The Importance of Gopikacandana

1-13. That best brahmana, having heard like this from the mouth of Yama told it to me and the independent sage went (his way). О best brahmana, that house where there is gopikacandana is of the nature of a holy place. This has indeed been told by Vishnu. In the house of that brahmana where there is gopikacandana, grief and delusion do not stay. Nor is there any inauspicious (event). The ancestors of him (or them) are happy and his (or their) progeny grows in whose house gopikacandana is present day and night. The clay from Gopipuskara is pure and purifies the body. By rubbing (one’s body with it) physical and mental diseases that are there, perish. Therefore, it giving salvation and fulfilling desires is put on their bodies by men. The holy places and sacred places roar till that time, О brahmana, as long as gopikacandana is not seen or heard about. It should be meditated upon, it should be worshipped; it destroys dirt and sins. Merely with its touch a man becomes as pure as a god. It gives salvation and is highly purifying at the time of (one’s) death. О best brahmana, what should I say? Gopicandana gives salvation. A wise man should rub his body with the mixture of Tulasi-wood of (i.e. sacred to) Vishou, so also the clay at the root (of the tree) and gopikacandana and haricandana also. He who puts on a mark with the fluids (i.e. pastes) of gopikacandana has always visited all holy places in Jambu Dvipa. Freed from all sins he goes to the highest position of Vishshu. He has also performed the Sraddha after having gone to Gaya. So also the man who has put on (the mark with) gopicandana, (even though) he is a drunkard, or has murdered a brahmana or a cow or a child, is freed that moment only due to having (the mark of) gopicandana.

1-9. О Narada, listen, I shall tell (you) the characteristic(s) of the devotees of Vishnu, hearing which people are freed from such sins as the murder of a brahmana. О best sage, listen. Now I shall tell you of what kind their characteristics are and what their nature is. О best sage, listen. I shall describe to you a man of that kind. Since he belongs to Vishflu, he is called VaishQava. Of all the castes Vaishnava is said to be the greatest. A Vai^ava is (born) in the family of those whose food is excellent (i.e. who eat excellent food). О brahmana, by merely seeing them, in whom forgiveness, kindness, austerities and truth reside, sin perishes like cotton. He whose mind, free from doing harm, has settled upon Vishnu, (so also) he who would always put on (the marks of) a conch, a disc, a mace, a lotus, so also he who would put round his neck the rosary of TuIasi-wood, and would always put on the marks of twelve kinds, so also he who knows (the difference between) righteousness and unrighteousness is called a Vaishtiava. He is always engaged in (reciting) the Vedas and sacred texts and always performs sacrifices. So also the family of them is blessed, and glory is said to belong to them who repeatedly celebrate the twentyfour festivals.

10-20. In the world those devotees of Vishgu in whose family only (i.e. at least) one devotee of Vishnu is born, are most blessed. He has repeatedly emancipated that family, О brahтаца. All the stocks like the oviparous, sprouting, viviparous beings should be known as having conches, discs and maces. By merely seeing him the killer of a brahmana is always purified. But, О divine sage, I shall tell you that more blessed than those are the Vaishijavas seen on the earth, О great sage. Those knowing the truth should look upon them as equal to Vishnu. I have heard that they are undoubtedly most blessed in the world in the Kali age. He who has worshipped Vishnu, has worshipped all. He who has honoured Vishou’s devotees has given a large gift. Those who give fruits, leaves, vegetables, food or garments to Vispu’s devotees, are always blessed on the earth.* Those who have worshipped Vishuu’s devotee, have worshipped all. Those who have worshipped Vishou, are said to be most blessed. Merely by seeing them a man is absolved of sins. О brahmafla, what is the use of telling other things repeatedly? Therefore, seeing and touching them gives joy. As is Vishi>u so is this devotee (of him). There is no difference between them. О child, realising this, a wise man should always honour (a devotee of Vishnu). There is no doubt that he who feeds but one brahmaria devotee of Vishnu, has fed a thousand brahmaijas.

1. О best god, the able ones always have fasts. О sinless one, tell me about one Dvadaii (only) which is auspicious.

2-10. The Dvadasi in the bright half of Bhadrapada, along with the Sravana (lunar mansion) gives everything, is auspicious, and (if) a fast (is observed on that day), it gives great fruit. Having bathed at the confluence of river(s) and fasted on Dvadasi, a man obtains the fruit of DvadaSi(-vow) without any effort. That DvadaSi which is connected with (the rise of) Mercury and

3ravaua (lunar mansion) is very great. Everything that is done on that (day) becomes inexhaustible. О Narada, a man having bathed at the confluence of rivers when Dvadasl is conjoined with Sravapa, would obtain the fruit of the gift of a cow. A wise man having placed a pitcher full of water, should put upon it a vessel, having installed (the image of) Vishgu in it. Then before it the wise one should offer eatables cooked in ghee. He should also devoutly give, according to his capacity, nine pitchers full of water. Having thus worshipped Vishgu, he should keep awake there. (Then) having got up in the spotless morning, and having worshipped Viftju with flowers, incense, offerings of eatables, fruits and very beautiful garments, he should offer him a handful of flowers and recite this hymn: ‘Repeated salutations to you, О Vishflu, conjoined with Mercury and Sravana. Destroying the stream of our sins, give us all pleasures.’

11-19. He should duly give pure food to a brahmana who has mastered the Vedas and the Vedangas, and especially to him who knows the Puranas. With his mind concentrated, the best man should accomplish all this in this manner on the bank of a river. In this case also they narrate an old account which took place in this great forest. О brahmana, listen to it. Hearing it a man is freed from great grief. There was a country named DaSaraka, and to its west, О wise one, there was the Maru country, fierce due to all (kinds of) beings. The land there had the sand very much heated. There were also great serpents. (The land there) was full of trees with scanty shadow, and crowded with dead animals. (It was crowded with trees) like saml, khadira, palasa, karira, and pilu. There were fearful groups of trees full of strong thorns. It was full of men whose vitality was exhausted (i.e. who were very weak). Such region was at places seen there. Yet all beings bounded by karma lived (there). О wise one, there was neither water nor were there clouds, the receptacles of water. О brahmana, (there) best birds were seen dead, along with their thirsty young ones remaining between their wings.

20-34. Into that country — Marujangala — like that, a merchant missing his caravan through (ill,) luck, entered. With his mind confused and oppressed with hunger, thirst and exhaustion, he did not know as to where a village was, where water was, or where he (himself) stood. Then he saw evil spirits with their senses overcome with hunger and thirst. They were large, wicked, fierce; were fleshless (i.e. very weak) and they were fearful to look at. He saw one (of them) looking ugly and mounted upon the shoulders of an evil spirit and surrounded by many evil spirits. It was not moving, was very fierce, and was accompanied by the sounds of evil spirits. The evil spirit also, having seen the man who had come to that fierce forest, got down from the evil spirit’s shoulder and approached him. Having saluted the best merchant, it said these words: “How did you enter this very fearful region?” To it the intelligent merchant sSid: “I who missed my caravan, (un-)fortunately entered this forest due to my former deeds. Thirst oppresses me, so also hunger oppresses me very much. My end has come. My words are faltering. I now do not see any remedy by means of which I would live." When this was said by him, the evil spirit said these words to the merchant: “Wait for a while after resorting to a blossomed sami. Then being offered a hospitable reception by me you will go at will.” Thus addressed, the merchant, oppressed by thirst, did like that. When it was the mid-day the evil spirit came to that region of the blossomed tree and brought down a beautiful pitcher of water, full of cold water, along with curd and rice and he himself offered it to the guest. Then merely by eating it, he was very much satisfied. And in a moment he became free from thirst and torment. Then the evil spirits came there. He gave a portion from the curd and rice (to all) one by one. The evil spirits were highly satisfied with the curd and rice along with water.

