of his were cursed, and all of them became Chandalas.  Trisanku, the son of Ikshwaku, through the curse of Vasistha became a Chandala, and when abandoned by his friends, and remaining suspended with his head downwards in the lower regions, was translated to heaven at the pleasure of Viswamitra.  Viswamitra had a large river, by name Kausika, that was frequented by celestial Rishis.  This sacred and auspicious stream was frequented by the gods and regenerate Rishis.  For disturbing his devotions, the famous celestial nymph Rambha of fine bracelets, was cursed and metamorphosed into a rock.  Through fear of Viswamitra the glorious Vasishtha, in olden times, binding himself with creepers, threw himself down into a river and again rose released from his bonds.  In consequence of this, that large and sacred river become thenceforth celebrated by the name of Vipasa.[3] He prayed to the glorious and puissant Indra who was pleased with him and absolved him from a curse.[4] Remaining on the northern side of the firmament, he sheds his lustre from a position in the midst of the seven regenerate Rishis,[5] and Dhruva the son of Uttanpada[6].  These are his achievements as well as many others.  O descendant of Kuru, as they were performed by a Kshatriya, my curiosity has been roused in this matter.  Therefore, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, do thou relate this matter to me truly.  How without casting off his corporeal frame and taking another tenement of flesh could he become a Brahmana?  Do thou, O sire, truly relate this matter to me as thou hast related to me the story of Matanga.  Matanga was born as a Chandala,[7] and could not attain to Brahmanahood,(with all his austerities) but how could this man attain to the status of a Brahmana?”

SECTION IV

“Bhishma said, ’Listen truly in detail, O son of Pritha, how in olden times Viswamitra attained to the status of a Brahmana Rishi.  There was, O foremost of Bharata’s descendants, in the race of Bharata, a king of the name of Ajamida, who performed many sacrifices and was the best of all virtuous men.  His son was the great king named Jahnu.  Ganga was the daughter of this high-minded prince.  The farfamed and equally virtuous Sindhudwipa was the son of this prince.  From Sindhudwipa sprung the great royal sage Valakaswa.  His son was named Vallabha who was like a second Dharma in embodied form.  His son again was Kusika who was refulgent with glory like unto the thousand-eyed Indra.  Kusika’s son was the illustrious King Gadhi who, being childless and desiring to have a son born unto him, repaired to the forest.  Whilst living there, a daughter was born unto him.  She was called Satyavati by name, and in beauty of appearance she had no equal on Earth.  The illustrious son of Chyavana, celebrated by the name of Richika, of the race of Bhrigu, endued with austere penances, sought the hand of this lady.  Gadhi, the destroyer of his enemies, thinking him to be poor, did not bestow her in marriage upon the high-souled Richika.  But when the latter, thus dismissed, was going away, the excellent king, addressing him said,—­’If thou givest me a marriage dower thou shalt have my daughter for thy wife.’