कदाचिद्वसतस्तस्य जमदग्नेर्महावने
Once, while Jamadagni was dwelling in the great forest—
एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्तो हैहयाधिपतिर्बली
At that time, the powerful lord of the Haihayas arrived.
मृगलिप्सुर्वने तस्मिन्भ्रममाण इतस्ततः
Desiring to hunt in that forest, he wandered here and there.
अथ तं पार्थिवं दृष्ट्वा स मुनिस्तुष्टिसंयुतः
Then, seeing that king, the sage was filled with satisfaction.
सोऽपि तं प्रणिपत्योच्चैर्विनयेन समन्वितः
He too bowed deeply to him, displaying utmost humility.
साग्निहोत्र कलत्रस्य परिवारयुतस्य च ॥ ६.६६.
Surrounded by his sacrificial fire, his wife, and his attendants.
अद्य मे सफलं जन्म जीवितं सफलं च मे
Today my birth is fruitful, and my life is truly fulfilled.
एवमुक्त्वा स राजर्षिर्विश्रम्य सुचिरं ततः
Having spoken thus, the royal sage rested for a long time.
अनुज्ञां देहि मे ब्रह्मन्प्रयास्यामि निजं गृहम्
Grant me permission, O Brahman, that I may return to my own house.
मनोरथ इव ध्यातः सर्वदेवमयोऽतिथिः
Like a cherished wish, the guest appeared, embodying all the gods.
तस्मान्मेऽस्ति परा प्रीतिर्भक्तिश्च नृपसत्तम
Therefore, O best of kings, I have supreme joy and devotion.
राजा वा ब्राह्मणो वाथ शूद्रो वाप्यंत्यजोऽपि वा
Whether king, Brahman, Shudra, or even one of lowest birth—
तैरभुक्तैः कथं भोक्तुं युज्यते मम कीर्तय
How can I partake of food that has not been eaten by them? Tell me.
नात्र चिंता त्वया कार्या मुनिर्निष्किंचनो ह्यहम्
You need not worry here; I am a sage, free from all possessions.
यैषा पश्यति राजेंद्र धेनुर्बद्धा ममांतिके
O king, you see this cow tied near me.
सूत उवाच ततश्च कौतुकाविष्टः स नृपो द्विजसत्तमाः ६.६६.
Suta said: Then, filled with curiosity, the king addressed the foremost Brahmans.
ततः संतर्प्य देवांश्च पितॄंश्च तदनंतरम्
After offering oblations to the gods and ancestors,
उपविष्टस्ततः सार्धं सर्वैर्भृत्यैर्बुभुक्षितैः
He then sat together with all his attendants, who were hungry.
ततः स प्रार्थयामास तां धेनुं मुनिसत्तमः
Then the eminent sage requested that cow.
ततः सा सुषुवे धेनुरन्नमुच्चावचं शुभम्
Then that cow produced excellent food, both abundant and fine.
ततः खाद्यं च चव्यं च लेह्यं चोष्यं तथैव च अम्लानि मधुराण्येव तिक्तानि गुणवंति च
Then, all manner of foods to be eaten, chewed, licked, and sucked, as well as sour, sweet, bitter, and wholesome things,
एवं प्राप्य परां तृप्तिं तया धेन्वा स भूपतिः
Thus, by that cow, the king attained the highest satisfaction.
ततो भुक्त्यवसाने तु प्रार्थयामास भूपतिः
After the meal was finished, the king made a request.
कामधेनुरियं ब्रह्मन्नार्हारण्यनिवासिनाम्
O Brahmin, this is the wish-fulfilling cow, not meant for those who dwell in the forest.
येनाऽकरान्करोम्यद्य लोकांस्तस्याः प्रभावतः
By her power, I will today make the lands prosperous.
एवं कृते तव श्रेयो भविष्यति च सद्यशः ६.६६.
If this is done, your welfare and immediate fame will arise.
जमदग्निरुवाच होमधेनुरियं राजन्ममैका प्राणसंमता
Jamadagni said: O King, this is my only sacrificial cow, dear to my life.
अहं शतसहस्रं ते यच्छाम्यस्याः कृते द्विज
O Brahmin, for her sake, I will give you a hundred thousand (cows).
किं पुनर्होमधेनुर्या प्रभावैरीदृशैर्युता
What then of this sacrificial cow, endowed with such powers?
विमोहाद्ब्राह्मणो यो गां विक्रीणाति धनेच्छया
A brahmin who, out of delusion and desire for wealth, sells a cow—