1844.] Contents of the Kerala Mahatmya 105 



him on the throne. His nephew Jayasakhara, followed by 

 his sister Vson Vijaya Vicrama who rules now in the begin- 

 ning of the " Dwapara yuga" and was by Parasu Kama's or- 

 der made also king over the northern province (in Mangala- 

 pura) extending from the Cotishwara to the Cumbha river. 

 This northern province is ruled by Viceroys [ardha simhasana] 

 the first Ardha Chuda Prabhas, then his nephew Mdiana 

 Vamsajah ; his nephew Sringasura ; his nephew Indu Sek- 

 hara ; his nephew Mana Sekhara, who rules at present for 

 evermore, whilst the Valabhut Bala Sekhara [Colattiri] with 

 4 mantris and 350000 Nayers is enthroned in Angaviddhi 

 [Valarpattanam]. The latter, at a temple dedication, exhorts 

 once more to the practice of virtue ; lest Kerala fall into the 

 hands of Sakas and Bauddhas. 



§103, What a useful book ! whoever reads or teaches it is 

 freed from all sin &c. with promises of this kind Parasu Rama 

 departs to return to his meritorious penances on the Hima- 

 laya. 



§104, A long time having elapsed, the Brahmans assem- 

 bled at Gocarna proposed to try Parasu Rama as he had left 

 them word he would re-appear whenever they should jointly 

 meditate on him. Having made every effort, they saw at 

 last the god coming: but when asksd what they wanted 

 him for, they stood ashamed. So he cursed them to live hence- 

 forth without his help ; and to hold no more their united 

 council at Gocarnam. Yet would he visit Kerala annually 

 after the monsoon on the Onam [Shravana] festival : let there- 

 fore the Brahmans wait for me ! The Rishi concluding this 

 Bhargava Mahatmyam, Keralotbhavam, with the customary 

 praises of its sanctifying powers, received from his hearers re- 

 muneration in the shape of 100,000 cows, 1000 elephants and 

 other royal donations. 



14 



