Sūta said: On hearing everything uttered by Rudra, Brahmā the Prajāpati bowed to Rudra, lord of Devas and spoke thus:

Sūta said: “O lord, lord of the chiefs of Devas, O multiformed, O Maheśvara, O husband of Umā, O great god, honoured by all, obeisance to you.

Sūta said: O muhiformed, O highly blessed god, when and in which age (yuga) will these bodies honoured by all be seen by the brahmins and by what penance or meditation of yoga? Obeisance to you, O lord Mahādeva”.

Sūta said: O muhiformed, O highly blessed god, when and in which age (yuga) will these bodies honoured by all be seen by the brahmins and by what penance or meditation of yoga? Obeisance to you, O lord Mahādeva”.

Sūta said: On hearing his words and seeing him in front, the great lord Rudra revealed by Ṛk, Yajus and Sāman smiled and said

Sūta said: Except through meditation, neither through penance nor by conduct nor through gifts and holy rites nor by visits to pilgrim centres nor through sacrifices with ample monetary gifts nor through the study of the Vedas[1] nor through wealth nor through knowledge of various kinds is it possible for men to see me.

Sūta said: Except through meditation, neither through penance nor by conduct nor through gifts and holy rites nor by visits to pilgrim centres nor through sacrifices with ample monetary gifts nor through the study of the Vedas[1] nor through wealth nor through knowledge of various kinds is it possible for men to see me.

Sūta said: Except through meditation, neither through penance nor by conduct nor through gifts and holy rites nor by visits to pilgrim centres nor through sacrifices with ample monetary gifts nor through the study of the Vedas[1] nor through wealth nor through knowledge of various kinds is it possible for men to see me.

Sūta said: Except through meditation, neither through penance nor by conduct nor through gifts and holy rites nor by visits to pilgrim centres nor through sacrifices with ample monetary gifts nor through the study of the Vedas[1] nor through wealth nor through knowledge of various kinds is it possible for men to see me.

Sūta said: In the course of that kalpa containing the four yugas, towards the end of Kali, I will be born to bless the worlds and for the welfare of the brahmins, O Brahmā. As the yuga proceeds further, when the great lord himself becomes Vyāsa, during the first Dvāpara age I will be born at the encl of Dvāpara[2] as sage Śveta. I will be endowed with a tuft and will stay on the excellent mountain Chāgala[3] a beautiful peak of the Himalaya mountain.

Sūta said: In the course of that kalpa containing the four yugas, towards the end of Kali, I will be born to bless the worlds and for the welfare of the brahmins, O Brahmā. As the yuga proceeds further, when the great lord himself becomes Vyāsa, during the first Dvāpara age I will be born at the encl of Dvāpara[2] as sage Śveta. I will be endowed with a tuft and will stay on the excellent mountain Chāgala[3] a beautiful peak of the Himalaya mountain.

Sūta said: In the course of that kalpa containing the four yugas, towards the end of Kali, I will be born to bless the worlds and for the welfare of the brahmins, O Brahmā. As the yuga proceeds further, when the great lord himself becomes Vyāsa, during the first Dvāpara age I will be born at the encl of Dvāpara[2] as sage Śveta. I will be endowed with a tuft and will stay on the excellent mountain Chāgala[3] a beautiful peak of the Himalaya mountain.

Sūta said: In the course of that kalpa containing the four yugas, towards the end of Kali, I will be born to bless the worlds and for the welfare of the brahmins, O Brahmā. As the yuga proceeds further, when the great lord himself becomes Vyāsa, during the first Dvāpara age I will be born at the encl of Dvāpara[2] as sage Śveta. I will be endowed with a tuft and will stay on the excellent mountain Chāgala[3] a beautiful peak of the Himalaya mountain.

Sūta said: Then my disciples will be four noble brahmins, the masters of the Vedas and having tufts. They will be Śveta, Śvetaśikha, Śvetāsya and Śvetalohita. After attaining Brahman’s goal, they will approach me and will be devoted to the path of meditation and yoga. O Brahmā, in the second Dvāpara age lord Prajāpati will become Vyāsa, known as Sadya. Then, in the Kali age, I will be born by the name Sutāra for the welfare of the world, with a desire for blessing the disciples. My disciples then will be known by these names:

