1842.] An abstract Translation from the Pudma Pooran. 1129 



9th Incarnation, or Boodh Avatar, 



The giant Tarukasoor had three sons, Viddoonmaly, Tarukaksha, and 

 Karaalaksha. In a battle between the gods and giants, Tarukasoor was 

 killed by Indra. The sons fasted and prayed for 1,000 years to Brahma, 

 who pleased with their devotion, told them to ask for whatever they 

 wished, and it should be granted. They replied, " We wish in the first place, 

 for three moveable cities completely furnished with every article of luxury ; 

 and secondly, that we may not be subject to death by the hand of Gods, 

 Danavas, Yekshas, Rakus, Gandurvas, Sidda Saddia, Kinnara, Kimpoo- 

 roosha, Ooroga, &c." 



Bramha granted their request, with this proviso, that if the cities should 

 ever come in contact with each other, they should all be killed by a great 

 man. The three brothers then repaired to Mya, the architect of the giants, 

 who made for them three cities : one of gold, one of silver, and one of iron; 

 each city was 150 leagues square, adorned with palaces, gardens, and every 

 thing conducive to pleasure. The golden city was in the centre, the 

 silver one in the sky, and iron one on the earth. Thus by the blessings 

 of the Trinity and Mya, the giants enjoyed themselves exceedingly, and 

 amused themselves with tormenting the gods, penitents, &c. To complete 

 their power, the son of Tarakaksha obtained from Brahma a nectar 

 well, in which if a dead body were plunged, it would come out alive with 

 ten others equally powerful. By these means, the three brothers were 

 enabled to fight the gods with impunity, and overthrow them. Reduced 

 to extremity, they petitioned Brahma to save them from the effects of the 

 power he had granted to the giants. Brahma told them to go to Roodra, 

 who on their supplicating him, attacked the giants with such force, that 

 the field was covered with their dead. However, their wives came and 

 touched them with their hands, sprinkling water over their persons, and 

 they awoke from their sleep, for their wives being very virtuous women, 

 could give life to the dead. The giants on their recovery, renewed 

 their attacks upon the gods, who were again obliged to supplicate the 

 aid of Roodra. The latter replied, " Unless the virtue of their wives be 

 corrupted, it is useless to kill them, because so long as their wives remain 

 virtuous, they will be able to restore them to life." The gods then pro- 

 ceeded to Vicoont, and entreated Vishnoo to lend them his assistance, 

 to which he consented. It came to pass, that the wives of the Trepoora- 

 soors were dancing round the Uswuttum, which is the king of trees, 

 and endeavouring to obtain the fruit which hung from its lofty branches. 

 Vishnoo assuming the form of a priest, told them they would not be 

 able to procure the fruit unless they danced round the tree naked. On 



