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14
SETUBANDHA
the clouds. It was restless as it embraced the coast, but refrained19 from overrunning the earth.20
24. It was heaving under the pressure of the rays of the moon. Its waters were troubled by the moving wings of its mountains, 21 and constantly absorbed by the rumbling clouds. It was heated by the submarine fire, and was both unsteady and calm.
25. The serpents, heated by the fire of their venom, crawled over the masses of pearls; and clusters of gems, tarnished by moss, were clearly visible along the tracks of the fish.
26. It was permeated by rivers. By virtue of its riches, it was the worthv paternal home of the goddess of wealth, the consort of Vişnu.22 It was attached to the earth. The torrent of water, advancing and retreating through the mouths of the rivers 23 behaved with it like a woman (bashfully approaching her lover).
27. It reached the height of enjoyment as it kissed a thousand rivers; and its waters roared with a din unbearable like the rumbling of the clouds at the epoch of destruction, Gently rocked by soft breezes, it was like one regaled with wine, and reeling in mild inebriation.
28. The foam, floating on its surface, was tinged with the streaming lustre of the dark blue gems; and the breath of the serpent Ananta, on whose coils Vişnu slept, caused massive whirlpools as it hit the lotus growing out of his navel.24
29. Rolling in waves, and brilliant with sunshine, the sea was the ever-undulating dance-floor for the gleam of the coral fronds. It resounded far and wide, when the Mandara mountain 25 was pulled about in its waters (during the churning); even as
19. Lit. was prevented, i.e., by the customary limit.
20. Velā (seashore) is figured as the mistress of the Sea (cf. 1.64), and the Earth also plays the same role (cf. verse 8). It is implied that loyalty to one prevented the Sea from paying attention to the other.
21. See verse 14. 22. Cf. verse 6.
23. Retreating on account of being repelled by the waves of the sea. Cf. verse 16.
24. See 1.17, 21. 25. Cf. verse 4.
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