Sūta said: Then my disciples will be four noble brahmins, the masters of the Vedas and having tufts. They will be Śveta, Śvetaśikha, Śvetāsya and Śvetalohita. After attaining Brahman’s goal, they will approach me and will be devoted to the path of meditation and yoga. O Brahmā, in the second Dvāpara age lord Prajāpati will become Vyāsa, known as Sadya. Then, in the Kali age, I will be born by the name Sutāra for the welfare of the world, with a desire for blessing the disciples. My disciples then will be known by these names:

Sūta said: Then my disciples will be four noble brahmins, the masters of the Vedas and having tufts. They will be Śveta, Śvetaśikha, Śvetāsya and Śvetalohita. After attaining Brahman’s goal, they will approach me and will be devoted to the path of meditation and yoga. O Brahmā, in the second Dvāpara age lord Prajāpati will become Vyāsa, known as Sadya. Then, in the Kali age, I will be born by the name Sutāra for the welfare of the world, with a desire for blessing the disciples. My disciples then will be known by these names:

Sūta said: Then my disciples will be four noble brahmins, the masters of the Vedas and having tufts. They will be Śveta, Śvetaśikha, Śvetāsya and Śvetalohita. After attaining Brahman’s goal, they will approach me and will be devoted to the path of meditation and yoga. O Brahmā, in the second Dvāpara age lord Prajāpati will become Vyāsa, known as Sadya. Then, in the Kali age, I will be born by the name Sutāra for the welfare of the world, with a desire for blessing the disciples. My disciples then will be known by these names:

Sūta said: Then my disciples will be four noble brahmins, the masters of the Vedas and having tufts. They will be Śveta, Śvetaśikha, Śvetāsya and Śvetalohita. After attaining Brahman’s goal, they will approach me and will be devoted to the path of meditation and yoga. O Brahmā, in the second Dvāpara age lord Prajāpati will become Vyāsa, known as Sadya. Then, in the Kali age, I will be born by the name Sutāra for the welfare of the world, with a desire for blessing the disciples. My disciples then will be known by these names:

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: Dundhubhi, Śatarūpa, Ṛcīka and Ketumān. After attaining yoga and meditation and after establishing the Brahma[4] on the earth they will attain the region and companionship of Rudra. In the third age, Dvāpara, Bhārgava will be the Vyāsa. Then, at the end of Dvāpara I will be born as Damana. There too four boys will be born to me, namely, Vikeśa, Vikośa, Vipāśa and Śāpanāśana. These four of great prowess will go to the world of Rudra through the same yogic path and will never return. In the fourth Dvāpara yuga, Aṅgiras will become Vyāsa. At that time I shall be born by the name Suhotra. There too, four ascetics will be born as my sons.

Sūta said: They will be excellent brahmins of steadfast rites and yogic souls. They will be known as Sumukha, Durmukha, Dardura and Dhṛtikrama.

Sūta said: By performing subtle yogic practices they will become pure and shall wash off their sins by taking recourse to the subtle yogic practice. Endowed with yoga and through the same path (as described above) these courageous souls will go to the world of Rudra and never return. In the fifth Dvāpara age Savitṛ will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I shall be born as a person of great penance with the name Kaṅka for blessing the worlds and propagating yoga among the people.

Sūta said: By performing subtle yogic practices they will become pure and shall wash off their sins by taking recourse to the subtle yogic practice. Endowed with yoga and through the same path (as described above) these courageous souls will go to the world of Rudra and never return. In the fifth Dvāpara age Savitṛ will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I shall be born as a person of great penance with the name Kaṅka for blessing the worlds and propagating yoga among the people.

Sūta said: By performing subtle yogic practices they will become pure and shall wash off their sins by taking recourse to the subtle yogic practice. Endowed with yoga and through the same path (as described above) these courageous souls will go to the world of Rudra and never return. In the fifth Dvāpara age Savitṛ will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I shall be born as a person of great penance with the name Kaṅka for blessing the worlds and propagating yoga among the people.

Sūta said: Four blessed persons of pure origin shall be my disciples. They will be yogic souls with steadfast rites. They will be known as Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana and Sanat. They will be devoid of ego, altogether.

Sūta said: Four blessed persons of pure origin shall be my disciples. They will be yogic souls with steadfast rites. They will be known as Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana and Sanat. They will be devoid of ego, altogether.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the end they will come to my abode and never return. In the sixth yuga, Mṛtyu will be the Vyāsa and I shall be known as Laugākṣi. Then also my disciples will be four, all yogic souls with steadfast rites, all blessed and popular. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Virajas, Śaṅkhapāda and Rajas. They all will be yogic, noble souls, pious and sinless, and endowed with yogic practices, Through the path of meditation they will come near me and never return.