35-42a. Having gratified the guest and all the evil spirits, he himself ate at will, whatever was left of (what they had) eaten. When he was eating the good food and water were exhausted. Then the merchant said these words to the chief of the evil spirits: “This strikes me as a great wonder in this forest. Wherefrom did you secure the excellent food and drink? So also, how did you satisfy with just little food so many of these who are fleshless (i.e. weak) and have their sides broken? How is it that you have made your abode in this very fierce forest? Remove this doubt of me. I have a great curiosity (to know it).” Thus addressed by the merchant, the evil spirit spoke these words: “O sinless one, in my former birth, like me who was devoted to trade, there was no other wicked man in the entire city. Due to greed for wealth, I never gave alms to any one then. Then there was a virtuous brahmaija friend of mine.

42b-54. On the twelfth day of Bhadrapada, when the Sravaija (a Zodiacal sign) appeared, he some time went with me to the Tapi river to bathe. Her confluence with Candrabhaga was holy. Candrabhaga is the Moon's daughter, and Tapi is the Sun’s daughter. With the brahmaija I got into the lukewarm water of them. Men fasted on the occasion of the Sravagadvadashi, and gave pitcher of water full of the good Candrabhaga water to Brahmaijas. I also gave Vishnu’s image, witfc curd and rice, with lids, with an umbrella, a pair of sandals, and a garment to principal brahmagas, О very intelligent one. Then for the preservation of my wealth, I, on her bank, and in (keeping with my) vow, gave, after fasting, a charming pitcher of water. Having done that, I came home, and after some time, I expired, and due to my heresy I was reduced to the state of an evil spirit in this terrible forest like the family of snakes. On the occasion of Sravajia-dvadasi, I gave a pitcher of water. The same is received by me at mid-day every day. All other brahmanas who were sinful, who had sexual union with other’s wives, and who had plotted against their masters, became evil spirits. Here, in this Maru region, the men were born as goblins and evil spirits; and they have become my friends here. The eternal highest soul, revered Vishou is imperishable. That which is offered with reverence to him is said to be inexhaustible. Though they are repeatedly satisfied with inexhaustible food, they do not at all give up their state of evil spirits and weakness.

55-61. I after having honoured with food a guest (like) you who have come (here), have become free from the state of an evil spirit, and will obtain the highest position (viz. salvation). But these, abandoned by me, will experience terrible suffering due to their acts in this very fearful forest. О noble one, with a desire to favour me, take down the names and their lineage which are (given by me). There is an auspicious box in your upper garment. Then reaching the Himalaya mountain, you will then obtain a treasure there. О very intelligent one, then go to Gayasirsha, and perform a sraddha.” Having thus instructed the merchant as he liked, he dismissed him. He (too) being eager went away. Having reached his house first, he (then) later went to the Himalaya mountain. Then taking the treasure seen there he came (to Gayasirsha). Taking one-sixth portion of it he went to Gayashirsha.

62-75. The very intelligent one went to Gaya, performed a sraddha, (so also) a sraddha offered to the evil spirits duly and as indicated. Taking (i.e. uttering) the names and (mentioning) the families, he offered а рщ4а to everyone. He whose sraddha the merchant would perform by day, showed him his body in his dream and said: “O noble one, О sinless4one, by your favour I have abandoned the state of an evil spirit, and have reached the highest condition.” In this way the noble-minded one having duly performed (the sraddhas) at Gayasirsha, later went, repeatedly meditating upon Vishrtu, to his own house. The very intelligent one, in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada when it was the occasion of Sravai?a-dvadashI, with all necessary things went to the confluence of the rivers. Having bathed at the confluence of the rivers, he observed the DvadaSI fast. Then he bathed there, gave (gifts to brahmanas) and worshipped Vishnu. Then he with a concentrated mind gave presents to a brahmana according to the manner specified in the sacred texts. Then the intelligent merchant returned. When every year the month of Bhadrapada arrived, on the occasion of

Shravana-dvadasi (he bathed) at the confluence of rivers. Thus dedicating everything to Visiju, he performed all (the rites). After a long time he died. He obtained a great position which is difficult to be obtained by men. Even now he being waited upon by Vishnu’s servants, plays in Vaikuiitha. О brahmana, thus you observe the Dvadasi-vow. It gives all good fortune in this world and the next. It produces good ideas, it is great, and removes all sins. He who, on the occasion of the Sravana-dvadasI observes such a vow, goes to Vishnu’s world due to the efficacy of this vow.

1. О lord of gods, О lord of the Universe, О you who give pleasures and salvation, О you greatest god, tell me (that) due to which (a man) does not experience grief.

2-10. Listen, О brahmana, I shall tell you the vow of the river observed for three nights, having observed which, men do not go to hell. A man, having obtained (long) life, (good) health, matchless good fortune, happiness and wealth, so also inexhaustible (i.e. continuous) progeny, is honoured in heaven. When the month of Ashadha comes the river is full of water. She is wellknown in the Purana to be constantly full of water. In the rainy season, when (the sky) is full of clouds, she should be (served) with a vow. When the river is full with all (kinds of) water, the vow intended for three nights should be carefully observed. As is liked by one*, one should see her for three days. On the bank of a water place, when the river is flooded (he should bathe); or should carry home that water in a black pitcher. О brahmana, a wise man, having gone to the river in the morning, should bathe there, ifheisableto fast for three nights. If he is unable (to fast), he should fast by eating once a day. He should offer lamp regularly, and worship (Vis#u) in the morning and evening. Uttering the name of the great river and of Varuna, and placing (mentally) Visiju, lying in water,

