Translated to English (poorly) by Dr. Priyabala Shah
Parimala Sanskrit Series 51
Parimala Publications: Delhi (1999)

(Discourse between Markandeya and Vajra)

ch.1-35 (here) ch.36-70

Chapter 1

[VdP1.1.22-24] Having spoken like that to Vajra, these Rishis went to sit in the holy and sacred penance and Markandeya, the great Muni, spoke the essence of Vishnu Religion, to those kings or Royal Souls (22) So there are doubts, being aroused, in the different societies of Vishnuism and there are different beliefs in their mental understanding (23) Markandeya Muni spoke the truthful one in this Brahma, or Cosmos, is the blessed one, who is got rid off their doubts, by all the souls internal enemies or doubtful problems. So Oh Vajra whatever is asked by you, in questions is to be answered serially by me to you, the doubtful problems to be solved in this manner (24)

[VdP1.1.27] Vajra spoke, "Please explain to us. Oh the Full-Moon of the Brighu-Dynasty, how the world came into existence, as it is, we all want to know it and listen to its story from the Chief of the "Twice-Borns"...

Chapter 2 (Hiranya Garbha or Golden Egg)

Markandeya spoke: "I bow down to God Narayana, who is attached with Fatherly feelings and paternal Love to all the living beings of the universe and also who is in companionship with "Goddess-Lakshmi", the giver of Vardan...and the one who is rested with the restful seat on the grand and Divine Cobra, "The Shesha-Naga" (1) Oh! King! Now we want to know the only cause of The Creation, the Existence, and the Destruction, as it can be known as it is within the capacity of our inner knowledge and as it is experienced and believed in teh throbbinbg hearts of all of us, who are seated here (2) Oh King! I want to know the the story of the creation of this world, so please tell it to us...(3) The God-Narayana is the creator, destroyer and the protector. He is lulling up the world in this way and so this great world is his own world (4)

...Whose openings of the eye-lids, the days begin the whose closing of eyelids the nights begin ... Kalpa or Era is created by his own divine will (7)

..everywhere are his hands, legs, eyes, heads, mouths (8) ...

Only He can create the intelligence, mind, sky and the wind. He can create the light and the heat and the "Egg" has been created out of Him only. (12) Oh King! That Egg is the Golden Egg - and His end is also He Himself i.e. He can automatically end Himself. He can bear and wear this Body, i.e. He can create Himself, in order to create thsi universe and exemplify for continuing the worldly growth or the universal growth (13) The God created "Brahma" - the four faced...always by a little more element for creation "Rajas". Having thus created the "Body of Brahma". He created this movable and non-movable or immovable world (14) In this golden egg, is the world as a whole, with the Gods and Godly People, Seven People, Having a "Patala" or "Underground-world" and this world, encovering the "Seven Islands" - (continents) encovered with the salty oceanic waters. (15) That God, having created the world or the Creation, (Srushti) He plunged Himself in the ocena on the Satviki or shesha-Naga or "Divine Cobra" and the god, like a dead body, slept on the body in the salty-waters of oceans (16) He, with the help of the great Goddess Lakshmi, protects all these people or the creation. He sleeps in the yoga-sleep or Samadhi, then after, hidden in all creatures (17) ...and at the ending time, he becomes "Hara" and again destroys this great world. (18)  This mischievious game is played by Him, for recreation, and it is most victoious and benevolent. Really then Brahma goes into the world after going into the water and having a rest for a period, again created this world. (19)

Chapter 3 (The Coming up of the Varaha Avatara)

When the Brahmaratri or Night of Brahma was over, or passed away, and when the Lotuses bloomed, with their petals fully opened giving out sweet smell and colorfully decorated, God Vishnu created the lives, having known them drowned under the waters overflowing over the lands (1) The old and welfare giving or benevolent habit of God Vishnu's love for the water-playing or water games, being seated on the "Divine-Pig" form shaped himsef in this mentioned form to save the world (2) he made the legs of "The Vedas" and (sub-tooth) Upadnstra, four crooked organs, and having four mouths or faces, with a fire-tongue and having the hair of "Darbh-Grass"- and having a head of Brahma and also having a great penance (3)

... He, with the help of his wife Maya, went to a great peak and roused up (8) The Great-Prabhu or God, went to a great salty ocean full of salty waters everywhere overwhelming the earth on the land overflowing with oceanic waters, and having peaks, forests and mountains on it. (9) He lifted the Earth with the top of his tooth...brought out the world again out of the oceanic waters (11) Having lifted up the Earth like that, went in the form of Varaha, into the waters and God divided it into different divisions with the help of Sudarshan-Chakra.. (12)

Chapter 4 (Patal Varnana)

Markandeya spoke: When the sun went down in the water and when the dust is visible in the dim-dazzelings of the faint light, the orange-coloured glossy lights are visible (1) Such eight "Trasarnud" make a "Likshika" measurement, and that is "Sasharpa" and such several make "Gaurasarshapa"  Such "Sasharpa" and eight finger marks make a "Ashtaka" measurement and such twelve finger marks measurement in a conical measurement -as we call it- and such two make a "Hand Measurement" or "Hasta" (3) Four type of such is spoken as "Dhanu" and such thousand "Dhanu" make a "Sahasrika" measurement and such two measurements are called "Gavyuti" and such four are called as "Yojanas" (4)  Now such proportionately three hundred "Yojanas" are "Ayutas" and such "Panchashachchhepaha" are a beatiful place is arrived at (5)  At that very beautiful enchanting place - as it is called by God, Himself- Varaha bore and disclosed into a hundred multi-forms-God-Himself (6)There and then "God Vishnu"-Himself, with the devotees and great personalities - and such people gathered together visible in an "Umbrellas-Form", connected with this "Golden Egg" (7)...

