Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/301

Rh very high region, viz, that of the god of gods (Vishnu) where too I have lived in happiness. Indeed, I have dwelt in various regions, adored by all the celestials, and possessed of prowess and splendour equal unto those of the celestials themselves. Capable of assuming any form at will, I have lived for a hundred Ayutas of years in the gardens of Nandana, sporting with the Apsaras and even beholding, numberless beautiful trees clad in flowery vestments and shedding delicious perfumes all around. And after many many years had elapsed, while still residing there in the enjoyment of perfect beatitude, the celestial messenger of grim visage one day, in a loud and deep voice, thrice shouted to me, Ruined, Ruined, Ruined. O thou lion among kings, this much I remember. I have then fallen from Nandana, my religious merits gone! I heard in the skies, O king, the voices of the celestials exclaiming in grief,—"Alas! What misfortune! Yayati, with his religious merits destroyed, though virtuous and of sacred deeds, is falling!"—And as I was falling, I asked them loudly, "Where, ye clestialscelestials [sic], where are those wise amongst whom I am to fall?" They then pointed out to me this sacred sacrificial region belonging to ye. And beholding the curls of smoke blackening the atmosphere and scenting the perfume of clarified butter poured incessantly into the fire, and guided thereby, I am approaching this region of yours, glad at heart that I come amongst ye.

And so ends the eight-ninth Section of the Sambhava in the Adi Parva.

 

"Ashtaka then said, 'Capable of assuming any form at will, thou hast lived for an hundred Ayuta years in the gardens of Nandana. For what cause, O thou foremost of those that flourished in the Krita age, hast thou been compelled to leave that region and come hither?' Yayati answered, 'As kinsmen, friends, and relatives forsake, in this world, those whose wealth disappears, so in the other world, the celestials 