Mārkaṇḍeya said: On being advised thus, the boy of great renown bowed to Viśvāmitra and began his japa facing the east He restrained himself and was delighted in his mind. Alertfully he repeated the mantra continuously without break for a year, sustaining himself on vegetables, roots and fruits. Terrible vampires and demons, large fierce beasts like lions rushed at him in order to confound his wits. But, repeating the name Vāsudeva he did not take notice of anything else.