Vishwamithra becomes Brahma rishi
Then he went to easterly direction and did severe penance for 1000 Years. No one had done or no one had attempted after that to do such a severe Penance. Body was like wood and the Limbs had become like stone. Many times Devas tried to spoil his penance, but Viswamithra did not give any room for Anger or Lust. He was resolved totally focused did penance for 1000 years and stayed Frim. On completion of same when he taken bath and was about to take Food Indra went in the guise of a Brahmin , asked for that food to be given to him. For his penance to fulfill, Vsihwamithra felt he should give the Food to the person who came asking for Alms;Kaushika the entire food whole heartedly gave with all the happiness to that Brahmin (Inrda). He did not speak even a single word. He observed Silence. Since he had not mobilized resources for cooking again, he started Penance without Food.
He had controlled the Breathing, observing Silence,doing penance without food; then Fire & smoke emananted from his head. The animals in all the 3 Worlds could not withstand the heat generated. Then Deva, Gandharva ,Pannaga, Asura, Rakshasaa became unconscious due to Vishwamithra’s Penance and lost their Lusture ,was drowsy,unable to bear same went to Brahma “ Hey God, We tried our best to spoil the Penance of the Kaushika MahaThapasvi(doing Penance) to the best of our efforts. We tried to create Lust & Anger in his heart to our best efforts. But out obstacles only improved his Penance and did not reduce them. We are unable to find a fault. If we do not grant what he wants then he may destroy the entire world. See all directions are struggling . All the materials have lost their Lusture. The sea is bubbling and overflowing. Mountains are breaking up. The Earth is trembling. Wind is blowing in high speeds. We do not know what is the remedy for all these? People are losing faith in God, for such things will not be allowed to happen and hence they are turning into Aethists forsaking their religions. In all 3 worlds all the Animals have lost their mental balance and wandering around. The Aura and Radience of Kaushika has subued even the Bright Illuminence of Sun. Earlier once when all the 3 worlds were ignited and burnt due to the Fire of Deluge, similar things are happening now. Befrore he decides to burn the universe please grant him what he wants.” Prayed all. ..
ThenBrahma agreed and together with Devas and Rishis came to Kaushika with pleasnt words said “Brahma Rishi ! May All blessins be showered on you. We are exteemly pleased with your Penance. You have attained the Brahmin status with your penance. Because you have seen me you will live as long as Maruths Live.May All the Auspicious things be showed on you. You can go to any place you want.”
Kaushika did prostrations to Brahma and the Devas-Celestials, he was happy that his desire has been fulfilled for which he had been Long persevearing with Penance.said “ Lokeshwara(Lord of the Universe) as I have attained the Brahmin status and Long life, May the Brahma Vidhya, Vashatkaaram which is a means for Yagnya, and the Vedas and Vedanthas may reach me. Vasishtaa and other Brahmins have the authority to perfomYaga for others like wise may I also be granted the same. Yourself and Devas have conferred and Blessed the status of Brahmin hood to me, but I have not been born in a Brahmin Family.SageVasishtaa was born as Brahmin. With his Brahma Tejhas he subdued my Kshatriya Strength. Brahma’s Mind Son. He is one who is well versed in Upanishad and Vedas which teaches Brahmaswarropam (Vision of Brahmam Omni presence of God everywhere),for Shanti Pushti ,ShathruNaasam,Victory over enemies these are given by Dhanur Veda , Atharvana Veda. Let him accept me as brahma rishi. My requirement Is only this. After fulfilling this you can go the way you want or else I will do Penance again” said Brahma Rishi Vishwamithra to God Brahma.
Immediately Devas turned to Sage Vasishtaa and said “ My God ! Please make these wrods true”. Vasishtaaa said “ Vishwamithra you are a Brahma Rishi. There is no doubt on this. You have all the benefits and and samskaraas of Brahmin. ”hearing those words Devas were immensely placed as the realtionship between the 2 Rishis was established.
This Great Mahatham who attained Brahma Rishi Post said to Sage Vasishtaa“ You are the reason for all this. However much I stopped you gave a Feast for me and my entourages. TheKamadhenu which was responsible for success of the Feast, despite my plea to spare the same, you had refused to give it to me. I tried to use force to get the same. Due to which we both had fought. My Defence Forces, my sons and all that I had obtained with severe peance from God Siva the Divine Missiles were all destroyed. This spurred me to become a Brahma Gayani. You are aware of all the things. Now I realize that You had known all this was going to happen in advance , hence you invited me to Feast. Hence you had done a great service to me.” Thus Brahma Rishi Vishwmithra with deep reverence and affection worshipped Sage Vasishtaa.
His thoughts having been fulfilled, he is going around the world as a great Thapasvi.
“Rama! This great person was born as Kshatriya but got Brahmin status. That Great sage is this person only, who is accompanying you right now.You can say Sage Vishwamithra is an embodiment of Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation), he will never deviate from the path of righteousness.Courage is Living with him for ever.” Thus spake Sage Sadhananadha and gave details of Sage Vishwamithra’s Past.
Janaka in presence of Rama and Lakshmana said to Sage Kaushika with folded hands “ I am blessed as You and these 2 Princes by coming to this Yaga of mine, I have been blessed. Maharishi by seeing in you person I have become Pure. Hey Great Soul , greatest amongst Brahma Rishi I have acquired many a Good Quality by seeing you in person. We have heard about the great penance which you have done and you great qualities , character, you valour and greatness of Spiritual well beings which cannot be easily described,nor can be imagined**( Sage Vishwamithra is said to have recited 24 Crore Gyathri Manthara). I am not yet satiated to hear your Life’s achievements which are awesome , unimaginable, difficult to emulate in future, we could hear these in this Counsel in presence of Rama and Lakshmana and other Rishis. Sun is going to set , we have to perform the Kriyas of the evening Dusk, seek your Dahrashn tomorrow morning once again. Hey Mint of Penance May all the Auspicious thnings happen to you, please command granting permission to take leave off you.” Vishwamithra was very happy and praised Janaka to leave. Janaka and Sadhanandha circumbulated ie Pradhakshinam (Going around in clockwise direction) Sage Vishwamithra and Left. Kuahsika also left for his allotted place. (Slokas 38)
****************.