Ekatanu Magnifies the Power of Tapasya
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 163
Doha 163 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ekatanu tells his guest not to wonder at an ageless body. Nothing, he claims, lies beyond the power of tapasya. Through austerity Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, and Shiva brings dissolution. The whole movement of the worlds is placed before Pratapbhanu as evidence for the impossible history he has just heard.
The false sage then fills the night with ancient accounts. Karma, dharma, history, creation, preservation, and destruction unfold through stories explained with apparent wisdom and detachment. The king listens, increasingly captivated by one who seems to carry the memory of the first dawn.
At last Pratapbhanu reveals his true name. Ekatanu answers that he already knew the visitor, even through the royal deception, and is pleased rather than offended. What looks like supernatural discernment tightens the king's faith.
Through stories of creation and ruin, the false immortal draws Pratapbhanu completely near.
Read the passage from the Manas
जनि आचरुज करहु मन माहीं। सुत तप तें दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं।। तपबल तें जग सृजइ बिधाता। तपबल बिष्नु भए परित्राता।। तपबल संभु करहिं संघारा। तप तें अगम न कछु संसारा।। भयउ नृपहि सुनि अति अनुरागा। कथा पुरातन कहै सो लागा।। करम धरम इतिहास अनेका। करइ निरूपन बिरति बिबेका।। उदभव पालन प्रलय कहानी। कहेसि अमित आचरज बखानी।। सुनि महिप तापस बस भयऊ। आपन नाम कहत तब लयऊ।। कह तापस नृप जानउँ तोही। कीन्हेहु कपट लाग भल मोही।।
Do not marvel at this in your heart, my son. Through tapas, nothing remains beyond reach. By the power of tapas, Brahma the Creator brings forth the world. By the power of tapas, Vishnu protects all creation.