with a splendour that is said to represent an energy that is higher than (what occurs in) White Island.  Of soul cleansed by penances, He has ordained Peace and Tranquillity in the three worlds.  With such an auspicious understanding, he is engaged in the observance of a very superior vow which is the embodiment of holiness.  That realm where he resides, engaged in tie austerest penances, the Sun does not warm and the Moon does not shine.  There the wind does not blow.  Having constructed an altar measuring eight fingers’ breadth, the illustrious Creator of the universe is practising penances there, standing on one foot, with arms upraised, and with face directed towards the East, reciting the Vedas with their branches, he is engaged in practising the severest austerities.  Whatever libations of clarified butter or meat are poured on the sacrificial fire according to the ordinances of Brahma, by the Rishis, by Pasupati himself, by the rest of the principal deities, by the Daityas, the Danavas, and the Rakshasas, all reach the feet of that great divinity.  Whatever rites and religious acts are performed by persons whose souls are entirely devoted to him, are all received by that great Deity on his head.  No one is dearer to him in the three worlds than those persons that are awakened and possessed of high souls.  Dearer even than those persons is one that is entirely devoted to him.  Dismissed by him who is the Supreme Soul, I am coming here.  This is what the illustrious and holy Hari has himself said unto me.  I shall henceforth reside with you two, devoted to Narayana in the form of Aniruddha.’”

SECTION CCCXLV

“Nara and Narayana said, ’Deserving art thou of the highest praise, and highly favoured hast thou been, since thou hast beheld the puissant Narayana himself (in the form of Aniruddha).  None else, not even Brahma himself who was sprung from the primal lotus, has been able to behold him.  That foremost of Purushas, endued with puissance and holiness, is of unmanifest origin and incapable of being seen.  These words that we say unto thee are very true, O Narada.  There exists no one in the universe that is dearer to him than one that adores him with devotion.  It is for this, O best of regenerate ones, that he showed himself unto thee.  No one can repair to that realm where the Supreme Soul is engaged in the observance of penances, except we two, O foremost of regenerate persons.  In consequence of that spot being adorned by Him, its splendour resembles the effulgence of a thousands Suns collected together.[1888] From that illustrious Being, O Brahmana, from Him who is the origin of the Creator of the universe, O foremost of all persons endued with forgiveness, springs the attribute of forgiveness which attaches to the Earth.[1889] It is from that illustrious Being who seek the welfare of all beings, that Rasa (Taste) hath arisen.  The attribute of Rasa attaches to the waters which are, again, liquid.  It is from