fy the preceptor.
He (Gautama), however, had already been gratified with the dutiful
conduct of Utanka. There was no need, therefore, of any present.

172. These words of the king are intended to be reported to his queen who
would understand the allusion. The sense is this: cursed by Vasishtha, I
have become a cannibal. My condition is intolerable. By this gift of the
ear-rings to a deserving Brahmana, much merit may arise. That merit may
relieve me.

173. This also is an allusion to the dreadful curse of Vasishtha. The
king refers to Madayanti as his only refuge. She may save him by doing an
act or special merit, viz., giving away her costly ear-rings to a truly
deserving Brahmana.

174. The sense is this: a Brahmana is never loose of tongue. He is
truthful. Hence, having passed my word to thee about my return, thou
mayst be sure that I would keep my word. One, again, that acts improperly
towards a friend, comes to be regarded as a thief. By this, Utanka
reminds the king that he should not inflict any wrong on him by carrying
out his intention of eating him up.

175. Vilwa is the Aegle marmalos.

176. Chamu here is used in a general sense, viz., a division. Of course
it stands for an Akshauhini.

177. Kavi or Kavya is another name of Sukra, the preceptor of the Daityas.

178. Krishna implies Vyasa here. The great Rishi was called 'the
island-born Krishna'.

179. The commentator explains that by the constellation Dhruba is implied
Rohini and the Uttaras numbering three. Sunday, again is called the
Dhruba-day.

180. Agnivesya was another name of Dhaumya.

181. Three roads running north to south, and three running cast to west
and intersecting the former, are the six roads that are directed to be
laid out in pitching encampments. Those give nine squares with two
boundary lines at right angles with each other.

182. Karaputa is made up of two wooden chests united with each other by
chains or cords and intended to be borne by camels and bullocks.

183. The first line of 17 is exceedingly terse. Literally rendered, it
runs,--'Each vessel was united with another, and became half the (total)
weight slung on balance.'

184. Vilava is Arjuna.

185. Before performing any rite or act of a grave nature, Hindus are
required to touch water or perform what is called the 'achamana'. A
little quantity of water is taken on the palm of the right hand, and with
it are touched the lips, the nostrils, the ears, and the eyes