________________
16
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JANUARY, 1894.
When thus asked, Isvara spoke as follows:
"Listen. O Parvati. See, on either side of me these thousand and one male Gaņas, and thousand and one Bhuta-ganas have come into existence. They are always serving me and dependent on me, and I was pleased with them, and for their aid I created one thousand and one diseases, because it was necessary to punish the wicked and money-loving and proud sinners on earth; otherwise the pride of the people on earth would increase and the poor would be much oppressed. Having seen this, I had to do as I did. At that time all these Bhutas assembled and, prostrating before me, addressed me as follows:- O God, thou hast created us, (therefore) give us food! We suffer hunger and thirst and are unable to endure it any longer.'
“When they thos begged I commanded them, saying as follows:- 'Lo! Go you on earth and give the sinners there trouble and obtain your food from their hands! (But) do not trouble those who believe in me!'
"Having heard this, these Bhatas asked : -'O God! We rejoice at what you have commanded us, but we cannot distinguish those who are sinners on earth; therefore, please direct us how to know them.'
"When the Bhûtas so prayed, I commanded, saying: 'Lo! I shall beforehand charge the sinners on earth with some disease, with sickness and all kinds of trouble; you can then discover and seize such persons, and by doing so you can get food.'
“When so commanded, the Bhatas questioned me, saying: -
O God! How shall snch men as are afflicted with disease know that we have seized them? What is the sign of it?'
"When so questioned, I commanded and spake to them thus :
Lo! In the world I have created soothsayers, astrologers and those that prepare charms. Through them they will learn to know that you do it, and then they will give you food. This must be now enough for you. Speak no more.'
"Thus I discharged them." But afterwards the BhQtas came again to Távara and questioned him as follows:
"O God! Thon hast commanded ns to descend to the earth, but where shall we go (when we get) there ? And where shall we stay ? Please tell us."
When they so begged of Isvara he answered them saying:
“I will allot you separate names, such as Bobbarye, Kadgåravano, Pathikondaye. As such go you to the Southern countries and kingdoms and settle there. Besides this, I shall send some Bhūtas to join you, and also the Mahisasuras shall be with you, in the Northern country. Also in future times I will send some Bhatas and demons to join you. Besides this, I shall send Mallardye, Annappe and Jattige, Bhůtas, to stay from the Western part of the country to the Eastern part."
When the Bhatas were thus dismissed, Mahakali, Virabhadra and the mischievous Mari rose, and with reddened eyes, addressed isvara, saying:
"O God Isvara! Thou best commanded food for the Bhůtas and sent them away. Hast thou not forgotten us? Though thou hast forgotten, we have not. Therefore, now shew ue, too, & way!"
When they thus begged, fúvara said :
“Lo, the Bhata Dhumavati is on earth in Mudabidri in the Tulu land, and has settled in a place belonging to the Beilapari Billalu of the Chantar's Country. From that place to the Western sea shew your prowess in that region, and amongst your pleasures receive kolas and offerings. Thus take your food and be happy."
After these Bhutas had been sent away, the remainder also were commanded to their respective places. This, however, will be told afterwards.
