[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904) › c5.s7.546 # An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s7.546 An Index to the Names in the Mahābhārata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s7.546 - **Language:** English ### [c5.s7.546](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7.546) \[\*Kitopākhyāna\*\] (“the episode relating to the worm”). § 762δ (\*Anuçāsanik.\*). \*Bhīshma\* said: In days of old, when the emancipated (\*Brahmabhūtaḥ\*) brahman \*Vyāsa\* roamed over the world, he saw a worm speedily moving on a chariot-road. Asked by \*Vyāsa\*, who was omniscient and knew the language of every animal, the worm said that it was running away from a large cart, lest it should be killed; every creature, in whatever situation it may be placed, becomes attached to it; “in even this order of being I am happy, I think, and wish to live”; in his former life he was a cruel \*Çūdra\*, a usurer, etc., never dedicating food to D. and P., etc. (description); he now was filled with repentance and grief; he had, however, worshipped his old mother, and once showed hospitality to a brahman; in consequence thereof the memory had not forsaken him, and he thought he should once more regain happiness (XIII, 117). \*Vyāsa\* said: “It is the consequence of a meritorious act of mine that thou art not stupefied; in consequence of my penances I am able to rescue a being of demerit by the simply granting him sight of my person; there is no stronger power than that of penances. Thou mayst again attain to righteousness and merit; the state of a worm is really fraught with great misery. The superior brahman worships the Sun and the Moon uttering mantras; when thou hast attained to that state, I shall impart to thee \*Brāhman\*.” The worm remained and was killed by the cart. He was reborn in diverse orders of being, such as a porcupine, Iguana, boar, deer, bird, \*Cāṇḍāla\*, \*Çūdra\*, and \*Vaiçya\*. Born at last as a \*Kshatriya\* (with \*Kāmboja\* steeds, \*Sūtas\* and \*Māgadhas\*, etc.; description) through the grace of \*Vyāsa\*, he came and worshipped him. \*Vyāsa\* said that the sin of his former life had yet not been destroyed; he should become a brahman by giving up his life on the field of battle for the sake of cows or brahmans; performing many sacrifices he should attain to heaven, and after emancipation (\*Brahma-bhūtaḥ\*) he should enjoy eternal happiness. The ascending order of transmigration is: († v. 5774) \*animal\* \> \*Çūdra\* \> \*Vaiçya\* \> \*Kshatriya\* \> \*Brahman\* \> \*Svarga\* (XIII, 118). He betook himself to severe austerities; \*Vyāsa\* went to him and said that the penances of the \*Kshatriyas\* consist in the protection of all creatures; thereby he should attain to the state of a brahman. Then he protected his subjects righteously, and after death became a brahman. \*Vyāsa\* came and told him not to fear death, but only the loss of righteousness. He caused the earth to be marked with 100 sacrificial stakes, and then obtained a residence in the region of \*Brahmán\* himself, and obtained the eternal \*Brāhman\* by his own acts, according to the words of \*Vyāsa\*. Also the \*Kshatriyas\*, who have been slain \[on the field of Kurukshetra\], have attained to a meritorious end (\*gatim puṇyām\*); therefore, do not mourn on their account” (XIII, 119). - [Previous: c5.s7.545](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7.545) - [Next: c5.s7.547](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7.547) - [Up: c5.s7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7.546](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.sorensen-1904.c5.s7.546) · Pramāṇa