Section 1
In a particular village located in the country of sergalinirppayu', there lived a Brâhman. He sustained himself by collecting alms every day, which reflected his extremely poor circumstances. The grip of poverty had become so strong that he decided to flee to Bânâras, a city known for its spiritual significance. Relying on the charity he would receive along the way, he embarked on his journey with only a day's worth of provisions bundled together. As the sun began to set, there were still four ghaikàs remaining. He found himself approaching a dense and extensive wilderness that was scattered with small villages here and there. After traversing this wilderness for more than the remaining four ghaikàs, he finally arrived at a magnificent tank just as the sun was setting.
Being a Brâhman, the man understood the importance of performing ablutions and religious rituals. Therefore, he approached the tank to wash his hands and legs, offer prayers, and partake of the meager provisions he had in his bundle. However, as soon as he stepped into the water, he heard a voice warning him, saying, "Do not put your foot in this water! You are not allowed to do so!" Despite looking around and finding nothing visible, he disregarded the warning and proceeded to wash his hands and feet. He then sat down to perform his sandhyavandana, the evening worship, when once again he heard a voice commanding him, "Do not perform your sandhyavandana! You are not permitted to do so!"
Despite hearing the voice for the second time, the Brâhman ignored it and continued with his prayers. After completing his prayers, he opened his bundle of food and began to eat. Once again, the same voice made itself heard, but the Brâhman paid no attention and finished his meal. Then, he stood up and resumed his journey, hoping to reach a village where he could find accommodation for the night. However, as he took a few steps forward, the voice intervened once more, forbidding him from proceeding. After being hindered four times, the Brâhman courageously exclaimed, "Who are you, you wretch? And why do you keep preventing me from carrying out any reasonable action?"
The voice from the pipal tree above him replied, "I am Gânapriya, a Brahmarkshasa. In my previous life, I was a Brähman and gained extensive knowledge of music. However, I selfishly refused to share my knowledge with others. As a result, Paramêvara became greatly displeased with me and transformed me into a Brahmaräkshasa in this life. It seems that his anger has not subsided even now.
There is a ruined temple located about a quarter of a ghaikà away from here. Unfortunately, the worship conducted there is performed in a crude manner, and during the ceremonies, an inept piper plays the nâgasvara pipe, causing me immense embarrassment and distress. My only hope for escape lies in the hands of a Brähman who can rescue me from this tree. You are the first Brähman I have encountered in this wilderness, and the constant agony of listening to the clumsy piper has taken a toll on my well-being. If I remain in this tree much longer, it may lead to my demise.
I implore you to have pity on my plight and move me to a tree located five or six ghaikàs away from here, where I can find peace and be spared from the dreadful piper. In return for your assistance, you may ask for any favor, and I will grant it willingly."
The Brahmaräkshasa spoke with a voice that revealed its weakening state. The Brâhman responded, saying, "I am a profoundly destitute Brâhman, and if you assure me that you will improve my situation and grant me wealth, I will relocate you to a considerable distance where the unpleasant sound of the faulty nägasvara will no longer trouble your ears."
After contemplating for a few moments, the Brahmarâkshasa replied in the following manner: "Respected Brähman, each person must endure the destiny assigned to them by Brahmâ in this world. According to fate, you have five more years of poverty ahead of you. After that, I shall go and possess the Princess of Maisûr, and no matter what spells or incantations skilled magicians may employ, they will not be able to expel me unless you present yourself before the king of Maisûr and pledge to cure her of my affliction. The king will promise you abundant rewards, and you must begin the treatment in order for me to depart from her.
The king will be pleased with your efforts and grant you numerous boons, bringing you happiness. However, you must never visit any place where I may be present again. It is possible that I may possess several princesses, but if you dare to come with the intention of curing them, I will end your life with a single strike. I caution you to be vigilant and stay away!"
Thus spoke the Brahmaräkshasa, and the Brâhman agreed to all the conditions, moving it to another pipal tree located seven ghaikas away from its current dwelling. The Brahmaräkshasa found its new abode comfortable and allowed the Brähman to continue his journey north to Bânâras. After six months, the Brâhman reached his destination.
