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PHURTÄKRÄTNA:
as a cowherd-boy at Gokula sporting in various ways, that he became a messenger of Pandavas and a charioteer of Arjuna, that he begged at Bali's door, and that he suffered from Sita's separation? If that divine Visnu could do mean acts, what is wrong in our selling grass and faggots? The Brahmanas felt disillusioned; and they could see how god Visnu was exposed to so many blemishes and inconsistencies, and how Puräpas were full of contradictions.
II. Second time Manovega became a rough hunter, and his friend, a cat without ears, put in a pot. They met Brahmanas as before, and told them how the cat had the power of warding off rats at miles' distance and that it was for sale. Brahmaņas realized its utility and were ready to buy it at the quoted price. On examination, however, it was found that it was devoid of ears which, Manovega explained, were eaten by ferocious rats one night. Brahmanas laughed at his daring contradiction. Manovega refused to admit. that the single flaw of not having ears spoiled all other virtues of the cat. The Brahmanas assured him that they were not Frogs in the Well'; but they questioned him straight: How can this flaw of the cat be tolerated?" Manovega then narrated the legend of passionate Agni (or of Yama and Chaya): The ascetic Mandapakausika feared that he might lose heaven for want of progeny, so he married a widow from whom he had a beautiful daughter Chāyā by name. While going on piligrimage, he just thought to what god he should entrust his daughter who would not be able to stand the strain of journey. He began scrutinizing the acts and character of different gods: Isvara is extremely passionate; Hari is not satisfied with 16 thousand Gopis; Brahman was mad after Tilottama and lost his head, and once he generated Jambava from a bear; and Indra misbehaved with Ahalya. All these gods are victims of cupid. So he kept Chaya with Yama who too, as days passed, fell in love with her and always carried her in his stomach. Agni was jealous of Yama's prize. One day when Yama had taken her out on the bank of Ganges, Agni mated with her. Just at that moment Yama came there. She swallowed Agni, and Yama swallowed her. Agni was missing to the distress of all. At last Vayu managed to expose both Chaya and Agni. Agui tried to conceal himself when pursued by Yama. If Agni can still be a god with all this blemish, my cat's virtues can remain intact without ears." Brahmanas admitted that Puranas were inconsistent. Manovega further pointed out the blemishes of Samkara, Visņu, Brahman, Indra, Yama, Agni, Sun, etc.
III. Third time Manovega assumed the form of a nude Jaina monk; and accompained by Pavanavega, he met Brahmaņas as before. They assured him that they were not like that king of Campa who illtreated his truth-speaking minister, and requested him to narrate how he became a monk etc. Manovega spoke thus: 'My father is Munidatta, a Sravaka from Sripura; and he entrusted me to an ascetic for study. Once I was sent out with the Kamandalu to bring water, but I sat playing with it on the road. Having learnt from other pupils that the teacher was angry, I ran towards the town. On the way a mountain-like elephant
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