attaining to that high end which is theirs that are devoted to the doctrines of the Sankhya philosophy.  That worshipper who recites this hymn daily for one year with singleness of devotion succeeds in obtaining the end that he desires.  This hymn is a great mystery.  It formerly resided in the breast of Brahma the Creator.  Brahma imparted it unto Sakra.  Sakra imparted unto Mrityu.  Mrityu imparted it unto the Rudras.  From the Rudras Tandi got it.  Indeed Tandi acquired it in the region of Brahman as the reward of his severe austerities.  Tandi communicated it to Sukra, and Sukra of Bhrigu’s race communicated it to Gautama.  Gautama in his turn, O descendant of Madhu, communicated it to Vaivaswata-Manu.  Manu communicated it unto Narayana of great intelligence, numbered among the Sadhyas and held exceedingly dear by him.  The illustrious Narayana, numbered among the Sadhyas and possessed of glory that knows no diminution, communicated it to Yama.  Vaivaswat Yama communicated it to Nachiketa.  Nachiketa, O thou of Vrishni’s race, communicated to Markandeya.  From Markandeya, O Janarddana, I obtained it as the reward of my vows and fasts.  To thee, O slayer of foes, I communicate that hymn unheard by others.  This hymn leads to heaven.  It dispels disease and bestows long life.  This is worthy of the highest praise, and is consistent with the Vedas.’

“Krishna continued, ’That person, O Partha, who recites this hymn with a pure heart observing the vow of Brahmacharyya, and with his senses under control, regularly for one whole year, succeeds in obtaining the fruits of a horse-sacrifice.  Danavas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Pisachas and Yatudhanas and Guhyakas and snakes can do no injury to him.’”

SECTION XVIII

“Vaisampayana said, ’After Vasudeva had ceased to speak, the great Yogin, viz. the Island-born Krishna, addressed Yudhisthira, saying,—­O son, do thou recite this hymn consisting of the thousand and eight names of Mahadeva, and let Maheswara be gratified with thee.  In former days, O son, I was engaged in the practice of severe austerities on the breast of the mountains of Meru from desire of obtaining a son.  It is this very hymn that was recited by me.  As the reward of this, I obtained the fruition of all my wishes, O son of Pandu.  Thou wilt also, by reciting this same hymn, obtain from Sarva the fruition of all thy wishes.—­After this, Kapila, the Rishi who promulgated the doctrines that go by the name of Sankhya, and who is honoured by the gods themselves, said,—­I adore Bhava with great devotion for many lives together.  The illustrious Deity at last became gratified with me and gave me knowledge that is capable of aiding the acquirer in getting over rebirth.—­After this, the Rishi named Charusirsha, that dear friend of Sakra and known otherwise under the name of Alamvana’s son and who is filled with compassion, said,—­I, in former days, repaired to the mountains of Gokarna