188 B. Bandyopadhyaya — Hamir Rasa, [No. 3, 



you," said he. " She has ten hands well armed with weapons of attack 

 and defence ; she rides on a lion and wears a necklace of human heads. All 

 the holy sages worship her ; so do not fear, brave child, but fight with a 

 heart of steel, braving all dangers for the cause of your religion." 



The Rakshasas were cut to pieces. Their blood ran in torrents. 

 Those who escaped fled to the infernal regions. In times of peril, Sakti 

 protected the Hindu champion from all dangers. Every time he fell at her 

 feet, his strength and energy were doubled, and he rushed at the ranks of 

 the devils and put them to the sword. The goddess is called A'sdpuri, be- 

 cause she fulfilled the hope of the holy sages, and by that name is worshipped 

 by the Chohans to this day. 



After many generations, Raja Jeyat Chohan was born in the village of 

 Barbagao. He was learned, benevolent, generous, wise and handsome. Raj- 

 put heroes of the thirty- six clans always waited on him. Minstrels sang of 

 his glory and heroism. His energy increased like the heat of the morning 

 sun, and he was feared by his enemies both by day and night. He was very 

 kind to the poor, he relieved their wants, the moment he heard their com- 

 plaints. 



Once the Rao was out in a forest on a hunting-excursion, accompanied 

 by all the skilful huntsmen in his territories. He saw a white boar and 

 pursued it very closely. It ran into a dense jungle, which was full 

 of windings. He was separated from his train. The figure of an 

 ascetic met his view. Rishi Padam, the best of all sages, sat there, engaged 

 in deep contemplation. The prince left off chasing after the game. He 

 fell prostrate before the sage, joined his hands and thus began to pray : "I 

 am very fortunate, that I am able to see thee. My sins were forgiven 

 me the moment I looked on thy body. Protect me, bless me, O thou 

 merciful one, have mercy on me. I am ever the object of thy care, O 

 thou, who art an ocean of virtues, I bow down before thee. Thou art the 

 possessor of unfading beauty, all-wise and all-powerful. The great name of 

 Rama is always on thy lips. All the ages dwell in thee, and thou givest 

 the three worlds what they wish for. Thy austere penance has made thee 

 almost equal to Vishnu, Siva and Ganesa. Place thy hand on my head, 

 O lord! and bless me." The sage was greatly pleased with the Rao's 

 prayers. He blessed him. " Build a fort yonder on the hill, my son," 

 said he, " dwell there and worship Siva." 



When Raja Jeyat returned to his capital, he called a council of his 

 ministers and vassals and consulted all the learned astrologers of his court. 

 A lucky hour was fixed to lay the foundation-stone of a town and that of 

 its fort. The time was 7.30 in the morning of Saturday, the third of the new 

 moon, the day of the feast of AJcshmjaya Tritiyd, the moon being on the 