...really bad english...something about Divine Fire spread over world at end of day...information about Patala and Janardan seated on Shesha... something about Rudra Light...He who wears flower garland wants to wear "poisoinous heads" round his neck???... Balarama and Siva?...Patala as beautiful and enchanting city with peculiar palace, famous for "Vaishnava architecture".  There resting on the "hoods" was the Lord with Lakshmi.

 All the Gandharvas, with the Apsaras and the Ganas are doing their worship.  There appears the murti or idol of Shree Krishna in His best manifestation (21)  There over, beyond eight, in proportion, appears the land of Patala - manifested as it appears full of blue pearls (22) Really that is the third famous place, where the holy cows is being spread in the holy atmosphere and were seated there on all the four sides on virginal form (23) Subhadra, like the form of fire and in the same manner Vishvarupa also along with Rohini, the fortunate and blessed on were all around this world i.e. this world was uncovered by them only (24) God Vishnu created the Milky Ocean with the help of their milk and originated a charming and enchanting beautiful city, in Patala of all the three (25)  There the Lord Vishnu Bhagavan was seated on the dias of Shesha Naga, overwhelmed with the flames of fire, along with Lakshmiji, in the most penanceful manner (26) Thereover, sight in proportion, in all the directions and beyond fourth yellow lands, marked with special yellow flowery decorative marks (27) Thereover Vishnu took the form of Haya (horse), was seen, along with the grace of hundreds of moons, like the gold ornament (28) That city was there famous place of famous Garuda the Great.  There was the God of the Gods - Prahlad, along with the Bashkala being decorated by them (29)  Thereover and beyond it, as it is, the fifty Raktabhauma - famous in the Mahatala (30) In the centre of that lake, ten yojanas in proportion aggregately the whole piece of land was excluded by the waters expecting that land full of moveble and immovable and water lives, all the things (31)  There dwelled Lord Hari in the form of a tortoise - Thereover and beyond, as it is (32) ...the sixth of it is really Bhimatala.  There also in the Divine Lake hundreds of yojanas of lands were submerged; and there dwelled the God Hari in the form of a Fish-God (33) Seventh black-land, or "Krishna Bhaumaha" -by name it was a hard land whereupon dwelleth He by the name of Kapila-Deva by name "who Him self" was "God-Vasudeva" (34) There was a stone-city by name "Ashma-Nagara" as it is remembered, that was the city of God-Varuna and in the form of different cities headed by those Demons or Danavas (35) These cities were ruled by the kings named Virochana, Kumbha, Nikumbha, Hara, Shambara, Karala, Naraka, and Haya (36) Hayagriva, Sunda, Ghase and Praghasa. Thereupon where the highest and the best and finest cities were - First one of King Bali and the other one was of Yogesha (37) Another city inhabited there belongs to Ravana as is seen there, Ravana or Loka Ravana and also the best city of God-Vishnu, best in brilliance and royal grace, shines there by the God Vishnu's Divine Grace. (38) He was accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and was wrapped and dressed in the fire coloured garments and the three crores of great devotees dwelled therein (39) He bore shankha, chakra, gada and padma and dressed in yellow garments (40)

 ...Savarnas or Mahatmas who are graced by highness of sky presentations..?  In ancient times there lived and ruled "Paulatsya Ravana" -he was really God with clear insight and vision; There was Bhogawati city there ruled by Vasuki (42) Here are the cities of the Nagas and they are really the different cities of padma, Dhrutrashtra, Virakta and Kaurava were inhabited there (43) There were the cities of Takshaka, Elaptra, Karkotaka, Dhananjaya, Shamkha, and Ashawatara rulers (44) There were also cities of kandala, Surasa, Sumukha and Gaja rulers .  There were all the directions of the Directive-Gajas who protected all the directions (45) This earth along with the mountains and forests and the Kanana-upvanas was born on their "shoulders or backs" or Virupaksha, Naga and also of Mahapadma (46) and also of Sumana and of Great-Rudra-Mahatama all in the proportion of "Five-Ayutas" -in proportion this belonged to their kingdoms (47) and excepting as described above, the rest of the land belonged to "Patala" as half of the whole globe i.e. half of the hemisphere of the Divine-Egg-Circumference and half of its proportion (48) was given to three crores of the God of the Gods - the Rulers, as mentioned above and rest ten Panchanas of Rulers, this fruitful and fertile land belonged to them under their great protection (49) The proportion of five ayutas (Panchayuta) of lands as the fertile land to the great and famous rulers as mentioned above was reserved and the rest of the hemispherical lands were reserved for, like that those as mentioned above, the rulers were proportionately given the land.  (50) i was told this by Nruvira, the God Himself full of special mystery in the appearance of a curved moon shape assembly of listeners, the stories of Patala-Lokas with different, interesting and enchanting facts with manner : So please listen to me; Oh! People! as I tell you in a story form (51)

Chapter 5 (description of Lokas) 

The first king of Bhoo-loka was so famous that there was not so lofty and high a ruler like him even in Patala (1) They were seen resting on wind or Vayu, being worshiped by seven great mahatmas, each as famous within 5 yojanas (2) There were all the animals, birds, worms, humans, kinnaras, yakshas, rakshasas, gandharvas pishachas and those who grazed on the earth (3) They were all well seen and described as above, were corn yielding grass-lands and of those who bore the knowledge, the famous was the first path of Vayu (4) The second was of those who were Siddhas...and the third was of Garuda and the fourth atmosphere was famous for the Gandharvas (5) The fifth goes to the Vinayaka, the sixth to the crowds of elephants whose water fountains were really famous (6) The fortunate one, the seventh was the Siddhas oh Yadava, above and thereof, as it is proportion (7) God stands there being famous as Bhuvarloka - more than a Manvantara they will be the kings by rights (8) Thereover, as it is in proportion, there above stands Svargaloka who are really enjoying the fruits of their merits there (8) The King of the Gods, who drink Soma-rasa - and also of the Shakra-Lokas etc. Thus the great men lived where God lived (10) Those who are completely retired from their respective position and who are as successful as the royal kings, dwelt thereover, there above as it is (11) There lived the people called Janaloka or common men, where cows are physically and spiritually worshipped stands a "Brahma Ratri" where surrounded by lives (12) Therefore, as it is in proportion the Tapas-Loka lived there..(13) Thereover, in proportion, as it is, there lived the people being called the Satya-Lokas lived the great and desired the best  - The Brahmanas (14) Like this as described here the seven lokas lived...  In this way, these are the rays revolving round the Sun (15)

