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Vishnu and Indra appear at the conclusion of the Horse Sacrifice. Indra asks for forgiveness and Vishnu instructs and blesses Prithu.
After the rituals pertaining to the Ashwamedha yagna were completed, Vishnu and Indra descended to meet Prithu. Vishnu first imparted spiritual wisdom to the king. The way to eternal bliss was to engage in the devotion of the Supreme God without any motive for material gain. Vishnu also elucidated a king’s duties, not so much to educate Prithu but more for all the kings to follow. It is the king’s primary duty to protect his citizens. In doing so all citizens must be treated equally. In order that these duties are correctly discharged it is essential that the king maintain composure all the time. If a king has conducted himself well he will share in the merits earned by the pious activities of the citizens, but if has done otherwise he will share in the punishment meted out to the citizens for their impious activities. In addition, a king who has acted as described in the scriptures will be able to see the liberated immortals and partake of their wisdom. Then Vishnu instructed Indra to seek Prithu’s forgiveness for his misdeeds. As Indra was about to fall down at the feet of the king, Prithu held him and embraced him without any envy or rancor. Vishnu said that he was pleased with the way Prithu had conducted himself and offered to grant any wish that Prithu may desire. Prithu said that most mortals desire to be one with the Supreme Being, but this was not what he sought. He said that once the jiv atma merged with the param atma the relationship of devotee and God was lost and with it the pleasure of that relationship. Prithu wished to serve Vishnu for a million years so that he may continue to enjoy the bliss of that relationship. Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Vishnu’s consort, was eternally committed to the service of Vishnu. With her permission and blessings Prithu wanted to do the same. Vishnu then gave the boon of eternal devotion to Prithu. He also described the qualities of a true devotee. These are showing kindness to all; having a disposition that is not quarrelsome; being firmly transfixed in the worship of the Supreme Being; treating everyone equally; being charitable, mild-mannered, benevolent, simple, peaceful, steady, self-controlled, respectful, humble, grave, compassionate, friendly and silent; following personal hygiene; having no material desires and eating the minimum required to sustain oneself. After Vishnu and Indra had gone, Prithu worshipped the present august members who had attended the sacrifice. He gave them the customary gifts, sought their blessings and saw them off to their respective homes. Please check my course on Hindu Mythology Please check my articles on Mythology from India
The copyright of the article Prithu Completes the Ashwamedha in Hinduism is owned by Harsh Nevatia. Permission to republish Prithu Completes the Ashwamedha in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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