Adhyaya 69

हिन्दी अर्थ

शरदुतो पुनः शुश्रा वसन्ति मुनिदेवताः । पर्जन्यश्चाथ पूषा च भरद्वाजः सगौतमः १२ विश्वावसुश्च गन्धर्वास्तथव सुरभिश्च यः(या) । विश्वाची वा घृताची च उमे ते शुभलक्षण.

English

The holy Gandharvas and Apsaras-s are glorified as the children of Muni, viz. Gitrasena, Ugrasena, Grnayu, Anagha, Dhptarastra, Puloman, Suryavarcas, Yugapat, Trnapat, Kali, Diti, Citraratha, the thirteenth Bhramisiras, the fourteenth Parjanya, the fifteenth Kali and the sixteenth Narada—these divine Gandharvas are glorified as descendants of Muni. There are their thirtyfour 2 younger sisters, the aus¬ picious Apsaras-s, viz. Antara, Daravatya, Priyamukhya, Surot- tama, Misrakesi SacI, Parninx, Alambusa, Marica, MarxcT, Putrika, Vidyud, Varna, Tilottama, Adrika, Laksana, Devi, Rarhbha, Manorama, Suvara, Subahu, Purnita, Supratisthita, Pundarika, Sugandha, Sudanta,Surasa, Hemasara, Suti, Suvrtta, Kamala, Subhuja, Hamsapada—these are the worldly 3 Apsaras-s. This chapter enumerates the prominent members of clans of Gandharvas, Apsaras-s, birds, serpents, Yaksas, Raksasas, Pisacas, Y&tudha- nas and other species possessing supernatural powers. Even after splitting Vidyudvarna into Vidyutand Varna the number of these Apsaras-s is 32 and not 34 stated here. Bd. 3.7-5 states twentyfour as the number of Apsaras-s. It is not understood why the sons of Muni are called 'Deoa- Gandharvas * (Divine Gandharvas) while their sisters, the Apsaras-s are called The daughters of Gandharvas had been (will be) narra¬ ted by me. Now listen to my enumeration of their names. Suyasa was the first among them. GandharvI comes next. Then are Vidyavatl, Carumukhx and SumukhI of ex¬ cellent face. The sons of Suyas'a were very powerful and valorous. Yaksas were the sons of Pracetas. Listen to their names. Kambala, Harikesa, Kapila, Kancana and Megha- mall are said to constitute the group of Yaksas. Suyasa's four daughters are remembered as Apsaras-s. Listen to and understand their names, as I recount them. Loheyi was the eldest; Bharata was the next. Then were Krsangl and Visala who were unequalled in beauty. From them other four groups of Yaksas were procreated by the valorous and noble-souled Visala. Loheya, Bharateya, the renowned Krsangeya and ViSaleya were the groups of Yaksas famous in the Purana. O excellent ones among the knowers of Loka and Aloka, (the worlds) have been occupied by these terrible Asuras of great strength and prowess. The Gandharvas called Valeyas were procreated by the noble-souled Vikranta. They were the leaders of great Gandharvas. They possessed great prowess, and were richly endowed with valour and liberal-mindedness. I shall mention duly and in proper order the names of those highly mighty and valorous Gandharvas. They were: Citrangada, Citravarma of great prowess, the highly fortunate Citraketu and the valorous Somadatta. There were three daughters also. Their names are being men¬ tioned.

हिन्दी अर्थ

नाग ऐरावतश्चेव विश्रुतश्च धनंजयः । सेन (ना )जिच्च सुषेणश्च सेनानी्ँग्रामणीश्च तो निवास करते हैं। ये सब क्रम से दो-दो महीना सूर्य के रथ पर रहते हैं। धाता-अयमा आदित्य, पुलस्त्य-पुलह प्रजापति वासुकि-संकीर्णार सपं, तुम्बुरु-नारद गायक श्रेष्ठ गन्धर्व, ऋतु-स्थली पुवज्जिकस्थला अप्सरायें, रथ कृच्छु-उर्ज ग्रामणी यानी शिल्पी, हेति-प्रहेति यातुधान राक्षस चैत्र-वेशाख में सूय के गण होकर उनके साथ रहते हैं ।१-५। फिर ज्येष्ठ आषाढ़ में यानी वसन्‍्त के बाद ग्रीष्म ऋतु में मित्र-वरुण आदित्य, अन्रि-वसिष्ठ

English

The first was Agnika. Kambala was the next. Then was Vasumati. All these had unequalled splendour. Three other important groups of the chief Gandh- arvas were begotten of them by Kumara. They were valorous and invincible in war. They were Agneyas, Kambaleyas and sons of Vasumati. This world consisting of the mobile and the immobile is pervaded by these various groups. They possessed learning and were procreated by the noble-souled Vikranta. They were blessed and were richly endowed with beauty, learning and wealth. Listen to the enumeration of the names of those noble- souled Gandharvas of distinctive prowess. They were: Hiranyaroman, Kapila, Suloman, Mag- adha, Candraketu, Ganga and the highly powerful Goda. These were the first among the groups who were ascetics, valorous and pure on account of deep learning. They were Siva and Sumanas. The groups Saiveya, the valorous and Saumanasa as well were begotten of them by the noble-souled Visravas. They practised learning. This world is pervaded by these three groups of Vidyadharas. From these, many hundreds of groups of firmament- walkers were born in the world due to the activities of the Vidyadharas. Samudra, Sena, Kalinda, Mahanetra, Mahabala, Suvarnaghosa, Sugrlva, the valorous Mahaghosa and others are the leading ones of the noble-souled Kinnaras with the faces of horses. They are being glorified as extensive (in number) by scholars. O Sarhsapayana, human-faced Kinnaras too were similarly procreated by the noble-souled Vikranta. Harisena, Susena, the valorous Varisena, Rudra- datta, Indradatta,Candradruma,Mahadruma, Bindu andBindu- sara were the Kinnaras of the lunar race. Thus these excellent and auspicious Kinnaras have become famous in the world. O excellent Brahmanas, in this world there are hundreds of clans of these noble-souled Kinnaras, very efficient in dance and music. They are Yaksas calmed by Yaksas (?) The beauti¬ ful daughter of Loheya, named Suravinda was brilliant and honoured by the Siddhas. (Defective Verse) The groups of Bhutas (goblins) had been procreated by the terrible Upayakctana. Listen to their names (?). The groups of Bhutas (goblins) should be known as those who haunt from within and without etc. ( avesakas, nivesakas). They are declared as being visible in the world. Those that are the excellent ones among Bhutas that move about in the sky are to be known as the leaders of these Bhutas in the world. Undoubtedly they move about in the sky up to the tops of trees.

