of Soma and of Surya, viz.,
the Raghavas and the Kauravas, recite these Mantras every day after
having purified themselves, These constitute the highest end of human
creatures. There is rescue from every trouble and calamity in the daily
recitation of the names of the deities of the seven Rishis, and of
Dhruva. Indeed, such recitation speedily frees one from distress. The
sages of olden times, viz., Kasyapa, Gotama, and others, and Bhrigu
Angiras and Atri and others, and Sukra, Agastya, and Vrihaspati, and
others, all of whom are regenerate Rishis, have adored these Mantras.
Approved of by the son of Bharadwaja, these Mantras were attained by the
sons of Richika. Verily, having acquired them again from Vasishtha, Sakra
and the Vasus went forth to battle and succeeded in subjugating the
Danavas. That man who makes a present of a hundred kine with their horns
covered with plates of gold unto a Brahmana possessed of much learning
and well-conversant with the Vedas, and he who causes the excellent
Bharata story to be recited in his house every day, are said to acquire
equal merits. By reciting the name of Bhrigu one's righteousness becomes
enhanced. By bowing to Vasishtha one's energy become enhanced. By bowing
unto Raghu, one becomes victorious in battle. By reciting the praises of
the Aswins, one becomes freed from diseases. I have thus, O king, told
thee of the Savitri Mantras which are identical with eternal Brahman. If
thou wishest to question me on any other topic thou mayst do so. I shall,
O Bharata, answer thee."'"

SECTION CLI

"'Yudhishthira said, "Who deserve to be worshipped? Who are they unto whom
we should bow? How, indeed, should we behave towards whom? What course of
conduct, O grandsire, towards what classes of persons is regarded
faultless?"

"'Bhishma said, "The humiliation of Brahmanas would humiliate the very
deities. By bowing unto Brahmanas one does not, O Yudhishthira, incur any
fault. They deserve to be worshipped. They deserve to have our
salutations. Thou shouldst behave towards them as if they are thy sons.
Indeed, it is those men endued with great wisdom that uphold all the
worlds. The Brahmanas are the great causeways of Righteousness in respect
of all the worlds. Their happiness consists in renouncing all kinds of
wealth. They are devoted to the vow of restraining speech. They are
agreeable to all creatures, and observant of diverse excellent vows. They
are the refuge of all creatures i