11-25. (he should say:) “Salutation to the deity, О Ganga, О Gautami; О river, О Sindhu, Kaveri, Sarasvati, Salutation to you. Repeated salutations to Tapi, Payosni, Punia, Mehendrasukhada (delighting Indra), Kasyapi, GandakI and to river Sindhu. Salutation to (you), О Varuna, living in water and dear to Vishnu. О lord of the aquatic animals, О lord of water, always grant me well-being. Accept the respectful offering made by me. Give me the desired fruit.” He should also make offering of food with pumpkin gourds, coconuts, and other auspicious fruits produced in the season. (He should say:) “Salutation to you, О Kesava, О Ananta. Salutation to you lying in water. О lord, protect me. О Govinda, grant me a boon.” Thus he should, in proper order, and at proper time, worship (the deity). He being pure, and having observed the three-night vow, should break the fast after worshipping the deity and should use a vessel full of water, with fruits, flowers. О learned one, he should, along with women, children and men, with songs, musical instruments and pitchers full of river (water) and placing it at every watery place worship it with fruits and flowers.* So also with various kinds of grains and sprinklings of water. Having carefully come home laughing, singing and dancing, he should worship bamboo-baskets filled with seven (kinds of) grains. According to his capacity he should fill seven, five or three (baskets). Desiring his well-being, he should not drink river water for three nights. At the time of breaking the fast food to be eaten during certain holidays or days of fast should be procured. After bath is taken or worship is done the water of the river should not be used. Give pure food and eatables in three groups. So also (give) seven bamboo-baskets and seven water-pitchers also. He should eat food eaten on days of fast and without acrid or sweet taste. He should carefully avoid food with beans and ground with stone. О best brahmana, thus the vow should be observed for three years. When the three years are over, he should conclude it in this way:

26-32. О Narada, he should give a (brahmana) couple a black cow, with a black (piece of) cloth and Sheshamum-seeds. Having thus given (these) to a (brahmana) couple he should also give gold (to the couple) according to his capacity. О Narada, he should fashion golden image of Varuna, as the form of a river, and a fully auspicious circle (in honour) of Varuna. He should place there a pitcher along with presents. Having worshipped it that is placed there, he should duly and devoutly worship it and then give it to a brahmana. He should in accordance with his wealth and capacity feed the brahmanas, so also his preceptor who is of respectable character and who is engaged in (the study of) all sacred texts. When this is done, the vow would be complete, О learned one. He would have unending good fortune, happiness, wealth and children. He never meets with a calamity, and is, for a long time, honoured in heaven. This (vow) was observed by wives of gods and of sages also. Formerly, the naga-women and siddha-women had observed this vow. This vow of the Nadi-triratra is matchless. What else do you wish to hear? He certainly always obtains good fortune and children.

1-2. О Suta, О good one, live long. You, of a kind heart, have told us the wonderful dialogue which took place between Narada and Jshiva.O preceptor, tell us who are listening devoutly, how the noble Narada heard the importance of the lord’s names.

3-5. О best brahmanas, all you sages, listen. I am telling an old account, having heard which devotion to Krspa enhances. Once Narada, quite calm, went to see his father to the peak of (the mountain) Meru which was resorted to by siddhas and caranas. О brahmanas, Narada, the best sage, having saluted Brahma, the lord of the worlds, who was seated there, said to him:

6-8. О lord of the universe, О master, tell me how much power there is in the name of him, and of what kind is the greatness of the name of the noble one, who, the lord of the universe, is actually Naraya^a Hari, the highest soul, HeshIkesa, united with all beings. All foolish men, being deluded by illusion, do not at all know lord Vishshu in this Kali age which is worthless.

9-22. О child, please listen, how in this Kali age worship is especially to be done by reciting (his) names. The recollection of Vishflu, the conqueror, with an effort, is seen to purify untold sins, and it destroys sins. Knowing everything (else) to be false, a man who recites and mutters Vishflu’s names, is freed from all sins, and goes to Vishflu’s highest position. There is no doubt that those men who always utter the two letters Ha-ri become free just by uttering them. All expiations consist in remembering Кгда repeatedly. A man who remembers Krishna in the morning, at night and at mid-day, etc. instantly reaches Narayapa, the destroyer of sins. When just by remembering Vish#u all the suffering perishes, he attains salvation; he obtains heaven due to his reciting Vishnu’s name. A man should know that it is an eternal (state for him) whose mind is (engaged) in muttering his names, sacrifices and (his) worship, and the state continues for (the periods of) fourteen Indras. What a great disparity is there between going to heaven which is characterised by returning (i.e. by rebirth), and muttering the names of Vispu, the excellent seed (i.e. source) of salvation? That mouth is a great holy place where Praci Sarasvati filling the eddy (as it were) with the words Namo Narayarfaya (salutation to Narayaija) appears. Therefore, the best man, by remembering Vishnu day and night, and with his sins in the Kali age destroyed, does not go to hell. О you of the best vow, I have told (you) the truth and the truth (only). Merely by uttering (Vishnu’s) name a man is free from a great sin. There is no doubt that even that candala who mutters ‘Rama, Rama, Rama’ has his mind purified. Or he who mutters and recites ‘Krishna, Krishna, Krishna’, has merely by the utterance of that name, visited all holy places like Kurukshetra, Kasi, Gaya and Dvarika.

23-29a. О brahmana, he who always mutters or recites ‘Nfsimha’ with joy, abandons this world and rejoices near Vishnu. A devotee of Vishnu is freed from a great sin in the Kali age. A man obtains by repeating the names of Vishnu in the Kali age, what he obtains by meditation in the Kjta age, by performing sacrifices in the Treta age, and by worshipping Vishnu in the Dvapara age. Realising this men are plunged into Vishnu, the soul of the world. With all their sins destroyed they go to the highest position of Vishnu. Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nfsimha, Vamana, so also (Parasu-)rama, Rama, Kyspa, Buddha, and after him is said to be (the incarnation of) Kalki. These ten are said to be (Vishnu’s) ten incarnations on the earth. Merely by (uttering) their names, (even) the killer of a brahmana is always purified. He, by reciting, muttering, meditating upon Vishnu’s name in any manner, is freed. There is no doubt that he would be Vishnu himself.

29b-36a. Hearing this Narada was greatly amazed. He then said to his father: “O best god, why is it said:‘There are thousands of gods; there are thousands of Rudras. There are hundreds of manes, so also yaksas and kinnaras. So also goblins, evil spirits, fiends, and those that belong to the species of deities. The greatness of their name is not heard or seen, as I have heard about the greatness of Vispu’s name. There is no doubt that merely by uttering his name, one is freed.’ О god, what is the use of visiting the holy places or wandering over the earth? By (merely) hearing the greatness of his names, one would obtain salvation. That mouth is a great holy place, that mouth is a sacred place, in which the words ‘Rama Rama’ are (found). That mouth fulfils all desires. О you of a good vow, which are the names of him (i.e. of Vispu) that should be recited? О grandsire, tell me all that in detail.”

36b-44. This Vishnu always pervades (everything), is the ancient, highest soul. He has no beginning or end. He is glorious, the soul of beings, the creator of beings. May this Vishnu, from whom I am born, always protect (you). This one is the death of death. He is my ancestor. He is imperishable, has lotus-like eyes, and is an intelligent, immutable (great) person. Vishnu always lies on Sesha. He has a thousand heads. He is a great lord. He occupies all beings and he, Vishflu, is actually of the form of the universe. This Vishou is the enemy of Kaitabha, is the creator; (this) god is the lord of the world. О best man, I do not know his name, and (about) his family (also). О dear one, though I am the propounder of the Vedas, I never know (this). Therefore, О divine sage, go there where the lord of the universe is. О best sage, he will tell you the entire truth. He, the lord of Kailasa, is alone the ever-prosperous person. He is the best among all the devotees of Vish^u. He is greater than the great. (This) lord of Uma has five faces, and he destroys all miseries. He is the lord of the universe; hsh is the master of everything; he always loves his devotees. О best among the gods, go there; (that best god) will tell you everything.