 ... The place of Rudra, mentioned as the "Highlight of Rudra" is seated there in that place, the great Rudra-Lokas seated and dwelt over the Brahma-Lokas or Brahma-People ((17) Such thousands of plans, as per the strong or dense opinions of the five lokas as mentioned before the "Temple of the Sun" - or "Aditya Mandir - is situated and is only visible during the day-light (18) When this is seen as blue colorful is the dark only. "Oh Lord of the Earth" and beyond the darkness in the God  Himself - and the Rudra-Lokas (19) The great God Shiva or Mahadeva along with His wife was enchanted by and deeply enjoying there, with "Hoisted Flag" - on which was the "emblem of Ox" being uncovered by the Devotees, where there was the Rudra and equally achieved position (20) Thereover, as it is, mentioned, "Thus famous Vishnu-Loka" - is extremely popular of all the unapproachable Gods (21) Thereover, shining like gold the universe over the Earthly people, the  Great Vaman-God lived there (22) "The Great-God-Vishnu" lived in Heaven being the "Great-God of Heaven" in the Heaven itself, in the form of the "Man-Pig" form or "Nru-Varaha-Form" being glorious in the Great people over there (23) Having spoken like that, the famous popularity of the "Great king Trivikrama" in the "Tapo-Loka" alongwith "Nru-simha" or "Man-Lion" king in the 'JanaLoka" was pervading there(24) The Loka named "Santanaka" were famous in the "Satya-Loka" or "Truthful people" like this ; The "Godly Lokas" and "Godly kings" lived and the predecessors of them alongwith "God Indra" saw them all (25) The Great kings, who became Great by penance and the Devotees, constantly prayed God, they were all above "The Rudra-place" and as described by me, "Vishnu-place" or "God-Vishnu's Realm or Empire" existed over there (26) The Greatest of Gods, to whom, nobody could be able to see, there, where "No-Sun" shone or "No-Moon" existed there ( as it was only cosmos beyond) (27) With the Light of that God, really that country existed, and above that country till the end, oh God of the earth (28) As described before, there was the place of the "Varaha" where there was the respect of, as I tell you "Six-Crores" plans or "Thirty Crores and thirty* as were planned were in existence there (29) Like this, the population of the Lives or peoples lived there being famous there, and like this only the peoples of the surface of Moon existed there (30) The people like this only saw the God, the people alongwith the "Indra God" and "His" predecessors, the really Great by the "Penance of god" and the constant Devotees of God (31) The external egg was ten times greater than that existed and pervaded with water all around and ten times greater than that, the external-"Light Existed" or "Illuminated" area was pervaded by the "Tejas" "Light" (32) There existed ten times the "light" the "wind" existed thereover, from external space, and ten times greater than "wind" the "Sky" existed. (33) One tenth of the "sky" the "Mind" is over covered externally, "Mind" is affectea by 'Intelligence" Oh king, as is, one tenth part of the whole atmosphere (34) The Intelligence is, as in the proportion of one-tenth of the covered soul, and being unknown by the Atma or soul, is only one tenth part of it is uncovered (35) Really that has been uncovered by an unknown-"Purusha" or "Physically-Masculine-self' and that has been the "Best-Purusha" or "Purushottama" in the all pervading egg or extensive universe (36) Having that much of the universe, half of the world is unable to speak and endless, really, is the "Great Purursha" who is the chief in the endless cosmos (37) Having "One Form" that only egg, whose "Great-Ruler" Is "He" with the division of the same countries or regions and the divisions of the same lives or living beings or "The Insects" (38) Such different regions or countries are almost the same Oh king in the "Great Brahmanda". At the time of Happiness and Miseries, their lives and deaths occured as the case was (39) The number of the Kala of all the eggs in the cosmos, is almost the same, to be known, of all heavenly bodies or eggs, Oh Superior King and at the end of the day all the Purushas came and lived, having entered their own homes (40) Only one, but endless, is famous king Indra, of the kings, and no other. That is, as I mentioned before, is the Real King, lived there, in short He is only the king of all the-"Great-movable and Immovable world" His radius as famed by the "Great Vyasaji" only envisages and completes never this world any time (41)

Chapter 6 (Dwipa-Vibhaga Varnanam)

