e name of Jaigishavya, devoted to Yoga and rapt in
meditation and leading the life of a mendicant, came to Devala's asylum.
Possessed of great splendour, that great ascetic, ever devoted to Yoga, O
monarch, while residing in Devala's asylum, became crowned with ascetic
success. Indeed, while the great Muni Jaigishavya resided there, Devala
kept his eyes on him, never neglecting him at any time. Thus, O monarch,
a long time was passed by the two in days of yore. On one occasion,
Devala lost sight of Jaigishavya, that foremost of ascetics. At the hour,
however, of dinner, O Janamejaya, the intelligent and righteous ascetic,
leading a life of mendicancy, approached Devala for soliciting alms.
Beholding that great ascetic re-appear in the guise of a mendicant,
Devala showed him great honour and expressed much gratification. And
Devala worshipped his guest, O Bharata, according to the measure of his
abilities, after the rites laid down by the Rishis and with great
attention for many years. One day, however, O king, in the sight of that
great Muni, a deep anxiety perturbed the heart of the highsouled Devala.
The latter thought within himself, 'Many years have I passed in
worshipping this ascetic. This idle mendicant, however, hath not yet
spoken to me a single word!' Having thought of this, the blessed Devala
proceeded to the shores of the ocean, journeying through the welkin and
bearing his earthen jug with him. Arrived at the coast of the Ocean, that
lord of rivers, O Bharata, the righteous-souled Devala saw Jaigishavya
arrived there before him. The lord Asita, at this sight, became filled
with wonder and thought within himself, 'How could the mendicant come to
the ocean and perform his ablutions even before my arrival?' Thus thought
the great Rishi Asita. Duly performing his ablutions there and purifying
himself thereby, he then began to silently recite the sacred mantras.
Having finished his ablutions and silent prayers, the blessed Devala
returned to his asylum, O Janamejaya, bearing with him his earthen vessel
filled with water. As the ascetic, however, entered his own asylum, he
saw Jaigishavya seated there. The great ascetic Jaigishavya never spoke a
word to Devala, but lived in the latter's asylum as if he were a piece of
wood. Having beheld that ascetic, who was an ocean of austerities,
plunged in the waters of the sea (before his own arrival there), Asita
now saw him returned to his hermitage before his own return. Wi