Sūta said: In the twelfth cycle the sage Śatatejas of great splendour, the best among the wise, will become Vyāsa. At that time, when Dvāpara ends, and Kaliyuga starts, I shall be known by the name Atri in the forest Haituka[8]. There too will be born my sons who will have ashes for ablution and unguent, who will be such yogins, and who will be devoted to Rudra’s world. They will be known as Sarvajña Samabuddhi, Sādhya and Sarva. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the thirteenth cycle sets in due order, Dharma under the name Nārāyaṇa will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I will be born as the sage Vāli in the holy penance grove of Vālakhilya on the mountain Ghandhamādana[9]. There too those ascetics will be born as my sons. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Kāśyapa, Vāsiṣṭha and Virajas. They will all be endowed with the power of great yogas, be devoid of impurities and will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to the world of Rudra.

Sūta said: When the thirteenth cycle sets in due order, Dharma under the name Nārāyaṇa will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I will be born as the sage Vāli in the holy penance grove of Vālakhilya on the mountain Ghandhamādana[9]. There too those ascetics will be born as my sons. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Kāśyapa, Vāsiṣṭha and Virajas. They will all be endowed with the power of great yogas, be devoid of impurities and will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to the world of Rudra.

Sūta said: When the thirteenth cycle sets in due order, Dharma under the name Nārāyaṇa will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I will be born as the sage Vāli in the holy penance grove of Vālakhilya on the mountain Ghandhamādana[9]. There too those ascetics will be born as my sons. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Kāśyapa, Vāsiṣṭha and Virajas. They will all be endowed with the power of great yogas, be devoid of impurities and will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to the world of Rudra.

Sūta said: When the thirteenth cycle sets in due order, Dharma under the name Nārāyaṇa will be the Vyāsa. At that time, I will be born as the sage Vāli in the holy penance grove of Vālakhilya on the mountain Ghandhamādana[9]. There too those ascetics will be born as my sons. They will be known as Sudhāmā, Kāśyapa, Vāsiṣṭha and Virajas. They will all be endowed with the power of great yogas, be devoid of impurities and will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to the world of Rudra.

Sūta said: In the fourteenth cycle Tarakṣu will be the Vyāsa. There too in the final yuga, I will be born in the excellent family of Aṅgiras under the name Gautama. That penance grove[10] too will be named after Gautama. There too my sons will be born in the Kali age. They will be known as Atri, Devasada, Śravaṇa and Śraviṣṭhaka. They will be yogic noble souls, and endowed with yoga. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: In the fourteenth cycle Tarakṣu will be the Vyāsa. There too in the final yuga, I will be born in the excellent family of Aṅgiras under the name Gautama. That penance grove[10] too will be named after Gautama. There too my sons will be born in the Kali age. They will be known as Atri, Devasada, Śravaṇa and Śraviṣṭhaka. They will be yogic noble souls, and endowed with yoga. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: In the fourteenth cycle Tarakṣu will be the Vyāsa. There too in the final yuga, I will be born in the excellent family of Aṅgiras under the name Gautama. That penance grove[10] too will be named after Gautama. There too my sons will be born in the Kali age. They will be known as Atri, Devasada, Śravaṇa and Śraviṣṭhaka. They will be yogic noble souls, and endowed with yoga. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: In the fourteenth cycle Tarakṣu will be the Vyāsa. There too in the final yuga, I will be born in the excellent family of Aṅgiras under the name Gautama. That penance grove[10] too will be named after Gautama. There too my sons will be born in the Kali age. They will be known as Atri, Devasada, Śravaṇa and Śraviṣṭhaka. They will be yogic noble souls, and endowed with yoga. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the fifteenth cycle comes in due order, Trayyāruṇi becomes the Vyāsa.

Sūta said: When the fifteenth cycle comes in due order, Trayyāruṇi becomes the Vyāsa.

Sūta said: When the fifteenth cycle comes in due order, Trayyāruṇi becomes the Vyāsa.

Sūta said: When the fifteenth cycle comes in due order, Trayyāruṇi becomes the Vyāsa.

Sūta said: When the fifteenth cycle comes in due order, Trayyāruṇi becomes the Vyāsa.