हिन्दी अर्थ

ऋषि, तक्षक-रम्भसप, मेनका-सहजन्या अप्सरा, हाहा-ह॒ह गनन्‍्धवें, रथस्वन, रथचित्र ग्रामणी तथा पौरुषेय- बध नामक यातुधान राक्षस सूर्य के साथ करते हैं। सावन-भादों में उनके साथ दूसरे-दुसरे देवता निवास करते हैं ।६-८१। जैसे, इन्द्र विवस्वान् आदित्य, अंगिरा, भूगु मुनि, एलापर्ण, शंखपाल सप, विष्वावसू उद्मसेन गन्धवे, प्रात:-अरुण प्रम्लोचा-निम्लोचा अप्सरा और व्याप्र रवेत राक्षस । आश्विन-कार्तिक (शरद ऋतु) में आगे

English

Almost all Devas and Gandharvas have been nar¬ rated by me. Those famous persons should be known as engaged in worshipping Devas. Along with Gandharvas, Devas who are clever musicians and experts in dance and music stay in all the worlds. They worship Narayana who is lotus-eyed, free from Rajas Guna and the foremost of gods, god Brahma who is self-born and four-faced, great god Sankara who is Isana and the lord of the Universe. (They worship) Rudras and Adityas led by Indra, along with Vasus. The blessed Varistha who is honoured by gods, gave birth to eight sons. Hariisa was the eldest and the youngest was another. The middle ones were Haha and Huhu. The fourth was Dhisana. Then Vasiruci (was born). Tumburu was the sixth among them. Then Visvavasu. These Apsaras-s(celestial artiste) are considered as divine and of auspicious characteristics. Manovati and Sukesa were the two daughters of Tumburu. Urvasi who was faultless (exquisitely beautiful) in every Men aka was the daughter of Mena, delightedly engros¬ sed in meditating upon Brahman. All of them are expounders of Brahman (Vedas) and great Yoginis. The groups of the holy Apsaras-s are fourteen. Among these fourteen gagas Ahutas (is the first) and Sobhayantls is the (fourteenth) x. (Ahutas) are the mental daughters of Brahma and Sobhayantls are Manu's daughters. Vegavantis are the daughters of Arista and Agnisambhavas are the daughters of fjrja. 1 2 3 Ayusmantls are shining groups born of the rays of the sun. The groups born of water i.e. produced from Amrta (water, nectar) are remembered by the name Amrtas. The Vayu-born groups are named Mudas, those born of the Earth are Bhavas, the groups Rues are born of Vidyut (lightning) and the daughters of Mrtyu are Bhairavas. The group Sobhayantls have the attributes of Kama (Cupid). Thus the fourteen groups have been narrated. They have been created with exquisitely superb beauty by the groups of Suras including Indra and Upendra (Visnu). The divine lady Tilottama is of auspicious features and extremely blessed. Thecelestial damselPrabhavatl richly endowed Our text has given only the names of the first and the fourteenth group. Probably some lines missing in our text are found in Bd. 3.7.18-20a as follows: The text needs emendation: 'The Urjas are born of the Fire-god* as Orjas arc a garia of Apsaras-s (vide Bd. 3.7..21). Some lines appear to be missing. This translation is of the printed text of Va. P. The missing lines are probably the same as Bd. 3.7.21b and They mention the classes of divine damsels,viz. Yuvatis, Kurus, Sruks and Barhis who are respectively born from the Sun-god, the Moon-god, Yajna (Sacrifice) and Kusavati.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कहे हुए देव-मुनिगण सूर्य के साथ निवास करते हैं ।९-११३ । पज॑न्य-पूषा आदिध्य, भरद्वाज, गौतम मुनि, विश्वावसु-सुरभि गन्धेवं, विश्वाची-धृताची अप्सरा, ऐरावत-धंनंजय सपं, सेनाजित्-सुषेण सेनानी आमणी और आप वात नामक राक्षस फिर हेमनत ऋतु के अगहन-पूष मास में सूद से साथ अंश-भग आदित्य, हैमन्तिकौ तु दो मसो वसन्ति तु दिवाकरे। अंशो भगश्च द्वावेती फश्यपश्च ऋतुश्च ह् भुजज़श्च महापद्मः सर्प: कर्कोटकस्तथा । चित्रसेनश्च गन्धवं ऊर्णायुश्चेव तावुभो उर्वशी विप्रचित्तिश्व तथवाप्सरसो शुभे । ताक्ष्यंश्वारिष्टनेमिश्च सेनानीग्रमिणीश्च तो विद्युत्स्फ्जंश्च॒ तावुग्रो यातृुधानावुदाहुतो । सहे चेव सहस्ये च बसन्‍्त्येते दिवाकरे

English

The celestial woman of great lustre, Vedavatl by name, was born from the bottom (surface) of the altar of the intelligent four-faced lord (Brahma). Similarly the daughter of Yama, the bright-eyed celes¬ tial woman Hema had the lustre of excellent gold and possessed beauty and youth..- Thus there are many thousands of shining groups of Apsaras-s. They are the wives and mothers of Devas and Sages. All the Apsaras-s are equally fragrant with the comple¬ xion of Gampa (Mickelia Champacca ). During the. course of their intercourse with their lovers, they are inebriated without imbib¬ ing wine. By their contact, their pleasure increases. Vinata had two sons Aruna and Garuda who had thirty- six sisters. They are remembered as their younger sisters. Gayatrl and other chandas (Vedic Metres), birds bom of Garuda and also the Havyavaha groups present in the quar¬ ters (pertain to Vinata?) Kadrii 1 gave birth to a thousand serpents both mobile and immobile. They are hydra-headed noble souls, capable of traversing in the sky, since they are great in number. They have many names (but) learn the chief of them. The most important of those serpents are Sesa, Vasuki, Taksaka, Karnlra, Jambha, Anjana, Vamana, Airavata, Mahapadma,{Kambala, Asvatara,Ailapatra, Sankha, Karkotaka, Dhananjaya, Mahakarna, Mahanila, Dhrtarastra, Balahaka, Kumara, Puspadanta, Sumukha, Durmukha, Silimukha, Dadhi- mukha, Kallya, Salipindaka, Bindupada, Pundarlka, the serpent Apurana, Kapila, Ambarisa, Dhrtapada, Kacchapa, Prahlada, Padmacitra, Gandharva, Manasvika, Nahusa, Khararoman and Mani and many others like them. The sons of Kadru have been enumerated by me. Understand those of Khasa. Khasa gave birth to two sons who were well-known as Verses 65-67 enumerate the names of most important of Kadru's children, viz. serpents. At first, Khasa gave birth to a very terrible son of the following description: He was excessively red in colour and devoid of ears. He had four arms, four feet, two heads and two¬ fold gait. He had hair all over the body. He had a huge body with a raised-up nose (like a snout) and a big belly. The head was big, the ears large and the hair like Munja grass in accor¬ dance with his desire. The lips were like those of an elephant. The shanks were long. His fangs were like those of a horse. The chin was huge; the tongue red and the eyes had matted hair(?) The mouth was huge and the nose long. He was a Guhyaka (ke¬ eper of secrets (?) ). The ears were variegated (?) in colour. He was extremely delighted and had a great face. Khasa gave birth to such an extremely terrible son. Khasa gave birth to his younger brother, a second son. He had three heads, three feet and three hands. His eyes were black. Thehair stood upright. The moustache was green in colour. His body was as firm as a rock. He had a huge body (short in stature). His arms were mighty and of great strength. His mouth was slit up to the ears. The eyebrows were suspended and the nose was stout. The lips were big. He had eight fangs and two tongues. He was pike-eared. His eyes were red and tawny-colou¬ red. His complexion was tawny. He had matted hair. He had huge ears and broad chest. He was devoid of hips and the belly was slender. She gave birth to the younger brother who had claws and whose neck was red. Immediately after the birth, they increased in size. Their bodies became mature and capable of sensual enjoyment. With their bodies thus grown up in size, they embellished their mother. The elder one of the two who was ruthless, seized his mother. He said: "Mother, I am distressed with hunger. Come here as my prey." The younger brother, however, forbade the elder one. He said frequently, "Save this Khasa, our mother". Seizing him with both the arms, he released his mother. Then the sage told his wife, "Tell us at the outset, how