Vajra spoke, "Oh, Bhargava ! The one who is the outcome of Bhrgu-Dynasty. I have a great doubt about the proportion of the creation of the world, so please tell me the proportions of the creations of this great round world or the "Bhu-Mandala" (1) Markandeya spoke, "Oh, The Rajendra! In the middle of the great round world, there is a "Great-Meru-Mountain" There are hundreds of plans organized in the centre of it (2) There is "Jambu-Dwipa" five hundred in the proportion. Oh "Mahipati" ! or The Ruler of the world" ! as determined in the plan and beyond it (3) There it is envisaged by the "Salty Sea" even in the double proportion of the salt, Shaka-Dwipa"(4) Oh, the Great King ! There is no doubt about the "Shankadwipa" existed there. The "Kshirada" (milk ocean) also is existed there in proportion of the equal proportion of the "milk" (5) In the double proportion of the milk ocean by the "Kusha-Dwipa" existed at yojanas of distance existed "Kusha-Dwipa existed in the equal proportion of the self (6) In the double proportion of the "Krounch-Dwipa" or "Grain Dwipa" there existed, it as it is, and in the equal proportion of the "Krounch-Dwipa" there existed in equal proportions "The Dadhimandoka"(7) In the double proportion of the Island or Dwipa ! "Shalmala" is existed and in the double proportion of the "Suroda" surrounded by "Gomeda" (8) There is a "Dwipa-Sansthana-Mandapa" in the centre of the "Pushkara" That is really a "Great Mountain", the Great people is famous in the "Northern Direction" of Manas" (9) There existed, half of the determined plan according to this proportion, the different and diversified, peaks existed and peeped up there only (10) In the eastern direction of "Mount-Meru" there existed a "Top-Peak" called "Manasa", in the "Northern Top", and there existed a famous city of "Shakra" or "Indra", The King of the Gods, named as, indeed, "Amarawati" (11) There existed "Prabhavati" in the "Southern Eastern Direction" which belonged to "Fire God" and there existed a city named "Sanyamani-Puri" in the southern direction which belonged to "God-Yama" or "The God of Death" (12) There is "Vikranta city" or "Purvi Vikranta" of Virupaksha king in "The south Western Direction" and there is also a "City SukhaPrabha" of Varuna in the western part (13) There is a city called "Shiva-Puri" belonged to "God Wind" or "Vayu Deva" in the "North West Direction" and there are famous cities named Vibhavari Puri" and "Somapuri" in the northern direction (14) In the North East direction there is remembered a city called "Sharmada" which is "Shaivi" or "Welfare Bringing City" and "Pushkara-Puri" is as uncovered by self, uncovered by the "Tasty Lakes" of The Tasty waters (15) There is a beautiful city full of gold (Kartasvara), which is better than the sweet watered earth and according to the proportion of the plan or yojana, there are twenty thousand such cities (16) Oh, the God of kings, ten more, as are famous in the lots of five, five have been famous, surrounded by a single rock in the Garden of Gods, or "Devodyana" is beautiful earth (17) There existed, amongst the families, the king whom belonged visible and invisible land, in the plan, as organised, has been described with extensive elevation (18) Oh, the "Mahipala" or the king of the earth ! In the visible and invisible world, the Protectors of the People" (The Lokapalas) are still remembered. They were famous in "Great Vigour" "Maha-Virya" from the very ancient times and they are permanently for an age, fixed, as the fixture on the earth (19) The famous and specially famous "Gods of the Directions" are welknown are Sudama, Sheshapada, Ketuman, Sumahabala, Hiranyaroma etc. (20) Oh, the Great King ! the planets and stars like Avyakta, Mahi-Grass and Chadrarka, never shown and glittered beyond that (21) Really there is watery place full of Darbha grass, as envisaged by the visible and invisible world, Oh King ! There existed in the "Great Ocean" and its darkness covering it (22) In the proportion of one sixty, as equally appointed, and even beyond that; Oh king ! Brahmanda or the Egg of Brahma is fixed and situated there. (23) Over and under it, as has been famous in the Brahma's Egg and has been bearing it; really in that proportion only, looking obliquely is fixed in proportion to it, as said above (24) Really beyond the "Garbhodaka" there existed, in the centre of "Meru" in the ocean three crores plans, being executed and ten (25) and rest five, also, Oh ! the God of the kings ! that proportion is unframed. Oh King !....of it...only "Brahmanda" is being equally on all sides (26) ...Half of it ...and second....and also ten, Oh ! Such as, mentioned proportion was decided by the philosophers (27) Really, in the Centre of the eastern direction, of Meru, in the "Salt Sea" -There are beyond the water or the ocean there exist "Vishnuloka" as mentioned Greatly appreciated (28) The nature of the existed God, is as can be described like that of a king, there he sleeps at the end of the rainy season the God of the Gods, Janardana (29) He is always with "Laksmi" constantly, rested on the laps of "Sheshanaga" on the eleventh day of the bright half of the Ashada Month", Janardana (30) He is thereafter for five days specially worshipped and prayed by the Gods, Rishis, Gandharvas, Apsaras and the Ganas or the Divine Guards as they go there for five days and worship Him (31) There is a great divine and religious festival or ceremony, along with the prayer, songs, dance and musical notes and thereafter He goes to sleep "Yoganidra" for four months (32) To such a "Resting God", the Rishis and the Brahmans, worship and pray to Him and the Gods also observe that festival along with the Devotees, with the (recitation of) shastras (33) In the bright half of the Kartika month, there also for five days, they awake the God of the Gods, going along with the Indra, during that day (34) The Gods also observe a great festival, in the Eastern Direction of Meru mountain in the centre the ocean of milk (35) In the centre of ocean of milk there is another beautiful city or "Puri" there existed and rested God with Lakshmi resting on the laps of the Sheshnaga (36) There also for four months, in a year or during a year, the God takes a restful position, as being there with the weapons, only, the God is visible, giving "Darshana" to the people (37) Therefore, in that part of that direction, in the centre of the "Ocean of Milk', really thousands of plans and twenty five mandalas or the associations (38) The "Shweta Dweepa" is famous there very beautiful as the people of there are like moon-grace and there shines the grace of the sun in the people (39) With the light of that, as being seen from far, they seem to be from Gods Oh Yadavas, being with the knowledge of "Panchakalas" or "Five times" worshipping and praying to the "God-Janardana" (40) They worship the prayers, with bowed heads, they offer to God; and the worship thus done in this way gives devotional merits to the bhaktas or the devotees (41) they are approaching to "Hari" or "God" being inspired by the lonely position of God and they having gone there, they never think to return back or never return back (42) Having worshipped thus for a long time to God of the Gods or Janardana and breaking the "Solar-empire" or The "Aditya-Manadala" they enter the cosmos or the "Brahmanda" (43) They, in that way, resist the God of the Gods "Pradyumana" Samkarasana and others, then "God-Vasudeva" and to Great one (44) Having obtained Vasudeva, they abandon all the behaviours, they rarely return back, having gone to the "sweta-Dwipa" or the "white island" (45) In the "North-east-Direction" in the centre of the ocean of milk, there is Vaijayanta and there is a "Great-Golden-Mountain" (46) There remembered, ten thousand and ten plans in proportion there exist the region in length and height in the proportion of which is famous (47) There existed, in proportion of a hundred yojanas in its extensive area, the five caves, in the thousands of the plans (48) In the Gate, covered by the "Darkness", as in the plans in hundreds, there existed one Divine and fully glittered approns, and dresses, of their own, as she was really a great great one. (49) She was famous by the name of "Timirawati-Puri" famously called by that name, by the Rishis and there the "Best of the Gods", "Vishnu" rested and slept there as "Janardana-God" (50) Oh ! The Ruler of the Earth ! There are the Goddesses named "Nidra", "Kalaratri" and the excellent "Laksmi" (51) they worship to that "God-Vishnu", in the Great sweet and melodious musical instrument and "He" is there, protected by the embodied, body-bearing, protectors or the Guards with the weapons, there (52) From his sleeping body, or the resting body, there is respiration and "breathing-ins" and breathing-outs" and the Lines of the people or the crowds of the people fall down and fall up; (drop down and up) in other words the people are born and come and died and go up. (53) Oh ! King ! His breathing in is as being called the birth of the lives and His breathing out is as being called the death of the lives, as is called (54) In the centre of the "Ocean of Ghee", there is at "Meru"s west, there exists the extensive number of "Islands" the planned and organised "Dwipa-Parimandala" (55) There is the population of "Great God Govardhana" as mentioned, there is also the memory of the "Divine Cows" being remembered (56) Constantly with the sexual emotions with the "Great Lustre" and "Grace" God plays there in the centre of the "Curd-Ocean" in the islands, in the mentioned proportion. (57) Keshava, lives there always, bearings the form of beauty of Gold, "Hemarupadhara" and the Rishis, see Him, in that form living there in that golden-beauty form (58) There is a great island widely spread in the centre of "Sura-Samudra" and there are "God-Sankarashana" and strong and lustrous Gods and Demons on that island (59) There are adjacently, to "Him" there stood mind-enchanting and Divine women with "Great-Beauty" and "Liquor" or "Madira" and there was "Goddess of wealth (Karishini) (60) The "Masters of lords" of the people, always see such and there existed God, in this manner and position as it is said by you, this is the executed association of perception and it is like the full moon type of perception that has been in the sky, visible there (61)

