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MARCH, 1897.) SPECIMENS OF MODERN BRAHMANICAL LEGENDS.
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At this, they brought the mask which they had prepared for Pañjurli, and gave it to him. He saw the mask and was quite delighted with it, and, putting it on his face, trembled and cried out in a loud voice, and said: "You see, this mask which you have prepared for me is very beautiful."
And again he said : -"Now bring the goglets." .
And so the goglets were brought. In this manner they did everything; and the Bhata enjoyed the feast, and having finished the dedication, the assembly dispersed.
SPECIMENS OF MODERN BRAHMANICAL LEGENDS.
BY G. K. BETHAM. No. II. -- The Panavási- Váhátmya.
Part III. A BALOTATION to the great Ganapati! . The Rishis said: "O great Sûta, all-knowing and remover of all doubts, how was
it that Madhukesa set his affections on the kétaki flower? We have heard that in ancient days it came under the carse of Sive, and was kept far distant (from him) on account of treachery: now king Malla, in order to please Siva, worshipped him on the night of 'Sivaratri with the auspicions kétaki flowers. O Muni, you are the only one who can explain to us why king Malla, he who understood Siva - acted in this way; explaining all this, relate it to as to our satisfaction."66
Skanda said - on being asked in this way by the Rishis, who were discussing (the matter): Sata, causing them to listen, told them this ancient story:
"O assembly of Rishis, the holy stories of Sambha contain the essence.60 The more people hear of the playful sport of Sambhu, the more they wish to hear it. In ancient times in the Kalpa, in his form of Rajas,57 he created many people (subjects), he created the universe58 and many supports for it. By Siva's orders Vishņu became the protector.60 He (Vishạn) passed through many incarnations and killed many demons, and he protected many good people (sádhus), who lived hononrably.01
Once upon a time Brahma and Vishņa, being allared by the illusions of Siva,2 became egotistical and proud - 'I am Brahmâ! I am the creator of the worlds. There is no one to equal mo. I created many worlds and (also many men in them. I created Gandharvas, many Apsarns, Vidyadharas, a large serpents,64 Kinnaras, the assembly of the gods and many wonderful enjoyments in the heavens. I created the Prajapatis, namely, Marichi and others, Svayambhu and Manu, and I created people in four ways to live in four states (or castes). (I created) the Vedas with their six parts.65 (I created) the years, seasons, months, the two
* Rimaharshana, lit., thrill : erection of the hair on the body, horripilation. * I. 6., the real truth.
67 The second (or, according to Monier Williams, the first) of tbe three guras or constituent qualities of all material substances, the other two being sattus and tamas. Rajas is supposed to be the cause of the great activity seen in creatures: it predominates in men, as sativa and tamas predominate in gods and demons, Lit., many worlds
60 Or foundations. 6 Sattvs Brahms: Rajas Vishnu Tamas = Biva. The Trimarti or Triad, according to Molesworth, Monter Williams, however, has it Rajos Brahms: Sattva - Vishịu : Tamas Siva. This would appear to be the modern idea and the one accepted at the present time. 61 Lit., acted a just part, or up to the limit.
Drawn on by Biva's blandishments or tricks. Demigode.
41. e., Ananta, V Asuki: Takshaka: Seaba, etc. 65 Lit., limbs or members. I. e., fikshl, pronunciation of words ; kalpa, rules for ceremonies and sacrifioes; vytkarana, grammar; nirukta, glossarial explanation of obscure words; chhur.dai, prosody, metrical science ; jyotisha, astronomy.
