The Son of Varuṇa

Aṣṭāvakra said: This man defeated learned brahmins in debate and had them drowned in the water. Let Bandin today get what he gave them. Seize him and drown him.

I am the son of King Varuṇa, the lord of the waters, said Bandin. He is holding a sacrifice that lasts twelve years, at the same time as yours, Janaka, and that is why I sent the best of the brahmins to him. They all went to see Varuṇa's sacrifice, and they are coming back now. I honour Aṣṭāvakra, who deserves honour, for through him I will see my father again.

Aṣṭāvakra said: The brahmins were drowned in the waters of the sea, defeated in speech, though they had wisdom. Now I have won the speech back by wisdom, as the good sift out the true word. Are you drunk on praise, Janaka, that, like an elephant under the goad, you do not hear what I say?

I hear your words, said Janaka; they are divine and more than human, and you are like a god in form. Since you have defeated Bandin in debate, Bandin is yours to do with as you wish.

I have no use for this Bandin alive, said Aṣṭāvakra. If Varuṇa is his father, then drown him in the lake.

I am the son of King Varuṇa, said Bandin. I have no fear of being drowned. In a moment Aṣṭāvakra will see his father Kahoḍa, who has been lost so long.

Then the brahmins who had been honoured by the great Varuṇa all rose up out of the water before Janaka. And Kahoḍa said: This is why men want sons, Janaka. What I could not do, my son has done. A weak man may have a strong son, a fool a wise one, an unlearned man a learned one.

Bandin blessed the king, saying, May the god of death himself cut off your enemies' heads in battle with his sharp axe. Great hymns are sung in this sacrifice, and the best of the Sāman, and soma is drunk as it should be, and the gods themselves have joyfully taken their pure shares. And when all the brahmins had risen up, shining more brightly than before, Bandin, with the king's leave, went down into the waters of the sea.

Aṣṭāvakra honoured his father, and was honoured by the brahmins, and having defeated Bandin, he went back with his uncle to their hermitage.