is the number of the domesticated animals; seven are
the wild animals; seven metres are used in completing
a sacrifice; seven are the Rishis, seven forms of
paying homage are extant (in the world); and seven,
it is known, are the strings of the Vina.’[32]
Ashtavakra said, ’Eight are the bags containing
a hundred fold; eight is the number of the legs of
the Sarabha, which preyeth upon lions; eight Vasus,
as we hear, are amongst the celestials; and eight
are the angles of yupa (stake), in all sacrificial
rites.’[33] Vandin said, ’Nine is the number
of the mantras used in kindling the fire in sacrifices
to the Pitris; nine are the appointed functions in
the processes of creation; nine letters compose the
foot of the metre, Vrihati; and nine also is ever the
number of the figures (in calculation).’[34]
Ashtavakra said, ’Ten is said to be the number
of cardinal points, entering into the cognition of
men in this world; ten times hundred make up a thousand;
ten is the number of months, during which women bear;
and ten are the teachers of true knowledge, and ten,
the haters thereof, and ten again are those capable
of learning it.’[35] Vandin said, ’Eleven
are the objects enjoyable by beings; eleven is the
number of the yupas; eleven are the changes of the
natural state pertaining to those having life; and
eleven are the Rudras among the gods in heaven.’[36]
Ashtavakra said, Twelve months compose the year; twelve
letters go to the composition of a foot of the metre
called Jagati; twelve are the minor sacrifices; and
twelve, according to the learned, is the number of
the Adityas.’[37] Vandin said, ’The thirteenth
lunar day is considered the most auspicious; thirteen
islands exist on earth.[38]
Lomasa said, ’Having proceeded thus far, Vandin
stopped. Thereupon Ashtavakra supplied the latter
half of the sloka. Ashtavakra said, ’Thirteen
sacrifices are presided over by Kesi; and thirteen
are devoured by Atichhandas, (the longer metres) of
the Veda.[39] And seeing Ashtavakra speaking and the
Suta’s son silent, and pensive, and with head
downcast, the assembly broke into a long uproar.
And when the tumult thus arose in the splendid sacrifice
performed by king Janaka, the Brahmanas well pleased,
and with joined hands, approached Ashtavakra, and began
to pay him homage.’
“Thereupon Ashtavakra said, ’Before this,
this man, defeating the Brahmanas in controversy,
used to cast them into water. Let Vandin today
meet with the same fate. Seize him and drown him
in water.’ Vandin said. ’O Janaka,
I am the son of king Varuna. Simultaneously with
thy sacrifice, there also hath commenced a sacrifice
extending over twelve years. It is for this that
I have despatched the principal Brahmanas thither.
They have gone to witness Varuna’s sacrifice.
Lo! there they are returning. I pay homage to
the worshipful Ashtavakra, by whose grace to-day I
shall join him who hath begot me.’