Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam BALAKANDAM Sarga 54 Meeting of Sage Vasishta and Viswamitra: The mighty Viswamitra was glad when he saw the prince of saints Vasistha; he bent low at the saint Vasistha’s feet and paid his reverential obeisance. The holy sage Vasistha welcomed the noblest king, offered a seat beside him, when resting there he was given the fruits and roots as per the rules of aptness. In reply to Viswamitra’s inquiry Vasistha replied on his austerities, his worship of the sacred fire (Agnihotra), the progress and welfare of his pupils, and the plant kingdom and everything was well at the hermitage. In his turn Vasistha enquired, “ O tiger among men, you are free from taint, do you win the love of the people by righteous decree, discharge all the obligations cast on the kings, does happy fate wait on your sons and grand children? Do all people pursue your diktat without dissent; are all your people discharging their obligations faithfully? Have you subjugated your foes?” Viswamitra modestly replied about the all round welfare and thus in happy moments their joy and friendship grew stronger. The thankful king in reply to the holy saint’s request to be his guest for the banquet humbly said, “Why saint this request, you have delighted me with the pleasures of this untainted grove, you have blessed me with your friendly grace and words of hospitality, pray grant me permission to depart.” However Vasistha persuaded the royal guest to accept his formal meal. Sage Vasistha called his dapple skinned cow called Sabala and asked her to make available sumptuous repast to entertain the royal sage and others accompanying him with dainty meals, viands and drinks of six fold taste, i.e. sweet, salt, pungent, bitter, acid and alkaline that may please the individual taste of each guest.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 07:41:17 +0000
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