ting the body of
Vritra, O Bharata, divided him in twain. Divided in twain by the
thunderbolt, the mighty Asura possessed of great Yoga powers, proceeded
to the region of Vishnu of immeasurable energy. It was in consequence of
his devotion to Vishnu that he had succeeded in overwhelming the whole
universe. And it was in consequence of his devotion to Vishnu that he
ascended, when slain, to the region of Vishnu. Thus, O son, adverting to
the story of Vritra have I recited to thee the narrative in detail of
Fever. Upon what else shall I speak to thee? That man who will read this
account of the origin of Fever with close attention and cheerful heart
shall become free from disease and shall always have happiness for his
share. Filled with gladness, he shall have all the wishes accomplished
upon which he may set his heart."'"

SECTION CCLXXXIV

"Janamejaya said, 'How O Brahmana, was the Horse-sacrifice of the
Prajapati Daksha, the son of Prachetas, destroyed during the age of
Vaivaswata Manu? Understanding that the goddess Uma had become filled
with rage and grief, the puissant Mahadeva, who is the soul of all
things, gave way to wrath. How, again, through his grace, was Daksha
enabled to reunite the divided limbs of that Sacrifice? I desire to know
all this. Tell me all this, O Brahmana, truly as it occurred.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'In days of yore Daksha made arrangements for
performing a Sacrifice on the breast of Himavat in that sacred region
inhabited by Rishis and Siddhas where the Ganges issues out of the
mountains. Overgrown with trees and creepers of diverse kinds that spot
abounded with Gandharvas and Apsaras. Surrounded by crowds of Rishis,
Daksha, that foremost of virtuous men, that progenitor of creatures, was
waited upon by the denizens of the earth, the firmament, and the heavens,
with their hands joined together in reverence. The gods, the Danavas, the
Gandharvas, the Pisachas, the Snakes, the Rakshasas, the two Gandharvas
named Haha and Huhu, Tumvuru and Narada, Viswavasu, Viswasena, the
Gandharvas and the Apsaras, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the
Sadhyas, the Maruts, all came there with Indra for sharing in the
Sacrifice. The drinkers of Soma, the drinkers of smoke, the drinkers of
Ajya, the Rishis, and the Pitris came there with the Brahmanas. These,
and many other living creatures belonging to the four orders, viz.,
viviparous and oviparous and filth-born and vegetable, were invited to
that S