without entertaining any scruples.  In the race of the Bhrigus was Jamadagni of severe ascetic penances.  He had a son endued with energy and every virtue, who became celebrated by the name of Rama.  Practising the austerest penances, of cheerful soul, bound to observances and vows, and keeping his senses under control, he gratified the god Bhava for obtaining weapons.  In consequence of his devotion and tranquillity of heart.  Mahadeva became gratified with him.  Sankara, understanding the desire cherished in his heart, showed himself unto Rama.  And Mahadeva said, ’O Rama, I am gratified with thee.  Blessed be thou, thy desire is known to me.  Make thy soul pure.  Thou wilt then have all that thou desirest.  I will give thee all weapons when thou wilt become pure.  Those weapons, O son, of Bhrigu, burn a person that is incompetent and that is not deserving of them.’  Thus addressed by that god of gods, that deity bearing the trident, the son of Jamadagni, bending his head unto that puissant high-souled one, said, ’O god of gods, it behoveth thee to give those weapons unto me that am always devoted to thy service, when, indeed thou wilt regard me fit for holding them.’”

“’Duryodhana continued.  “With penances then, and restraining his senses, and observances of vows, and worship and offerings and with sacrifices and Homa performed with mantras, Rama adored Sarva for many long years.  At last Mahadeva, pleased with the high-souled son of Bhrigu’s race, described him, in the presence of his divine spouse, as possessed of many virtues:  ‘This Rama, of firm vows is ever devoted to me.’  Gratified with him, the Lord Sankara thus repeatedly proclaimed his virtues in the presence of gods and the Rishis, O slayer of foes.  Meanwhile, the Daityas became very mighty.  Blinded by pride and folly, they afflicted the denizens of heaven.  The gods then, uniting together, and firmly resolved to slay them, strove earnestly for the destruction of those foes.  They, however, failed to vanquish them.  The gods then, repairing to Maheswara, the Lord of Uma, began to gratify him with devotion, saying, ’Slay our foes.’  That god, having promised the destruction of their foes unto the celestials, summoned Rama the descendant of Bhrigu.  And Sankara addressed Rama, saying, ’O descendant of Bhrigu, slay all the assembled foes of the gods, from desire of doing good unto all the worlds as also for my satisfaction.’  Thus addressed, Rama replied unto that boon-giving Lord of Three-eyes, saying, ’What strength have I, O chief of the gods destitute as I am of weapons, to slay in battle the assembled Danavas that are accomplished in weapons and invincible in fight?  Maheswara said, ’Go thou at my command.  Thou shalt slay those foes.  Having vanquished all those enemies, thou shalt acquire numerous merits.’  Hearing these words and accepting them all, Rama, causing propitiatory rites to be performed for his success, proceeded against the Danavas.  Addressing those enemies of the gods that were endued with might