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Told to Rāma by Satananda, the priest of King Janaka

The sage Viśvāmitra was once a king who ruled over the earth for many thousands of years. Collecting a great …

Approaching Vasiṣṭha and bowing low before him, Viśvāmitra greeted him with praises and prayers. Vasiṣṭha then said to Viśvāmitra, “Welcome …

The two of them spoke for some time in great delight, partaking of simple forest fare. Vasiṣṭha saw that Viśvāmitra …

Viśvāmitra was unwilling to take anything from Vasiṣṭha, whom he viewed as his superior. He declined politely, saying, “I am …

But the sage was intent on offering Viśvāmitra further hospitality. Viśvāmitra tried again and again to dissuade him, but the …

Vasiṣṭha felt joy and he stood up and called for his celestial cow, Sabala. “Come, come, my beloved Sabala,” he …

Vasiṣṭha’s wonderful cow began to produce from her body all kinds of food and drink in enormous quantities—steaming rice heaped …

The king was astounded to see that it had all been produced from a cow, and he went before Vasiṣṭha, …

But Vasiṣṭha replied, “I shall never part with Sabala, even in exchange for a thousand million cows. Not even for …

Vasiṣṭha had no interest in worldly wealth. His life was dedicated to the practice of sacrifice and austerity. All his …

Viśvāmitra was not used to being refused anything. He was incensed by the sage’s insistence on keeping the cow. He …

The king was overwhelmed by pride and anger. Taking hold of Sabala with his exceptionally powerful arms, he began to …

Vasiṣṭha looked sorrowfully upon the scene and said to Viśvāmitra, “As the king it is appropriate for you to use …

Although deeply pained to see his cow being dragged away, Vasiṣṭha controlled his feelings. By his own power he was …

Sabala broke loose from the king. She ran to Vasiṣṭha with tears in her eyes and all her exquisitely formed …

Vasiṣṭha, his heart tormented with grief, replied to Sabala, “I am not abandoning you, nor have you ever wronged me, …

Sabala divined his deeper meaning and answered, “The wise have declared that a Brahmin’s strength is always superior to that …

Vasiṣṭha at once said to Sabala, “Stay!”