es, came back (to his retreat), convinced, after having reflected
for that long time, of the impropriety of the chastisement he had
commanded to be inflicted upon his wife. Burning with grief and shedding
copious tears, for repentance had come to him in consequence of the
beneficial effects of that calmness of temper which is brought about by a
knowledge of the scriptures, he uttered these words, 'The lord of the
three worlds, viz., Purandara, came to my retreat, in the guise of a
Brahmana asking for hospitality. He was received by me with (proper)
words, and honoured with a (proper) welcome, and presented in due form
with water to wash his feet and the usual offerings of the Arghya. I also
granted him the rest he had asked for. I further told him that I had
obtained a protector in him. I thought that such conduct on my part would
induce him to behave towards me as a friend. When, however,
notwithstanding all this, he misbehaved himself, my wife Ahalya could not
be regarded to have committed any fault. It seems that neither my wife,
nor myself, nor Indra himself who while passing through the sky had
beheld my wife (and become deprived of his senses by her extraordinary
beauty), could be held to have offended. The blame really attaches to the
carelessness of my Yoga puissance.[1211] The sages have said that all
calamities spring from envy, which, in its turn, arises from error of
judgment. By that envy, also, I have been dragged from where I was and
plunged into an ocean of sin (in the form of wife-slaughter). Alas, I
have slain a woman,--a woman that is again my wife--one, that is, who, in
consequence of her sharing her lord's calamities came to be called by the
name of Vasita,--one that was called Bharya owing to the obligation I was
under of supporting her. Who is there that can rescue me from this sin?
Acting heedlessly I commanded the high-souled Chirakarin (to slay that
wife of mine). If on the present occasion he proves true to his name then
may he rescue me from this guilt. Twice blessed be thou, O Chirakaraka!
If on this occasion thou hast delayed accomplishing the work, then art
thou truly worthy of thy name. Rescue me, and thy mother, and the
penances I have achieved, as also thy own self, from grave sins. Be thou
really a Chirakaraka today! Ordinarily, in consequence of thy great
wisdom thou takest a long time for reflection before achieving any act.
Let not thy conduct be otherwise today! Be thou a true Chiraka