Chapter 7 (Jambudvipa Varnanam)

Vajra speaks, "Oh ! Great Muni ! You please describe to me, the colony of (Empire-controlled) Jamboo-Dwipa Oh ! Bhargwa ! I want to listen from you, only, as I want it, because you are born there "(1)

Markandeya spoke, "Oh ! The Great King ! there are six of these mountains in the Jamboo Dwipa having their birth between the two seas on the east and the west (2) Himavan, and Hemkuta; Nishadha and Neel; and like them, Meru and Shrungawan; also these are six seas (3) In the centre of the collection of these mountains, mountain Neela and Nishadha are there and the "Mount-Meru" is called the golden mountain and I want to listen it from you; the proportion of that (4) As it is said, being come up, eighty four heaps of thousands, below which, as said are sixteen and are spread and expanded only sixteen. (5) The area of it is doubled is attached with the land and the Earth, as is remembered, and the collection of Pushpanibha, above, being expanded in thirty two in number (6) The area of that is doubled and is remembered with more systematically, as it is said, to be ninety and the eastern mountains is said to be in proportion of thousands (7) Really a thousand yojanas away from it, there is a kingdom of Malyawan, the western of which are the kingdoms of Neela Nishadha (8) As shown or directed from here, to the Eastern Direction, there is the kingdom of Gandhamadana. In the Northern Direction of Meru, White : and in the Eastern Direction Ananta is being called (9) In the southern Direction is yellow; and as, is remembered, to the western direction is Black. That is, as it remembered, to is Brahmin and to the Eastern of it, is Kshatriya. (10) In the southern direction, Vaishya is remembered and to the western direction Shudra is remembered. From there and from them Brahmins are sprout out and in the Eastern, in the ancient times they are supreme by their births. (11) In the southern Direction, Vaishyas and in the Western Direction, Shudras are remembered. In the Eastern Direction, there is Mahendra's City, named Amarawati, behind the "Mountain-Meru" (12) Taking a round about it, there is a city named Sabhavati of King Agni while to the southern direction there is a city of Yama, called Samyamam City, which is situated to the south of it (13) The city, which is specially inhabited in the south-western Direction and the city which is inhabited in the Southern-West Direction and to the Western Direction is the enchanting and beautiful city named "Sumukha-being owned by God-Varuna (14) Just nearby it and not to a long distance is the city named "Shiva" owned by "God Vayu", specially famous: While to the North of that is a beautiful city named "Vaibhavari-Puri" owned by "Soma (Deva)" (15) Just to a little distance and not very far is the city named "Shankari-Shiva", of king-"Shiva, behind the "Mountain-Meru", as the God, in short, are available from any direction, as are commanded by God-Vishnu (16) The direction-Protectors, or The Guards of the directions, are well known, in their specified directions; and God always rules His city, in the "Northern-Peak" of the Manasa Sarovara-Peak of His
kingdom or Empire (17) God sees Meru, from the city, existed in Meru itself : to the half of it, is marked with or specified with water and horns, (Horn-like Peaks) in the south (18) As it is called, the "Divine-Showers" are showering from the Heaven : which is devoid of all the evils or the miseries. The White-Peaks like white horns, the well-known Golden Rays are showering upon it (19) The well-known showers are beautifully showering in the centre of white-Blue or Whitish-Blue sky and in the centre are "Nishadha and Neel" and at the back of which is Gandhamadana (20) Ketumala is remembered as the chief, excellent and most beautifully existing, amongst the centre of "Nishadha and Neel" and in the Eastern Direction is "Malyavata-Mountain" (21) There is the division of the world, named "Rudramukha" which is fully of happy and pleasant people. On all the sides of "Meru Mountain" there is a kingdom of the division of the world named "Neelavarta" (Oh King !) (22) Even, there also, there are four divisions of that Empire also and oh King ! Please let me know the name of those divisions. There are the name of Bhadrashwa, Jamboomala, Ketuman and Kurava (are these divisions of "Neelavarta" kingdom ) (23) Oh, Yadava ! There is the most famous, eminent, tree called "jamboo Vruksha" in the "jamboomala" Kingdom. There are thousands of yojans far away in the Eastern Direction are existed these lands (24) The most welfare bringing river named "Jamboonadi" sprout and origin from it and taking a round of the "Mount-Meru" with her flow, she dries herself into the own root or the footland (25) "The jamboo Dwipa" is famously known after the Royal "Jamboo-Vruksha's" name and fame; and with the graceful fame of that "Royal Tree"; "Mount-Meru" is always shining on the earth (26) Neither the Sun, nor the Moon nor the Stars shine over that land: while always there is adversity of welfare in the Sharvat Colony of "Mount Meru" (27) Very far from the Hemakuta region "Harivarsham" is situated : While to the Southern direction of "hemakuta" which "Purushas" are to be remembered (28) Bharata-Varsha or Bharata, is the land of the Yadavas; to the southern direction of "Mountains of the Great Himalayas'. Oh king ! That is the land of our good