ONCE the sage Markandeya came to see the Pandavas. Yudhishthira happened to talk of the virtues of the fair sex and said:

"What greater wonder is there in this world than the patience and the chastity of woman? She gives birth to a child after cherishing it in her womb as dearer than life itself.

She brings it into the world inpain and anxiety 'and thence for ward her one thought is for its health and happiness.

Large hearted and forgiving, a woman for- gives and continues to love even a wicked husband who neglects and hates and subjects her to all sorts of miseries. How strange!"

Hearing this Markandeya told him a sacred story.

There was once a brahmana, named Kausika who observed his vow of brahma- charya. with great steadfastness and devotion.