CHAPTER – 62
Markandeya said: – In the body of the son of the twice-born person, speaking in this wise, the Agni Garhapatya even then entered. (1) Thus possessed by him, he, (the Brahmana) thus
illumined that region even as a second sacrificial fire. (2) Necessarily, the love of the ethereal woman (Baruthini) looking on this twice-born person thus glowing with the brightness of the sacred fire, became great towards this Brahmana. (3) Then that son of the twice-born person possessed by the carrier of sacrifices – the Garhapatya Agni – began at once to move as before. (4) Thus looked on by that goddess he swiftly went out of her sight, by the sighs of whom of lean figure, the whole forest region began to tremble. (5) Then in a moment’s time he having got to his own house, the most superior among the twice-born persons, performed all the sacrifices as they all declared (in the law). (6) Then that woman, all whose limbs were beautiful, being attached to him with all her mind and soul, made sighs her chief refuge during both the day and the night. That woman, of unblemished limbs, sighing cried ha ha – (these exclamations) and cried repeatedly; and she, whose eyes were like the rapturous Khanjana bird, cursed her bad luck. (7-8) In those days she did not bind the desires of her heart either to walking, nor to eating, nor to the beautiful forest, nor to valleys pleasant to the mind. Her desires went only to the rolling pass of Chakravakas, forsaken by him. That excellent woman only cursed her own youth. (9-10) “Drawn by the force of evil fate why did I come to this mountain, and who brought such a man before me. (11) If that possessor of the eight great qualities does not meet me to-day, then the fire of Cupid, hard to bear, shall surely burn me up. (12) That (Himalaya) which was so pleasant to the mind owing to its being resounded with the notes of the black-bird, on account of his absence, – even that seems to be burning me to-day.” (13)
Markandeya said: – In this way she, possessed by Cupid, went about, O thou most excellent among the Munis. And then her love towards him also grew at every moment. (14) A Gandharva, Kali by name, who having loved, had been repulsed by her, previous time, saw her now in that state. (15) He thought within himself, “why is this Baruthini, whose movement is like that of the elephant, dried up by the breath of sighs, moving about in this mountain?
(16) Is she wounded by the curse of some Muni? or has she been insulted by any one? For which reason she is bearing this face wet by tears?” (17) Therefore he, Kali, moved by curiosity, thought over this for a long time; and then by virtue of Samadhi knew everything exactly as it happened. (18) O Muni, he, Kali, again thought, having known all this, “this has happend owing to my good fortune earned by meritorious actions performed in a previous existence. (19) By me, full of love was she repeatedly prayed and she, who repelled me then, will by me be found to-day. (20) She is full of love for man; therefore I shall assume that form, and she will unsuspectingly enjoy pleasures with me. Why should I delay – I shall do so.” (21)
Markandeya said: – Having by the power of his spirit assumed the form of that twice-born person, he began to walk about the place where that Baruthini was lying. (22) She, of most superior form, who was charmingly lean, seeing him, with her eyes somewhat opened with delight, came near him and repeatedly cried – “Be kind to me, be kind to me. (23) Forsaken by thee there is no doubt of it that I shall give up this life, then that will be a greater sin to thee, and will also lead to loss of thy sacrificial works. (24) In the beautiful valley of this mountain that has many great valleys, by coming near me thou shalt surely earn the merit of saving my life. O thou of great understanding? surely the end of my days has approached, therefore hast thou, O gladdener of my heart, abstained from going away from men.” (25-26)
Kali said: – What shall I do? Here there will necessarily be loss to any sacrificial work, and O thou, of lean waist, – thou too speakest in this wise – therefore I am now in a painful fix. If thou dost as I bid thee, then there may be my connections with thee, otherwise not. (27-28)
Baruthini said: – Be kind, whatever thou shalt say that shall I do. This is not untrue – Tell me what thou wantest to have done by me without any doubt or apprehension. (29)
Kali said: – This day at the time of the enjoyment, I am not to be seen by thee in this forest. O thou of beautiful brow, thy connection with me shall be with closed eyes. (30)
Baruthini said: – So be it. That which thou wishest, is well, and be it so; I am now in every way subject to thee. (31)