instruments.  After such excellent music and dance had commenced, the Rishi Ashtavakra of severe penances unconsciously passed a full celestial year there in the abode of king Vaisravana.[195] Then king Vaisravana said unto the Rishi,—­O learned Brahmana, behold, a little more than a year has passed away since thy arrival here.  This music and dance, especially known by the name of Gandharva, is a stealer of the heart (and of time).  Do thou act as thou wishes or let this go on if that be thy pleasure.  Thou art my guest and, therefore, worthy of adoration.  This is my house.  Givest thou thy commands.  We are all bound to thee.  The illustrious Ashtavakra, thus addressed by king Vaisravana, replied unto him, with a pleased heart, saying,—­I have been duly honoured by thee.  I desire now, O Lord of Treasures, to go hence.  Indeed, I am highly pleased.  All this befits thee, O Lord of Treasures.  Through thy grace, O illustrious one, and agreeably to the command of the high-souled Rishi Vadanya, I shall now proceed to my journey’s end.  Let growth and prosperity be thine.—­Having said these words, the illustrious Rishi set out of Kuvera’s abode and proceeded northwards.  He crossed the Kailasa and the Mandara as also the golden mountains.  Beyond those high and great mountains is situated that excellent region where Mahadeva, dressed as an humble ascetic, has taken up his residence.  He circumambulated the spot, with concentrated mind, bending his head in reverence the while.  Descending then on the Earth, he considered himself sanctified for having obtained a sight of that holy spot which is the abode of Mahadeva.  Having circumambulated that mountain thrice, the Rishi, with face turned towards the north, proceeded with a joyous heart.  He then beheld another forest that was very delightful in aspect.  It was adorned with the fruits and roots of every season, and it resounded with the music of winged warblers numbering by thousands.  There were many delightful groves throughout the forest.  The illustrious Rishi then beheld a charming hermitage.  The Rishi saw also many golden hills decked with gems and possessed of diverse forms.  In the begemmed soil he saw many lakes and tanks also.  And he saw diverse other objects that were exceedingly delightful.  Beholding these things, the mind of that Rishi of cleansed soul became filled with joy.  He then saw a beautiful mansion made of gold and adorned with gems of many kinds.  Of wonderful structure, that mansion surpassed the place of Kuvera himself in every respect.  Around it there were many hills and mounts of jewels and gems.  Many beautiful cars and many heaps of diverse kinds of jewels also were visible in that place.  The Rishi beheld there the river Mandakini whose waters were strewn with many Mandara flowers.  Many gems also were seen there that were self-luminous, and the soil all around was decked with diamonds of diverse species.  The palatial mansion which the Rishi saw contained many chambers whose arches were embellished with various