Sūta said: In the sixteenth cycle of four yugas when Deva is the Vyāsa, I shall be born by the name Gokarṇa[13] in order to spread yoga among the devotees of restrained souls. That forest (where I live and preach) will -become sacred and famous as Gokarṇa. There too the four yogins will be my sons viz., Kāśyapa, Uśanas, Cyavana and Bṛhaspati. They will be endowed with meditation and yoga. By following the same path and attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudra Himself.

Sūta said: In the sixteenth cycle of four yugas when Deva is the Vyāsa, I shall be born by the name Gokarṇa[13] in order to spread yoga among the devotees of restrained souls. That forest (where I live and preach) will -become sacred and famous as Gokarṇa. There too the four yogins will be my sons viz., Kāśyapa, Uśanas, Cyavana and Bṛhaspati. They will be endowed with meditation and yoga. By following the same path and attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudra Himself.

Sūta said: In the sixteenth cycle of four yugas when Deva is the Vyāsa, I shall be born by the name Gokarṇa[13] in order to spread yoga among the devotees of restrained souls. That forest (where I live and preach) will -become sacred and famous as Gokarṇa. There too the four yogins will be my sons viz., Kāśyapa, Uśanas, Cyavana and Bṛhaspati. They will be endowed with meditation and yoga. By following the same path and attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudra Himself.

Sūta said: In the sixteenth cycle of four yugas when Deva is the Vyāsa, I shall be born by the name Gokarṇa[13] in order to spread yoga among the devotees of restrained souls. That forest (where I live and preach) will -become sacred and famous as Gokarṇa. There too the four yogins will be my sons viz., Kāśyapa, Uśanas, Cyavana and Bṛhaspati. They will be endowed with meditation and yoga. By following the same path and attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudra Himself.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: When the seventeenth cycle sets in duly, O Lord Brahmā, Kṛtañjaya[14] will be the Vyāsa, and I shall be born, under the name Guhāvāsa on the lofty and beautiful peak of the Himālayas, Mahālaya[15]. I shall be known as Guhāvāsin. This Mahālaya will become a Siddhakṣetra the place of sanctity. There too my sons will be conversant with yoga and expounders of Brahman. They will be noble sons and devoid of ego. They will be known as—Utathya, Vāmadeva, Mahāyoga and Mahābala. At that time, in the practice of yogic meditation, they will have hundreds and thousands of disciples. Engaged in the practice of yoga, and meditating upon the great lord within their hearts, they after observing the footprints in the Mahālaya will attain the region of the lord. The other noble souls who engage their minds in meditation at the end of Dvāpara age and the advent of Kali will become sinless and pure in intellect. Devoid of distress they will go to Rudraloka, by my grace. By visiting the sacred Mahālaya, the region of the great lord, a devotee will cross the ocean of worldly existence and redeem his ten previous and ten future generations. Thus, including himself, he will redeem twenty one generations in Mahālaya. These being free from fever will go to Rudraloka, by my grace.

