Once, Viśvāmitra, accompanied by his ministers, ventured into a dense forest to hunt. The wilderness was delightful, and they spent the day shooting deer and boars. After much exertion, the party grew tired, thirsty, and eager for game. Seeking respite, Viśvāmitra, the renowned king, arrived at the hermitage of the illustrious sage Vasiṣṭha. Seeing Viśvāmitra approach, Vasiṣṭha, foremost among the great sages, greeted him with honor and reverence. He welcomed the king with the customary offerings: water for washing the feet, water for sipping, and forest produce prepared as sacrificial food. Vasiṣṭha then called upon his wish-fulfilling cow, Nandinī, to grant their desires. At his command, Nandinī produced whatever was wished for—heaps of fragrant rice resembling mountains, a variety of dishes, and delicious curd preparations. Wells brimmed with ghee, thousands of sweet rice dishes appeared, along with sugarcanes, honey, parched grains, and excellent wines. Nandinī provided both village and forest herbs, milk, and the six nectar-like tastes, offering unsurpassed elixirs. There were foods to eat, drinks, delicacies, ambrosia-like lickables, and delightful suckables. Precious jewels of great value and various garments also appeared, fulfilling every desire and honoring the king. Viśvāmitra, his ministers, and his army were greatly satisfied. The king beheld Nandinī, tall and broad-flanked, surrounded by five attendants. She had frog-like eyes, a plump and faultless body, fine hair, conch-shaped ears, lovely horns, and a charming appearance. Well-nourished, with a broad head and neck, Nandinī stood radiant. The king, son of Gādhi, gazed at her in wonder and greeted her joyfully. Greatly pleased, Viśvāmitra turned to Vasiṣṭha and said, “O Brāhman, give me Nandinī. Take a crore of cows or even my kingdom in exchange.” He pressed further, “O great sage, give me Nandinī and enjoy my realm. She is a jewel, and it is the king’s duty to acquire such treasures. I am a Kṣatriya, you are a Brāhman, devoted to austerity and study. How can Brāhmans, who are peaceful and self-controlled, possess strength? Though I offer you a crore of cows, you do not grant me what I desire.” Viśvāmitra declared, “I will not abandon my own duty, nor will I seize the cow by force. Do as you wish quickly; do not hesitate.” Yet, disregarding his words, he seized Nandinī, who shone like the moon and a swan, by force with his men. Dragged away, Nandinī was beaten with whips and sticks, driven here and there. Lowing loudly, Nandinī, the auspicious cow of Vasiṣṭha, approached and stood facing the venerable sage. Vasiṣṭha said, “O blessed one, I hear your cry resounding again and again. You are being taken by force by Viśvāmitra. What should I do? I am a brāhmaṇa, steadfast in forbearance.” Agitated by fear of Viśvāmitra and his mighty men, Nandinī approached Vasiṣṭha, struck with whips and sticks, crying out like one without a protector. She pleaded, “O venerable one, why do you tolerate these terrible forces of Viśvāmitra?” Yet, even as she was thus violated, Vasiṣṭha remained calm and unwavering in his vow. He explained, “The strength and energy of kṣatriyas is their power; the strength of brāhmaṇas is forbearance. Since forbearance is my support, go if you wish.” Nandinī responded, “O venerable one, am I abandoned that you speak thus? I am not abandoned by you, O brāhmaṇa, nor can I be taken away by force.” Vasiṣṭha reassured her, “I do not abandon you, O auspicious one; remain if you are able. But your calf is being taken away by force, bound with a strong rope.” Hearing Vasiṣṭha’s command to “remain,” Nandinī, the cow of abundant milk, raised her head and neck, shining forth with a terrible appearance. Her eyes became bloodshot with rage, and with a deep, thunderous low, she scattered all of Viśvāmitra’s army. Struck with whips and sticks, tormented here and there, her anger grew even fiercer. Blazing with the radiance of wrath like the midday sun, Nandinī released a great shower of embers from her tail. From her tail, she produced the Pahlavas; from her excrement, the Drāviḍas and Śakas; and from her womb, many Yavanas and Śabaras. From her urine, she brought forth some Śabaras, and from her sides, Pauṇḍras, Kirātas, Yavanas, Siṃhalas, Barbaras, and Khasas. From her foam, she created Cibukas, Pulindas, Cīnas, Hūṇas, Keralas, and many other kinds of mlecchas. These great armies, composed of various groups clad in diverse armor and bearing many weapons, surged forth. Enraged, they overwhelmed Viśvāmitra’s forces before his eyes, each warrior surrounded by five or seven others. Viśvāmitra’s great army was destroyed by a mighty shower of weapons, shattered and fleeing in all directions. His fourfold force, so formidable and difficult to withstand, was broken everywhere—terrifying and defeated—by the miraculous cow of plenty, Nandinī.