Repairing to the region of Brahmā and beholding the dignity of the Grand-Father Vishnu honored all the Rishis with works sanctioned by the Vedas (12). Having performed the rites of the first part of the day the highly energetic Vishnu came to the fire where oblations were being offered in the morning by the great Rishis (13). He saw his own body most excellently placed in the midst of the sacrifice, worshipped with oblations by the great Rishis and eating his own share of the sacrificial offerings (14). Having saluted the worshipful Rishis of Brahma energy Nārāyana, who is beyond the comprehension of thought, began to range in the eternal Brahma region (15). Walking there in the sacrifice he saw hundreds of sacrificial posts adorned with the tops of Chashālas¹⁶⁹ and marked by the Brāhmana saints (16). Smelling the smoke of oblations, hearing the sound of the chanting of the Vedas by the twice-born ones, and beholding his own self worshipped in the shape of a sacrifice he began to range there (17). Taking the sacred grass and Arghya¹⁷⁰ in their hands the courtier deities and the Rishis said to him (18):—"Whatever power exists in the gods it emanates from Nārāyana and whatever is undertaken by the deities that also proceeds from Madhusudana (19). That eternal Vishnu is the region of Soma and fire about which the people hear from learned men (20). As curd is produced from milk and clarified butter from curd so when the body and senses are agitated by virtue of meditation the world originates from Janārddana (21). As the great soul is comprehended by the senses and the five great elements so Hari is comprehended by the gods, the Vedas and all the worlds (22). As in this world of men the relation between the five elements and senses is perceived so the strength and prosperity of the gods in the celestial region originate from Vishnu (23). This independent and highly sacred Nārāyana, who is the thread of the worlds and who confers fruits of sacrifices on those who perform them, is worshipped with Mantras like Mantra itself (24)." The Rishis said:—O foremost of the celestials, O thou of great effulgence, O lotus-navelled deity, hast thou come with ease? Do thou accept this sacrificial offering offered according to the _Mantras_ (25). Thou art the sacred vessel of this water sanctified in the sacrifice. Thou wert always known as the guest mentioned in the _Mantras_ and hast now become visible (26). O Nārāyana, after thy departure to the battle-field, our works were not undertaken, for a sacrifice, without Vishnu, is never sanctioned (27). To-day we will acquire the fruit of the sacrifice celebrated with presents. Thou art beholding thyself worshipped by us all (28). Saying "So be it" the Lord, in return, worshipped the Brāhmanas. The Grand-father Brahmā who was in his region, was delighted thereat (29). ¹⁶⁹ A wooden ring on the top of a sacrificial post. ¹⁷⁰ Water to wash feet. CHAPTER L. AN ACCOUNT OF NARAYANASHRAMA.