Baal Kaanda
15 - Dialogue between the sages - Yajnavalkya and Bharadvaja and the greatness of Prayaga
Chaupais
Description
In this way they bathe for the whole month of Magha and then return each to his hermitage. There is a great rejoicing every year and having performed their ablutions while the sun stays in Capricorn the hosts of sages disperse. Having bathed on one occasion for the whole period of the suns stay in Capricorn when all the great sages had left for their hermitages, Bharadvja clasped by the feet and detained the supremely wise saint Yajnavalkya. He reverently washed the latters lotus feet and installed him on a most sacred seat. And extolling his fair renown with religious ceremony, Bharadvja spoke in mild and reverential tones, A grave doubt haunts my mind, holy sir ! and the whole mystery of the Vedas stands revealed to you. I am afraid and ashamed to utter the doubt; and I lose a great opportunity if I keep it back. (1-4)