Thus addressed by the Divine Brahmā, the Lord Hari said to Indra and other gods in auspicious words (66). "Listen attentively, all ye gods headed by Purandara, who have assembled here (67). We have slain, in this battle, many powerful Danavas, Kalnemi and others, who are superior even to the king of gods himself (68). In this terrible encounter came out both Virochana’s son Bali and the huge-bodied Rāhu (69). Let now the king of gods and Varuna repair to their wished-for regions. Let Yama occupy the south and the king of riches protect the north (70). As before let the noon be united with the stars in proper season. Let the sun, being united with equinoctial points, distribute the seasons all through the year (71). Let sacrifices be duly undertaken honoured by the ascetic courtiers and let the Vipras, according to the rituals laid down in the Vedas, offer oblations to fire (72). Let the gods attain gratification from Vali oblations, the Maharshis from the chanting of the Vedas and the ancestral manes from the performance of Srādhas as before (73). Let the wind blow in its own course, let the fire be enkindled in its three-fold forms, and let the three Varnas, by their natural qualities, bring about the gratification of the world (74). Let sacrifices be undertaken by the Brāhmanas who are worthy of performing initiatory rites and let all the proper sacrificial gifts be distributed (75). Let the sun afford gratification to all the eyes and let the moon afford delight to all the juices and let the air delight the vital breaths of all creatures, and let them all undertake good and auspicious works (76). Let the rivers, carrying water from the huge mountains and, the mother of the three worlds, gradually in proper order, proceed to the ocean (77). Let the gods cast off all fear of the Dānavas and let them enjoy peace. May you fare well, O ye gods, I repair to the eternal region of Brahmā (78). Do not live always confidently in your celestial region and specially in the battle-field for the demons are highly deceitful (79). They strike people as soon as they find a weak point. This order of the world is not permanent. You are all gentle and simple and your mind always moves in innocent matters. O gods, I bring about the stupefaction of all these wicked demons who cherish a desire of injuring you (81). Whenever you will cherish a dreadful fear of the Dānavas I will immediately come and promise you safety (32)." Having thus addressed the gods the highly illustrious Nārāyana, having truth for his prowess, repaired with Brahmā to his own region (83). This was the wonderful encounter, of which you asked, of Nārayana and the Dānavas in the war of which Tāraka was the root (84). CHAPTER XLIX. ATTRIBUTES OF NARAYANA