Changes

This episode glorifies the Vedas, the brahma jnanis and describes the nature of life, talks about the destination of iha and para () and the importance of brahma jnani achieving the knowledge. It is explained in very esoteric language.

This episode glorifies the Vedas, the brahma jnanis and describes the nature of life, talks about the destination of iha and para () and the importance of brahma jnani achieving the knowledge. It is explained in very esoteric language.

Sarama||सरमाand Panis Samvaadसरमा-पणि संवाद

In the RgVeda  (10.108), there is a story in connection to the cows  it is explained very beautifully with great deep meaning. Panis were demons who stole the cows and hid them in a cave. Indra asked his dog Sarme to find the cows. Sarme was able to find the cows where abouts. During that search, there was a important discussion between the panis (the demons) and Sarme. And one should accept them by understanding the deeper meaning. This episode is about the discussion between Sarme and the panis who tried to tempt Sarme.

Panis said: “Oh Sarme, what do you want and why have you traveled such a long distance. This is a difficult path and there is the river rasa right in the middle of the road. How did you cross the river and why did you make the effort? Why have you come here?”

In the Rig veda 10th mandala there is a story about divine cows being stolen by Panis and being hidden in caves.  DevasuniSarama, Indra’s dog followed their path and could locate them and so helpedIndra release them. In this context appears a beautiful description of the discussion between the Panis and Sarama.

Sarme said, Oh panis, I am the servant of Indra. The cows who were missing are our treasure and I came here looking for them. The river gave way to us in fear as it knew that if it didnt we would totally occupy them.”

RgVeda(10.108) describes the legendary theft of the divine cows, wherePaniswho were demons steal the cows and hide them in a cave. Indrasends his dog Saramain search of the lost divine cows and Sarama comes across Panis, with whomShe has an important discussion. This episode describes how Sarama requests Panis to return back the Cows and they inturn try to bribe or tempt her. Their conversation goes thus:

The panis spoke “Oh you are only a servant, yet you have such power? If you have so much power, imagine how much powerful your master Indra must be? How handsome must he be? We should befriend Sarme. Let Sarme become the master of cows”

Rig (10.108.1 and 2) Panis said: “Oh Sarama, what do you want and why have you traveled such a long distance. This is a difficult path and there is the river rasa right in the middle of the road. How did you cross the river and why did you make the effort? Why have you come here?”

Sarme spoke:“Oh panis! Indra can’t be destroyed. He can destroy all of you! The fact that I have come here shows Indra’s power. No river, however deep can keep Indra away! You have brought your death closer.”

Rig (10.108. 3 and 4) Saramareplies, Oh panis, I come as the messenger of Indra. The cow wealth are our treasure and I came here looking for them. The river gave way to us in fear as it knew that if it didnt we would take over it.”

The Panis spoke with great anger “Ye Sarme! You are really fortunate. This is the end of ||du loka (). You are now in difficult terrain, but what difference does it make? We are not so foolish to give up the cows without a fight. We have got all kinds of sharp weapons.”

Rig (10.108.5 and 6)Thepanis spoke “Oh you are only a servant, yet you have such power? If you have so much power, imagine how much powerful your master Indra must be? We should befriend Sarama. Let Indra become the master of cows”

Sarme spoke “this is not befitting for warriors. Your body is not meant for arrows as it is full of sin. As your path is not dharmic, even Brihaspathi cannot make ur words and body happy.” The Panis retorted, “this is mountainous terrain and so for someone to come here is difficult and the cows are safely hidden. We have all kinds of security, horses and unlimited prosperity and our soldiers are alert. Therefore, your coming is useless.”

Rig (10.108.7 and 8)Saramaspoke:“Ohpanis! Indra can’t be destroyed. He can destroy all of you! The fact that I have come here shows Indra’s power. No river, however deep can keep Indra away!”

Sarme replies, “So what? Angirasa muni who has drunk the powerful Soma rasa will come with “aayasya” and they will distribute those cows with themselves then your words will be futile and useless.”

As forth goes the Rg mantra The Panis spoke with great anger “Ye Sarama! We are not so foolish to give up the cows without a fight. We have got all kinds of sharp weapons.”

The panis then give up threatening Sarme and use samopaya danopaya and try to capture him. “Ye Sarme, you would not have come if the devathas did not give you the power. So in one sense, you are helpless. We can make you our sister. You are afraid to go back without the cows, but you need not worry, stay here become auspicious and we will distribute the  cow amongst ourselves.

Sarama spoke “this is not befitting for warriors. Your body is not meant for arrows as it is full of sin. As your path is not dharmic, even Brihaspathiwill not spare you.” ThePanis retorted, “This is mountainous terrain and so for someone to come here is difficult and the cows are safely hidden. We have all kinds of security, horses and unlimited prosperity and our soldiers are alert. Therefore, your coming is useless.”

Sarme is not tempted, he says, “I do not understand what you are saying, about making me your sister. Indra and Angirasa understand everything. Behind me, there are devathas who are “gokamara”. They already surround this area, please understand. Please run away from here. Brihaspathi, Soma, Angirasa let the cows achieve the same stone which sucks the juice of soma rasa. This sukta doesn’t continue with the story, but in Saunaka’s “brihad devatha” chapter 8 and from the other part of Vedas, we have collected and continued the story. In Sayana’s commentary, it is written that Sarme’s episode with the Panis was commmunicated to Indra who kills them and brings back the cows.

 

 

Sarama is not tempted, he says, “I know not what you are saying, about making me your sister. I know who Indra and Angirasaare. They who are “gokaamaa or long for the cows” when I departedand Brihaspathi, Soma, Angirasahave found them when hidden. (Rg Veda 10.108.22)

 

This sukta doesn’t continue further with the story, but in Saunaka’s “brihaddevatha” chapter 8 and from the other part of Vedas, we have collected and continued the story. In Sayana’s commentary, it is mentioned that Sarama’s episode with the Panis was communicated to Indra who kills them and brings back the cows.  

== Description in the Brihad devatha ==

== Description in the Brihad devatha ==