deeds and where we are existing and inhabited over the great "Bharat-Varsha-lands" (29) "God-Keshava" has designed or created and organized this special condition of this age : and there are two colonies known as the "Northern Bharata" and "Southern Bharata"; but the wholeness or unity is only one ! (30) The third land is known and the fourth is the central one and even the longer is consisting of four (31) (As said by the Rishi Markandeya to the king Vajra) nine thousand years were a fixed period, as the great philosophers and thinkers, predicted-decided and told, as has been decided in the proportion (32) As is remembered, the two thousand years were a fixed period, decided for mountains and also accordingly, the proportion of "Mountain-Meru" is nine thousand Yojanas, is a decided proportion (33) Jamboodwip is famous and glorious in proportion of a fixed yojans: and to the North of which, the proportion as told by me, as it is, in the Northern direction (34) Apart from that, in the Eastern Direction of it, Oh ! Parthiva ! you, please listen the proportion of it; as it is, thirty two thousands and several hundreds of yojanas, over and above it (35) Oh ! The best of the Parthivas ! Bhadrachalas and Ketumala, each of them, hundreds of yojanas : and hundreds of thousands of yojanas, extending is the area of both of them (36) Nine times of "Meru Mountain", there is a region called as "Gandhamadan" and "Malyawan" is mentioned to be nine thousand times of "Meru" (37) "Vishkambha" is told there, to be, thousands of yojanas of "Meru", that also is, as it is decided, "Jamboo Dwipa" is gloriously famous (38) In the Himachalas, the best yakshas, are enjoying residence and really there in the Hemakuta, and chief of the Daityas or Demons enjoyed residence. The chief of the Gandharvas enjoyed their residence in "Nishadha" and "Shaila" and the "Nagas" enjoyed their residence in "Neela" (39) The going or the motion of the "Pitrus" is in the "Sweta" enjoyed residence and thereafter entered the "Siddhas" enjoyed residence behind the "Shrungawata" The people with Indra and Dev-Ganas enjoyed residence on Meru always with enjoyment and enchantment with picnics and tours. (40)

Chapter 8 (Bharata Varsha Varnanam)

Vajra spoke, "Oh Bhargawa ! I want to listen, Oh ! god, about the "Bharata-Varsha" as it is the "Land of Deeds"or "Karmbhoomi" of the "Dead Predecessors" of all of us, Oh Bhargawa ! (1) Markandeya spoke, "Such a "Bharat-Varsha" is gloriously famous in nine big Divisions or Regions. They are sheltered or protected by eight big mountains, and are mutually unknown by one another (2) They are the systematic mountains from Himachala to the (ocean) sea; and to the North of them, I am Rajendra and you please know or recognize me like that (3) Swamali, Hemamali and Shambhoo, Kartaswarakara, Vaidurya-Mountain and decoratively beautiful Manumadhava (4) Indradyumna, being in big size and copper-coloured and beyond love and hatred between Gandharvas and then Varuna (5) These mountains and nineth in the centre, is the Island named really "Madhyama" as it is an esteemed and established in the seas on all the four sides (6) In the Eastern and Northern side of the Himachala, there is situated, the "Mountain Vaidurya" and to the back half is the "Golden-Mountain" or "Kanchan-Giri" and the rising up from the salty sea (7) Oh ! King ! surrounded by the seas on all the sides, the protection being obtained by the small lands and their peoples; and Himalayas has divided the ocean into two bifurcated countries (8) The southern salty ocean or the Indians Ocean's north, at the back and to the south of the (Arabian) sea, "Lanka-Puri" or the city of Lanka is situated, where the king Rawana was killed (9) where there is the salty-sea, that is saturated with salt, that is the same division of the south of Himachala, in this land of Bharata, Oh! King ! (10) There lies the Greatest Mountain Himalaya and second is Gandhamadana and Sweta's best mountain and the Great Mountain of Mandara (11) These are the great mountains seen by the Great Mahatmas and the Pandavas. In the centre of Himalaya there is a big mountain named Kailasa (12) Full of snow or snowy Ashrama of Naranarayana is famous, where there is beautiful and enchanting Badarikashrama; served by different shakunis (13) The Ganga is flown with hot water and white pure water are also fully flowing Oh ! King ! the beauty of the Tapas is like Golden-flowering rays or the golden sand (14) Thus, there are the Dwipas told to you, by their chief importance in short. Such others are at the distance of hundreds and thousands of yojanas in distance also existing there (15) They are not describable even in hundreds of years, indeed. In order to have a full description of the "Great-Bharata-Varsha" in all these years in hundreds and thousands ! Oh ! Lion of the kings ! The Healthy are people, who are fearless or free from fear and all the people are passing their lives in detachment as are said above (16) Oh ! King ! The proportion of the longevity in the people as a whole is as high as said by me. By doing good deeds in the lands of Bharata-Varsha, all the people are progressing in their lives (17) Their lives are well dependent on trees and vegetation and their women were also beautiful. There was no one to punish them because they did not need it. Oh ! King, They were all the people going on right path (18)

