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274
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(SEPT. 6, 1872
"I dwell in Ajmerpur, I am of the renowned sent for all his wives; the whole night he race of Chauhan; Bisal Deva is my name, O passed awake. All the wives were agitated, Siddha! I am come to perform ablutions." asking when before did Sambhu give such a gift? The Siddha answers, --Hear O Râja, my words. Night and day all alike the desire of his mind Since you have come to this land from your found increase. Young, middle-aged, and old, all home,-in this place is the unrivalled shrine of began to tremble at him. Sending for other Mahadeva; always Apsarasas descend in the men's wives, for one ghari no one could restrain night. This place four men discovered their him; if any attempted it, he would run to slay names will I relate, explaining-Bhasmakâr, him. The wives were terrified that he never Ravana, Madhu, Kaitava,-these dwelling here rested from kám : even on hearing his name all pleased the Deva. The greatness of this trembled ; in Ajmer city king Bisal burned Tirtha they sung; they washed the Deva, when he saw a woman . Losing control bringing the milk of a cow, and attained what- over his mind, he surrendered himself to kám. ever they desired." Thus saying the Siddha He began to lose respect for the distinction arose and disappeared. The Raja was amazed between lawful and unlawful; with women, in in his mind hearing the story of the place. As pleasure, he spent his time; he listened not much as he desired to ask the Siddhs had told to the advice of any. Whatever women him at once. The Raja sent for a thousand cows asked for, he would give them. The wives of with calf, spending money and choosing the Brahmans, Vaishyas or Sudras-he leaves none best. A thousand vessels of milk he poured on whom he casts his eyes. Bisal Narind became upon Śive, and took a vow to fast for three of this mind; neither day nor night could anyone days. For three days the Raja fasted, he aban- take rest. Many peoples of the city thronged doned water and fruit, eating air only. One together to the house of the minister (pradhân) night an Apsaras came; all the Apsarases were Calamity falls upon all, both men and womendancing and singing. After a long while Har we will not remain here--we will depart in anger.' spake. "Apsaras go and raise that mortal." The minister soothed the enraged people, and The Apsaras came to see him, and perceived that with the council of their head men and the wives he was asleep. "Siva is pleased with you, 80 of the râja, approached Bisal.|| the husband of Mohini (Durga) has said this on the earth,' said they, there are many to (me). Go to your own home, Siva's résidence râjas; a great sovereiga should attack and subabandoning. Siva is pleased with you, the dedue their cities and territories to destroy such sire of your heart has reached Śiva on high." thorns. To protect the land, a prince should Thus saying, Mohini raised up the Raja. It travel about it.' Such was the advice the miniswas the last watch of the night. The king re- l ters gave him, and also the council (panch) of turned to his tent; desire increased in his mind; the city. Such advice also the wives gave him. virility returned to him. In the morning, bath- The Raja understood the object of what they ing, he presented the thousand cows to Brahmans. were saying :-"The flame of kam which has With Panchamrita, incense, and lights, he wor- been excited in me singes you, that I know, but shipped Siva. At that time he gave orders for my mind submits not to control, it remains the erection of a temple and the construction of within itself as the shadow within a well, cona town called Bisalpur. Calling for an elephanttinues within it. Well, I will do as you say, he seated himself upon it. Hastily he returned assuredly. Send for Kirpâl, and whatever counto his own home. Travelling two days' stagestries you attack, I will mount and accompany in one, Bisal returned to his home; he reentered the city, there was joy in every house. He gave the order to the ministers; they sent In his lofty mansion he rested, in the coloured for Kirpal. From Sambhar he came to the city hall of four colours :t in the apartment of the (Ajmer). When Kirpâl came and touched the women of middle age, he told to the Par- feet of the king, he placed two swords before mâri all that had occurred. Excited by kám, he him, studded with jewels and bare. The râja
you."
When the Hindus fast on the 11th day of the month, it is allowed to them to eat fruit. The Shrawaks are not allowed.
| Red, black (or blue), yellow, and green. Usually the five colours are used, the fifth being white.
I Four lines of no consequence omitted.
$ The Passage that follows with a few corrections in taken from the Rds Mald, vol. I. p. 95.-ED.
These last two sentences condense the substance of a much longer piece
As a hint that he ought to take warlike exercise.