हिन्दी अर्थ

ततः शेशिरयोश्चापि मासयोनिवसन्ति वे । त्वष्ठा विष्णु्जमदग्निविश्वामित्रस्तथेव च काद्रवेयो तथा नागौ कम्बलाश्वतरावुभों । गन्धर्वों धृतराष्ट्रश्व सूर्यवर्चास्तथेव च तिलोत्तमाप्सराश्चेव देवी रम्भा सनोरमा ऋतजित्सत्यजिच्चव ग्रामण्यो लोकविश्वुतौं ब्रह्मोपेतस्तथा दक्षों मज्ञोपेतश्च स स्मृतः । एते देवा वसनत्यकें दो सासो तु क़मेण तु

English

A son adopts the traits of his maternal uncle and a daughter those of the paternal ancestors. A son adopts the same Water certainly assumes the colour of that (bed of) earth on which it flows. Children become diffcrnt due to the defects as well as the good qualities in the conduct of their mothers or through their faculty of discrimination. Among (my wives), Aditi is interested in righteousness with her pious conduct and (inherent) strength 1. She is endowed with piety, good conduct, enlightenment and strength. Arista is interested in music. Danu is remembered as fond of magic and illusiveness. The good lady Vinata loves aerial movement. Surabhi is embellished with the conduct of performance of penance. Kadru is of a furious temperament. She is of unple* asant conduct due to anger. The conduct of Danayusa is characterised both by enmity and blessing. O blessed gentle lady, you are considered as of furious temperament by me. The forms of the whole Universe are naturally Rajasika, Sattvika and Tamasika. Your sons have taken after their uncle in their character and activities". After saying thus to the incomparable Khasa, he called the sons and made them fearless 2 by means of gentle words. Kasyapa describes the characteristics of his wives like Dili's fondness for fragrance etc. But the line is missing in the text. Hence the apparent duplication of adjectives. cakre somam abhltayah is obscure. Bd. 3.7.58 reads cakrc tabhyam tu nSmani 'accorded names unto them'. Then KhaSa told him what had been done by them to her. As the mother narrated their activities severally, the sage who saw the truth gave them names according to the meaning of the roots. The root V yaks means "to eat and to seize". Since he said ' Yaksaye' (I will eat), he will be a Yaksa. The root V raks means "to protect". Since he said "Save my mother Khas'a", your (second) son will be known by the name "Raksasa". Then, on seeing them like that and searching (further) he was surprised*. The Prajapati assigned to them blood and fat as their diet. On seeing them hungry, the father granted them this boon: "Only at night can your hands feel the touch of anything. You will move about and take your food during the night. By day, you will be enjoying sleep. You will be powerful during the night and will be sleeping during the day time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

स्थानाभिमानिनों होते गणा द्वादश सप्तकाः । सर्यमाप्याययन्त्येते लेजसा तेज उत्तमम् एलेषामेव देवानां यथावीयं यथातपः । यथोयोगं यथासत्त्वं यथाधर्म यथाबलम्

English

Protect your mother. Let righteousness be practised." After saying thus to his sons, Kasyapa vanished there itself. When their father had gone, those two heroes, natu.ally terrible, began to behave (and do) what was exactly opposed (to their father's directions), eating anything they pleased and harassing living beings. They had great strength and energy. They were invincible and huge-bodied. They possessed the illusive mdya power. Sometimes they would be visible and immediately they would vanish. They assumed forms as they pleased. They were terrible and hideous naturally. Both of them became powerful by means of their diet in accordance with the forms (they assumed). They used to roam about at night everywhere and for their food they were desirous of seizing Devas, Asuras, Sages, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Pisacas, human beings, serpents, birds and animals. They were given the boons by Indra of not killing (not being killed?). Their diet consisted of blood, flesh and fat. They were man-eaters of great strength. They were accompanied by their two daughters with a desire to do what pleased them. The two daughters could assume any form they pleased. Though they were splendid (in appearance), their behaviour was like that of (their father). They were wandering for the sake of food m the There they saw the highly powerful Raksasa who could assume any form as he pleased. As they met one another accidentally, they wanted to seize the other and save themselves. The father told the daughters, "Seize this young fellow alive- this fellow who is throbbing at every step and bring him here quickly". Then the two daughters approached him and seized him. Caught by both the hands, he was brought to the presence The two Pisacas asked that Raksasa who was caught His antecedents were known. After knowing him as the foremost of Raksasas, Aja and Khanda, the two Pisacas who were delighted at his activity, gave him those two girls, their daughters. (Defective Verse) By means of the Paisaca form of matrimonial 1 alliance the Raksasa married the bright-toothed 2 (girls). Aja and Khanda then recounted their wealth. Khantfa said, "This is my daughter named Brahma- dhana. She is devoid of hair. She has Brahmanas (along with their wealth) as her staple diet."- "This is my daughter beautiful in every limb. Her name is Jantudhana. All the animals are her diet ahd wealth". (So said Aja.) Thus both of them narrated the wealth (of their dau¬ ghters). Out of the eight forms of marriage, Paisaca is the lowest form where¬ in money is received by the father for the girl. 'sudalya buddha-vahanah' in the text is obscure. Bd. 3.7.83 reads rudanlyavudvavaha safi 'He married them while they were crying'. She gave birth to a boy Brahmadhana and a girl Dha- Heti, Praheti, Ugra, Pauruseya, Vadha, Visphurji, Vata, Apa, Vyaghra and Sarpa—these were Raksasas, the ten sons of Yatudhana. They were the followers of the Sun and they whirl along with him. Lanku was the son of Heti. Lanku had two sons, Mal- yavan and Sumali. Now listen to the sons of Praheti. Praheti's son was the glorious and well-known Puloman.

