A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1653

c5.1653

The story is differently told in the Hari-vansa. Satya-vrata or Tri-sanku, when a prince, attempted to carry off the wife of a citizen, in consequence of which his father drove him from home, nor did Vasishtha, the family priest, endeavour to soften the father’s decision. The period of his exile was a time of famine, and he greatly succoured the wife and family of Viswāmitra, who were in deep distress while the sage was absent far away. He completed his twelve years’ exile and penance, and being hungry one day, and having no flesh to eat, he killed Vasishtha’s wondrous cow, the Kāma-dhenu, and ate thereof himself, and gave some to the sons of Viswāmitra. In his rage Vasishtha gave him the name Tri-sanku, as being guilty of three great sins. Viswāmitra was gratified by the assistance which Satya-vrata had rendered to his family; “he installed him in his father’s kingdom, . . . and, in spite of the resistance of the gods and of Vasishtha, exalted the king alive to heaven.”