45-55. Hearing the words of his father, Narada proceeded to go there, to the abode (of Shiva) on Kailasa, where that god, the granter of well-being, always stays, to learn the importance of Vispu’s names. There Narada saw the god honoured by deities, seated on the peak of Kailasa, the god of gods, the preceptor of the world, having five faces, ten arms, and having the trident in his hand, having a skull, having a staff with a skull at the top,1 holding a sharp spear and a sword, holding the trident, fearful, granting boons, and having the bull (i.e. Nandin) as his vehicle, with his body (smeared) with ash, having charm due to serpents, and having the (crescent-)moon on his head, resembling a dark cloud, and having the lustre of a crore of suns, and sporting there. (Prostrating himself) like a staff he (i.e. Narada) saluted the lord of gods. Seeing him, the great god, the best among the devotees of Vishnu, and with his eyes dilated due to amazement, said to the best brahmana (i.e. Narada): “O best among divine sages, why have you come here?”

О god, some time I had approached Brahma. There I heard about the excellent greatness of Vishnu. It was told there to me by Brahma, О best of gods. I heard from Brahma’s mouth how much the power of the names of him (i.e. Vishnu) is. Then I first asked about the thousand names of Vispu. Then Brahma said to me: “O Narada, I do not know (them). This great Rudra knows (them). He will tell you all.” Being very much amazed, I have come to you.

56-67a. In this terrible Kali age men are short-lived. They are engaged in impious acts. And they do not have faith in (Vispu’s) name. Similarly brahmanas are heretics and always engrossed in impious acts. They are void of (i.e. do not perform) the Sandhya (prayer), have fallen from vows, are wicked, and of dirty figures. As are the brahmanas, so are also the k?atriyas and so also vaisyas. So also are shudras and others, but not Vispu’s devotees. О lord, the Shudras are out of the fold of the twice-born in the Kali age. They do not know what is righteous, what is unrighteous, and what is beneficial and what is not.

Realising this, О master, I have approached you. And I have also heard the importance of (Vishrju’s) names from Brahma’s mouth. You are the god of all gods, and are always my lord. You are the enemy of Tripura, the universal soul and the creator, again and again. Favour me, and narrate the thousand names of Vishnu, which produces good fortune of men, and always produces great devotion in them. It gives Brahman (the Supreme Spirit or the Vedas) to the brahmanas. It gives victory to the ksatriyas. It gives wealth to vaisyas and always gives happiness to shudras. О Mahesvara, I desire to hear it from you. Among all the devotees of Kesava (i.e. Vishnu) you are the (most) capable. О you of a good vow, favour me, and tell it to me if it is not a secret. It is very pure. It is always full of all holy places. Therefore, I desire to hear it. О lord, О master of the universe, (please) tell it.

Hearing the words of Narada, (Shiva) had his eyes dilated with wonder. He was horripilated while recollecting Vishrm’s names.

1. KhatvSfiga-A club or staff with a skull at the top considered as the weapon of Shiva and carried by ascetics and yogins.

67b-68. These thousand names of Vishnu are to be kept secret. Hearing these, О child, a man would never have a miserable position. Sometime in the past Parvati said to me:

69-71. О lord of Kailasa, О lord of gods, О you who are endowed with great prosperity, tell me truly what you are muttering. How is it that your body is always smeared with ash, you wear the hide (of an antelope)? How are you having matted hair? О master of the universe, О lord, tell it (to me). You are the god of all gods; you are the superintendent of all rites. You are the lord, О master of the universe, О lord of the universe, О lord of the world.

72-75a. Thus, О brahmana, I was repeatedly asked by Parvati. Then I told everything especially to her. О Narada, listen. I shall tell (you) what I told Parvati, and by which the lord, giving salvation, will be undoubtedly pleased. He is actually my father, and always my brother. I am always his devotee; and he is always my lord. Therefore, I shall tell (it) to you. Listen to me who am telling (it).

75b-83. О brahmarias, having thus spoken to Narada, he told him the thousand names of Vishflu, which he had formerly told to Parvati. (Thus) they are received by Narada on the Kailasa (mountain). Sometime, by chance, he came from Kailasa to the very wonderful holy place called Naimishara^ya. All the sages residing there, seeing Narada, the best sage, honoured the noble Narada. Those best brahmarias, Vishshu’s devotees, seeing Narada to have come, had their eyes dilated due to amazement. They showered flowers on him. They offered him water for (washing) his feet, offered him respectful offering, so also waved light before him, offered him fruits and roots and prostrated on the ground like a staff. And they said: “O great sage, we are blessed, since in this region we have had your presence which is pure and which destroys sins. О lord of gods, by your favour we have heard the Purauas. О brahmaija, in what way would all (one’s) sins perish? How is salvation obtained without giving (gifts), without austerities, without (visiting) holy places, without penance and sacrifices, without (giving) gifts, without meditations, and without curbing the senses, and without (studying) the groups of sacred texts?”

84. Uma, having saluted (her) dear (lord), the god of gods, the preceptor of the world, i.e. Mahadeva, seated on the peak of Kailasa (mountain) asked him:

85-88. О highest god, you are the omniscient great lord, revered by all. Even gods like Indra and Siirya very much adore you. All, having worshipped you, the giver of boons, obtain desired success. You are without birth and death. You are self-born, and are all-powerful. О lord, you, having the quarters as your garment (i.e. naked), the destroyer of Madana, what do you always meditate upon? Why do you having matted hair and dusty with ash, practise penance? О lord of gods, what are you muttering? I have a great curiosity (to know it). If I deserve your favour, then tell me (about) that good vow.

