way, the Brahmana rose with the day.  He once more performed his ablutions in the sacred waters of the Vahuda and then ignited his homa fire and worshipped it with the aid of many foremost of Vedic mantras.[193] He then worshipped with due rites both Rudra and his spouse Uma, and rested for some more time by the side of that lake in the course of the Vahuda whose shores he had reached.  Refreshed by such rest, he set out from that region and then proceeded towards Kailasa.  He then beheld a gate of gold that seemed to blaze with beauty.  He saw also the Mandakini and the Nalini of the high-souled Kuvera, the Lord of Treasures.[194] Beholding the Rishi arrived there, all the Rakshasas having Manibhadra for their head, who were engaged in protecting that lake abounding with beautiful lotuses, came out in a body for welcoming and honouring the illustrious traveller.  The Rishi worshipped in return those Rakshasas of terrible prowess and asked them to report, without delay, his arrival unto the Lord of Treasures.  Requested by him to do this, those Rakshasas, O king, said unto him,—­King Vaisravana, without waiting for the news from us, is coming of his own accord to thy presence.  The illustrious Lord of Treasures is well acquainted with the object of this thy journey.  Behold him,—­that blessed Master,—­who blazes with his own energy.  Then king Vaisravana, approaching the faultless Ashtavakra, duly enquired about his welfare.  The usual enquiries of politeness being over, the Lord of Treasures then addressed the regenerate Rishi, saying,—­Welcome art thou here.  Do tell me what it is thou seekest at my hands.  Inform me of it.  I shall, O regenerate one, accomplish whatever thou mayst bid me to accomplish.  Do thou enter my abode as pleases thee, O foremost of Brahamanas.  Duly entertained by me, and after thy business is accomplished, thou mayst go without any obstacles being placed in thy way.—­Having said these words, Kuvera took the hand of that foremost of Brahmanas and led him into his palace.  He offered him his own seat as also water to wash his feet and the Arghya made of the usual ingredients.  After the two had taken their seats, the Yakshas of Kuvera headed by Manibhadra, and many Gandharvas and Kinnaras, also sat down before them.  After all of them had taken their seats, the Lord of Treasures said these words,—­Understanding what thy pleasure is, the diverse tribes of Apsaras will commence their dance.  It is meet that I should entertain thee with hospitality and that thou shouldst be served with proper ministrations.  Thus addressed, the ascetic Ashtavakra said, in a sweet voice, Let the dance proceed.  Then Urvara and Misrakesi, and Rambha and Urvasi, and Alumvusha and Ghritachi, and Chitra and Chitrangada and Ruchi, and Manohara and Sukesi and Sumukhi and Hasini and Prabha, and Vidyuta, and Prasami and Danta and Vidyota and Rati,—­these and many other beautiful Apsaras began to dance.  The Gandharvas played on diverse kinds of musical