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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.

[SEPT. 6, 1872.

“I dwell in Ajmerpur, I am of the renowned

sent for all his wives; the whole night he

race of Chauhan ; Bisal Deva is my name, O

passed awake. All the wives were agitated, asking when before did Sambhu give such a gift 2

Siddha " I am come to perform ablutions.” The Siddha answers, “Hear O Rāja, my words. Since you have come to this land from your home, in this place is the unrivalled shrine of Mahādeva; always Apsarasas descend in the

night.

This place four men discovered : their

Night and day all alike the desire of his mind found increase. Young, middle-aged, and old, all

began to tremble at him.

Sending for other

men's wives, for one ghari no one could restrain

him ; if any attempted it, he would run to slay

names will I relate, explaining, Bhasmakär, Rāvana, Mādhu, Kaitava, these dwelling here

him.

pleased the Deva. The greatness of this Tirth a they sung ; they washed the Deva,

trembled ; in Ajmer city king Bisal burned when he saw a womant Losing control

bringing the milk of a cow, and attained what ever they desired.” Thus saying the Siddha

over his mind, he surrendered himself to kám.

arose and disappeared. The Rāja was amazed in his mind hearing the story of the place. As much as he desired to ask the Siddha had told

him at once. The Rāja sent for a thousand cows with calf, spending money and choosing the best. A thousand vessels of milk he poured upon

Śiva, and took a vow to fast for three

days. For three days the Raja fasted, he aban doned water and fruit,” eating air only. One night an Apsaras came ; all the Apsarases were dancing and singing. After a long while Har spake. “Apsaras go and raise that mortal.”

The wives were terrified that he never

rested from kām : even on hearing his name all

He began to lose respect for the distinction between lawful and unlawful; with women, in pleasure, he spent his time; he listened not to the advice of any. Whatever women asked for, he would give them. The wives of Brahmans, Vaishyas or Sudras—he leaves none on whom he casts his eyes. Bisal Narind became of this mind; neither day nor night could anyone take rest. Many peopleš of the city thronged together to the house of the minister (pradhān) ‘Calamity falls upon all, both men and women— we will not remain here—we will depart in anger.’ The minister soothed the enraged people, and

The Apsaras came to see him, and perceived that

with the council of their head men and the wives

he was asleep. “Siva is pleased with you, so the husband of Mohini (Durgā) has said this to (me). Go to your own home, Siva's residence abandoning. Siva is pleased with you, the de

of the rāja, approached Bisal.] ‘On the earth,’ said they, “there are many rājas ; a great sovereign should attack and sub due their cities and territories to destroy such

sire of your heart has reached Siva on high.”

thorns. To protect the land, a prince should

Thus saying, Mohini raised up the Rāja. It was the last watch of the night. The king re turned to his tent; desire increased in his mind; virility returned to him. In the morning, bath ing,he presented the thousand cows to Brahmans.

travel about it.” Such was the advice the minis

With Panchamrita, incense, and lights, he wor

shipped Siva. At that time he gave orders for the erection of a temple and the construction of

ters gave him, and also the council (panch) of the city. Such advice also the wives gave him. The Rāja understood the object of what they were saying : —“The flame of kam which has been excited in me singes you, that I know, but my mind submits not to control, it remains within itself as the shadow within a well, con tinues within it. Well, I will do as you say,

a town called Bisalpur. Calling for an elephant he seated himself upon it. Hastily he returned to his own home. Travelling two days' stages

assuredly. Send for Kirpal, and whatever coun tries you attack, I will mount and accompany

in one, Bisal returned to his home;

you.”

he re

entered the city; there was joy in every house. In his lofty mansion he rested, in the coloured

hall of four colours :t in the apartment of the women of middle age,

-

He gave the order to the ministers; they sent for Kirpál. From Sambhar he came to the city (Ajmer). When Kirpal came and touched the

he told to the Par

feet of the king, he placed two swords before

māri all that had occurred. Excited by k.dm, he

him," studded with jewels and bare. The rāja

it is allowed to them to eat fruit. The Shrawaks are not
 * When the Hindus fast on the 11th day of the month,

§ The passage that follºws with a few corrections is taken frºm the Rás Mālā, vol. I. p. 95.-E.D.

allowed.

t Red, black (or blue), yellow, and green. Usually the five colours are used, the fifth being white.


 * Four lines of no consequence omitted.

much longer piece.
 * These last two sentences condense the substance of a


 * As a hint that he ought to take warlike exercise.