89-109. I have not told this to anyone. It is to be kept secret by me. But О good one, I shall tell (to you since) you are devoted (to me) and dear to me. О goddess, formerly, in the Satya-yuga all had pure minds; and knowing Vishnu alone to be the lord of all gods, they worshipped him (alone). О dear one, they got great prosperity in this world and in the next. They who were indeed determined, secured that position which all gods and sages sufferingpain, did not obtain. Even after having heard from my mouth, gods led by Vishnu, did not, through Vedas and various Puranic doctrines, understand for certain what the truth is, or which the highest position is, as their minds were confused. О dear one, by means of gold, jewels etc. equal to their weight (given to a brahmana as a gift), by means of sacrifices like the horse-sacrifice, and by means of bathing at holy places like Varanasi or Prayaga, so also by means of offering graddhas to their dead ancestors at Gaya etc., by means of Vedic recitals and mutterings, severe austeritiets, restraints and checks, by means of kindness etc., by means of serving the preceptors (and elders), by means of duties of the castes and stages of life that are to be observed, so also by means of knowledge, meditation etc. duly practised during crores of existences, they do not reach Vishnu, the god of all gods, the supreme bliss. Even all religious men do not reach that position which those mortals who with all their thoughts and having no other course resort to that ancient ‘best person’ Vishshu, who even enjoy themselves, who do not have knowledge or detachment, who are without celibacy etc., who have given up all (other) religious acts, but who mutter only Vishshu’s names, happily reach, О you who subdue your enemies. That Vishflu should always be remembered. He should never be forgotten. All sacred injunctions and prohibitions are his commandments. Nevertheless all gods like Brahma and all innocent sages have, by means of (uttering fearlessly) Vishiju’s names, reached the position that was desired by them. I desiring greater than this, and being blessed, did not accept worship offered to me, but properly propitiated Visiju. Then the lord of the world, to whom his devotees are dear, was actually pleased, and he, Kesava, worshipped these as his portions. He, full of pity (worshipped) deities, manes, brahmanas with oblations offered to gods and dead ancestors. Since then in the three worlds with the mobile and the immobile all gods like Brahma are worshipped by the favour of the holder of the Sarngabow. He also said to me: “You would be superior to and more venerable than me. О Sambhu, I shall also propitiate you and will always receive a boon from you. Being born in the ages like Dvapara and among men in the Kali age make the people averse to me with the sacred texts prepared by you. So also censure me so that the world become better and better. I shall produce this delusion which will delude people. You too, О mighty-armed Rudra, produce sacred texts that would delude people. О you of great arms, produce (the texts) that are false and spurious. Manifest thyself and keep me hidden.”

110-116. Then having saluted the highest lord, I said: “How would the sin of the murder of thousand brahmanas perish? Even after hundreds of crores of kalpas you cannot be forgotten. So I vied (with you). О Vishnu, how would I be pure? Therefore, О Govinda, tell me the expiation you desire.” Then the lord, being pleased, told the truth about himself, by which, О daughter of the (Himalaya) mountain, I became superior to him. Everyday I adore him with penance, I eulogise him and think of him. Vi^u alone is the highest one. Knowledge about him is the means of salvation. This is the verdict of the sacred texts. Anything other than that causes delusion. All that is said like: ‘salvation is attained without knowledge’, ‘my equivalence with Vishshu’, ‘knowledge is obtained by visiting holy places’, ‘my superiority over Vishou\ or ‘identity of devotees like me with Vishriu’, leads to delusion (only and) to nothing else, О chaste lady. Due to that my greatness has become matchless, and I am honoured by the world, О Parvati.

117. Then О Shankara, О master, О lord of gods, tell me how I would be the ruler of all and matchless like you.

118-139. О dear one, you have asked well. I shall tell you the principal names of lord Vishnu, which would bring about salvation from the three worlds. Of this hymn called Vishnusahasranama (‘the thousand names of Visruf) Shri Mahadeva is the poet; the metre is anushtubh; the seed (the cause) is Hrim; the power is Srlm; the pin is Klim. Its application is in the muttering of the names for the attainment of the four goals, viz. moral merit, sensual enjoyments, worldly prosperity and salvation: ‘Om, we know Vasudeva. We think of (that) supreme Brahman; so that Vishnu should urge us (on).’ When the various assignments of (the parts of) the body, hands would be recited duly, the fruit of that is crorefold. There is no doubt about it. He (should touch his) heart (saying), ‘Shri Vasudeva is the highest Brahman’. He (should touch his) head (saying), ‘(He) is the original source’. He (should touch) the tuft of hair on his head (saying), ‘(He) is Mahavaraha’. He (should utter) the mystical syllable ‘Hum-HQm’ (saying), ‘He is the banner (i.e. the scion) of the solar dynasty’. He (should touch) his eyes (saying), ‘Infancy causing wonder to the world by means of the desired sports of Brahma etc.’ He (should touch) the astra, (saying), ‘Yathartha-khantfita-ase^a.’ Saying, “Salutation to Narayaiia the noble ‘man’,” he should have the nyasa everywhere. fiWe think of the supreme Brahman, of a pure, good, abode. Om, hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hrom, hrah; Klim to Krishna, to Vishshu. Hrim to Rama. We think of him, so that the god will urge us on. Ksraum, we know Nfsimha. Shrim, we think of Shrikafltha, so that Vishflu should prompt us. Om, we think of Devaki’s son, Vasudeva, so that that Krshiia should urge us on. Om, hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hraum, hrah. Klim, svaha (i.e. offering) to Krishna, Govinda, dear to the cowherdesses.’ Reciting this hymn he should mutter (prayers in honour of) the immutable Vishflu, Shrinivasa and the lord of the world. The wise one should recite the hymn (in honour) of him. Om, Vasudeva is the highest Brahman, he is the highest soul, he is greater than the great. He is a great lustre, a great light, the great first principle, the highest position. He (is) great Shiva, the great (object) to be pondered over. He is the highest knowledge and the bes|recourse. He is the highest truth, the highest bliss, the highest joy and rise. He is greater than the Invisible; he is the highest sky; he is the highest prosperity, the highest lord; he is full, immutable, admitting no alternative, and without a prop. He is unstained, free from fear, unsmeared, unrestrained. He is qualityless; he is whole; has no end; is fearless; is inconceivable; and is fit for the weak. He is beyond the scope of the senses; he is immeasurable; unlimited; he has no lord; has no desire; is immutable and indestructible. He is omniscient; omnipresent; he is everything; he gives everything; and creates everything. He is the ruler of all; he sees everything; he is adorable to all; and observes all things. He is all-powerful; has all the vigour; is the soul of all; and has faces on all sides. He stays everywhere; has all forms; is the source of all; and removes the misery of all. He has all the wealth; he is auspicious on all sides; he is the cause of all causes. He excels all; he is the head of all, is the lord of all gods. He is shadvimsaka (the twenty-sixth principle?); is Maha Vishnu; a great secret; and a great ruler. He is always lofty; always diligent; he is always joy; he is ancient. He is the lord of illusion; the lord of abstract meditation; lord of beatitude; and self-born. He is beyond birth, death and old age. He is beyond time and has gone beyond the worldly existence. He is full. He is truth; he is of a pure and enlightened nature. He is always full of intelligence. Abstract meditation is dear to him. He can be known by abstract meditation. He alone frees (the beings) from the bonds of the worldly existence. He is the ancient soul, he is inwardly the spirit. He is Purushottama (highest person). He is to be known from the Upanisads. He is difficult to be known. He is free from the three kinds of miseries.1 Knowledge of the Vedas is his resort. He is without a beginning. He is self-illumined and the master of himself. He can be approached by all. He is neutral. He is Omkara. He is equal on all sides. He is the fourth state of the soul (i.e. Brahman). He is beyond darkness. He is the supreme soul. He has touched everything. He is beyond the scope of speech or mind. He is Samkarshapa. He drags everything (unto him); he is death. He is fearful to all. He cannot be overcome. He has a wonderful gait. He is Maha Rudra; he is unconquerable. He is the root cause (of the Vorld). He is joy. He is Pradyumna. He deludes everyone. His divine power is great. He is the only place of happiness. He is desired by all. His pastimes are unending. He subjugates all beings. He is Aniruddha. He is the life of all. He is Hrishikesha. He is the lord of the mind. The guileless are dear to him. He is Brahman. He directs everything. He is the lord of the life of Brahma. He supports all beings. He is the lord of the body. He is the soul. He is the origin. He is the lord. He is the Supreme Being. He holds all the threads (of the conduct of the universe). He is the internal soul. He has three abodes. He is the internal witness (i.e. the soul). He has three constituents (viz. sattva, rajas and tamas). He is the lord. He is known by meditating saints. He is Padmanabha (having a lotus arising from his navel). He lies on Shesha. He is the lord of Lakshmi.

