A Journey to Bhramarshi:

Conflict with Guru Bashishta

As we read in Vol I

Once, while hunting with his sons and a vast army, King Biswamitra chanced upon the hermitage of the revered Sage Bashishta. With humility, Biswamitra paid his respects and engaged in conversation with the sage.

"Welcome, O King. Please be seated. How fares your kingdom?" inquired Bashishta.

"All is well, revered sage," replied Biswamitra.

The two sat and conversed for a while. Afterward, Bashishta expressed his desire to honor the king with a feast. Although Biswamitra accepted the invitation, he wondered how Bashishta would provide such an abundance of food. To his astonishment, Bashishta summoned Kamdhenu, who, at his command, manifested a splendid array of delicacies. Witnessing this miraculous display, Biswamitra coveted Kamdhenu for himself.

Having enjoyed the sumptuous feast, Biswamitra approached Bashishta and proposed, "Kamdhenu should be mine. I offer you 100,000 cows in exchange."

Bashishta firmly declined, declaring that he would never part with Kamdhenu. Undeterred, Biswamitra increased his offer, saying, "I will give you 14,000 elephants, 800 chariots crafted from gold and drawn by four white horses, 11,000 thoroughbred horses adorned in golden harnesses, 10 million cows of every hue, and as much gold as you desire. All I ask in return is Kamdhenu."

However, Bashishta remained resolute in his refusal. Frustrated, Biswamitra ordered his soldiers to seize Kamdhenu, but the divine cow effortlessly thwarted their efforts and sought refuge with Bashishta.

"O Lord, why do you not aid me in my distress?" implored Kamdhenu.

"Dear Kamdhenu, I am powerless against the formidable armies of Biswamitra," sighed Bashishta.

"Then I shall employ your spiritual powers to conjure warriors to defend against his forces," Kamdhenu resolved.

With great intensity, she summoned Pahlava warriors, who valiantly clashed with Biswamitra's army but were ultimately defeated. Undaunted, Kamdhenu called forth warriors of Shaka-Yavana lineage. From her mouth emerged the Kambhojas, from her udder the Barvaras, from her hind the Yavanas and Shakas, and from the pores on her skin, the Haritas, Kiratas, and other foreign warriors. Together, this formidable army of Kamdhenu vanquished Biswamitra's forces.

Enraged, the sons of Biswamitra charged at Bashishta, but with a single utterance, Bashishta reduced them to ashes. Dejected, Biswamitra returned to Kanyakubja, where he had entrusted his throne to his sole surviving son. Biswamitra retreated to the forests, embarking on intense austerities and penance. Eventually, Lord Shiva, pleased by his devotion, manifested before Biswamitra.

"O Biswamitra, what boon do you seek?" inquired Shiva.

"Grant me mastery over all knowledge of weapons and warfare," beseeched Biswamitra.

Shiva granted his request and then disappeared. Biswamitra, now armed with formidable knowledge, journeyed to Bashishta's hermitage to avenge his sons. Upon his arrival, he unleashed his newfound powers, setting the hermitage ablaze. Fleeing in terror, the hermitage's inhabitants scattered. Bashishta confronted Biswamitra in righteous anger.

"You wicked fool, you dare to desecrate my sacred hermitage. I shall put an end to your existence!" thundered Bashishta.

Biswamitra hurled weapon after weapon at Bashishta, but each one was effortlessly absorbed by Bashishta's staff, including the potent Brahmastra. Realizing the futility of his efforts against Bashishta's spiritual might, Biswamitra retreated in defeat and returned to Kanyakubja.