Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.4747

c9.4747

Hariścandra called Vasiṣṭha and asked him to suggest a remedy for this woe and misery. Vasiṣṭha advised him to fulfil somehow or other, the promise made to Varuṇa. The hermit continued. "Sons are of ten types. A son bought for price also is included in this. So it is enough if a son is bought for price and is sacrificed. Some Brahmin may be found, who will be willing to sell his son. If you please Varuṇa thus, you will be cured." The King was delighted to hear this. He instructed his minister to find out any Brahmin who was willing to sell his son. A greedy Brahmin was found out. His name was Ajīgarta. He had three sons. He was prepared to sell the second son, Śunaḥśepha. The minister agreed to give him hundred cows in return.