cowherds said. Accursed are our minds, and the performance of this sacrifice, that we did not recognize Bhugwan, and worship him. Our wives are superior to us, who went in such a spirited manner to behold Krishnù, and gave him food with their own hands, without having offered prayers, penance or sacrifice.” Thus expressing their regret, the inhabitants of Muttra said in presence of their wives, joining their hands, “Great is your good fortune in having seen Huri, your lives have been most propitious.” CHAPTER XXV. Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--Raja! I will now inform you, how Shree Krishnù Chund raised the hill Goberdhun, and destroyed the pride of Indrù: listen with attention. All the inhabitants of Bruj, on the anniversary of the fourteenth of the dark part of the month of Kartik, having bathed, and filled a square place with saffron and sandal, bringing different kinds of sweetmeats and confectionary, and perfumes and lamps, were in the habit of worshipping Indrù. This was a traditional custom with them. On one of the returns of that anniversary, Nund Jee made great preparations for a feast, and there were also great preparations in the houses of all the inhabitants of Bruj. Shree Krishnù Chund came and asked his mother, “What is the reason of there being so many sweetmeats, and so much confectionary in each house to-day? Explain the secret to me, that the doubts of my mind may be removed?” Jusodha replied, “Son! I have no leisure now to talk: Go and ask your father, and he will explain to you?” On hearing this, Shree Krishnù came to Nund and Oopnund, and said, “Father! for what god’s worship are such splendid preparations being made to-day, that there are sweetmeats and confectionary in each house? What power has he of accomplishing men’s desires, of granting absolution from sin and conferring boons? Explain to me his name, and his virtues, that the doubts of my mind may disappear?” Nund said, “Son! have you not yet found out the secret, that it is the worship (poojah) of the lord of the clouds, who is the ruler of the gods, through whose benignant liberality, prosperity and increase are obtained in the world, and also grass, water and grain. The forests and groves produce flowers and fruits: and through him all living things, animals, four-footed beasts and birds have a joyful existence. This custom of performing poojah to Indrù has obtained from the times of our ancestors’ ancestors, and is not one, which has been lately introduced.” On hearing these words from Nund Jee, Shree Krishnù replied, “Father! our ancestors may with knowledge or without knowledge have worshipped Indrù; but why do you intentionally leave a straight road and follow a steep one? By obeying Indrù nothing is gained; because he has not the power of granting men’s desires, or absolution from sin; and who has obtained prosperity and the accomplishment of his objects from him: mention to me on whom has he ever conferred a boon?