35. In this manner did this secondary sun, give his blessing to the devout ascetic; and was prepared to plunge into the bosom of the ocean out of which he rose of himself. (The sun is usually said to rise from and set in the mountain top, but he is made to rise out of and sink in the sea, according to the Grecian mythology).
36. The Deity having departed, I accosted the ascetic hanging below the branch, and said to him I witnessed to day what I had heard from before, that the gods are ever propitious to their suppliants.
37. Now O Bráhman, as you have gained the object of your desire, it is desirable that you should give up your austerity, and pursue the proper callings and the course of your life.
38. He having assented to my proposal, I ascended on the tree and loosened his feet therefrom; as they let loose the feet of an elephant from the fetters tied to its prop and post.
39. Having then bathed himself, he made his offerings with his pure hands for the remission of his sins; and then with the fruits which he was fortunate to pluck from the tree, he broke the fast of his long lent.
40. It was by virtue of his meritorious devotion, that we obtained plenty of the delicious fruits of that holy tree; where upon we refreshed ourselves, and subsisted for three days.
41. Thus this Bráhman being desirous of obtaining the sovereignity of the earth, consisting of the septuple continents girt by the seven oceans all around, made his painful maceration with his uplifted feet and downward head, until he obtained desired boon from the god of day, and refreshed himself for three days at the spot, till at last both of us set out on our journey towards the city of Mathurá.
CHAPTER CLXXXI.
Brahma-Gítá Continued.
Argument:—The guest’s description of <the> sanctuary of the goddess Gaurí.
The guest Kunda-danta resumed his narration and said:—We then betook ourselves to our homeward journey, and bent our course towards the holy city of Mathurá, which was as fair and splendid as the solar and lunar mansions, and the celestial city of Amaravati of Indra.