How Vishvamitra became a saint

Vishvamitra was a great king before he became a saint. He ruled over a vast kingdom, waged several wars and was very powerful. One day Vishvamitra went hunting deep into the jungles. He spent the whole day hunting a large number of animals. By evening the king and his attendants were very tired, and longed for water and some food. On their way back they came across a hermitage but king was not very sure if they would get anything there. Still they went ahead, and met the great sage Vasistha, one of the greatest saints and teachers of the world.

The king was not hopeful of much and asked only for water. But soon Vasistha produced a large quantity of food and milk for the king and his companions. All this surprised the king and he thought that how the saint could arrange all this alone in this jungle. But Vasistha's hospitality did not end here. Soon beautiful beds were arranged for Vishvamitra and his men and being tired king and his men gave no more thought to this miracle and went off to sleep. Early next morning Vishvamitra could not hold his curiosity, and asked Vasistha how you produce this luxurious things in this lonely jungle. Vasistha replied, you look at that cow, she is Naandini, daughter of Kamdhenu.

She can give anything you ask for. Vishvamitra questioned Vasistha, that Nandini would be of better use if it stays with the king of the land and not here in this jungle. Won't you be pleased to give her to me as a gift. No replied, Vasistha. She is here to look after my needs. Vishvamitra replied, please give it a second thought. If she is with me the world at large will benefit. But saint replied in negative second time also. Vishvamitra felt that he was being disobeyed. He ordered his men to take the cow and follow him. But Nandini had no intention of going with the king or his men.

The men untied Nandini and her calf and began walking. Nandini became ferocious and charged Vishvamitra's men with such force that they ran for their lives. Vishvamitra promised to return with his army and soon arrived at the saint's hermitage with a large force but was surprised to see an equally strong army waiting for him. A fierce battle was fought and Vishvamitra' s forces were defeated. Vishvamitra realised that he was not as great as the sage was and decided that he would also attain a position equal to, if not greater than the sage. But king asked Vasishta how he was able to win.

The saint replied, this all Nandini's courtesy and favour. One can have anything from her as long as it is not for one's oneself. The king accepted defeat and left. But before leaving, he said to Vasishta that he would do everything in his power to attain a position better than him and then we shall meet again. Vishvamitra returned to his palace, gave up his kingdom and proceeded to the jungle to meditate. After many years, when he became an equal of Vasishta his only aim was to oppose Vasishta and try and defeat him in every possible way.