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The Revenge
201
At the appropriate time, he arranged the Pitruyajna and Matruyajna at the palace of king Sagar raja. Finding a suitable opportunity Parvat said to the sons of Sagar raja: "Now, the time has come for you to send your father and mother to heaven; and by carrying out this holy act at the Yajna you have to attain Punya (merit)”. Even the sons of Sagar raja were influenced by the words of Parvat. Therefore, they decided to act according to his advice and to send their parents to heaven.
Accordingly, the Yajna began on the appointed day, Mantras were recited. There was a jubilant assemblage of people to kill animals; and to eat meat. Cans of liquor were drunk. The revelry of the hypocrites went on behind the curtains. In accordance with his plan, Parvat made king Sagar raja and Sulasa eat heavy quantities of meat and drink liquor heavily. As the night advanced, Sagar raja became more and more intoxicated; while Parvat remained cautious. Within a short time, Parvat began to recite the Pitrumedha mantra in a loud voice. According to the previous instructions of Parvat Sagar raja's son lifted him and threw him into the terrible flames of the Yajna. When Parvat recited the Matrumedh mantra they lifted their mother Sulasa and threw her into the burning fire. Thus Sagar raja and Sulasa were sacrificed to the Yajna.
· Everything was over within a few moments. Sagar raja was burnt.
Mahakal's heart grew cool and satisfied. He breathed a sigh of relief. Long ago he had vowed to take revenge against Sagar raja and now he had achieved his objective. Now he did not need the help of Parvat. Leaving Parvat to knock about from pillar to post, Mahakal returned to his place.
"Oh what a terrible king of selfishness! In order to attain his selfish objective he had caused the cruel killing of countless innocent animals. What a great enormity! How tremendously harmful it was !"
"Dashmukh Ravan! Since that time this tradition of killing animals of Yajnas continued unimpeded. Many evil practices
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