“Bhishma continued, “The puissant Vasudeva, having listened to all this from the goddess Earth, acted accordingly.  Do thou also act in the same way.  By performing these duties of a householder, O king, thou shalt acquire fame in this world and attain to heaven after death!’”

SECTION XCVIII

“Yudhishthira said, ’Of what kind is the gift of light, O chief of Bharata’s race?  How did this gift originate?  What are the merits that attach to it?  Do thou tell me all this.’

“Bhishma said, ’In this connection, O Bharata, is recited the old narrative of the discourse between Manu, that lord of creatures, and Suvarna.  There was in days of yore an ascetic, O Bharata, of the name of Suvarna.  His complexion was like that of gold and hence he was called Suvarna (the gold-complexioned), Endued with a pure lineage, good behaviour, and excellent accomplishments, he had mastered all the Vedas.  Indeed, by the accomplishments he possessed, he succeeded in surpassing many persons of high lineage.  One day that learned Brahmana saw Manu, the lord of all creatures, and approached him.  Meeting with each other, they made the usual enquiries of politeness.  Both of them were firm in the observance of truth.  They sat down on the delightful breast of Meru, gnat mountain of gold.  Seated there they began to converse with each other on diverse subjects connected with the high-souled deities and regenerate Rishis and Daityas of ancient times.  Then Suvarna, addressing the Self-born Menu, said these words, ’It behoveth thee to answer one question of mine for the benefit of all creatures.  O lord of all creatures, the deities are seen to be worshipped with presents of flowers and other good scents.  What is this?  How has this practice been originated?  What also are the merits that attach to it?  Do thou discourse to me on this topic.’”

“Manu said, ’In this connection is recited the old history of the discourse between Sukra and the high-souled (Daitya) Vali.  Once on a time, Sukra of Bhrigu’s race approached the presence of Vali, the son of Virochana, while he was ruling the three worlds.  The chief of the Asuras, that giver of sacrificial presents in abundance, having worshipped the descendant of Bhrigu with the Arghya (and offering him a seat), sat down after his guest had seated himself.  This very topic that thou hast started relating to the merits attaching to the gift of flowers and incense and lamps, came up on the occasion.  Indeed, the chief of the Daityas put this high question to Sukra, that most learned of all ascetics.’

“Vali said, ’O foremost of all persons conversant with Brahma, what, indeed, is the merit of giving flowers and incense and lamps?  It behoveth thee, O foremost of Brahmanas, to discourse to me on this.’