Beholding him thus prepared, the eldest son of Dharma, viz., the powerful Narayana, addressed him, saying,-Whom you adoring, O foremost of twice-born ones, by these rites and the observances in connection with the gods and the departed means. O foremost of all persons gifted with intelligence, tell me this, agreeably to the scriptures. What is this that you are doing? What also are the fruits desired by you of those rites which you are performing. are