1. Tdpatraya — The three kinds of torments: caused by the mind (Adhyfttmika), caused by fate (Adhidaivika), and caused by animals (Adhibhautika).

140-155. His lotus-like feet are always served by Lakshmi. He always has Shri (i.e. Lakshmi or affluence). He is the abode of Shri. Shri (i.e. Lakshmi) always rests on his chest. He is the treasure of Shri. He is Srldhara (i.e. possesses Shri). He is Hari (i.e. Vishnu). He controls Shri. He is steady. He gives wealth. He is Vishnu (literally, one who enters). He has his abode in the Milky Ocean. His chest shines with the Kaustubha (gem). He is Madhava (the husband of Ma, i.e. Lakshml). He removes the afflictions of the world. On his chest is the (mark of) Shrivatsa. He is the abode of unbounded auspicious qualities. He wears a yellow garment. He is the lord of the world. He is the father of the world. He is the kinsman of the world. He is the supporter of the world. He is the treasure of the world. He is the only one of a sparkling vigour in the world. He is not an egotist. He is full of all wonders. He has accomplished all objects. He is entertained by all. His exertion is never unfailing. Brahma, Shiva are his excellent consciousness. He is Shiva’s grand-father. He is Brahma’s father. He is the superior lord of Indra and others. He is dear to all gods. He is the image of all gods. He is excellent. He is the only resort of all gods. He is the only deity of all gods. He enjoys the sacrifice. He is the creator of the sacrifice. He is the protector of the sacrifice. He is the (chief) man (i.e. deity) of the sacrifice. He wears the garland of wood-flowers.

He is dear to brahmanas. He alone honours brahmanas. He is the family-deity of brahmanas. He is the destroyer of the demons. He destroys all the wicked. He is the only protector of all good men. He is the only belly of the seven worlds. He is the only ornament of the seven worlds. He is the creator, the sustainer and the destroyer (of the world). He holds the disc. His bow is Sariiga. He holds a mace. He holds a conch. He has the Nandaka (sword). He has a lotus in his hand. Garu^a is his vehicle. His body cannot be pointed out. He is adored by all. He purifies the three worlds. His fame is endless. His virility is boundless. He is all-auspicious. He resembles crores of suns. He is unconquerable like crores of Yamas. He is the creator of the world like crores of Mayas. He is very powerful like crores of winds. He delights the world like crores of moons. He is a great god like crores of Sambhus. His loveliness is like that of crores of Cupids. He is inaccessible and a destroyer of crores of enemies. He is deep like crores of oceans. He has the appellations of crores of holy places. He is rich like crores of Kuberas. He has amorous pleasures like those of crores of Indras. He is steady like crores of Himalayas. His body contains crores of universes. He destroys sins like crores of horse-sacrifices. He is adorable like crores of sacrifices. He is the cause of satisfaction like crores of (i.e. very large quantity of) nectar. He grants desired objects like crores of desire-yielding cows. His form is of crores of Vedic lores. He is 3ipivishta (i.e. is pervaded by rays). He is Sucisravas (literally, of pure ears or hearing).

156-168. He supports the universe. His feet are like a holy place. Hearing and talking about him is meritorious. He is the first god. He is the conqueror of the world. He is the killer of Kalanemi. He is Vaikuijtha. His greatness is infinite. He is the great joy of the masters of abstract meditation. He is always content. He is of bright thoughts. He is fearless. He is the destroyer of Naraka. He is the only refuge of the poor and the helpless. He alone removes all calamities. He is always capable of favouring the world. He is kind. He is the resort of the good. He is the master of abstract meditation. He is ever grown. He is free from increase and decrease. He has controlled his senses. He is Visvaretas (i.e. Brahma). He is the lord of hundreds of the lords of created beings. His feet are worshipped by Indra and Brahma. His lustre surpasses that of Shiva and Brahma. The Sun and the Moon are his eyes. He enjoys everything. He has mastered everything. He has controlled illusion. He has controlled the universe. He is ViSvaksena (i.e. he, on seeing whom even the mighty army of gods retreats and scatters away). He is the best of gods. He is the lord of all bliss. He is adorned with divine, invaluable ornaments. He is characterised by all (good) characteristics. He has destroyed the pride of all demons. He is the all-in-all of all gods, and the leader of all deities. He is the armour of all gods. He is the crest-jewel of all gods. He is the fortress of all gods. He is the adamantine (protective) cage of all that have resorted to him. He is called ‘the remover of the fear of all’. He is Vishtarasravas (i.e. of beautiful and efficient ears). He is the supreme ruler. He is the end of the good of all. He has killed (his) enemies. He gives (one) a position in heaven. He is the lord of the life of all deities. He appoints the brahmanas etc. His life is longer by a parardha than that of Brahma and Shiva. He is older than Brahma. He is a child. He is the supreme Being. He is Virat (i.e. the first progeny of Brahma). He is dependent on his devotees. He is fit to be praised. He accomplishes the object of (i.e. to be had by means of) a hymn. He obliges others. He knows what is fit to be done. He has always given up acts for his self-interest. He is always glad. He is always auspicious. He is always calm. He is always propitious. He is always dear. He is always content. He is always nourished. He is always adored.

