Chapter 26: King Purañjana Goes Hunting and Finds his Morose Wife

(1-3) Nârada said: 'Once upon a time he [King Purañjana] went to the forest called Pañca-prastha ['the five destinations'] carrying his bow, golden armor and inexhaustible quiver. He traveled on the two wheels and one axle of a swift chariot with golden ornaments that, being drawn by five horses, had one sitting place, seven armor plates, three flags and two posts for his harnesses. He carried five weapons and two special arrows. Together with his eleventh commander and his one chariot driver who held one set of reins, he knew five objectives and five different ways of approach. (4) Having taken up his bow and arrows he was very proud of having left his wife behind, for that was a thing next to impossible for him. [But] inspired by the evil thought of hunting he went there to kill animals. (5) With the demoniac darkness of a lack of enlightenment in his heart he had taken to the horrible practice of mercilessly with sharp arrows killing the animals in the forests. (6) A king in his greed [for flesh] may, as is regulated by the directions of the Vedas, kill in the forest as many animals fit for sacrifices in holy places as are needed and not more than that. (7) Oh King, any man of learning who must do his job the way it is regulated, will by [the power of] that spiritual knowledge never be affected by such activities. (8) Or else he by his karmic actions will get entangled in a notion of false prestige and thus, having fallen under the influence of the natural modes, bereft of all knowledge be going downhill.

(9) Because of the destruction of the animal bodies that were pierced by the arrows which had different kinds of feathers, there was great sadness, it was a distress unbearable for compassionate souls. (10) From killing game like rabbits, buffaloes, bison, black deer, porcupines and various other kinds he got very tired. (11) When he was done he arrived thirsty and exhausted back home to take a bath, have a proper meal and rest to find his peace back. (12) After he [some day] as should had perfumed and smeared his body with sandalwood pulp, he, nicely garlanded and beautifully ornamented, wanted to pay attention to his queen. (13) Satisfied, joyous and very proud as well he had his mind on Cupid and didn't aim at a higher consciousness with his wife who maintained him with her royal household. (14) Oh dear King, worried a little he asked the maids of the household: 'Oh my beauties, is everything okay with you and your mistress? (15) All the matters at home at the moment appear to be not as attractive as before. To have no mother or wife at home devotedly welcoming her husband is like having a chariot without wheels. What man of learning would sit on such a poor thing? (16) Where is she now, that intelligent woman who delivers me from drowning in an ocean of worries and inspires me at every step?'

(17) The women answered: 'Oh King go and see how your beloved one lies on the bare floor oh killer of the enemies. We have no idea why she has taken to this kind of behavior!'

(18) Nârada said: 'When he saw his queen lying on the ground as if she were a mendicant, Purañjana racking his brains over the scene, was most bewildered. (19) Pacifying her with sweet words and a heart full of regrets, he couldn't notice any sign of anger that would prove any love from the side of his sweetheart. (20) Gradually first touching her feet and then embracing her on his lap, the hero experienced in flattery began to appease her. (21) Purañjana said: 'Masters unto servants who acting out of line committed an offense oh auspicious one, are with those whom they accepted as their subjects of no instruction if they wouldn't reprimand them. (22) The punishment by the master meted out to the servants constitutes the greatest favor. A fool doesn't know oh slender maiden, that to be angry is the duty of a friend! (23) That face of yours that with its beautiful teeth and eyebrows fills me with attachment and now so gloomy is hanging down, you together with your sweet voice, like a bee should lift up to me shining, smiling and glancing from under its bluish hair so beautiful to your straight nose. Please oh thoughtful one, I'm all yours. (24) Except for when he belongs to the school of the enlightened souls on this earth, I am willing to punish him who wronged you oh wife of this hero. As far as I am concerned he will not live without fear and anxiety in the three worlds or anywhere else, when he is anyone else but a servant of Vishnu ['the enemy of Mura']! (25) Your face was never without its decorations nor have I ever before seen you that dirty, morose,  upset and without your luster and affection. Never I saw your nice breasts wet with tears or your lips not red of kunkum. (26) My most intimate friend, be kind to this man who did the wrong thing because he went hunting on his own accord. What woman who with her great beauty controls the lusty desires of her husband wouldn't dutifully embrace him being lost in impatience and pierced by the arrows of Cupid?'