nt penances could not speedily
behold Narayana. Under the influence of this idea we once more set
ourselves to the practice of some severe austerities, suited to the time
and place, for a hundred years. Upon the completion of our vows, we
beheld a number of men of auspicious features. All of them were white and
looked like the Moon (in colour) and possessed of every mark of
blessedness. Their hands were always joined in prayer. The faces of some
were turned towards the North and of some towards the East. They were
engaged in silently thinking on Brahma.[1805] The Yapa performed by those
high-souled persons was a mental yapa (and did not consist of the actual
recitation of any mantras in words). In consequence of their hearts
having been entirely set upon Him, Hari became highly pleased with them.
The effulgence that was emitted by each of those men resembled, O
foremost of ascetics, the splendours which Surya assumes when the time
comes for the dissolution of the universe. Indeed, we thought that Island
was the home of all Energy. All the inhabitants were perfectly equal in
energy. There was no superiority or inferiority there among them.[1806]
We then suddenly beheld once more a light arise, that seemed to be the
concentrated effulgence of a thousand Suns, O Vrihaspati. The
inhabitants, assembling together, ran towards that light, with hands
joined in reverential attitude, full of joy, and uttering the one word
Namas (we bow thee!). We then heard a very loud noise uttered by all of
them together. It seemed that those men were employed in offering a
sacrifice to the great God. As regards ourselves, we were suddenly
deprived of our senses by his Energy. Deprived of vision and strength and
all the senses, we could not see or feel anything.[1807] We only heard a
loud volume of sound uttered by the assembled inhabitants. It
said,--"Victory to thee, O thou of eyes like lotus-petals! Salutations to
thee, O Creator of the universe! Salutations to thee, O Hrishikesa, O
foremost of Beings, O thou that art the First-born!" Even this was the
sound we heard, uttered distinctly and agreeably to the rules of
orthoepy.[1808] Meanwhile, a breeze, fragrant and pure, blew, bearing
perfumes of celestial flowers, and of certain herbs and plants that were
of use on the occasion. Those men, endued with great devotion, possessed
of hearts full of reverence, conversant with the ordinances laid down in
the Pancharatra, were then worshipping the g