169-188. He is always pure. He is the best among those that purify. He is (to be) concealed by the Vedas. He is Vfsakapi. He has a thousand names. He is the three yugas. He has four forms. He has four arms. He is the lord of the past, future and present. He is the ancestor of great men. He is Narayana (i.e. having the water as his abode). His hair is like the munja grass. He has spread out by means of all abstract meditation. He is the essence of the Vedas. He is the essence of sacrifices. He is the essence of Samans. He is the treasure of penance. He is a Sadhya (i.e. a celestial being). He is the highest. He is an ancient sage. He is solely devoted to steadiness and calmness. He is the destroyer of Shiva’s trident. He is the only giver of boons to Shiva. He is the ‘man’. He is Krishna. He is Hari. He is delighted in righteousness. Righteousness is his life. He is the first agent. He is all-truth. He removes the pride of all womengems. He has conquered Madana for all the three times. He is the chief of the sages who produced Urvasi. He is the first poet. He is Hayagriva. He is the lord of all the masters of speech. He is full of all gods, Brahma, and Guru, and the lord of the goddess of speech. He is the source of endless lores. He is the destroyer of the root-ignorance. He knows and gives everything. He destroys the dullness of the world. He is the killer of (the demon) Madhu. He is the master of many crores of hymns. He alone has mastered the Vedas. He is the first learned (being). He is the author of the Vedas. He is the soul of the Vedas. He is the ocean of the holy texts. He has snatched the Vedas (from the demons) for Brahma. He is the land of birth (i.e. the source) of all worldly knowledge. He is the king of lores. He is the form of knowledge. He is the ocean of knowledge. His intelligence is uninterrupted. He is the fish-god (i.e. the Matsyavatara). He has large horns. Being the seed of the world, he looks out. He has easily occupied the entire ocean. He is the propounder of the four Vedas. He is the first tortoise (i.e. the Kiirmavatara). He is the prop of everything. He has made the burden of the world (as light) as grass. He has made a stream of gods immortal. He is the cause of the production of ambrosia. He is the support of the soul. He is the support of the earth. He is not a portion of the sacrifice. He holds the earth. He destroyed Hiranyaksha. He is the lord of the earth. He has fashioned sraddha etc. He removes the fear of all dead ancestors. He is the life of all the dead ancestors. He alone enjoys the oblations offered to gods and dead ancestors; and he alone gives the fruit of the oblations offered to gods and to dead ancestors. The ocean is concealed in his bristles. He has agitated the entire ocean. He is the great Boar (incarnation). He is the destroyer of those who (try to) destroy the sacrifices. He is the refuge of those who perform sacrifices. He is iShri Nfsimha (incarnation). He is a divine lion. He destroys all undesired things and miseries. He is the only hero of a wonderful might. He alone destroys (evil) forces and charms. His lustre is unbearable (even) to Brahma etc. He, the foremost in ending a yuga, is extremely fearful. His nails are (sharper) than crores of thunderbolts. He has a form which is unbearable for the world to see. He is the lord of the group of the great(divine) mothers. He is endowed with inconceivable and unfailing power. He is the destroyer of all (lemons. He is the destroyer of Hiraijyakasipu. He is Death. He is the lord of Samkarsani. He is unbearable even for Yama’s vehicle. He destroys all fears. He puts an end to all obstacles. He is the giver (of all kinds) of prosperity. He fulfils all (desires). He is the destroyer of all sins. He is called Siddhimantradhika (i.e. superior to a hymn giving prosperity). He is the lord of Bhairava (i.e. Shiva). He removes the affliction of Shiva. He is inaccessible to crores of Deaths. He is called Daityagarbhasravin (i.e. one tearing asunder the demon-embryos). He roars like the bursting universe.

189-198. He protects everyone that just remembers him. He has a wonderful form. He is great Vishnu. He has a body with celibacy as the head. He is the ornament of the upper part of the bodies of the regents of the quarters. He has a string of twelve suns on his head. His anklet is just one head of Rudra. He is the protector of Parvati possessed by the Yoginis (her attendants). He threatens Bhairava. He is the lord of the host of heroes. He is very fierce. He is the enemy of the ecliptic1. He is the death of Sambara. He is lord of anger. He is the devourer of the wicked (troubling) the retinue of Rudra and Candi. He is not (at all) agitated by any one. He is the death of death. He keeps off* Kala, the Death. He destroys all incurable diseases. He softens all evil Planets. He destroys the pride of crores of the chiefs of (diva’s) attendants. He is unbearable to every Indra. He is difficult to be looked at by gods and demons. He is terrible, causing fear to the world. He protects (beings) from all miseries. He devours the devourer of the world. He is Shiva. He is the cat in the form of the sky, the devourer of the rat in the form of Kala (Time or Death). His staff-like arms hold endless weapons. He is Nrsimha. He is the conqueror of Virabhadra. He is the lord of the secret bevy of witches. He is the eater of the flesh of Indra’s enemy. He is Rudra. He is Naraya^a. He is the vechicle of Shankara in the form of a goat. He is the protector of Shiva in the form of a goat. He enjoys a thousand wicked powers.

He is dear to Tulasi (or Tulasi is dear to him). He is a hero. He is the giver of all desired objects to the Vamacara (devotees of Shiva). He is Mahashiva. He has Shiva (i.e. Parvati) mounted upon him. He is having a bird. He is the master of the disc. He gives a divine and attractive form to Indra. He gives good fortune to Parvati. He is the treasure of illusion. He removes the fear due to illusion. He is full of the lustre of Brahman (or of Vedas). He is full of the glory of Brahman (or of Vedas). He is full of triad (of the Vedas).

199-212. He is Subrahmapya. He is Vamana, the destroyer of Bali. He is Upendra, the remover of Diti’s grief. He is the King. He is Vishnu. He is the ornament of Kasyapa’s family. He is the giver of his kingdom to Bali. He is the giver of food to all gods and brahmanas. He is Acyuta (i.e. Imperishable). His strides are wide. The holy places are at his feet. He stays at Tripada (i.e. in heaven). He is Trivikrama (i.e. Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation). His feet are in the sky. He has purified the three worlds with the water (flowing) from his feet. His feet are fit to be saluted by Brahma, Shiva etc. He runs quickly with the feet of Dharma. His expanse is inconceivable and wonderful. He is a very strong universal tree. He has cut the upper part of Rahu’s head. He took off the head of Bhrigu’s wife. He is afraid of sins. He is always meritorious. He always cuts off the hope of the demons. He has fulfilled the desires of all gods. He has descended (i.e. has had his incarnations) only for the (good of) the universe. He has always concealed his soul by means of his illusion. He is always the desire-yielding gem for his devotees. He, the sinless one and the giver of boons, has given kingdoms to kings like Kartavirya. His unlimited acts are fit to be praised by all. He is Dattatreya. He is the lord of sages. He is always in close contact with the highest power. He delights in abstract meditation. He is always furious. He has removed the lustre of all the enemies of Indra. He drinks the best nectar. He is the gem of an embryo of Anasuya. He gives enjoyments and salvation. He is the sun to the family of Jamadagni. He produced wonderful power in Repuka. He is unstained by (the sin of) matricide. He is the conqueror of Skanda. He gives a kingdom (even) to a brahmana. He puts an end to all bodies. He destroys the pride of heroes. He is the conqueror of Kartavirya.

He is the giver of (the earth consisting) of seven islands. He gives glory to diva’s worshipper. He is Bhima. HeiSParasurama. He is a good preceptor and the enjoyer of everything. He is the encyclopedia of all auspicious knowledge. He is Bhishmacarya. He is Agni’s deity. He is the preceptor of Бгоцасагуа. He has a bow that conquers the universe. He is the conqueror of Yama. He is a matchless form of penance. The present of (i.e. received by) him is celibacy only. He is the greatest Manu. He is a bridge for the good (to cross the mundane existence). He is great. He is a bull. He is Virat. He is the first King. He is the father of the earth. He is the only one who has milked (i.e. taken) out all gems. He is great. He is exceptionally diligent from the beginning of his existence. He is Speech. He is Wealth. He is Fame. He is self-chosen. He gives courage to the world. He is the greatest among the sovereign emperors. He holds a unique weapon.

