35. O lord! deign to make this earth (i.e. the continent of Jambudwípa or Asia), stretching to the four seas on the four sides, as thy footstool; and establish thy rule over the remaining potentates, that escaped the brunt of thy valour; appoint rulers over all the provinces on all sides; and provide them with proper force and arms, which are necessary to keep them in order; and continue to govern thy realms with mercy and moderation.
CHAPTER CXXI.
Exposition of the Story of Vipaschit.
Argument:—Boundaries of Vipaschit’s Realms. His adoration of fire and attempt to proceed further.
Vasishtha related:—Then the king Vipaschit and his companions, sat on the coast of the sea, and did whatever was requisite for the establishment of his sovereignty.
2. They then chose spots for their abodes at that place, and made houses for themselves according to their positions; they settled the boundaries of the provinces, and set guards for their defence.
3. At last they went down into the ocean, and then proceeded to the other side of the world; in order to show his glory; like that of Vipaschit, to other parts of the world.
4. Then came on the dark night, in the form of an all overshading cloud; and the people all sank into the lap of sleep, after finishing their daily works and rituals.
5. They were amazed to think in themselves, how insensibly they were led to so great a distance in so short a space of time, and to meet the ocean like currents of rivers falling into it.
6. They said: “It is a wonder that we have come so far, without any attempt on our part; and therefore this great velocity must be attributed, to the swiftness of the vehicles of the great god Agni (or Electricity itself)”.
7. Lord! say they, how extensive is the view that lies before our sight; stretching from one end of the Jambudwípa to its other extremity of the vast salt ocean, and thence again to the islands in it, and other lands and seas beyond them.