of his, the companionship of Prajapati (Brahma).  There is nothing superior to food.  Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost of all things (to be given away).  It hath been said that food itself is Prajapati.  And Prajapati is regarded as the Year.  And the Year is sacrifice.  And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.  For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all things.  They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all, have not to hear the admonitions of Yama.  With him who gives rice, and wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth is satisfied.  And she poureth upon him showers of wealth.  The giver of food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth unto persons that do not solicit.  But the three go to the same place.’”

Vaisampayana continued, ’Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled Markandeya, saying, ’O great Muni, what is the distance of Yama’s region from that of men?  What is its measurement?  How also do men pass it over?  And by what means?  O, tell me all this!’

“Markandeya said, ’O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this question of thine appertains to a great mystery.  It is sacred and much applauded by the Rishis.  Appertaining as it also does to virtue, I will speak of it to thee.  The distance of Yama’s region from the abode of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand Yojanas!  The way is over space, without water, and very terrible to behold; Nowhere on that road is the shade of a tree, nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in which the traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments.  And men and women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this way by the messengers of Yama.  Those creatures that obey the mandates of the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses and other good conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way on those animals and vehicles.  And they that have given umbrellas proceed along this way with umbrellas warding off the sun’s rays.  And they that have given food, proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food proceed afflicted with hunger.  And they that have given robes, proceed along this way attired in robes while they that have given none, proceed naked.  And they that have given gold, proceed in happiness, themselves decked in ornaments.  And they that have given land, proceed with every desire completely gratified.  And they that have given grain, proceed without being afflicted with any want.  And they that have given houses, proceed happily on cars.  And those men that have given something to drink, proceed with cheerful hearts unafflicted with thirst.  And they that have given lights, proceed happily lighting the way