red it. In view, however, of the
gradual decrease of the period of life of human beings, the divine Siva
abridged that science of grave import compiled by Brahman. The
abridgment, called Vaisalakasha, consisting of ten thousand lessons, was
then received by Indra devoted to Brahman and endued with great ascetic
merit. The divine Indra also abridged it into a treatise consisting of
five thousand lessons and called it Vahudantaka. Afterwards the puissant
Vrihaspati, by his intelligence, further abridged the work into a
treatise consisting of three thousand lessons and called it Varhaspatya.
Next, that preceptor of Yoga, of great celebrity, viz., Kavi of
immeasurable wisdom, reduced it further into a work of a thousand
lessons. In view of the period of men's lives and the general decrease
(of everything), great Rishis did thus, for benefiting the world, abridge
that science. The gods then, approaching that lord of creatures, viz.,
Vishnu, said unto him, 'Indicate, O god, that one among mortals who
deserves to have superiority over the rest.' The divine and puissant
Narayana, reflecting a little, created, by a fiat of his will, a son born
of his energy, named Virajas. The highly blessed Virajas, however, did
not desire sovereignty on earth. His mind, O son of Pandu, inclined to a
life of renunciation. Virajas had a son named Krittimat. He too renounced
pleasure and enjoyment.[173] Krittimat had a son named Kardama. Kardama
also practised severe austerities. The lord of creatures, Kardama, begot
a son named Ananga. Ananga became a protector of creatures, pious in
behaviour, and fully conversant with the science of chastisement. Ananga
begot a son named Ativala, well versed in policy. Obtaining extensive
empire after the demise of his sire, he became a slave of his passions.
Mrityu, O king, had a daughter born of his mind, named Sunita and
celebrated over the three worlds. She was married to Ativala and gave
birth to a son named Vena. Vena, a slave of wrath and malice, became
unrighteous in his conduct towards all creatures. The Rishis, those
utterers of Brahma, slew him with Kusa blades (as their weapon) inspired
with mantras. Uttering mantras the while, those Rishis pierced the right
thigh of Vena. Thereupon, from that thigh, came out a short-limbed person
on earth, resembling a charred brand, with blood-red eyes and black hair.
Those utterers of Brahma said unto him, 'Nishida (sit) here!' From him
have sprung the Nishadas, v