King Vishwamitra approached the sage Vasishtha, bowing with deep reverence. The sage, reciprocating with appropriate honor, invited the king to sit comfortably, and the two settled into conversation.
“O King,” Vasishtha began, “blessings upon you. Are you well and in good health? You are known for your bravery and virtue. Tell me, do you rule without deviation from Dharma? Are you administering justice impartially? Is the work of your spies satisfactory? Are your friends and kin safe, and is your treasury secure and free from strain?”
The king replied, “O revered sage, by your grace, all is well. My kingdom prospers, and my people live in accordance with the law. They are strong, honest, and live within their means, becoming increasingly creative and resourceful.” Vasishtha, hearing this, expressed his satisfaction, and the king prepared to depart with his entourage, seeking the sage’s permission.
But Vasishtha insisted, “Please allow me to honor you and your retinue with a feast.” The king responded, “O sage, you have already bestowed upon us the utmost respect. We are content and would not wish to burden you, for our entourage is large and difficult to accommodate.”
Yet the sage remained resolute. “It is my wish to offer a meal to all who have visited my hermitage,” he said. With silent surprise at the hermitage’s apparent resources, the king respectfully agreed, saying, “Do as you deem appropriate, and I shall abide by your decision.”
Vasishtha then summoned his celestial cow, Sabala, and commanded her to provide a sumptuous feast tailored to each guest’s desires. In an instant, hot and delectable dishes, sweets, curds, curries, dals, pickles, and various side dishes were served. All ate heartily, expressing their gratitude for such noble hospitality.
After the meal, the king and sage sat alone, discussing various matters—the changing seasons and their impact on crops, the harvests, and the progression of rituals. During their conversation, the king inquired about Sabala, the celestial cow, remarking that such a rare and precious creature ought naturally to belong to the king. “I will give you ten lakh cows in exchange for Sabala,” he offered.
The sage replied gently, “O King, I share a deep and sacred bond with this divine cow, one I cannot sever.”
The king then increased his offer: “I shall give you fourteen hundred elephants adorned in golden chains or, if you prefer, a crore of cows, or ten thousand chariots.”
Vasishtha, with folded hands, responded, “O King, Sabala is the source of my daily offerings and the fulfillment of my past and future devotions. There is nothing further to discuss; I cannot part with her.”
Irritated by the sage’s repeated refusals, the king, asserting his sovereign right, commanded that Sabala be taken to his kingdom. Accompanied by his formidable entourage, he led her away. Though insulted, Vasishtha remained calm, choosing to observe the unfolding events.
Sabala, grieved and bewildered by the sage’s apparent abandonment, followed the king’s retinue, plagued by doubts. “What wrong have I done? Why did the sage forsake me despite his strength and power?” Breaking free, she dashed back to Vasishtha’s hermitage and confronted him, asking, “Why did you leave me in their hands? Have I fallen from your favor?”
Vasishtha replied solemnly, “You are indeed an integral part of my hermitage, my virtues, penance, and worship. But the king is strong, a mighty and fearless warrior. Against such power, I have no recourse.”
Sabala countered, “O Sage, your strength as a Brahmin is naturally superior to that of a Kshatriya. You are wise, skilled, and knowledgeable. You are not only his equal but his superior. Command me, and I shall humble him.”
Vasishtha gave a nod of assent, and Sabala summoned a fierce army of warriors known as Palavas. A battle ensued, and the king’s soldiers were quickly overcome. However, using his divine weapons, the king vanquished the Palavas. Undeterred, Sabala created a second mighty force, skilled with bows and swords, who resisted the king bravely. Yet even they could not withstand his formidable strength.
Still, Sabala awaited Vasishtha’s permission to unleash her full power. And so, the day’s tale concluded, with Satananda pausing to allow all present to attend to their daily offerings to the sun and the guardians of the world, the Lokapalas.
