the over-powering sleep of all creatures and Kshatrya (19-22). Thou art Brahmavidya¹⁹⁷ in learning, Om¹⁹⁸ and Vasha¹⁹⁹. The Rishis know thee as the ancient Parvati amongst women (23). As said by Brahmā thou art Arundhati²⁰⁰ amongst chaste women. Truly thou hast been designated by the gods as Indrani²⁰¹ (24). This universe, mobile and immobile, is permeated by thee. Undoubtedly thou art the saviour in battle, burning fire, rivers, fear of thieves, caves, foreign countries, courts, in assailing the enemies and in all other matters where life is at stake (25–26). My heart, mind and reasoning faculty are all devoted to thee. Do thou save me from all sins; show me this favour (27). "O goddess, thou art always propitiated with him, who, rising up early in the morning, purifying himself and controlling his mind, will read this heavenly hymn (28). Thou dost give their desired-for objects to those who recite it for three months, and a most excellent boon to those who do it for six months, and celestial vision to those who continue it for nine months and _Siddhi_ as they desire to those who sing it for one full year (29–30). O goddess, as recorded by the great saint Krishna Dwaipayana thou art the supreme Brahman identical with truth. Thou dost drive away the fear of men, proceeding from chains, death, the destruction of children and wealth and disease. Assuming various forms at thy will, thou dost confer boons (31–32). Stupifying Kansa thou shalt alone enjoy the world. And I shall adopt the life of a milk-man amongst kine. For accomplishing my own work I shall become Kansa’s milk-man" (33). Having thus addressed (the goddess of sleep) the lord disappeared and she too, saluting him, expressed her consent by saying, "So be it" (34). ¹⁸⁹ A barbarian race inhabiting the mountainous districts of India and wearing the feathers of the peacock as decorations. ¹⁹⁰ One of a degraded tribe or occupation. ¹⁹¹ A barbarian using an uncultivated and unintelligible dialect. ¹⁹² The holy verse of the repetition of which forms an essential part of the ceremonies, enjoined to the Brāhmanas for daily observances. ¹⁹³ The mother of Kuvera. ¹⁹⁴ The mother of the Nagas. ¹⁹⁵ According to tradition Valmiki obtained a boon from the goddess of learning and composed his great work Ramayana. ¹⁹⁶ Dwaipayana Vyasa was celebrated for his memory for he had by heart all the Vedas and Puranas. ¹⁹⁷ Knowledge of spirit which is regarded as the best of all forms of learning. ¹⁹⁸ The mystic name of the deity, prefacing all the prayers and most of the writings of the Hindus, from A a name of Vishnu, U Siva and Ma Brahma. It therefore implies the Indian triad and expresses the three in one. ¹⁹⁹ oblation with fire. ²⁰⁰ The wife of the sage Vasistha. ²⁰¹ The queen of gods, the wife of Indra. CHAPTER LIX. BIRTH OF KRISHNA AND BALADEVA.