16. Holy men and the pious and virtuous, were seen to soar high in their heavenly cars, and sitting there with their decorations of various kinds.
17. The amorous damsels of the gods, were clinging round their god Indra: as the tender creepers of the garden, twine about the trees beside them.
18. There were the fruit trees of gulunchas, studded with clusters of their ripening fruits; and resembling the gemming sapphires and rubies, and set as rows of ivory teeth.
19. After all these sights, Sukra thought of making his obeisance to Indra, who was seated on his seat like another Brahmá—the creator of the three worlds.
20. Having thought so, Sukra bowed down to Indra in his own mind, as he was the second Bhrigu in heaven—(i.e. He bowed to him with a veneration equal to that he paid to his father).
21. Indra received him with respect, and having lifted him up with his hand, made him sit by himself.
22. Indra addressed him saying:—I am honoured, Sukra! by thy call, and this heaven of mine is graced by thy presence, may thou live long to enjoy the pleasure of this place.
23. Indra then sat in his seat with a graceful countenance, which shone with the lustre of the unspotted full-moon.
24. Sukra being thus seated by the side of Indra, was saluted by all the assembled gods of heaven; and he continued to enjoy every felicity there, by being received with paternal affection by the lord of gods and men.