verse, the commentator says, is to explain the
meaning of the word Hrishikesa. Agni is the digestive fire, and Shoma is
food. Uniting together, Agni and Shoma, therefore uphold the universe. In
the form of digestive fire and food, Agni and Shoma are two gladdeners of
the universe. They are called on this account Hrishi (in the dual
number). And since they are, as it were, the kesa or hair of Narayana,
therefore is he called Hrishikesa. All these etymologies are very
fanciful. Elsewhere the word Hrishikesa is explained as the Isa or lord
of Hrishika or the senses.

1854. Sat is existent or aught. Asat is naught or non-existent. Very
generally, these two words are used to imply Effects and Causes, the
former being gross or manifest, and the latter, subtile or unmanifest.
Tamas here does not mean one of the three primal attributes but primeval
darkness. Compare Manu, asitidam tamobhutam etc.

1855. I do not know whether I have understood correctly the last part of
this sentence. I think what is stated is that by honouring Hari and
Mantra, one honours the deities and men and the Rishis. By men, I think,
dead men or the Pitris are referred to.

1856. The reading vagamritam is an error. The correct reading is
gavamritam.

1857. In former times kings and chiefs always used to assign rent-free
lands to learned Brahmanas for their support. Those countries where
Brahmanas had not such lands assigned to them, were, as it were, under a
ban. What is said in this verse is that in such countries the blessings
of peace are wanting. The inhabitants are borne on vehicles drawn by oxen
on steeds.

1858. In consequence of this third eye on Rudra's forehead, he came to be
called by the name of Virupaksha or the ugly or fierce-eyed.

1859. A Manwantarah consists of about 72 Chaturyugas, i.e., 288 yugas
according to the measurement of the celestials. The present yuga is
called the Vaivaswat Manwantarah, i.e., the period connected with Manu
the son of Vivaswat. At each Manwantorah a new Manu appears. The
self-born Manu was a different person.

1860. By practising Yoga one acquires certain superhuman powers. These
are called Yogaiswaryya. They include Anima, by which one can become very
minute; Laghima, by which one can become very gross, etc.

1861. The river Ganga has three currents. One flows through heaven, one
is visible on the Earth, and a third flows through the nether regions.
Persons of the regenerate classes, when saying the