Devahuti Gives Birth and Kardama Departs

Chapter 23, 24

After marriage, Devahuti served her husband very faithfully, undergoing such severe austerities that she became weak and emaciated. Seeing her remarkable chastity and devotion, Kardama Muni prepared for their union as per her desire. By dint of his yogic power, he arranged an incredible aerial mansion, unparalleled opulence, and complete restoration of Devahuti’s body. They enjoyed celestial pleasures for many years, though the sage remained completely detached.

Kardama Muni then divided himself into nine forms and begot nine children in Devahuti. Being overly excited, she gave birth to nine females. As her husband prepared to leave home, Devahuti felt pained. Her first lamentation was that she hadn’t taken spiritual advantage of the sage’s association, and furthermore she desired a son who would protect her. Kardama Muni reassuringly explained that the Supreme Lord would soon enter her womb. In the future, that son would bless her with enlightening wisdom.

After many years, a multitude of auspicious signs confirmed that the Supreme Lord, Kapila Muni, had indeed appeared in Devahuti’s womb. After His appearance, Brahma immediately came there to worship the Lord. The universal engineer praised Kardama Muni’s unflinching adherence to his instructions, and guided the sage to offer his nine daughters to the nine principle sages. Brahma also predicted that Kapila Muni would impart invaluable instructions in detachment, devotion, and sankhya philosophy.

After Brahma left, Kardama Muni discreetly approached his son and offered prayers of surrender. He requested permission to renounce family life and live as a mendicant. After receiving the go-ahead, Kardama Muni entered the forest, fixed his mind on the Supreme Lord, and thus went back to Godhead.