King Dala Confronts Vamadeva and Loses His Son

When King Shala was struck dead by the rakshasas (demons) summoned by Vamadeva's curse, the Ikshvakus instated his brother Dala on the throne. Vamadeva did not wait long. He went to the new king and spoke plainly. "O king! It has been said in all dharma that gifts must be given to brahmanas. O Indra among kings! If you fear to transgress dharma, immediately give the Vamyas to me." Dala's anger flared. He turned to his charioteer. "Bring me one of those beautiful and poisonous arrows that have been carefully kept. Pierced by it, Vamadeva will lie down prone on the ground in pain and dogs will tear him apart." Vamadeva was not moved. "I know that you have a son who is ten years old. O Indra among kings! He has been born from your queen Shyenajit. Urged by my words, you will soon kill that beloved son with your terrible arrows." Dala released the arrow. It flew — not toward Vamadeva, but into the inner quarters of the palace. The prince was struck dead. "O Ikshvakus!" Dala cried out. "I will perform a pleasant task for you. I will kill this brahmana today. Bring me another of my fiery arrows. O lords of the earth! Witness my valour now." Vamadeva said, "O Indra among men! This is a terrible and poisonous arrow. You have aimed it at me. But you will not be able to aim or shoot." Dala grasped the arrow. He pulled back the bowstring. And then — nothing. He could not release it. "O Ikshvakus! Behold. I am unable to release the arrow that I have grasped. I will not be able to perform the task of killing him. Let Vamadeva live and may he have a long life." Vamadeva told him: "Touch the queen with this arrow and you will be freed from your sin." Dala did as he was told. The queen, Shyenajit, spoke to the sage. "O Vamadeva! O brahmana! If I have honoured my husband and have lain down with him day after day, let me be able to serve brahmanas and attain the sacred worlds after death." Vamadeva said, "O one with the beautiful eyes! You have saved the king's lineage. Ask for an unequalled boon and I will give it to you. O princess! O unblemished one! Rule over your relatives and this extensive kingdom of the Ikshvakus." The princess said, "O illustrious one! I ask for the boon that my husband should now be freed from his sin. May you bless him, with his sons and relatives. O foremost among brahmanas! This is the boon that I want." Vamadeva granted it. The king was extremely happy. He bowed in obeisance and returned the Vamyas.