Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c23.43

c23.43

As regards the fourth Vasiṣṭha the simplest story is this.⁸ The king Kalmāṣapāda Saudāsa beguiled by a Rākṣasa, offered Vasiṣṭha human flesh as food and was cursed by him. He then became a Rākṣasa and cannibal,¹ and killed and devoured a brahman, but after twelve years regained his sanity. At his desire Vasiṣṭha begot a son Aśmaka of the queen Madayantī.²