हिन्दी अर्थ

यथा तपत्यसो सुयस्तेषां सिद्धस्तु तेजसा । इत्येते वे वसनन्‍्तीह हो हो मासो दिवाकरे

English

Vadha's son was Nikumbha who was ruthless Brahma- raksasa. Vata's son was Viraga and Apa's son was Jambuka. Vyaghra's son was Nirananda who caused obstacles to all living beings. Thus all the cruel Raksasas have been enu¬ merated. Yatudhanas have been mentioned. Now under¬ stand the sons of Brahmadhana. They were Yajiia, Pita, Dhuni, Ksema, Brahma, Papa, Yajnaha, Svakotaka, Kali and Sarpa. They were the ten sons of Brahmadhana. The following are their sisters, terrible Brahmaraksasxs. They were—Raktakarna, Mahajihva, Ak§aya and Upaharinl. Brahmaraksasas were born of their families on the earth. Generally they are found on the Slesmataka (Cardya Myxia) trees. They live there. Thus Raksasas have been enumerated. Understand Yaksas. Yaksa loved the Apsaras Kratusthali other¬ wise known as Pancasthula (stout in five limbs). Brooding over her and desirous of securing her, he wandered in the parks of Nandana, Vaibhraja, Surabhi and Caitraratha. In the park of Nandana, he saw her seated along with Apsaras-s. He did not know of any means of acquiring her despite his pondering, because he was defiled (ugly) in form and defiled and corrupt in his activities. He thought, "All living beings are afraid and disgus¬ ted with me who am noxious and hurtful. So how shall I secure this lady of beautiful limbs?'*. He thought of a plan and hastened to put it into ac¬ tion. The Guhyaka (Yaksa) assumed the honoured form of a Gandharva. Then he seized Kratusthali from the midst of (other) Apsaras-s. Knowing him to be beautiful in form, she followed him with emotional attachment. Even as he was being observed by the group of Apsaras-s, he was embraced by her. When he achieved his cause (i.e. desired object), a son of full-fledged sense-organs and height was born to him imme¬ diately. New-born though he was, he (as if) blazed in his glory. He spoke to his father—"I am a king. I am Nabhi" The father replied, "Since you are born, there is no fear" When the son emulated his mother in beauty and father in valour, Yaksa was overjoyed and due to that exultation regained his original form. Big Yaksas and Raksasas regain their own form while dying, when asleep, angry or frightened and when extremely delighted. Then that Guhyaka smilingly spoke to the Apsaras— "O lady of beautiful hips and excellent complexion, come to my house along with your son." On seeing him who regained his form suddenly after saying this, all the Apsaras-s were furious, perplexed and frightened and they fled.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कश्यय-ऋतु मुनि, महापद्य-कर्कोटक सपं, चित्रसेन-ऊर्गायु गन्धवं, उर्वशी-विप्रचित्ति अप्सरा, ताक्ष्यं, अरिष्टनेमि सेनानी; ग्रामणी, विद्युत्-स्फूर्ज राक्षस रहते हैं !२-१६९। फिर शिशिर ऋतु के माघ-फाग्रुत महीने में ये सब देव दो मास सूर्य के साथ निवास करते हैं त्वष्टा-विष्ण भादित्य, जमदस्नि-विश्वामित्र ऋषि, काद्रवेय- कम्बलाश्वतर सप, धृतरपष्ट्र-सूयंवर्चागन्धवं, देवी तिलोत्मा और मनोहारिणी रम्भा अप्सरा, विश्वविख्यात ऋतजित््-सध्यजित् ग्रामणी एवं ब्रह्मोपेत राक्षस ।२०-२३। सात श्रेणी के ये बारह देवता अर्थात् चोरासी देवता स्थानाभिमानी कहलाते हैं। ये अपने तेज से उत्तम तेज वाले सूर्य को समृद्ध करते हैं । मुनिगण अभिमत बचनों द्वारा सूयं की स्तुति करते हैं, गन्धववं और अप्सराएँ नृत्य-गीतों से उपासना करती हैं, ग्रामणी यज्ञ भूतादि भयद्भुरता का संग्रह करते हैं, सपंगण सु को ढोते हैं, राक्षस उनकी रक्षा करते हैं और बालखिल्य ऋषिगण उदय

