1839.] 



litport on the Mackenzie Manuscripts, 



337 



nadi river. The merit of bathing in it is related. For example, if it be 

 only seen, by the favour of the god, sin v» ill be removed. To bathe in it 

 is equal to the merit of an asvainedha sacrifice, and to remain in it during 

 one bright half of the natural day ensures beatification. Agastya and 

 several others by bathing therein, acquired sanctity. 



5. Isa enquires of Uma concerning the shrine. A special eclipse is 

 adverted to, at which time the vmawa appeared, with various marvel- 

 lous accompaniments. The benefits of worshipping thereat are narrat- 

 ed. 



6. The section of Viha-chittu. One of Cuvera's precious jewels, was 

 picked upby a particular kind of bird (mistaking it for its food) and car- 

 ried to the top of a tree ; when the bird dropped it on the head of a per- 

 son named Viba-chiltu, doing penance. He did not know what to do 

 ■with it; and, while wandering about on the mountain, an aerial voice 

 directed him to deposit the gem in a vanui-txQe, and then to go and re- 

 ceive instruction from Romasa rishi. He did so, and the rishi, by his 

 merit formed a Co/jo«-r?-?'c.57<a, or tree of plenty; yielding everything 

 desired. In consequence Viba-chittu had a golden image made for the 

 shrine with all other needful appurtenances : and ultimately " attain- 

 ed the feet of the god," or was beatified. 



7. The tini-ndda section, narrated by Brahma, and downward 

 through various celestials. It relates to a particular locality, on the 

 hill wdicre birds are fed termed tiru-amrita kunram where 'Aso Siva 

 condescended personally to make an appearance, and to receive adorati- 

 on. 



8. The section of Jgantya. This relates to Ayasiya's journey to the 

 south ; being resisted by the Vindhya mountain, he trampled on and 

 lowered it; he afterwards met with VutUan and Fit-vathan who were 

 accustomed to kill and eat travellers when passing by : he denounced 

 his anger on them and destroyed them. He then proceeded to Frid' 

 dhachala, where he bathed ; an-d, seeking pardon, for having killed the 

 said cannibals, Siva appeared, granted his request, and then vanished. 



9. The Calinga section. A Calinga king, did not pay proper res- 

 pect to Romacu maha rishi^ but mocked him; in consequence of which 

 the rishi denoimced on him the doom of becoming an evil-spirit-possess- 

 ed wanderer. He embraced the sage's feet, demanding when and 

 where, the crime w^ould be expiated, and was told it would be ut 

 Vriddhachala. He accordingly became possessed v/ith an ill-spirit, and 

 roaming about, came to Friddhachala, where bathing in the Mutta-nadi 

 he was relieved. As a moral, a caution is added not to mock sages, 

 who are performing penance. 



