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rooting out as it were the collections of principal mountains. Then the ocean was agitated, making the mouths of rivers flow in the opposite directions and roaring like the celestial elephant Airāvana. The sailors became dejected. Then at the very beginning of starting, the sails were removed; and the sailors dropped down the anchor-stones, which were as it were the hope of life. Still, after holding on for some time, the ship wrecked. The merchant-son obtained the plank on account of his life still remaining, and crossing the sea day and night, he touched the Suvarna-dvipa. He thought, "Oh, the consequence of Fate ! I do not know the condition of my beloved and followers. Or why should I regret! The same Fate is an authority here !" Then he took his course of food with plantains. The sun set. He made the bed of creepers. In order to remove cold, he struck fire by the process of rubbing blocks of Arani wood. Resting for some time, he bowed to his elders and deities and slept. The night passed away and he got up. The sun rose. He saw all the part of ground which was touched by fire turn into gold.
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