Yudhishthira said What did that foremost of ascetics, viz., Jamadagni gifted with great energy, do when thus besought by the Sun?

Bhishma said O descendant of Kuru, inspite of all the prayers of the Sun, the sage Jamadagni, effulgent like fire, continued to cherish his anger.

Then, O king, the Sun, in the guise of a Brahmana, bowed his head to him and addressed him, with clasped hands, in these sweet words, O twiceborn Rishi, the Sun is always moving! How shall you pierce the Lord of day who is continually moving forward?

Jamadagni said With the eye of knowledge I know you to be both moving and motionless! I shall surely read you a lesson this day.

At midday you appear to stay in the firmament for a moment. It is then, O Sun, that I shall pierce you with my arrows! There is no swerving from this resolution of mine.

Surya said O twiceborn Rishi, forsooth, you know me, O best of archers! But, O holy one, though I have offended, see I pray for your protection.

Bhishma said At this, the worshipful Jamadagni smilingly addressed the Sun, saying, O Sun, when you have sought my protection, you have nothing to fear.

He would get over the simplicity that exists in Brahmanas, the stability that exists in the Earth, the mildness existing in the Moon, the gravity existing in Varuna, the effulgence existing in Agni, the brightness of Meru, and the heat of the Sun, who would kill a suppliant for protection.

The man who can kill a suppliant is capable of violating the bed of his preceptor, of killing ! a Brahmana and of drinking alcohol.

Do you, therefore, think of some remedy for this evil, by which people may be relieved when heated by your rays.

Bhishma said So saying, that exceilent descendant of Bhrigu remained silent for some time, and the Sun immediately gave him an umbrella and a pair of sandals,

Surya said Do you, O great Rishi, take this umbrella with which the head may be protected and my rays warded off. This pair of sandals is made of leather for the protection of the feet.

From this day the gift of these articles in all religious rites shall be established as a custom.

Bhishma said This custom of giving umbrella and shoes was introduced by the Sun. O descendant of Bharata, these gifts are regarded meritorious in the three worlds.

Do you, therefore, give away umbrellas and shoes to Brahmanas. I have no doubt that you will then acquire great religious merit by the deed.

O foremost one of Bharata's race, he who gives away a white umbrella with a hundred ribs to a Brahmana, acquires eternal happiness after death and lives the region of Indra, respected by Brahmanas, Apsaras, and Devas.

O powerful one, he who gives shoes to Snataka Brahmanas as also to Brahmanas practising the rites of religion whose feet have become sore with the heat of the Sun, acquires regions coveted by the very celestials. Such a man, O Bharata, lives happily in the highest Heaven after his death.

O foremost one of Bharata's race. I have thus recited to you, in full the merits of giving away shoes and umbrellas at religious ceremonies.