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VRIŞABHA SEN GAŅADHARA 189 the memory of which Indra commended the men of the seventh and the higher pratimās (stages on the householder's path) to preserve by kindling three fires, the Gārhapatya, the Paramãhavaniyaka and the Dakshinägni. Great rejoicings and dancings took place on the occasion, as is the custom of the devas.
Bharata was, however, very disconsolate, and plunged in grief. He did not participate in the rejoicings in which men joined the devas.
Ganadhara (Apostle) Vrişabha Sen saw him and spoke to him: “ Surely, this is not an occasion for grief," said he," for the Lord has gone to the everlasting Abode of the Immortals, which you and I even are also going to reach very soon!” After a while Bharata recollected himself, and, touching the Holy Feet of the Leader of Saints, proceeded to his kingdom. He lived for many years more in the world, but always filled with growing disgust for its toys and joys. At last one day he discovered a white hair in his head and taking it to be the messenger and herald of old age, immediately decided to leave the world. He appointed Apkakirti to succeed him, and became a saint. The effect of his growing vairāgya (detachment) immediately manifested itself in the form of Telepathy; and he even destroyed his inimical Karmas within an antaramahurta (less
