*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 45.*
Krishna placed Ugrasena on the throne. The Yadus, Vrishnis, Andhakas,
Madhus, Dasarhas and Kukkuras, who had left Mathura for fear of Kansa,
now returned to that town. Vasudeva called the Purohita (family priest)
Garga and performed the Upanayana ceremony (investiture of the sacred
thread) of his sons. They then became twice-born. (Dvija-Brahmanas,
Kshatriyas and Vaisyas are the twice-born classes. Krishna was a
Kshatriya by birth). After Upanayana, one has to practise Brahmacharya
_i.e._ he has to reside at the house of his Guru, learn the Vedas from
him and practise asceticism at the same time. According to practice,
Rama and Krishna went to reside at the house of Rishi Sandipani of
Avanti of the line of Kasyapa. The brothers learned the Vedas, the
Vedangas and all the branches of learning in sixty four days. Then they
requested their Guru to name his Dakshina. (When a disciple leaves his
Guru after the completion of study, he has to give some Dakshina or
present according to his power to the Guru). Sandipani in consultation
with his wife asked for the restoration to life of his son, who had been
drowned in the sea at Prabhasa Kshetra. "All right," said the brothers.
They took their chariot and went to the sea-side. The sea brought
presents. But Krishna asked for the restoration of his Guru's son. The
sea replied: -- "I did not carry him off, but one Asura named
Panchajana, who lives in my waters in the form of a conch." Krishna
entered the waters and killed Panchajana. But he did not find the boy
within the Asura's body. Me took the conch and came back. He then went
with Balarama to the seat of Yama called Sanyamani and blew the conch.
Yama adored the brothers and wanted to know their behests.
Bhagavan said: -- "My Guru's son has certainly been brought here by his
own Karma. But hear my command and bring him to me." "So be it" said
Yama, and brought back the Guru's son. The brothers took him to their
father and said: "What more do you ask, O Guru?"