Madhavi, Daughter of Yayati

Narada tells of Galava, who has studied with Vishvamitra for ten thousand years. When Galava asks what he owes his teacher, Vishvamitra demands eight hundred white horses, each with one black ear. Galava cannot find them and seeks help from the bird Suparna. Suparna brings him to King Yayati, explaining the debt and asking for aid. Yayati says his wealth has diminished, but he does not want to turn the petitioners away. He offers his daughter Madhavi, asking only that she give him grandsons. Galava accepts her and sets out to find kings able to provide the horses.

At Ayodhya, Haryashva has only two hundred of the rare horses. Madhavi tells Galava of the boon she has received: after each birth, she will again be a virgin. She proposes that he accept the two hundred horses and continue to other rulers. Haryashva fathers Vasumana, then returns Madhavi to Galava. Divodasa of Kashi provides another two hundred horses and fathers Pratardana. Ushinara provides two hundred more and fathers Shibi. After each birth, Madhavi returns to Galava, following the path she proposed.

The bird Suparna tells Galava that the remaining horses cannot be found. Galava then takes Madhavi and the six hundred horses to Vishvamitra, offering her in place of the missing two hundred. Vishvamitra accepts her; she gives birth to Ashtaka, and the sage gives the horses to the boy. Galava’s teacher’s fee is complete. Galava returns Madhavi to Yayati, who arranges a svayamvara for her. When the suitors gather and she is asked to choose, Madhavi chooses the forest instead. She goes there to practise austerities and lives as an ascetic.