Chapter 9 (Janapada Varnanam)

Vajra spoke, "I want to listen and know the people of the inhabitants of "Sagar Dwipas" or the islands of the ocean. Oh ! The Best of the Bhrugus ! Please describe it to me at length, or in detail (1) Markandeya spoke, "The well-remembered are the people of Panchala, Kuravas, Matsyas, Yaudheyas, Savatashcharas, Kuntayas, Shursenas and people of Madhyadesha (2) also others vrashadhvajanas, Pannas, Suhmas, Maghdhas, Kashayas, Videhas and to the east Koshalas are mentioned well (3) Kalingavanga, Pundranga, Vaidarbhas, Mulakas, and Vindhyas, Neelayas and well spoken people of Eastern and Southern Directions (4) Pulindas, Ashmakas, the inhabitants of Jimutas Nara-Rastras, Karnataka, Bhojakatas and the inhabitants of Southern (5) Ambastas, Drawidas, Nagas, Kambojas, Strimukhas, Shakas, Anantavashis and all those who are known in the Southern and Western Directions (6) Strirajyas, Saindhavas, Mlechas, Nastikyas, Yavanas and to the western well known with the Patumanushadhis (7) Mandvayas, Tusharas, Mulikas, Mukhas, Khashas, Mahakishas, Mahanasas, Deshas, are the inhabitants of Northern and western Directions (8) Lampagas, Talangas, the incomers of meru and Gandhara lands, Himavat-Neelayas Mlechhas, Udichis and the sheltered people of the directions (9) Trigrtaminas, Kaucatas, Bhrahmaputras, Satiganas, Abhisaras, Kashmiras and famous people of eastern (waters) water regions (10) The Royal kings of the Dwipas or the islands of the seas and the chief ministers of these Dwipas and the kings of the lands and all those whom I describe to you from all these directions. So please know it from me (11) Panchal Natha, Magadhadhipa, Kalinga-Raj, Bhojakateshwara and Anantaka, Saidhavaka, Tushara, ruler of the counry Madra, and the ruler of Kuluta, all these are the chief rulers and kings of their lands or kingdom (13)

Chapter 10 (Description of the rivers springing from seven mountains)

Vajra spoke, "There are seven mountains which are situated on the islands or Dwipas of the oceans. I want to listen the names of the rivers born of these chief family of mountains of seven dwipas (1) Markandeya spoke, "Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Suktiman, Ruksha Parvata, Vindhya, Pariyatra are the seven chief mountains (2) Trisamma, Rushikulya, Ikshuga, Tridivalaya, Langulini, Vanshadhara are the rivers, really, born of these great Mahendra (3) Krutmala, Tamraparni, Pushpaja, Utpalavati, Shitodaka, Girivaha, are the rivers born of Malaya or Malayachal mountain (4) Tungabhadra is of a good category in its flow and Kavery is also there. There is, in the centre of the southern way there are a few rivers flowing from the foot of Sahyadris (5) They are Rishika, Sukumari, Mandaga, Mandavasini, Nrupamala, Shri and Shuktimat started from its foot (6) Mandakini, Dasharna, Shona and Narmada the Goddess, Tamasa, Pippala and others are started from the foot of Rukshawat (7) Vena, Vaitarni and Narmada and Kumudwati, Toya, Setushila and others are started from the foot of Vindhya-foot.(8) Para Charmanwati, Pada, Vidisha, Venuwati-also, Sipra, Hyawanti, Kunti and others are started from the foot of pariyatra (9) These are the chief rivers mentioned to you, are the meritorious, holy and worshipped by Rishis. There are thousands of other rivers, which are impossible to be mentioned, Oh ! the Head of the Society of Yadu-Vansha ! (10)

Chapter 11 (The Description of the rivers of Himavana)

