Brahmana Travels to Mithila to Find the Hunter
A brahmana, told by a wise woman that a virtuous hunter in Mithila knows dharma, censures himself for his doubt and sets out. He travels through forests and cities to reach Janaka's holy capital, inquires about the hunter, and finds him seated in a slaughterhouse selling meat.
The brahmana thought about what the woman had told him. It was extraordinary — that a hunter, a man of the lowest birth, could know dharma. He censured himself. His appearance became that of a guilty one. He had doubted her words, and she had been right about everything: the death of the crane, the subtle workings of dharma.
He said to himself: "I must have devotion. I must go to Mithila. She said that a hunter who knew dharma, one who had perfected his soul, dwelt there. I should go there today, and ask the one who is rich in austerities about dharma."
He showed faith in her words. Filled with curiosity, he left for Mithila.
He passed through many forests. He passed through villages and cities. He arrived at last in Mithila, the city protected well by King Janaka. It was a holy city, rich in sacrifices and festivals, full of religious institutions. It was adorned with turrets, palaces, houses and walls. It had many chariots. He entered through the gates and found himself on large roads laid out well, lined with many wares. The city was crowded with great numbers of horses, chariots, elephants and carts. The masses of people were happy and well fed. It was always full of festivities.
As he passed, the brahmana saw many other things there. But he did not stop to admire them. He asked about the virtuous hunter. Brahmanas told him where to go.
He went there and saw the ascetic seated in the midst of a slaughterhouse. The hunter was selling the meat of deer and buffaloes. The place was crowded with a large number of buyers.
The brahmana waited. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 495