to the king of the Shalvas and ask him to accept the girl: some said 'nay' to this proposal for she was rejected by him.

Then did all those anchorites say again to her:-It being so, gentle lady, what can these anchorites do for you, endued with intelligence and self-control though they are?

There is no need for you to roam about in these woods: Listen to wards that are of benefit to you and go hence to your father's place; may you fare well.

The king, your father, will do what is proper for you and, O blessed lady, you will live there in happiness, endued with all accomplishments as you are.

There is no other proper refuge for you, O gentle lady, save your father; for either the father or the husband is the refuge of a woman, O you or fair complexion.

A husband is a woman's refuge under smoother circumstances and in a difficult situation a father is the refuge; roaming about is a hard task, especially for those brought up in luxury.

Being a princess, you are naturally delicate, O romantic lady; there are many disadvantages, O you of beautiful complexion,

In a life in the hermitage while there will be none in your father's place. Then did other anchorites say to that female devotee these

Seeing yourself alone in these dreary and solitary woods kings will court you; therefore do not set your heart on such a life.

Amba said I cannot go to the city of Kashi to my father's place for I shall doubtless to disgraced by my friends.

O ascetics, in my childhood did I live in my father's place but now I shall not go where my father is; may you fare well.

I desire to practice asceticism protected by anchorites so that in the next world too I may not meet with such dire calamities. O foremost among ascetics, therefore am I desirous of practicing asceticism.

Bhishma said While those regenerate persons were thus thinking of the merit of the case, the royal sage Hotravahana came into that forest.

Then did all those ascetics worship that ruler of men and welcome him with their greetings, seat and water.

Then did those dwellers of the forest again address that lady in the hearing of that sage after he had taken his seat and rested himself a little.

Hearing those words of Amba, the daughter of the king of the Kashis, O Bharata, that royal sage of great energy became filled with pity.

That king of great austerities, the greatsouled royal sage Hotravahana, seeing her and hearing her speak in that way, became filled with pity.

The father of her mother then rose trembling (with rage) and placing her on his lap began to comfort her.

He asked her the story of her wrongs from its origin and in detail and she too submitted to him everything as it had happened in detail.

Then was that royal sage filled with grief and distress and that one of great asceticism resolved, within himself, on his course of action.

Trembling, he said to that distressed and sorrowful girl: "Do not go to your father's place, gentle lady. I am the father of your mother.

I shall remove your sorrow, depend on me, dear daughter. You have enough of grief, child, since you are so lean.

By my advice go to the ascetic Rama, the son of Jamadagni. Rama will remove this heavy and horrible grief of yours.

He will slay Bhishma in battle if he does not act up to his words; go to him, that foremost of the Bhrigu race, who, in energy, is equal to the fire that rages at the time of the universal destruction.

That great anchorite will place you on the even path.” Then shedding tears profusely,

And saluting with her head the father of her mother, Hotravahana, she said "By your command I shall go there.

But shall I be able to see that respected man known throughout the world and how shall he of Bhrigu's race remove my grave sorrow? I desire to know this since I am going there.