11. The gods were washed by the showers, falling from the peaks of Meru below, and the waves of the Ganges, rolled on with scattered _mandara_ flowers floating on them. 12. The alleys of Indra’s groves, were tinged with saffron, by heaps of the dust of _mandara_ flowers; and were trodden by groups of Apsara lasses, sporting wantonly upon them. 13. There were the gentle breezes blowing among the _párijáta_ plants, brightening as moon-beams in the sacred bowers; and wafting the fragrant honey, from the cups of _Kunda_ and _mandara_ blossoms. 14. The pleasure garden of Indra, was crowded by heavenly damsels; who were besmeared with the frosty farina of _kēsara_ flowers, mantling them like the creepers of the grove in their yellow robes. 15. Here were the heavenly nymphs dancing in their gaiety, at the tune of the songs of their lovers; and there were heavenly musicians Nárada and Tamburu, joining their vocal music in unison with the melody of the wired instruments of the lute and lyre (Vallakikákali). 16. Holy men and the pious and virtuous, were seen to soar high in their heavenly cars, and sitting there with their decorations of various kinds. 17. The amorous damsels of the gods, were clinging round their god Indra: as the tender creepers of the garden, twine about the trees beside them. 18. There were the fruit trees of _gulunchas_, studded with clusters of their ripening fruits; and resembling the gemming sapphires and rubies, and set as rows of ivory teeth. 19. After all these sights, Sukra thought of making his obeisance to Indra, who was seated on his seat like another Brahmá—the creator of the three worlds. 20. Having thought so, Sukra bowed down to Indra in his own mind, as he was the second Bhrigu in heaven—(_i.e._ He bowed to him with a veneration equal to that he paid to his father). 21. Indra received him with respect, and having lifted him up with his hand, made him sit by himself. 22. Indra addressed him saying:—I am honoured, Sukra! by thy call, and this heaven of mine is graced by thy presence, may thou live long to enjoy the pleasure of this place. 23. Indra then sat in his seat with a graceful countenance, which shone with the lustre of the unspotted full-moon. 24. Sukra being thus seated by the side of Indra, was saluted by all the assembled gods of heaven; and he continued to enjoy every felicity there, by being received with paternal affection by the lord of gods and men. CHAPTER VII. RE-UNION OF THE LOVERS. Argument. Sukra sees his beloved in heaven, and is joined to her at that place. Vasishtha said:—Thus Sukra being got among the gods in the celestial city, forgot his former nature, without his passing through the pangs of death. 2. Having halted awhile by the side of the Sachi’s consort (Indra), he rose up to roam about the paradise, by being charmed with all its various beauties.