Sage Gautama, desiring to test the depth of knowledge and conviction among the learned, raised a challenge before Sage Atri. Atri, wise and measured, perceived in this act not mere debate but the need to distinguish between the worth of a person and the sanctity of an institution—a principle, he thought, that would one day guide the wisdom of kings. He said, “Without first discerning what is righteous and what is not, thou hast entered into discourse that may confuse rather than enlighten.
Know that the king is the foundation of righteousness; by his purity of strength and rectitude of thought he becomes the ruler of worlds, the protector of virtue, the heart of governance, and the guardian of human order. To praise such a station lightly, as if it were mere flattery, is folly. The weight of his office itself commands reverence.” Thus, the two sages, each profound in thought, stood opposed in view—their difference being not in purpose but in the interpretation of truth.
Atri likened the king to a sacred institution, a living embodiment of duty woven into the fabric of the people’s life. Gautama, impatient at this reasoning, retorted sharply, seeking to assert superiority. “Length of years, silvered hair, and a stooping frame,” he said, “do not confer wisdom or spirituality. It is the fire of intellect that gives light to the court, and he whose learning compels assent is the true sage.”
Their contention grew fierce, unsettling the assembly, until Sage Kashyapa intervened with calm authority. “The matter between you,” said he, “is too deep for swift judgment. Let us seek one who knows the full expanse of virtue—Sage Sanatkumar.” The disputants, bowing to reason, went together to that ancient seer and humbly presented their arguments.
Sanatkumar, after patient hearing, spoke: “Atri’s word upholds the sanctity of governance. Gautama’s challenge, though sharp, is not without truth. The king, indeed, bears the earth upon his shoulders; he is the lord of men, destroyer of foes, and pillar of balance. As Indra he wields strength, as Ishvara he sustains order, as Brahma he brings forth peace and prosperity.
Such a Kshatriya, steadfast in dharma, is worthy of homage. The people must honor him as their earthly lord, for his command preserves the realm, and his justice guards all beings. The sages, sheltered beneath his righteousness, may then pursue their penance and rites without fear. His word is law; none may deny it. His courage gives him splendor unmatched; his governance shields every subject.
Prosperity follows his vigilance, and anger—when kindled for truth—is his righteous armor. By discipline and law, he shapes his people; by virtue, he himself is bound. Thus, the Vedas call the king the very light of dharma.” He continued, “In ancient times, the Brahmins lent their brilliance to kings, fearing that without wisdom, power might stray from righteousness. Since then, the intellect of the Brahmin and the might of the Kshatriya have stood as twin pillars—neither complete without the other.
The Brahmin’s power is void without the king’s strength; the king’s strength is vain without the Brahmin’s wisdom. When the Kshatriya honors the Brahmin, he gains luster and strengthens his realm as the sun dispels darkness. Therefore, is the Kshatriya highest in earthly merit and reward.” When the sages carried this judgment to King Vainya, he bowed to Atri with reverence.
“Thy praise of kingship,” he said, “reminds me not of my glory but of my burden. I am gladdened by thy words and shall grant thee the charity thou desire.” Atri, accepting the royal gift, divided the wealth among his sons and withdrew to the forest in peace. After recounting this tale, Sage Markandeya said, “I shall now relate the sacred history of Sarasvati Gita, wherein lie hidden the subtleties of virtue.” In ancient days, there lived a sage named Tarkshya, deep in penance beside the goddess Sarasvati.
The goddess appeared before him, radiant as moonlight on autumn waters. The sage bowed and said, “Divine Mother, answer my questions, that thy words may illumine future generations. What path is righteous for mankind? How may one earn and preserve eternal merit?” Sarasvati replied, “He who learns the four Vedas with devotion and performs his rites with purity ascends to higher worlds.
He who gives a cow with her first healthy calf earns residence in heaven for as many years as the cow has hairs upon her body. He who donates a strong bull to a Brahmin gains the merit of ten cows. He who gifts fine garments to the learned reaches the realm of the moon; he who offers gold serves in Indra’s presence. He who for seven years worships Agni with unfailing flame, offering pure ghee and sacred herbs, uplifts fourteen generations of his ancestors. He who lives in purity, sustaining the perpetual fire and satisfying the celestials, reaches Goloka, dwelling among the great sages in divine bliss.
Know that Agni is my subtle form, and all that is offered in sacrifice belongs to me. From the sacred fire of Agni, I arise, and I dwell wherever the Veda is chanted, charity is given, and sorrow is transcended through understanding. Those who offer honey, milk, sugar, and well-prepared food in the fire and thus delight the gods and sages shall enter my domain.” Tarkshya, moved to devotion, praised her: “O Mother, whose hands shine like new-blown lotuses, whose radiance glows like autumn’s moonlight, whose grace illumines the worlds—bestow thy favor upon me.” Having thus worshipped her, he fulfilled the purpose of his life.
Then Dharmaraja asked Markandeya, “How did Vaivasvata Manu attain his glory?” The sage replied, “Listen. In the age of Chakshusha Manvantara, Manu performed austerities for ten thousand years, sustaining himself upon air alone. A Manvantara comprises seventy divine yugas; now runs the seventh, that of Vaivasvata. A Krita Yuga is one million seven hundred twenty-eight thousand years; Treta Yuga, one million two hundred ninety-six thousand; Dvapara, eight hundred sixty-four thousand; and Kali, four hundred thirty-two thousand.
These four form one Mahayuga; a thousand Mahayugas make a day of Brahma, and as many his night. In each day, fourteen Manus rule. Thus, Vaivasvata follows Swayambhu, Swarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata, and Chakshusha. He reigns in this Kali Yuga. Vaivasvata stood in Badrivana upon one leg, palms joined to heaven, performing penance. Badrivana, the sacred retreat upon the heights of the Himalaya above the flow of Alakananda, is a holy pilgrimage.
One day, after his ablutions, as he stood by a pond, a small fish approached and spoke in human voice: “O noble one, I am but a tiny fish, and the greater will devour me. Protect me, and I shall in time protect thee.” Manu, amazed, placed the fish in a well, where it grew until it filled the space. He then moved it to a larger tank, but still it grew. Finally, he released it into the ocean. Then the fish said, “O pious one, thy compassion has saved me. Now I shall repay thee. A great event shall unfold—the very fabric of the universe shall loosen, and from its depths shall arise the light of eternal wisdom for all beings.”
