PLATE FIVE

Once when the powerful yogi Durvasé was a guest at the house of
Kunti’s father, Kunti satisfied Durvasa by rendering service. Therefore
she received a mystic power by which she could call any demigod. To ex-
amine the potency of this mystic power, the pious Kunti called for the
sun-god, who immediately appeared before her, much to her surprise.
She told the sun-god, “I was simply examining the effectiveness of this
mystic power. I am sorry I have called you unnecessarily. Please return
and excuse me.” The sun-god said, “O beautiful Kunti, your meeting
with a demigod cannot be fruitless. Therefore, let me place my seed in
your womb so that you may bear a son. I shall arrange to keep your
virginity intact, since you are still an unmarried girl.” After saying this,
the sun-god discharged his semen into the womb of Kunti and then
returned to the celestial kingdom. Immediately thereafter, Kunti gave
birth to a child, who was like a second sun-god. (pp. 222-224)
