he world by the name of Vadari, and situate by the source of
the Ganga, which is worshipped by the Siddhas and the Charanas, was the
abode, O Brahmana, of Vishnu and Jishnu. Those Rishis of blazing
splendour have, O _Brahmarshi_, at my desire, been born on earth, and
endued with mighty energy, will lighten the burden thereof. Besides
this, there are certain Asuras known as Nivatakavachas, who, proud of
the boon they have acquired, are employed in doing us injuries. Boastful
of their strength, they are even now planning the destruction of the
gods, for, having received a boon, they no longer regard the gods. Those
fierce and mighty Danavas live in the nether regions. Even all the
celestials together are incapable of fighting with them. The blessed
Vishnu--the slayer of Madhu--he, indeed who is known on earth as Kapila,
and whose glance alone, O exalted one, destroyed the illustrious sons of
Sagara, when they approached him with loud sounds in the bowels of the
earth,--that illustrious and invincible Hari is capable, O Brahmana of
doing us a great service. Either he or Partha or both may do us that
great service, without doubt. Verily as the illustrious Hari had slain
the Nagas in the great lake, he, by sight alone, is capable of slaying
those Asuras called the Nivatakavachas, along with their followers. But
the slayer of Madhu should not be urged when the task is insignificant.
A mighty mass of energy that he is, it swelleth to increasing
proportions, it may consume the whole universe. This Arjuna also is
competent to encounter them all, and the hero having slain them in
battle, will go back to the world of men. Go thou at my request to
earth. Thou wilt behold the brave Yudhishthira living in the woods of
Kamyaka. And for me tell thou the virtuous Yudhishthira of unbaffled
prowess in battle, that he should not be anxious on account of Phalguna,
for that hero will return to earth a thorough master of weapons, for
without sanctified prowess of arms, and without skill in weapons, he
would not be able to encounter Bhishma and Drona and others in battle.
Thou wilt also represent unto Yudhishthira that the illustrious and
mighty-armed Gudakesa, having obtained weapons, hath also mastered the
science of celestial dancing and music both instrumental and vocal. And
thou wilt also tell him, O king of men, O slayer of foes, thyself also,
accompanied by all thy brothers, should see the various sacred shrines.
For having bathed in diff