Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/153

Rh incomparable garland, widely known on Earth as Indra's garland, shall be thy distinctive badge I'"

"The slayer of Vritra (Indra) also gave the king, for his gratification, a bamboo pole for protecting the honest and the peaceful. After the expiration of a year, the king planted it in the ground for the purpose of worshipping the giver thereof, viz.. Sakra. From that time forth, O monarch, all kings, following Vasu's example, began to plant a pole for the celebration of Indra's worship. After erecting the pole they deck it with golden cloth and scents and garlands and various ornaments. And the god Vasava is worshipped in due form with such garlands and ornaments. And the god. for the gratification of the illustrious Vasu. assuming the form of a swan, came bimself to accept the worship thus offered, And the god, viz., the great Indra, beholding the auspicious worship thus made by Vasu, that first of monarchs, was delighted, and said unto him, -"Those men, and kings also, who will worship me and joyously observe this festival of mine like the king of Chedi, shall have glory and victory for their countries and kingdom ! Their cities also shall expand and be ever in joy !'"

"King Vasu was thus blessed by the gratified Maghavat, the highsouled chief of the gods. Indeed, those men who cause this festivity of Sakra to be observed with gifts of land, of gems and precious stones become the respected of the world. And king Vasu, the lords of Chedis bestowing boons and performing great sacrifices and observing the festivity of Sakra, was much respected by Indra. And from Chedi he ruled the whole world virtuously. And for the gratification of Indra, Vasu, the lord of the Chedis, observed the festivity of Indra."

"And Vasu bad five sons of great energy and immeasurable prowess. And the emperor installed his sons as governors of various provinces."

"And his son Vrihadratha was installed in Magadha and was known by the name of Maharatha. Another son of his was Pratyagraha ; and another, Kusamva, who was also called Mani-vahana. And the two others were Mavella, and Yadu of great prowess and invincible in battle."

energy. And the five sons of Vasu planted kingdoms and towns after their own names and founded separate dynasties that lasted for long ages."

"And when king Vasu took his seat in that crystal car, with the gift of Indra, and coursed through the sky, he was approached by Gandharvas and Apsaras (the celestial singers and dancers). And as he coursed through the upper regions, he was called Upaticbara, And by his capital flowed a river called Suktimati. And that river was once attacked by a