1838.3 



Report on the Mackenzie Manuscripts* 



353 



governed ; and it is quite evident that too long periods are given to 

 individuals, especially at the commencement ; but these periods are 

 iiot always to be understood as wholly occupied by the in 

 dividual mentioned. He may be the head of a race, or the 

 only person of any note during that period ; and sometimes 

 such authors as the present one must bd understood as doing the best 

 they can. Upon the whole this manuscript might deserve full trans- 

 lation; the requisite checks and comparisons to be supplied by anno- 

 tation. The book is complete, and in tolerably good preservation ; 

 insects have begun to attack it; but as it will require to come under 

 notice again, its restoration has been for the present postponed. 



2. Parasa Rama Vijaya, or the triumph of Parasu i?ama— No. 84^ 

 Countermark 388. 



Ft/asa and Valmica, being in the celestial world (or Sverga loca) 

 narrate to Indra, the events which occurred in the Treta yiiga or second 

 age of the world, to the following purport. The chacra, or missile 

 weapon of Vishnu disputed with its holder telling him that by means 

 of itself (the chacra) Vishnu had gained his victories over the asuras and 

 others. In consequence of this presumption Vishnu condemned the 

 chacra to be born on earth. Accordingly the chacra came into the 

 world as the child of Krita Viriya, but without either legs or arms. 

 The astrologers being consulted, recommended the monster's being 

 abandoned and exposed in the woods, or waste places. Being so ex" 

 posed, Athiseshan fed it with poison, considering the case to be despe- 

 rate J as if not nourished it must die, and the case could be no worse if 

 poison failed of yielding nourishment. The child survived, and the 

 serpent carried it to a fane oi Siva, and left it there after committing it 

 to the protection of Siva. By command of the god, the Brahmans be- 

 longing to the fane reared up the child. Subsequently Siva asked the 

 lame and helpless monster what gift it wanted. It requested five hun- 

 dred hands, and a thousand legs. The petition was granted, and the 

 name of Karlaviriya Arjuna being bestowed, this now powerful being 

 was appointed a Chacraverti or emperor. He ruled in Jamhuna-puri a 

 town built for him by Visvacarma (the artificer of the gods) who was 

 specially summoned for the purpose. While he was thus ruling, on 

 the banks of ihtNarmathi (Nerbudda) indulging in the usual kingly re- 

 creations, Havana came thither, and by his orders was imprisoned. In 

 consequence of this imprisonment a war arose,, as the younger brothers 



