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CHAPTER XXVIII, 16.
347
of the Rudras, and Siva is the ruler of (all) creatures; likewise, sacrifice of (all) initiatory ceremonies', and Maghavat likewise of the gods; the north among the quarters, and among all vipras the powerful king Soma); Kubera (is lord) of all jewels, Purandara of (all) deities. Such is the highest creation among all entities. Pragå pati (is lord) of all peoples; and of all entities whatever I, who am full of the Brahman, and great, (am lord). There is no higher being than myself or Vishnu. The great Vishnu full of the Brahman is the king of kings over all. Understand him to be the ruler, the creator, the uncreated Hari. For he is the ruler of men, Kinnaras, and Yakshas ; of Gandharvas, snakes, and Rakshases; of gods, demons, and Någas. Among all those who are followed by (men) full of desires, (the chief) is the great goddess Mahesvari, who has beautiful eyes. She is called Parvati. Know the goddess Uma to be the best and (most) holy of (all) females. Among women who are (a source of happiness, likewise, the brilliant' Apsarases (are chief). Kings desire
This must mean, I presume, that the sacrifice is higher than the initiation, as male than female, see p. 346, note 1.
• This is another repetition. Indra has been mentioned before, and Purandara is mentioned further on.
As to king Soma, sce inter alia Brihadiranyaka, p. 237; Klindogya, p. 342, where Sankara explains • king' by adding of Brahmanas.' Vipras =Brahmanas.
• 1. e. Mihesvari is the most beautiful of womankind.
• It is well known that Umá, Parvatt, Mähesvart are names of the consort of the third member of the Hindu Trinity; sce Kena, p. 13, and Sankara's comment there. See, too, Muir, Sanskrit Texts, vol. iv, p. 431, and Taittiriya-åra yaka, p. 839. • The idea of source' is supplied by Arguna Misra.
Literally, 'rich.' Arguna Mista paraphrases it by Gyotishmati.' Nilakantha's explanation here is not quite clear.
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