plantains.  And it was resorted to by diverse tribes of ascetics, some living on air, some on water, some on fruit, some on leaves, some on raw grain which they husked with the aid only of stones, and some that were called Vaneyas.  And it resounded with the chanting of the Vedas, and teemed with diverse kinds of animals.  And it was the favourite abode of men without malice and devoted to righteousness.  Valadeva, having the plough for his weapon, arrived at that tirtha called Sapta-Saraswat, where the great ascetic Mankanaka had performed his penances and became crowned with success.”

38

Janamejaya said, “Why was that tirtha called Sapta-Saraswat?  Who was the ascetic Mankanaka?  How did that adorable one become crowned with success?  What were his vows and observances?  In whose race was he born?  What books did that best of regenerate ones study?  I desire to hear all this, O foremost of regenerate ones!”

Vaishampayana said, “O king, the seven Sarasvatis cover this universe!  Whithersoever the Sarasvati was summoned by persons of great energy, thither she made her appearance.  These are the seven forms of the Sarasvati:  Suprava, Kanchanakshi, Visala, Manorama, Oghavati, Surenu, and Vimalodaka.  The Supreme Grandsire had at one time performed a great sacrifice.  While that sacrifice was in course of performance on the ground selected, many regenerate ones crowned with ascetic success came there.  The spot resounded with the recitation of sacred hymns and the chanting of the Vedas.  In the matter of those sacrificial rites, the very gods lost their coolness (so grand were the preparations).  There, O monarch, while the Grandsire was installed in the sacrifice and was performing the grand ceremony capable of bestowing prosperity and every wish, many notable ones conversant with righteousness and profit were present.  As soon as they thought of the articles of which they stood in need, these, O monarch, immediately appeared before the regenerate ones (among the guests) that came there.  The Gandharvas sang and the diverse tribes of Apsaras danced.  And they played upon many celestial instruments all the time.  The wealth of provisions procured in that sacrifice satisfied the very gods.  What shall I say then of human beings?  The very celestials became filled with wonder!  During the continuance of that sacrifice at Pushkara and in the presence of the Grandsire, the Rishis, O king, said, ’This sacrifice cannot be said to possess high attributes, since that foremost of rivers, Sarasvati, is not to be seen here!’ Hearing these words, the divine Brahman cheerfully thought of Sarasvati.  Summoned at Pushkara by the Grandsire engaged in the performance of a sacrifice, Sarasvati, O king, appeared there, under the name of Suprava.  Beholding Sarasvati quickly pay that regard to the Grandsire, the Munis esteemed that sacrifice highly.  Even thus that foremost of rivers, the Sarasvati, made her appearance at Pushkara for the