Chapter XXXIII: Section XXXIV

'And, O Raghava, when Brahmadatta was married, that sonless one, (Kucanabha), with the intention of obtaining male offspring, took in hand a son-conferring sacrifice. And when the sacrifice had commenced, that son of Brahma, the exceedingly noble Kuca, spake unto king Kucanabha, saying, 'O son, there will be born unto thee a virtuous son like to thyself: thou wilt obtain even Gadhi,--and through him enduring fame in this world.' Having said this unto king Kucanabha, Kuca, O Rama, entering the welkin, went to the eternal regions of Brahma. Then after sometime, an eminently virtuous son, named Gadhi, was born to the intelligent Kucanabha. O Kakutstha, even that highly pious Gadhi is my sire. And, O descendant of Raghu I, called Kaucika, am sprung from Kuca's line. And, O Raghava, I had a sister of noble vows born before me. And her name was Satyavati; and she was bestowed upon Richika. And following her lord, she ascended heaven in her own proper person. And my highly generous sister, Kauciki, hath finally assumed the form of a mighty river. And in order to compass the welfare of all creatures, my sister is now a noble and charming river of sacred waters, issuing from the Himavat mountains. And thenceforth, out of affection for my sister, Kauciki, I ever dwell happily in the vicinity of the Himavat, O Raghava. And that virtuous Kauciki, Satyavati, as well established in religion as truth, and chaste, and eminently pious, is now the foremost of streams. And, O Rama it is only for the purpose of completing my sacrifice that leaving her behind, I have come to Siddhacrama. And now by virtue of thy energy, have I attained fruition. Now, O Rama, I have narrated unto thee the circumstances connected with the history of my line and myself, as also of this place, O mighty-armed one,--which thou hadst asked me to relate. But, O Kakutstha, while I was speaking, half the night hath been spent. Do thou now sleep, good betide thee,--so that thou mayst not feel any difficulty while on the journey. The trees stand motionless, and the beasts and birds are silent, and, O descendant of Raghu, all sides have become enveloped in nocturnal gloom. The midnight is gradually passing away; and the firmament thick-studded with stars resembling eyes, is illumined up with their light. And that dispeller of darkness, the mild-beaming moon, is rising, gladdening the hearts of all creatures with his splendour. And night-ranging beings--terrible carnivorous Yakshas and Rakshasas-- walk hither and thither." Having said this, the mighty ascetic of exceeding energy paused. And those ascetics honoring him, said,--"Excellent! Excellent! This line belonging to the Kucikas is ever exalted and devoted to virtue, And those foremost of men sprung in the Kuca race are high-souled and like unto Brahmarshis--and specially thou, O illustrious Vicwamitra, art so. And that best of streams, Kauciki, hath added lustre unto thy line." and the auspicious son of Kucika having been extolled by those delighted ascetics--the foremost of their order--slept, like unto the sun, when setting. And Rama too along with Sumitra's son having in admiration praised that best of ascetics, enjoyed the luxury of slumber.