213-218. He is to be secured by sages like Sanaka and increases devotion for the lord. He is the author of the duties of the castes and the stages of life. He is a speaker. He is a propounder. He is the banner (i.e. the scion) of the solar dynasty i.e. Rama, a descendant of Raghu, and the ocean of virtues, (so also) the descendant of Kakutstha, the king of heroes (or the heroic king), the king, and the leader in the kingly duties. He always has an independent abode. He accepts all auspicious things. He sees only auspicious things. He is a gem among men. He is the sea. He is the superintendent of Dharma. He is a great treasure. He is the abode of all the greatest. He has the vitality of the host of the truths of all sacred texts. The world is under his control. He is Dasaratha’s son. He is a king, the resort of all gems. He has produced all modes of conduct. He observes all ways of conduct. He destroys all sins. He is superior to Indra. He is beyond metaphysical and profane knowledge. He is the ocean of forgiveness. He is liked by all excellent, eminent people. He is not perturbed by joy or sorrow. He gave up his empire at the behest of his father. He is not afraid of the rise of his rivals. He gave wealth to the country of Guha. He wears matted hair in emulation of Shiva. He got the mountain of gems from Chitrakuta. He is the lord of the world. He moves in the forest.

219-228. He performs a sacrifice as he likes. All his missiles are infallible. He destroyed the eyes of the son of the lord of gods. He is the lunar month of PaushaJ having the days like Brahma and Indra. He is the killer of Marica, and the destroyer of Viradha. He purified the entire Dan^akarapya that was harmed by the curse of Brahma. He alone is the holder of the only arrow that killed fourteen thousand fierce demons. He is the enemy of Khara. He is the killer of Trisiras. He is the killer of Dusana. He is Janardana. He performed the last ceremonies of Jatayus, and helped him obtain heaven. He is the king of the hymn which is the all-in-all of Agastya. He scattered away the great heap of the bones of Dundubhi with the end of his sportive bow. He destroyed the demon in the nether world dragging and striking him with a saptatala (tree). He is the giver of the kingdom to Sugriva. He grants fearlessness with a large mind. He takes up thf form of all the monkeys with Hanumat and Rudra as the chief lords. He agitated the ocean with one arrow, along with the serpents and the demons. He dried and parched the ocean with the tip of just one arrow along with mlecchas. Formerly he built a wonderful bridge over the sea. He is the treasure of glory. He accomplishes what is impossible to be accomplished. He is dexterous in pulling upwards Lanka along with its root. He cut off the family of Ravaija, haughty due to a curse, and a cause of poignant grief to the world. He killed Ravaija’s son. He cut off* (i.e. killed) Prahasta. He pierced (i.e. killed) Kumbhakarna. He is the killer of the pierced ones. He is the only one to cut off Ravafla’s head. He has given a kingdom free from fear to Indra. He cuts off (the difference between) what is heavenly and unheavenly. He removes the non-Indra-hood of Indra. He removes the godhead of the demons. He destroys unrighteousness. He is praised by many. He, the enemy of Ravaija, gave the kingdom (of Lanka) to Bibhisapa by means of just being saluted.

229-243. He brought back to life his entire army that was dead by the shower of nectar. He is the only supporter, just by (means of) his name (being uttered), of gods and brahmagas. He is honoured by all gods. He loves Sati offered by the host of Brahma, Siirya, Indra, Rudra etc. He is the all-rulpr of the kingdom of Ayodhya. He is charming to all the beings. He favours and punishes like a master. He loves only the good whether low or high. He shows (ways of) justice to those who belong to his side and others. He accomplishes more with a small object. He is the protector of him who behaved improperly under the pretext of a hunter. He does all equal (i.e. impartial) things. He is a free soul due to the superiority of Parvati. He is not abandoned by his dear ones. He is the conqueror of Madana’s enemy. He is actually the father of Indra etc. in the guise of Kusha and Lava. He is never conquered. He is the lord of Kosala. His arms are like those of a hero. He abandoned his brothers for truth. He shook the bright globe of the earth by taking an aim with his arrow. He made the deities possessed of a guardian by his proximity desired by Brahma and others. He has the host of all beings like the cabalas, who have reached Brahma’s world. He himself led donkeys and horses. For a long time he protected Ayodhya. He is Sumitra’s son, Lakshmana, who was accompanied by Rama and who killed Indrajit. He (i.e. Bharata) a devotee of Vishnu, was delighted with the kingdom on getting the sandals of Rama’s feet. He is Bharata who killed a crore of the unbearable gandharvas. He is Shatrughna, the destroyer of Lavana. He is the lord of physicians. He is the master of the herbs (mentioned) in Ayurveda. He always has the rays of nectar (or he always produces nectar). He is Dnanvantari. He is sacrifice. He uplifts the world. He kills SQrya’s enemy. He supports the gods. He is the lord of Dakshina (south, or the fee given to a brahmaria). He is dear to brahmanas. With his head cut, he is the sun, the lord of those who give good fortune. He gives everything. His form is unhurt, though with the head cut off with a missile(?). He is the fire of the name of Vajapeya etc. He is intent upon following the practices laid down in the Veda. He is the lord of the Sveta Dvlpa. He is the propounder of the Samkhya (system). He is the lord of all accomplishments. He has destroyed the darkness of delusion by the knowledge manifested in the universe. He is the son of Devahutl. He is Siddha. He is Kapila and the son of Kardama. He is the master of abstract meditation. He reduced to ash Sagara’s sons, due to his meditation being disturbed (by them). He is Dfaarma. He is the lord of virtue. He is the lord of Surabhi. He is meditated upon by a pure soul. He is Shiva. He obtained stability only after burning Tripura, and carries the chariot of the universe. He is won over by his devotee Sambhu. He is like a well of nectar to the demons. He is penance.

244-264. He is the universe with the great deluge, and the second king of all serpents. He is god shesha. He has a thousand eyes. He has a thousand mouths, heads and arms. He has joined with the drop-like gems of his hood the ocean, the clouds and the earth. He produces death like fire and Rudra. He has a pestle as his missile. He has a plough as his weapon. He has put on dark-blue garments. He looks charming with the spirituous liquor. He removes the blemishes of the speech and the body. He is discontent. He knocked down Ravana by merely casting a glance at him. He restrained Bali. He is fierce. He is Balarama. He is the killer of Pralamba. He is the killer of Mustika. He is the killer of Dvivida. He is Bala(-rama) who dragged Yamuna. He is the husband of Revati. Due to the lassitude in former devotion he is the elder brother of Acyuta (i.e. Vishnu). He is the son of Kasyapa and Aditi, called Devaki and Vasudeva. He is (Krishna) the descendant ofVrsni. He is the greatest among the Satvatas. He is Sauri. He is the perpetuator of the Yadu family. He is of the form of a man. He is the Supreme Brahman. He is Savyasacin (i.e. Arjuna). He is the giver of boons. His grace is desired by Brahma etc. and his childhood is a wonder to the world. He killed Piitana. He broke Sakata, Yamala and Arjuna. He is the enemy of Vatasura. He is the killer of Kesin. He is the enemy of Dhenuka. He is the lord of cows. He is Damodara. He is the god of the cowherds. He is the giver of joy to Yasoda. He crushed Kaliya. He is dear to all the

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