English

Kratusthali followed the Apsaras-s who were fleeing. But the son consoled her with his words. He took her to the middle ofGandharvas and Apsaras-s and returned. On seeing the birth of Yaksa, the group of Apsaras-s spoke to Kratusthali—"You are the mother of Yaksas". The Yaksa Rajatanabha was the grandfather of Guhyakas. He married Bhadra, the excellent daughter of the (They were) Siddhartha, Suryateja, Sumanta, Nandana, Kanyaka, Yavika, Manidatta, Vasu, Sarvanubhuta, Sankha, Pmgak§a, Bhiru, Mandarasobhi, Padma, Candrapra- bha, Maghapurna, Subhadra, Pradyota, Mahaujas, Dyutiman Ketuman, Mitra, Mauli and Sudarsana. Thus there are twenty- four auspicious Punyajanas born to Manibhadra. All of them were characteristically meritorious. Their sons and grandsons were the auspicious Yaksas and Punyajanas. Devajanani (Devajani) bore to Manivara the fol¬ lowing sons—Purnabhadra, Heraaratha, Maniman, Nandivard- hana, Kustumburu, PiSahgabha, Sthulakarna, Mahajaya, Sveta, ipula, Puspavan, Bhayavaha, Padmavarna, Sunetra, Yaksa, Bala, Baka, Kumuda, Ksemaka.Vardhamana, Dama, Padmana- bha, Varanga, Suvira, Vijaya, K r ti, Purnamasa, Hiranyaksa, Surupa, and others. These sons of Manivara are remembered as Yaksas and Guhyakas. Some are handsome and some are ugly. They are garlanded and very pleasing to see. They had hundreds and thousands of sons and grandsons. There were other sons of Khasa who be came Raksasas who could assume forms as they pleased. Listen to and under¬ stand the important ones among them as they are being enumerated. They were—Lalavi, Kuthana, Bhlma, Sumali, Madhu, Visphurjita, Vidyujjihva, Matanga, Dhumrita, Cand- rarka, Sukara, Budhna, Kapiloman, Prahasaka, Krida, Paras'u- nabha, Cakraksa, Nisacara, Trisiras, Satadamstra, the Raksasa Tundakesa, the Yaksa Akampana, Durmukha and Silimukha. These excellent Raksasas were valorous. In the form of groups, they move about in all the worlds. They have the ability to move on equal footing with the Devas. She (Khasa) had seven otherdaughters. Listen to them (their enumeration) in order, their progeny and the groups formed by them. Alarhba, Utkaca, Krena, Nirrta, Kapila, Siva and the blessed KesinI are the seven sisters remembered. The following auspicious groups of Raksasas were born of them. They are the devourers of people, meat-eaters, killers and invincible in war. The group called Alambeya was cruel. Similarly the group Utkaceya was also cruel. The groups of excellent Raksa¬ sas were the Karsneyas and Saiveyas. The group of Raksasas called Nairrta comprised the progeny created by leading Ganesvara who was the follower of Siva. These Yaksas and Raksasas were procreated by the powerful (Ganesvaras). They were valorous and endowed with heroism. These Devaraksasas, the Nairftas had the renowned Virupaka as their leader. Many hundreds of these proud and noble-souled groups mostly follow Sankara, the lord of the Universe. TheKapileyas,.IieDaityaraksa.-as of great prowess, of huge body and of great strength and exploit were procreated by the noble-souled king of Daityas, Kumbha. The Yaksa Kam- pana begot of KesinI, very powerful Yaksas and Raksasas. Kesini's daughter Nila bore to Alambeya Surasika many Raksa¬ sas of petty mentality. They are called Nailas. They were invin¬ cible and were terrible in their exploits.

हिन्दी अर्थ

होते ही सूर्य की परिचर्या करने लगते हैं और उन्हें अस्ताचल पहुंचा देते हैं ।२४-२६। इन देवों का जैसा वीय॑े तप, योग, सत्य, और बल है, उसी के अनुसार सूर्य उनके तेज द्वारा तप्त होते हैं। ये सब दो दो महीने सूर्य

English

Endowed with divine and worldly power, they move about on the entire earth. Since they are innumerable, the details of this creation cannot be recounted. The same Nila had a daughter, the demoness Vikaca, naturally devoid of hair and possessing mediocre strength and exploit. The same (Vikaca) bore terrible Asuras by the contact of the ugly Nairrta. Listen to them in order. They are Harakas, Bhisakas, Kramakas, Vainakas, Pisacas, Vahakas and Prasakas. All of them are hideous with their terrible fangs. They have huge ears and bellies. These are Bhumi-raksasas (Earthly Demons). They possess manly exploit though slow-witted. They assume multifarious forms and move about here and there unseen by others. Those whose strength and energy There are many terrible Bhutas having the same traits as their mother Putana. They harass children in the human world like the evil planets, causing dejectedness. There are hundreds of the groups of these evil (Raksasas) like the deceitful types of Skandagrahas and Bhutas named Pu tanas, lakhs and lakhs of them roaming about in There are Yaksas called Punyajanas and others called Guhyakas. There are still others called Devajanas. All these are included in the group of Guhyakas. There are Raksa¬ sas called Agastyas, Paulastyas and Visvamitras. The great king Kubera, the ruler of Alaka, is the king of all these Yaksas and Raksasas including Paulastyas and Agastyas. Yaksas drink blood, and swallow flesh and fat of men by merely looking at them. Raksasas do so by entering the body and Pisacas by crushing and harassing. All Guhyakas are inferior to Gandharvas by three- fourths. All Raksasas should be known as equal to Yaksas in prowess. Pisacas are three times less powerful in their AUvarya (prosperity and glory) than Yaksas. Thus in wealth, beauty, longevity, strength, righ¬ teousness, affluence, mastery, intellect, penance, learning and exploits, the four Devayonis, beginning with Gandharvas and ending with Pisacas are (consecutively) three-fourths inferior to Devas and Asuras. Welfare unto you. Henceforth, hear about the proge¬ ny of the family of Krodha. Krodha gave birth to twelve daughters. They became the wives of Pulaha. Understand them by name. They were—Mrgi, Mrgamanda, Haribhadra, Iravatl, Bhuta, Kapisa, Damstra, Nisa, Tirya, Sveta, Svara and Surasa. They are well-known. The sons of Mpgi were the different types of deer, viz. Karinas, Nyankus, Rurus and Prsalas as well as such other animals Verses 192-197 describe the gradation (in descending order) of the divine and semi-divine beings as follows: (Defective Verse) Only this elephant has the strength of being a vehicle, since it is born of water, has a single root six teeth and the lustre of gold. It is of the Bhadra variety of elephants.

हिन्दी अर्थ

३४६ ...वायुपुराणमृ ऋषयो देवगन्धर्वाः पन्मगाप्सरसां गणा:। ग्रामण्यश्च तथा यक्षा यातुधानाश्च भुय्शः २६ एते तपन्ति वर्षन्ति भान्ति वान्ति सुजन्ति च। भूतानासशुभं कर्म व्यपोहन्तीह कीतिताः .

