During four months, there was no rain; in consequence of which, all the rivers, nullahs and tanks of the city were dried up: grass and grain were not produced; birds, fishes, beasts and all animals with life and cattle were greatly distressed, and died of drought. The inhabitants of the city, through hunger, began to raise cries to heaven for deliverance. At length, all the male and female population were in a state of the greatest consternation; and came to Shree Krishnù Chund, the extirpator of grief; and imploring him earnestly and beseeching him with the utmost humility, began to say, with joined hands, and bowing their heads, “We have come to you to seek an asylum; how shall we be able to endure our great calamities? We are sorely afflicted from the want of rain; why has Bruhmù brought this disaster upon us?” They proceeded to say, “O compassionate lord of Dwarka! you are our creator and dispeller of our griefs; to whom else shall we go and address our petitions? Whence has this misery fallen upon us, whilst we were living quietly at our homes, and why has it happened, kindly explain to us?”
Shree Shookdeo, the sage said,—O great king! on hearing these words, Shree Krishnù Chund replied, “Famine, misery and distress make their entrance into every city, which holy men have abandoned. Since Akroor Jee has departed hence, you have endured this state of calamity. Where holy men, lovers of truth and servants of Huri dwell, there evil and want, and misfortune cannot exist. Indrù has a friendship for the worshippers of Huri; and, therefore, rain falls plentifully in the cities where they dwell.”
All the Judoos exclaimed, “O great king! you have spoken truly: this thought had occurred to us also, because Akroor’s father’s name is Soophulluk, and he too is a very holy, truth-loving and just man. Where he dwells, there distress, poverty and famine have no existence; but rain falls frequently, in consequence of which, the seasons are prosperous and abundant. At one time, there was a terrible famine in the city of Kasi, when the Raja thereof sent for Soophulluk. O great king! on the arrival of Soophulluk, rain fell copiously, and as much as was desired; and there was a plenteous season, and an end to all their misery. After this, the Raja of Kasi gave his daughter in marriage to Soophulluk, who dwelt there happily. This Raja’s daughter’s name was Gadinka, whose son Akroor is.” They went on to say, “O great king! we were aware of this before, and will now do whatever you order.”
Shree Krishnù Chund replied, “Behave with the greatest respect to Akroor Jee, and bring him back here, wherever you may find him.”
On receiving this injunction, the Judoos went forth in a body to search for Akroor; and pursuing their search, arrived at the city of Baransee, (Benares). Having had a meeting with Akroor Jee, and presented gifts, they stood before him with joined hands, and bending their heads forward said, “Return home, O lord! Bulram and Krishnù have sent for you: the inhabitants of the city have been troubled during your absence. Where you are, there happiness dwells, and where you are not, calamity and distress take up their abode. A grievous famine has fallen upon the city, although Shree Gopal (Krishnù) dwelt there. The husband of Luchmee (Vishnù) is subservient to holy men; from them, all mortals derive wealth and happiness.”
O great king! on hearing these words, Akroor Jee rose up to depart in great agitation; and arrived, after some days, at Dwarka, accompanied by his relations, Krutbruma, and the members of the family of Judoo, with music playing during the journey.
Having received news of his arrival, and going out to meet him, Shree Krishnù and Bulram escorted him to the city with the greatest dignity and honour. O Raja! rain fell on the entrance of Akroor Jee into the city, and there was abundance. All the distress and want that had been raging, disappeared. Akroor was greatly exalted; and the inhabitants of Dwarka began to rejoice and indulge in festivities.
On a subsequent day, Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, sent for Akroor Jee, and taking him aside said, “What have you done with Suttrajeet’s jewel?” He replied, “I still have it.” Krishnù said, “Restore it to its owner; and if he should not be alive, make it over to his son. If there should not be a son, give it to his wife: and if there should not be a wife, give it to his brother: and if there should not be a brother, give it to a relation: in default of relations, give it to his spiritual preceptor’s son: and if there should not be a son of the spiritual preceptor, give it to a brahmin. But do not receive yourself any man’s wealth. This is equity; wherefore, it is right that you give the jewel to Suttrajeet’s grandson, and obtain a great name in the world by doing so.”
O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund had thus spoken, Akroor Jee took the jewel, and placing it before Krishnù, joining his hands said in a very supplicating manner, “O lord of the poor! be pleased to accept this jewel yourself, and forgive my fault; because I have expended in the course of my pilgrimage the gold which the jewel yielded.” Krishnù assented, and went and presented the jewel to Sutbhama, and removed all the anxieties of her mind.