1897,] N. N. Vasu —Meghegvara Inscription of Smpnegvara Deva. 15 
beings), who are the incarnation of wisdom, and versed in all the 
Qastras. I have a desire to hear, O Brahma, the connection we have 
with the sacred place of Svarnakuta. Knowing that Rsis have an un¬ 
swerving devotion to God, sitting down for a while in meditation, 
Brahma spoke the following words in reply :— 
‘ Eight wise clouds wishing for the success of their desires pre¬ 
sented themselves before India with folded arms, and spoke the follow¬ 
ing words ;— 
‘ We intend to go to a place called Ekamraka to worship (Jiva. 
We shall with your permission, bathe in the sacred tirtlui of 
Vindudbhava. Sages say, ‘the merits of actions done here become 
everlasting.’ We intend to build a palace and a temple of fiva with 
your permission. Kindly give us therefore our desired boon.’ Hear¬ 
ing this Indra spoke, ‘ 0, Virtuous clouds, depart soon and perform 
your religious rites according to your wishes.’ The clouds, commanded 
by Indra, gladly departed for that sacred place, accompanied by 
V^vakarman. When the clouds had got to the place, they looked 
around and selected the site in the H.-E. direction, 1,750 fathoms from 
Kalpavrksa. They then thus spoke to V^vakarman :— 
‘ O Vi^akarman, the site has been selected ; be so kind as to act 
up to our desire. Then V^vakarman personally collected stones from a 
hill and built the high and beautiful palace, having a ditch around it, 
the entrance gate, the gopura, and the homakunda. Then the clouds, 
who were proficient in the Civa-tautras, consecrated the temple. These 
eight clouds are respectively celebrated as Parjanya, Plavana, Anjana, 
Vamana, Sampatti, Drona, Jimuta and Atimarsana. Then thinking it 
imprudent to lose time they began to conciliate the god f iva by gifts, 
worship, austerities and sacrifice. 
1 Then fiva being highly propitiated appeared at the place and 
thus spoke to them :— 
‘ I have appeared in the capacity of a giver of boon. Ask for the 
boon you intend to have. The clouds being highly glad to see Maliadeva 
personally present said,— ‘ O god, if you have been satisfied with us 
and.have got the best favour to bestow, then we pray for your presence 
in this place which has been well set up. Fulfil our desire by granting 
us this boon.’ To this Maliadeva replied,— ‘ 1 shall remain here in the 
name of Megilp vara (the Lord of clouds). This lake (now Vindusa- 
gara) of limpid and dear water will be a source of pleasure to me. Its 
waters will wash off all sins.”... The clouds on hearing this made 
obeisance to Maliadeva and departed for heaven.’ 1 
The famous temple of Meghe^vara is situated at a distance of 100 
i The similar account is related in the Svarnadri-mahodaya, Ch.18. 