English

Airavata had four sons, viz. Anjana, Supratlka, Va- mana and Padma. His mate was Abhramu. Sveta gave birth to four swift-footed sons who became the elephants of the quarters. They belonged to the varieties such as Bhadra, Mrga, Manda and Samklrna. Anjana, though belonging to the Sanklrna variety is the vehicle of Yama. Supratlka who belongs to the Bhadra variety and is green in colour is the vehicle of the Lord of Waters (Varuna). Padma which belongs to the Manda variety and is of white colour is the vehicle of Ailavila (Kubera). (Vamana) which was dark-coloured and belonged to the Mrga variety was the vehicle of the Fire-god (Agni). 2 (Defective) He has eight sons, viz. Padmottara The text is very corrupt and is translated tentatively in the light of Bd. P. vv. 332-33a. In his race elephants possessing lofty stature, white nails and hair, yellowish colour'are born. I shall recount Mata- ngaja and other (types) of elephants in due order. The elephant Pundarlka was grey-coloured and Rathanara had a flowery colour. Their sons were Supratistha and Pramardana. (Defective Verse) Other types of elephants—spear- shaped, stout, with raised heads, having white (?) hair and nails, strong and energetic. They are called Akulika elephants. Puspadanta, Brhatsaman, Saddanta, Dantapuspavan and Tamra varna were his sons and companion tuskers. * 1 In his family are born elephants beautiful in appeara¬ nce having protruding lips, dark-coloured, fierce and able to endure diverse kinds of ordeal (?) Vamadeva was as dark as collyrium. From Saman was bom Vamana. His wife was Angada and the two sons were Nilavan and Laksana. These elephants were fierce. Their necks and heads were beautiful. Their chests were broad and they were swift¬ footed. If they are bound by men, the elephants born become deformed. There is no other elephant equal to Supratlka in beauty. He had three sons, viz. Praharl, Sampatl and Prthu. The animals with long palate and lips and with symmetrical portions of head and belly, of gentle birth (?) bom in his family, become Matangajas. Anjana was bom to Anjana and Anjana vatl to Saman. The mother of both of them is reputed to be the daughter (s) of Ayurajas.

हिन्दी अर्थ

विमाने5वस्थिता दिव्ये कामगा बातरहंस: । एते सहेव सूर्येण भ्रमन्ति दिवसानुगाः

English

In his family were bom elephants with (distinctly divided) symmetrical heads, resembling the smooth clouds. Pidapatdnanah in some editions is obscure and should be emended as Piidyaiananah 'with large and stout (big) faces (heads)as in Bd. P. V. 338. From Candramas and Saman were born Pingala and Kumudadyuti. Pihgala's sons were Mahapadma and Ormi- malin. Know that the elephants born of his family have equal and unrivalled tusks. They are fierce. Their strength is enormous. Their belly is large. They are fond of elephant fights. In the course of wars between Devas and Asuras, Suras used them for the purpose of victory. When they achieved their object, those elephants were let off by them and they went to different directions as mentioned before. Devas gave unto Lomapada, the king of Anga and author of a Sutra work, elephants born in these families and well-trained. (The various names of elephants are to be etymo¬ logically derived as follows:) The curvedness of their tongues and their muteness are due to Agni's curse. The fact that they are unaware of their strength and that the scrotum is concealed—these two are due to the curses of Svayambhu and Suras. Elephants of diverse inherent strengths are born of girls of Deva, Danava, Gandharva, Pisaca, Uraga (Ser¬ pent) and Raksasa tribes through their union with the ele¬ phants of the quarters ( Dih-nagas ). The story of the origin, development and derivation (Defective Verse) The forest in the east bound by the rivers Kausiki and Ganga and the sea belongs to Anjana and the family of elephants of which he is the founder (or of one tusk?). The forest of Supratlka is situated north of Vin- dhya, south of Ganga and in between the land of Karusa and the source of Ganga. The fifth forest west of Utkala and extending upto the land of Vedi is remembered as the forest of Vamana who is the sole Atman (?) The forest to the west of Lauhitya extending west¬ wards upto the sea, is said to be the forest of Yama. It is near a mountain. Bhuti gave birth to Bhutas (goblins) who are the followers of lord Rudra. They were stout, lean, longish, dwar¬ fish, short-statured and normal. The ears of some were hang¬ ing down. The lips of some were suspended. Some had tongues, breasts and bellies hanging down. Some had single form, some double form. The hips of some hung down. Some had stout calves of the leg. They stayed on the banks of rivers, lakes or seas. They were of all colours, black, white, blue, grey, red and pink. Some were smoke-coloured and some had variegated colours. Some were terrible like Raksasas and Kadrus (?). Some had dishevelled hair like the Munja grass. Some had hair standing up. Some wore serpents as the sacred thread. Some had eyes removed; some had hideous eyes. Some had small eyes. Somehad only a single eye. Some had many heads. Some had no head. Somehad a single head. Some had the head cut off. They were fierce and hideous. Some had no hair. Some had plenty of it. Some were blind. Some had matted hair. Some were yellow. Some were dwarfish. They resorted to the banks of rivers, lakes an oceans. Some had a single ear, some had large ears. Some were spike-eared, some had no ear. Some had fangs. Some had claws. Some had no teeth. Some had two tongues. Some had a All of them directed their minds towards lord Bhava (Siva) as the greatest god. They had no wives or sons. All of them were celibate with sublimated sexuality.

हिन्दी अर्थ

एवं वसन्ति वे सूर्य सप्तकास्ते चतुदिशम । चतुर्देशसु सर्गेषु गणा मन्वन्तरेषु च ३५ ग्रीष्मे हिसे लू वर्षासु च मुच्चमानों घर्में हिमं च वर्ष चदिनं निशां च॥ कालेन गच्छत्यूतुवशात्परिवृत्तरश्सिदेवान्पित् श्र मनुजांश्व स तपंयन्व ३६ प्रीणाति देवानभृतेन सूर्य: सोम॑ सुषुम्नेन विवर्धयित्वा । स्वधामृतं तत्पितरः पिबन्ति देवाश्व सौम्याश्वच तथव कव्यम् रे८

English

These Bhutas, the great Almayogins, numbered a hund¬ red thousand. Thus all these noble-souled sons of Bhuti have been recounted. Kapisa, Kusmandl bore to Kusmanda twins of Pis¬ acas who were tawny-coloured. Because they were brownish, they were called Pisacas. 2 All of them were flesh-eaters. There are sixteen other twins. Their descendants are living now. I shall mention by names the man-eaters belonging to their family. They are Chagala and Chagall, Vakra and Vakra- mukhi, Sue! and Suclmukha, Kumbhapatra and Kumbhl, Bd. 3.7.367 reads sumanaska 'of very good minds*. The Purana distinguishes between Bhutas and Pisacas. Bhutas are noble-souled sons of Bhuti, celibate yogins and devotees of God Siva. Pisacas arc the progeny of Kusmandl. The superstitions about Pisacas current at the time of this text are recorded in vv. 251-282. These are the sixteen families born of Kusman- das: Ajamukhas, Vakramukhas, Purins, Skandins, Vipa- das, Angarikas, Kumbhapatras, Prakundakas, Upacarolukha- likas, Anarkas, Kukhandikas, Panipatras, Naitundas, Ornasas, Nipunas, and Sucimukhocchesanadas. Those who are born as Sukalpas 1 (?) should be known as Pisacas. There are infinite number of sons and grandsons of hideous nature and ignoble activities. Hence, understand the characteristics of Pisacas. Pisacas have hair on all their limbs. Their eyes are round. They have claws and fangs. Their limbs are crooked. They are man-eaters and their faces are turned down. The Pisacas called Kusmandikas are devoid of hair on their heads or bodies. Skins and hides constitute their garments. They always eat gingelly seeds and flesh. Some Pis'acas have curved limbs, and feet. They walk in a zigzag manner. They should be known as Vakrapisacas. They are of crooked gait. They can assume any form as they please. Some Pisacas have protruding bellies. Their noses are like snouts. Their bodies are short. Their heads and arms are small. These are called Nitunflakas. Gingelly seeds form Some Pisacas have dwarfish forms 3. They are garrulous. They go about galloping. They are Anarkamarka Some Pisacas keep their hands lifted up (always). Bd.P. V. 390 reads Vanardhtayah -having the form of monkeys'.

