" Vasishta then blessed the first queen. She prostrated herself
before him, and, giving up all thought of quarrelling, went away and
busied herself with her dairy work.
Then Vasishta turned to the second queen and asked, "What are
you quarrelling about?" She replied, "Why should I be just a
cook-woman?" The rishi thought for a while and said, "Lady, in a
former life you were the wife of a poor Brahman, and you used to beg
your food from door to door. But every Monday you used to fast, and
whatever grain you begged that day you used to cook and offer to the
god Shiva. And he was pleased with your devotion. Therefore in this
life he made you one of the queens of Atpat. And because you cooked
for the god Shiva, he directed the king to put you in charge of his
kitchen. Therefore, obey the god's directions and give a great feast
to all in Atpat. In this way you will gain the favour of Shiva, and he
will take you with him to Kailas." Then he blessed the second queen,
and she prostrated herself and went off quite cheerfully to cook the
king's dinner.
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