“Ashtavakra said, ’It behoveth thee to tell me what I shall see in that region.  Indeed, I am ready to execute whatever command may be laid upon me by thee.’”

“Vadanya said, ’Passing over the dominions of the lord of Treasures thou will cross the Himavat mountains.  Thou wilt then behold the plateau on which Rudra resides.  It is inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas.  It abounds with the associates of Mahadeva, frolicsome and fond of dance and possessed of diverse forms.  It is peopled with also many Pisachas, O master, of diverse forms and all daubed with fragrant powders of diverse hues, and dancing with joyous hearts in accompaniment with instruments of different kinds made of brass.  Surrounded by these who move with electric rapidity in the mazes of the dance or refrain at times altogether from forward or backward or transverse motion of every kind, Mahadeva dwells there.  That delightful spot on the mountains, we have heard, is the favourite abode of the great Deity.  It is said that that great god as also his associates are always present there.  It was there that the goddess Uma practised the severest austerities for the sake of (obtaining for her lord) the three-eyed Deity.  Hence, it is said, that spot is much liked by both Mahadeva and Uma.  In days of yore there, on the heights of the Mahaparswa, which are situate to the north of the mountains sacred to Mahadeva, the sessions, and the last Night, and many deities, and many human beings also (of the foremost order), in their embodied forms, had adored Mahadeva.[190] Thou shalt cross that region also in thy northward journey.  Thou will then see a beautiful and charming forest blue of hue and resembling a mass of clouds.  There, in that forest, thou wilt behold a beautiful female ascetic looking like Sree herself.  Venerable in age and highly blessed, she is in the observance of the Diksha.  Beholding her there thou shouldst duly worship her with reverence.  Returning to this place after having beheld her, thou wilt take the hand of my daughter in marriage.  If thou wanteth to make this agreement, proceed then on thy journey and do what I command thee.’”

“Ashtavakra said, ’So be it.  I shall do thy bidding.  Verily, I shall proceed to that region which thou speakest of, O thou of righteous soul.  On thy side, let thy words, accord with truth.’”

“Bhishma continued, “The illustrious Ashtavakra set out on his journey.  He proceeded more and more towards the north and at last reached the Himavat mountains peopled by Siddhas and Charanas.[191] Arrived at the Himavat mountains, that foremost of Brahamanas then came upon the sacred river Vahuda whose waters produce great merit.  He bathed in one of the delightful Tirthas of that river, which was free from mud, and gratified the deities with oblations of water.  His ablutions being over, he spread a quantity of Kusa grass and laid himself down upon it for resting awhile at his ease.[192] Passing the night in this