हिन्दी अर्थ

के निकट निवास करते हैं । ऋषि, देव, गन्धव, सर्प अप्सरा, ग्रामणी, यज्ञ और राक्षसगण ही तपते हैं, चमकते है. वायू की तरह बहते हैं और जीवों के शुभाशुभ कर्म का उत्पादन करके उसका विनाश भी करते हैं (२७-३०। कभी ये मानवों के शुभ कार्य का अपहरण करते हैं और कभी पापियों के पापका नाश करते हैं। वायु के समान वेगवाले ये देवषण दिव्य विमान पर चढ़कर सूर्य के साथ प्रतिदिन गमन करते हैं। प्रलयकाल पयेनत ये सभी

English

The Pisacas called Upaviras are very considerate about their veins*. Their bodies are dry. They have plenty of moustache. They wear bark garments. Cremation ground is their abode. The Udukhala (Ulukhala) types of Pisacas have stable motionless eyes and long tongues with which they lick their lips. Their heads are as large as those of elephants and camels. They move about severally or jointly. Those Pisacas are called Kumbhapatras, who take cooked food without seeing it (invisibly?). They are small and yellow-complcxioned with hairy bodies. They move about visibly and invisibly. The Pisacas called Nipunas enter and infest those persons who go alone. Their mouths extend upto their ears. The eye-brows are long and the noses are thick. (A line is missing from the text.) The Pisacas called Baladas (devourers of children) are short-statured and they attack people with their hands and feet. Their eyes are turned towards the earth. They resort to lying-in-chambers. Those Pisacas called Pisitadas (flesh eaters) drink blood from the battlefield. Their hands and feet are turned back¬ wards. They are short and are as swift as wind. The Pisacas called Skandins are naked and have no fixed abodes. They are globular in shape with long hair. There are other types of Pisacas eating leavings of food. Thus the sixteen types of Pisacas have been narrated. On seeing these types of Pisacas deficient in intellect and in a dejected condition among his progeny, Brahma sym¬ pathetically granted them the boons of vanishing and assuming forms as they pleased. He permitted them to move about at the time of the two junctions (viz. dawn and dusk). (I shall mention) their abodes and way of maintaining themselves. Houses in Unrighteous persons, those who violate the dis¬ cipline of castes and stages of life and artisans and masons constitute the livelihood of these Pisacas as ordained by Suras. These Pisacas will be the presiding deities where holy rites are performed by means of money earned by unjustifiable means such as breach of trust and theft of nectar-like articles. The oblations to Pisacas consist of honey (wine), flesh, cooked rice mixed with curds, powdered gingelly seeds, toddies and similar (intoxicating) beverages, incense, turmeric, Krsaras (i.e. balls of gingelly seeds in treacle), oil, rice mixed with jaggery, black cloths and flowers. At the junctions of Parvans, these things must be offered to Pisacas. Brahma, the lord, ordained thus. He made the trident-bearing Girisa the lord of all Bhutas and Pisacas. Panthers, pythons and beasts of prey are also her sons. Mina, Mata, Vrtta, Pari vrtta and Anuvrtta are to be known (as her daughters). Listen to (the enumeration of) her children: Sharks and crocodiles with a thousand teeth, the types of fish known as Pathina, Timi and Rohita and other groups are called Maina (born of Mina) groups. They are extensive. The four types of Grdhas (crocodiles) —Anujyestha- kas, Niskas, Sisumaras etc. were born of Mata.

हिन्दी अर्थ

जीवों की रक्षा करते है और प्रजाजन को वृष्टि तथा ताप द्वारा प्रसन्न करते हैं।३१-३३॥ इन स्थानाभिमानी देवों का यह स्थान भूत, भविष्य और वर्तमान सभी मन्वतरों में एक सा रहता है। ये देव सप्तक चौदहों मन्वन्तर के समय में सूर्य के चारों तरफ इसी प्रकार निवास करते हैँ। भगवान् भुवन-भास्कर ऋतुकाल के अनुसार किरणों को बदल-बदल कर देवता, पितर और मनुष्यों को तृप्त किया करते हैं।३४ ३६। वे ग्रीष्म ऋतु में घाम. जाड़े में ठंढक और बरसात में पानी बरसा कर दिन-रात का विभाग किया करते हैं । सूर्य देव अपनी सृषुम्न किरण द्वारा चन्द्रमा को बढ़ाते हैं और देवों को अमृत पिलाकर सनन्‍्तुष्ट करते हैं । दिवसक्रम से जब चन्द्रमा शुक्लपक्ष में पूर्ण हो जाते. हैं, तब क्ृष्णपक्ष में देवगण उन्हें अर्थात् उनके अमृत को पी जाते हैं । पिये जाने पर दो कलामात्र होष सोम क्ृष्णपक्ष के बीतने पर जिस किरण का क्षरण करते हैं, उस अमृतरूपी

English

Vrtta gave birth to different types of tortoises and other aquatic animals as well as varieties of conches. Anuvrtta gave birth to different types of toads and Parivrtta gave birth to different varieties of oyster- shells, cowrie-shells and conchs. She produced the varieties of Kalakuta poison and leeches as well. Thus the race of Rsa consisting of five branches has been enumerated. O Brahmanas, these insects are born of the bodies of Svastipika 2 (?). The producers are human beings. The insects known as Usanas are born of dirt and sweat of men. So also the other insects and groups of ants moving about in rows. There are varieties of insects born of conchs, pebbles which work like nails. 3 These and many others are the earthly groups of sweat-born creatures. Similarly, these creatures are born out of water heated by the sun as well as of the rain water. Many of these insects are born of the bodies of other animals. The following tiny creatures are born both of water and of sweat: Small shrimps (minaka), ants, (mosquito¬ like) biting or stinging creatures (darhia), Tittira-pulrikas (tiny partridge-like creatures?). The Alakas (hair) are bluish or variegated in colour (nila-citrah) and very massive. The line is corrupt. The corresponding line in Bd. P. V. 421 reads 2 lirydhetukam apydhur bahulam uamia-vistaraml 'They say that there is an extensive line of living beings procreated by Tirya'. This obscure word is a misprint for ' Svtda-Klinna 'born of bodies mois- stened by sweat' (vid Bd. P. V. 422). Kilakdcarakdni 'which work lik nails' in the text is rather obscure. Bd. P. V. 423 b reads kilakavaranani 'Pebbles smaller than pins'. Some creatures are born of ghee, black gram and green gram. Some are born of the fruits of Jamb u (Rose apple) Bilva, mango and arecanut. Creatures are born of the dry hollows of trees and also of green gram, jack fruits and rice grains when kept (for a long time). Creatures are born of other things also when kept for a long time. Germs and worms are born of horses and other (animals) and even from poison etc. When cowdung is kept for a number of days, O Brahmanas, creatures are produced from them. White ants and other creatures are born of (putrefying) wood.