Sūta said: O lord, in the eighteenth cycle the sage Ṛtañjaya will become a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born in the name of Sikhaṇḍin in the most sacred region of the Siddhas which is adored by Devas as well as Dānavas. On the beautiful peak of the Himālayas there is a hill named Śikhaṇḍin,[16] wherein is situated the penance grove of the sage Śikhaṇḍin, resorted to by the Siddhas. There too four ascetics will be born to me. They will be known as Vācaśravas, Ṛcīka, Śyāvāśva and Yatīśvara. They will be yogic and noble sons and masters of the Vedas. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: O lord, in the eighteenth cycle the sage Ṛtañjaya will become a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born in the name of Sikhaṇḍin in the most sacred region of the Siddhas which is adored by Devas as well as Dānavas. On the beautiful peak of the Himālayas there is a hill named Śikhaṇḍin,[16] wherein is situated the penance grove of the sage Śikhaṇḍin, resorted to by the Siddhas. There too four ascetics will be born to me. They will be known as Vācaśravas, Ṛcīka, Śyāvāśva and Yatīśvara. They will be yogic and noble sons and masters of the Vedas. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: O lord, in the eighteenth cycle the sage Ṛtañjaya will become a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born in the name of Sikhaṇḍin in the most sacred region of the Siddhas which is adored by Devas as well as Dānavas. On the beautiful peak of the Himālayas there is a hill named Śikhaṇḍin,[16] wherein is situated the penance grove of the sage Śikhaṇḍin, resorted to by the Siddhas. There too four ascetics will be born to me. They will be known as Vācaśravas, Ṛcīka, Śyāvāśva and Yatīśvara. They will be yogic and noble sons and masters of the Vedas. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: O lord, in the eighteenth cycle the sage Ṛtañjaya will become a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born in the name of Sikhaṇḍin in the most sacred region of the Siddhas which is adored by Devas as well as Dānavas. On the beautiful peak of the Himālayas there is a hill named Śikhaṇḍin,[16] wherein is situated the penance grove of the sage Śikhaṇḍin, resorted to by the Siddhas. There too four ascetics will be born to me. They will be known as Vācaśravas, Ṛcīka, Śyāvāśva and Yatīśvara. They will be yogic and noble sons and masters of the Vedas. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: O lord, in the eighteenth cycle the sage Ṛtañjaya will become a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born in the name of Sikhaṇḍin in the most sacred region of the Siddhas which is adored by Devas as well as Dānavas. On the beautiful peak of the Himālayas there is a hill named Śikhaṇḍin,[16] wherein is situated the penance grove of the sage Śikhaṇḍin, resorted to by the Siddhas. There too four ascetics will be born to me. They will be known as Vācaśravas, Ṛcīka, Śyāvāśva and Yatīśvara. They will be yogic and noble sons and masters of the Vedas. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the nineteenth cycle sets in duly, the great sage Bharadvāja will become the Vyāsa. Then I will be born by the name Jaṭāmālin on the beautiful peak of the Himālayas where the mountain Jaṭayu[17] exists. There too four sons of great prowess will be born to me. They will be known as Hiraṇyanābha, Kauśalya, Laugākṣi and Kuthumi. Characterized by yogic virtues they will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the nineteenth cycle sets in duly, the great sage Bharadvāja will become the Vyāsa. Then I will be born by the name Jaṭāmālin on the beautiful peak of the Himālayas where the mountain Jaṭayu[17] exists. There too four sons of great prowess will be born to me. They will be known as Hiraṇyanābha, Kauśalya, Laugākṣi and Kuthumi. Characterized by yogic virtues they will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the nineteenth cycle sets in duly, the great sage Bharadvāja will become the Vyāsa. Then I will be born by the name Jaṭāmālin on the beautiful peak of the Himālayas where the mountain Jaṭayu[17] exists. There too four sons of great prowess will be born to me. They will be known as Hiraṇyanābha, Kauśalya, Laugākṣi and Kuthumi. Characterized by yogic virtues they will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the nineteenth cycle sets in duly, the great sage Bharadvāja will become the Vyāsa. Then I will be born by the name Jaṭāmālin on the beautiful peak of the Himālayas where the mountain Jaṭayu[17] exists. There too four sons of great prowess will be born to me. They will be known as Hiraṇyanābha, Kauśalya, Laugākṣi and Kuthumi. Characterized by yogic virtues they will remain celibate. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twentieth cycle of yugas sets in, the sage Gautama becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Aṭṭahāsa, most liked by the people. There itself on the ridge of the Himavat a great mountain Aṭṭahāsa[18] is the abode of Devas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Siddhas and Cāraṇas. There too, powerful sons will be born to me. They will be yogic and noble souls, habitually meditating and performing the holy rites. They will be known as Sumantu, Barbari, Kabandha and Kuśikandhara. After attaining the Yoga of Maheśvara they will go to Rudraloka.

Sūta said: When the twenty-first cycle sets in duly, the excellent sage Vācaśravas becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Dāruka. Hence there will be a splendid and sacred forest of Deodars[19]. There too my sons will be very powerful. They will be known as Plakṣa, Dārbhāyaṇi, Ketumān and Gautama. They will be yogic and great souls, well controlled and celibate. After practising the perpetual holy rites they will go to Rudra’s region.

Sūta said: When the twenty-first cycle sets in duly, the excellent sage Vācaśravas becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Dāruka. Hence there will be a splendid and sacred forest of Deodars[19]. There too my sons will be very powerful. They will be known as Plakṣa, Dārbhāyaṇi, Ketumān and Gautama. They will be yogic and great souls, well controlled and celibate. After practising the perpetual holy rites they will go to Rudra’s region.

