222 



RcjJort 011 the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



[Oct. 



and again narrated, by Suta^ to Savunaca, and the other rishis, mention- 

 ed in the introduction. 



The fourth Cdndam, or section. 

 Salutation, as before, to Vydsa. Sata recommences his narrative to Sa- 

 t'M?mca of what /S'j^ cft related to Paricsh it, whi^h is a resumption of the 

 statement given by iV/a2Vr«?/a to Viruda. The account Karta- Brahma 

 is reverted to. Atrt, one of his race, performed penance ; his object being 

 to know which of the Trimurti ( Bramha'Viahnu-Siva) was the greatest' 

 In consequence of his austerities, a flame was produced, which rested on 

 the head of the said rishi. The celestials being troubled by anxiety as to 

 the object of this penance, which might possibly affect their own safely, 

 went in a body, and complained to the Trimurti. These, with their con- 

 sorts, omam.ents, vehicles, and all attendants, came to the rishi, who wor- 

 shipped, and praised them ; and, on being told to mention his wish, he 

 requested to be taught, by some visible appearance, which of the three was 

 Lord of the Universe ; adding that though he had performed penance, di- 

 rected to one, yet the three had appeared. They replied that in themselves 

 they were without difference, and could not be divided ; that they were 

 three persons in one form, but diverse in operation: in creating — in causing 

 to be bom, and preserving — in destroying, they were three ; by conse- 

 quence one of them being worshipped, the three were worshipped* 

 Those who think of the three, as without distinction, are appointed to 

 happiness. The rishi was instructed not himself to make any distinction; 

 and an assm-ance was then given, that the three would be bom, or 

 become incarnate, in his posterity ; from w^hich circumstance he would 

 acquire lasting fame. Receiving then the homage of the rishi they dis- 

 appeared. 



Some time afterwards ^/iw.?ya'/a, wife of Atri, gave birth to Dattatreya^ 

 under the direction, influence or power, of Vishnu ; to Durvasa under the 

 energy of Siva ; and to Chandra, under the influence or power of Brahma. 

 These three sons were excellent and famous. A detail follows of the 

 children of the other Brahmddicas, by their respective \\aves. By these 

 children, and their posterity, the world was peopled; and the creator {Kar- 

 tar) Brahma was rejoiced. 



The account of Dacsha follows. Two of the Trimurti rose up in token 

 of respect before him ; but Siva did not do so. Dacsha is represented as 

 abusing Siva in the grossest terms ; calling him " an eater of flesh ; 

 one dwelling in burning grounds ; a devourer of filth ; an evil 

 demon, that taught the Vedas to Sudras regretting the having 

 given his daughter in marriage to Siva, and denouncing on his sacrifices 