हिन्दी अर्थ

किरण को पितर लोग स्वधा समझकर पीते हैँ और देवगण उसे कव्य समझकर पीते हैं ।३७-३८। फिर सूर्य

English

Various kinds of blue flies are born of trees in due course. The creatures Putrikas (white ants?) are born of drying and withering things. Everywhere serpents are born seasonally from Satikas (?). Scorpions and sweat-born creatures are produced from dry cow-dung. Different types of leeches are born of eggs such as Caivtrikas and Gajas and many other subtle creatures too. Different types of flies etc. are born of eggs. These are laid generally on the leavings of food, water and sloughs. Different types of mosquitoes and black bees are also born of eggs. The creatures known as nits {Putrikas and Putra- bhasakas) are produced from grass. The insects Manicchedas and Vyalas are said to be produced from foetus with no enveloping membrane ( potajas ). Varieties of Salaveri (?) are born of dry cow-dung. Thus innumerable groups of sweat-born creatures have been enumerated by me in brief. It is to be remembered that these are born as a result of their actions in a previous birth. There are other beings of Nairfta nature (i.e. born of Nirpti). They are remembered as Upasargajas (born of paroxysm due to possession by devils). Some beings are born of womb {Tonijas) and some are Autpaltikas (born spontaneously). Generally all Devas are to be known as Autpaltikas. Some The children of Sarama are the sons Tulalagha and TheKadrukas (?) are Sydma (dark-coloured), Sabala (ofvariegated colour), Arjuna (white), Harita (green-coloured), Krsna (black), Dhumraruna (smoke-coloured and pink-coloured— Aruna), Tulalagha (?). Surasa gave birth to a hundred (serpents) with nectar in their heads (Siro'm T tam). The king ofSarpas (serpents) is Taksaka and that of the snakes is Vasuki. Thus this group Now understand the bosom creation of Pulaha from Tamra. Many well-known daughters were born of Tamra. Sampati procreated one son and one daughter. Crows, vultures and ASvakarnins (a variety of vultures?) were the sons of Jatayu. The wives of Garutman (Garuda) were Bhasi, Kraunci, Sukl, Dhrtarastri and Bhadra. Their sons are being enumerated. Suki bore six well known sons to Garutman, viz. the sweet-faced Tris'ira, Bala, Pr?tha of great strength,* Trisahkhanetra, Susukha of good form and Surasa the power¬ ful. The sons and grandsons of these ruthless descendants of Garuda, the noble-souled serpent-eaters, numbering fourteen thousand. By procreation of sons and grandsons their family became extensive. I shall mention in due order the lands where they spread themselves—the whole of Salmall Dvipa, the mountain Devakuta, the leading mountains Maniman, Sahasra-sikhara, Parnamala, Sukesa, Satasniga, Kauraja, Pancasikhara and Hemakuta—all these mountains were occupied by the noble- souled descendants of Garuda. They were brightened with ruby stones and (while flying) they produced gusts of violent winds.

हिन्दी अर्थ

विसगंकाले विसुजंश्व ताः पुनविर्भात शश्वत्सविता चराचरम् ४ १ अहोरात्राद्रथेनाइसों एकचक्रेण तु भ्रमन् । सप्तद्वीसमुद्राश्य सप्तभिः सप्तभिहंये:

English

Garutfa's children have been enumerated. Listen to the progeny of Ira. Ira gave birth to three daughters with eyes They were Lata, Valll and Vlrudha. They are the mothers of all types of plants, trees and creepers. Lata gave birth to Vanaspalis i.e. the non-flowering plants growing on the banks of rivers etc. She herself gave birth to Vfksas or trees with flowers and fruits. Valli gave birth to hedges, grasses and bamboo etc. of the-same species. Vlrudha gave birth to Virudhas i.e. creepers spreading all round. The description of the race is concluded Thus the mobile and the immobile progeny of Kas- yapa have been enumerated. The whole Universe is filled with their sons and grandsons. Thus a portion of the entire creation has been enumerat¬ ed. The Prajasarga of Marica (KaSyapa) has been succinctly narrated. O Brahmanas, it cannot be explained (in details) even in hundreds of years. Aditi was of righteous, pious temperament. Diti is -re¬ membered as strong-minded. Surabhi was inclined towards the performance of penance. Danu was of a deceitful nature. Kadru was of ruthless mind. KrauncI was disposed towards learning. Ira had the receptive capacity. Danayu was interested in taking food. Vinata was capable of bearing burdens. Tamra was habituated to use nooses and strings. These are the natures and temperaments of the mothers of the worlds. The bosom-born progeny of Kasyapa were born with Since these were born of the daughters of Daksa who were human beings, hence human beings are the most excellent in all the Manvantaras. Human beings are the aspirants of Dharma (Virtue) Artha(Wealth), Kama (Love) and Moksa (Salvation). There- fore, Suras and Asuras are born as Adhah-srotas (downward flow). They are born again and again among human beings for the purpose of achieving their object. Thus the origin of the race of ascetics has been recounted. The meritorious story of Suras, Asuras, Gan¬ dharvas, Apsaras-s, Yaksas, Raksasas, Pisacas, Suparnas, ser¬ pents, birds, pythons, peacocks, all medicinal herbs, worms, germs, insects, insignificant creatures born in water, animals and glorious Brahmanas, is conducive to longevity and wealth. It is pleasing and beneficial. It is meritorious. It must be heard always and retained by one who is devoid of malice and jealousy. He who regularly reads this story of the race (of ascetics) of noble souls in the assembly of Brahmanas and physi¬ cians will attain children, abundant wealth and prosperity and the glorious goal after death.