On a sanctified day, as instructed by the sage Bruhadaswa, Markandeya began to recount how Kuvalaswa, the son of King Bruhadaswa, under the guidance of the seer Udanka, set forth to vanquish the demon, Dundhu. Bound by solemn oath and filled with radiant zeal, he advanced as though proceeding to a joyous festival. His ministers, commanders, and sons, leading a fourfold army of chariots, elephants, horsemen, and foot soldiers, marched resolutely toward the enemy.
The celestials, beholding his valorous enterprise, rejoiced and showered their blessings. The Lord Vishnu infused a measure of His divine energy into Kuvalaswa, while Indra and the assembled sages foretold the demon’s doom. Celestial drums resounded through the heavens; flowers rained upon the king; the wind moved gently, fragrant and cool, and all creatures—birds and beasts alike—moved fearlessly, auguring victory.
When the king’s forces reached the ocean’s shore, they pitched their camps and sent forth warriors skilled in arms and sacred missiles to scour the dunes. For seven days, they dug and searched until they found the demon in slumber. From his nostrils and mouth issued waves of scorching heat that seared the earth.
The sons of Kuvalaswa surrounded him, brandishing weapons of every kind, and strove to wake him. At last, the demon rose, yawning with a roar like thunder, and from his mouth blazed forth streams of fire that reduced the king’s sons to ashes, as once the wrath of sage Kapila consumed the sons of Sagara. Only three—Dridaswa, Kapilaswa, and Bhadraswa—survived.
Then Kuvalaswa, like the blazing sun, engaged the demon in furious combat. The monster, armed with a trident, fought fiercely, but the king, by the power of his yoga, summoned torrents of water that quenched the flames. In an instant, he hurled the Brahmastra, and Dundhu was reduced to ashes.
The gods and sages, witnessing this great deed, proclaimed, “Thou hast destroyed the enemy of the celestials and secured the safety of the worlds. From this day, thou shalt be known as Dundhumara—the slayer of Dundhu.” Praising his charity and reverence for the wise, they offered him a boon. The king, humble and steadfast, asked only that his devotion to Vishnu, his reverence for Brahmins, and his love of charity might never fail under any condition. The boon was granted, and the king returned to his capital, ruling for many years in righteousness and peace.
This tale, said Markandeya, was once narrated by sage Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya during the great serpent sacrifice, and thus preserved by Ugrasravas to Sounaka and the sages in Naimisaranya. Dharmaja then addressed Markandeya, saying, “O venerable one, thou dost dispel the darkness of sin. Tell me now of the glory of a chaste woman—she who restrains her senses, guards her husband’s honour with humility, and performs her duties without pride. Tell me also, among parents who both share equal responsibility for their children, whose merit stands higher?
And what conduct best befits children toward their parents? How may one of low birth ascend to a higher station among the pious? Thou alone canst unfold these subtleties.” Markandeya replied, “The mother bears her child for nine months, surrendering strength, comfort, and desire, risking her life in birth. The father, longing for a son, performs fasts, pilgrimages, offerings, and charities, invoking divine grace. Thus, both labour for their offspring, and when the child is born, both yearn that he lives righteously and brings them honour.
The son who brings joy to his parents wins fame, virtue, and a place in the higher worlds. Likewise, the wife who serves her husband with pure affection and chastity earns the merit of sacrifices, charities, and penance. To illustrate this, I shall recount a tale of old. “In a quiet hamlet lived a Brahmin named Kausika, steadfast in penance and devoted to the Vedas. One day, while chanting beneath a tree, he was struck by a bird’s droppings.
Angered, he glanced upward, and the poor bird fell dead. Overwhelmed with remorse, he thought, ‘My heart is bereft of compassion; I have sinned.’ Seeking atonement, he went at noon to a nearby village to beg alms. Standing before a Brahmin’s house, he called out. The housewife, preparing to offer food, was delayed by her husband’s return—tired and hungry. With gentle eyes, she washed his feet, offered him water and a warm meal, then soothed him to rest before returning to serve the mendicant.
The ascetic, angered by delay, reproached her: ‘O woman! I am a Brahmin seeking alms, yet thou hast made me wait. Dost thou not fear the wrath of those whom even gods revere? The anger of a Brahmin can consume the earth itself.’ The woman bowed humbly and replied, ‘Revered one, I am aware of the sanctity of Brahmins and of the power they wield.
Yet to me, my husband is my god. With all my mind, senses, and deeds, I seek only his welfare. Serving him is my sacred duty, and in that lies my virtue. I know of your anger that slew the innocent bird, and by the power of chastity I discern this truth: anger and desire are the twin foes of man.
One who conquers them alone knows real Brahmanhood. “Who is truly a Brahmin? He who speaks truth, harms none, honours his parents and teachers, feels compassion for all beings, shuns lust and greed, and performs his duties with purity. Such a one is worthy of veneration by gods and men alike. Righteous conduct, control of senses, and Vedic study are his true wealth; virtue is his path. “Thou art learned, O sage, yet ignorant of these subtleties. Seek out Dharmavyadha, the righteous hunter of Mithila, who has conquered his senses, served his parents with devotion, and knows the hidden paths of Dharma. He will dispel thy doubts and grant thee true discernment.
me if I have spoken beyond measure, for women are prone to error and should be excused.” Thus spoke the chaste woman, and Kausika, chastened by her wisdom, continued his journey enlightened. Truly, the words of Markandeya are like pearls strewn upon the sands of wisdom and gems set upon the tapestry of reason.