Sūta said: When the twenty-first cycle sets in duly, the excellent sage Vācaśravas becomes a Vyāsa. Then I shall be born by the name Dāruka. Hence there will be a splendid and sacred forest of Deodars[19]. There too my sons will be very powerful. They will be known as Plakṣa, Dārbhāyaṇi, Ketumān and Gautama. They will be yogic and great souls, well controlled and celibate. After practising the perpetual holy rites they will go to Rudra’s region.

Sūta said: In the twenty-second cycle when Śuṣmāyaṇa becomes a Vyāsa, I shall be born as a great sage by the name of Lāṅgalin the terrible, at Vārāṇasī[20]. There the Devas including lord Indra will see me in the Kali age as Bhava and Halāyudha. There too my virtuous sons will be known as Bhallavī, Madhupiṅga, Śvetaketu and Kuśa. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will be engaged in meditation. Free from impurities and identical with Brahman they will enter Rudra’s world.

Sūta said: In the twenty-second cycle when Śuṣmāyaṇa becomes a Vyāsa, I shall be born as a great sage by the name of Lāṅgalin the terrible, at Vārāṇasī[20]. There the Devas including lord Indra will see me in the Kali age as Bhava and Halāyudha. There too my virtuous sons will be known as Bhallavī, Madhupiṅga, Śvetaketu and Kuśa. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will be engaged in meditation. Free from impurities and identical with Brahman they will enter Rudra’s world.

Sūta said: In the twenty-second cycle when Śuṣmāyaṇa becomes a Vyāsa, I shall be born as a great sage by the name of Lāṅgalin the terrible, at Vārāṇasī[20]. There the Devas including lord Indra will see me in the Kali age as Bhava and Halāyudha. There too my virtuous sons will be known as Bhallavī, Madhupiṅga, Śvetaketu and Kuśa. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will be engaged in meditation. Free from impurities and identical with Brahman they will enter Rudra’s world.

Sūta said: In the twenty-second cycle when Śuṣmāyaṇa becomes a Vyāsa, I shall be born as a great sage by the name of Lāṅgalin the terrible, at Vārāṇasī[20]. There the Devas including lord Indra will see me in the Kali age as Bhava and Halāyudha. There too my virtuous sons will be known as Bhallavī, Madhupiṅga, Śvetaketu and Kuśa. After attaining the yoga of Maheśvara they will be engaged in meditation. Free from impurities and identical with Brahman they will enter Rudra’s world.

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Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: All these enlightened souls will be the devotees of Śiva and will have their bodies smeared with ashes. They will be perpetually engaged in worshipping Liṅga. They will be steadfast and firm in body and the mind. With devotion towards me and by means of yoga they will be established in meditation and acquire self-control. The great Pāśupata yoga can snap worldly ties and illuminate the path of knowledge. It is also conducive to Real knowledge. There are several paths of yoga and several paths of knowledge. But without taking recourse to the five-syllabled Mantra[28] one cannot attain eternal bliss. When a person performs penance eschewing Dvandvas (mutually clashing opposites) he can become a liberated soul, as one who has attained the ripe fruit. Even if a man performs Pāśupata rite for a single day he can obtain fruits, the like of which he cannot have either by Pañcarātra[29] or Sāṅkhya.

Sūta said: On hearing about the incarnations of Rudra described thus by the supreme lord, Lord Brahmā, of great splendour bowed to him and eulogised him with pleasing words. Then he spoke to lord Śiva.

Sūta said: On hearing about the incarnations of Rudra described thus by the supreme lord, Lord Brahmā, of great splendour bowed to him and eulogised him with pleasing words. Then he spoke to lord Śiva.

Sūta said: On hearing about the incarnations of Rudra described thus by the supreme lord, Lord Brahmā, of great splendour bowed to him and eulogised him with pleasing words. Then he spoke to lord Śiva.

Sūta said: On hearing about the incarnations of Rudra described thus by the supreme lord, Lord Brahmā, of great splendour bowed to him and eulogised him with pleasing words. Then he spoke to lord Śiva.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.

Brahmā said: On hearing the worths of Brahmā lord Śiva was delighted on account of the weighty relevancy of the question. He looked at him as if he would drink him through his eyes. Facing him, he then described the method of worship of the Liṅga. It was after worshipping the Liṅga in accordance with the instructions that you (Brahmā), Viṣṇu and Indra, the best of Devas and the sages, had attained their respective status. O lord, hence they continue to worship me further. There cannot be steadiness[30] in piety without the worship of the Liṅga; hence lord Viṣṇu worships me perpetually with due devotion and faith.