386 Analysis of the Mackenzie Manuscripts. [April, 



Ciirma-avatara of Vishnu, Brahma said that Vtshnu had assumed 

 many deceptive forms, but he wished to see him (Vishnu) in his own 

 form. In consequence a Vimdna or shrine, was produced described 

 in highly hyperbolical language ; Brahma worshipped the image there- 

 in of Vishnu in a reclining posture, extravagantly described, forming 

 the third adhydya. 



4. Brahma made one hundred thousand prostrations to Vishnu, 

 and declared that he ought to be so honoured for crores of years, without 

 end ; Brahma terms him Jaganna'tha (lord of the universe) and, " fa- 

 ther," A long string of similar praise, indicating this image of Vishnu 

 to be all things, and things in it ; Vishnu declared his satisfaction with 

 the eulogium pronounced by Brahma, and inquires what gift he re- 

 quires. 



5. Brahma requests that Vishnu under that form will always be 

 in that image, and that he (Brahma) may always have the privilege of 

 worshipping it. Vishnu tells Brahma that if he so worship him dur- 

 ing one hundred years he will attain beatitude, and if others so worship 

 they will attain beatitude. Some little explanation is given of what is 

 meant by beatitude. 



6. Brahma desires to be informed as to the proper manner of per- 

 forming homage and service to Vishnu's image. This is stated and it is 

 added that he is a Chanddla who does not worship Vishnu, being a 

 quotation of stanza by Pillai Perumal Ayengar; whosoever speaks 

 against the Sri rangha image is a Chanddla. If there be an ignorant 

 person that knows nothing of Sri rangha perumal, the food he eats is 

 the same as that given to a dog. Brahma took the shrine to Swerga- 

 loca (Indra's paradise) ; the precise day of which event is stated, with 

 astronomical accompaniments, but in what year is not mentioned. The 

 sun was summoned, was taught a mantra, and directed to worship the 

 image; which Surya accordingly did. Surya's son did the same; 

 and Ikshvaku, the son of the latter also paid homage. The latter 

 brought the image back to' earth again. Many kings of the solar race 

 worshipped it in subsequent ages : all who did so (Isvarer informs Na- 

 reda) were prosperous. 



7. Nareda inquires the cause why the Vimdna, or shrine, came 

 down from heaven to earth ? Why did Brahma give it to Ikshvaku, 

 and for what reason was it brought, and placed in the midst of the river 

 Caveri? Ikshvaku was a king of Ayodhya, he was taught by Va^ishta. 

 He killed all the evil rdkshasas and while reigning equitably, he one 

 day thought on his father Vaivasvata, and others having gone to the 

 other world, and thereby worshipping this image obtaining beatification, 



