Sacrifice without killing

Vaisampayana concluded the episode of the golden mongoose and paused, observing the face of his listener for any reaction. Janamejaya appeared thrilled listening to the story of his ancestors. There was one doubt on which he wanted clarification. He asked. “The mongoose spoke in human voice. What was it really?”

So, Vaisampayana continued. Long ago sage Jamadagni, the father of Parasurama, was about to perform the annual ritual for his ancestors (Sraaddha). He milked a cow specifically for the purpose and poured it into a newly made pitcher. It is said that anger appeared in human form and drank up all the milk. His idea was to test the sage for his equanimity. Jamadagni remained calm and ignored the foul play. Unfortunately, the ancestors of the sage did not take the wickedness of ‘anger’ kindly. They cursed Him to become a mongoose. Apparently, He got redemption from the curse when He came into contact with Yudhishthira who was the embodiment of Dharma.

The moral of the mongoose story

Janamejaya had one more lingering doubt. He asked. “Was it correct to belittle the great Horse Sacrifice of the Pandava which was done strictly adhering to all the rules?” In reply Vaisampayana narrated the incident of a sacrifice performed by Indra, himself. It was a perfect setting in which the ritual was about to take place. Great sages were present for the sacrifice and the fire was lit as prescribed. The animals were ready to be slaughtered. Then, feeling pity for the beasts, the sages told Indra. “What you are trying to do is not right. Killing of animals is against the scripture. What is prescribed is to use seeds (beeja) preserved for three years for the purpose.”

Indra was not willing to accept the decree of the sages right away. An argument, then, arose between those who supported animal sacrifice and the ones who stood against that. The wise men, even on consultation with the king of Vasus (vasu), could not resolve the issue satisfactorily, but, agreed that what is sacrificed and given away as gift must be acquired in the right manner. What is important is the purity of mind in the process of the sacrifice.

The sacrifice of Agastya

As an example Vaisampayana told the story of Agastya and his famous sacrifice. The sage had taken a vow (deeksha) for a twelve year sacrifice (yajna). Renowned celestial sages, known by the names such as Ashmakutta, Mareecipa, Vaighasika and so on, with purified minds joined hands with him in the sacrifice without killing animals.

One of the purpose of all such sacrifices and the indication of their success is that Indra pours down rain in abundance so that there will be enough food for all on earth. But, no rain fell for several years in succession. Other sages who participated were worried. They approached Agastya with their troubled mind. “You have started a twelve year sacrifice and there is no rain so far. If rain does not fall for twelve years in a stretch the entire country will face famine, and perish.”

But, Agastya was unperturbed. He announced. “If Indra does not send rain, I shall still continue with my sacrifice with the seeds of grain. If no rain falls, I shall perform the ritual merely touching the sacrificial objects (sparSa yajna). Even then, if there is no rain, I shall do nothing but do the performance purely in my thoughts (cintaa yajna).”

The sage paused, and then continued. “If Indra remains adamant even then, I shall create a new Indra with the power of my penance and make rains myself. The Gandharvas shall sing and the celestial damsels (apsara) dance for my sacrifices. I shall make enough food for all living creatures.”

All the sages who had assembled were highly pleased with the resolve of Agastya in his adherence to non-killing (ahimsa). The king of gods got the message and sent rains in abundance making everyone happy.

Thus concluded Vaisampayana the story of Agastya and the principle of non-violence that the sage upheld through his example of sacrificial ritual.

We now come to the end of the chapter “a sequel to Geetha (anugeetaa parvam)” and also of the book “of the horse sacrifice (aaswamedhika parvam)”