Vajra said, "You describe me the rivers, which are chiefly capable of uplifting us from sins and fearfulness and which are originated from the foot of the mountains of Himalayas and are meritorius and specially Brahman (1) Markandeya said, "One with tenderly and beautifully colorful waters flowing and mixed with Kush-plants residues, beloved of Kaushika, the river Kaushiki is eternally the best river (2) The sin washing, by holy plunging, Shubha, holy and purifying, unchanging, best river, which is always loved by the great Munijans (group of sages) flows here (3) Really the river, which is having the different families of the best elephants, which is as good as Ganges in merit; which is full of the musical notes of the groups of Gandharvas and which is with the holy-cows-families is the River-Gandaki (4) In order to purify the people, and designed by the-"God of the people" - the great river Lohita, the pleasant in the eyes of the people and pleasing the minds of the people (5) Drshadwati is constantly flowing and worth having its Darshan of flowing waters, is attended and worshipped during the day by the people; as it is worshipped by the group of Gods in Heaven (6) River Mena is flowing mostly with innumerable lives and it is competent of having destruction; while River Bahuda is having broken or non-constant flows; as is written here (7) Dharmaprada is for the worshippers, Dhutapada is a very big river, Gomati, Gokulakirna, and Gajendra-Ganga are also said here (8) The River is seriously solemn with the songs of the Gandharvas and having the Groups of the Yakshas and having sweet notes and specially musical chirpings of birds like cuckoo in the fragrant breezes of Kadamba Trees and vegetational glory of God (9) river Akulodaka is full of beautiful petals of the Kumuda (lotus) flowers and the sweet and cool waters and winds; is the divine or Godly river of Gods and Goddesses and the daughter of God Shankara (10) Oh King, River Davika is the river that brings the sublime updrive motion to Godly-Heaven or Devalokas; is extended to River Mahakula and victorious in the dwipas (or Islands) (11) and River Chandrabhaga is pleasent with the beautiful rays of the moon and with the enchanting cold waters, is palatable to Vishnuloka and destructive to the people of the surroundings of extensive-rear (12) Its bath leads the person to Chandraloka and the benevolent giver of Immortality. River Saryu is a big river with the pilgrimage centres and Saroj flowers (13) It is always constantly attended and worshipped by the good people of desirous of the people of soma or Chandra. Its banks are protected and worshipped by Indraloka as it is the giver of the Heavenly Indralokas (14) It is with the waters fragrant with Indiwar tress or Fig trees and Goddess Iravati River, is especially flowing with broken waters and others are rivers Vipasha and Kushala rivers (15) It is also the uplifting river to those people who have done all sorts of sins. The River vidruta is worshipped by Vashistha and River Shatadru is a swiftly and speedily flowing river (16) river shiva is the giver of welfare and good or Rudralokas or Shivalokas, to the people who are fearfully tormentors and repenters. River Krishnatoya is blessed by Krishna and the yellow-waters-flowing river to (children) or its progeny (17) River Yamaswasa (Sister-Yama) and River Yamuna are the rivers who destroy the unhappiness. There are also Saptaprakara (of seven types) River and Saraswati River also (18) Oh ! My King, you please listen to the names of the rivers on all the seven parts of them, as they are Suprabha, Katarakshi and wide river Manasahruda (19) Saraswati River, having a strong stream, Guvenu and Vimalodaka (transparent water) is in Pushkara and also in the Naimisha and in Koshala in Gaya (20) Know the rivers (in order) in Kurukshetra and at the entrance of Ganga in the Himachala are the rivers which are originated in the Himalayas and are chiefly existed: as are described; Oh "Brave Man" Bold man ! These are the rivers and thousands of rivers and others are all holy and are contacted with the highest of the Rishis (21) These are the rivers in this land in the seven types and also of three-way­going. They have entered the Dwipa or the Bharata's land, Oh King ! and worshipped by king Bhagiratha and are said the lotus-born (Brahma) (22)

Chapter 12 (Description of Koshal)

Vajra said, "Oh, God ! In the nineth part of the Bharata's land how is famous the sea that has been made by the Sagaras ?" (1) Markandeya said, "In the nineth part of the Bharata's land, Oh, king ! In the parts of the nine directions, in the Eastern Direction, Oh, Yadava (2) There is a land named Koshala, with abundance of wealth and grains. That is full of decent villages and full of happy and enjoying people (3) The land that is born by the Earth, is full of sweet waters and full of grains and milky supply. The women of the land are enchanting and charming and the men of the land are forever masculine and bold (4) The land is full of matured, clever and smart people, who are easily co-operative with the meritorious of all aspects; and here are the specially pleasant and beautiful more than the specialities of the cities (5) When the sun is setting, the evening, there are the entrance of returning cows and with the particles of the dust of land with their walking, the pleasant atmosphere is created while returning from the forests (6) While going to the Western Direction, first we arrive at the land beneath the sky, where there is Brahma-Dhwani or Divine-Notes from sky (7) There are innumerable forests of fruit-trees and the families of tall trees, whose shade is thickly cool; and where there are innumerable water-pools, wells and tanks; teeming with the travellers, Oh ! Yadava ! (8) There is absence of diseases, thieves, scarcity of food and water and the fear of other nations. People do not know the death without matured times (9) There is the land of Gods, whose steps are fossiled in the land, where there is the land full of the best wells and step-wells are richly decorating the place (10)Where there are the musical notes of sweet tunes of the flutes of the Gandharva's music in the gardens, over there and the musical sweetness is mixed with the virtues of sweet and melodious music of the divine notes and tunes (11) Where there is no, any low man who is devoid of his own religions and there is absence of a mean man in the land. There is also no sightless or blindman or even man with weakened limbs (twisted limbs) and the name of vasundhara is really quite capable of virtues of her names (i.e. where there is wealth-bearing Earth.)

Chapter 13 (Description of Ayodhya)

Markandeya said, "Oh ! The Best Masculine one Besides the wealthy of Koshala's land, there is a beautiful city beloved of Gods, whose name is the city of Ayodhya (1) This city has an enclosure of wall and ditches and is situated on the banks of Saryu; and really it is decorative by the big-Edifices and buildings of chief category, which is owned by the best devotees and worshippers of fame and going on the great divine good path (2) The divinity adorned by ever-pleasant elephants, ever-ready for romantic-enchantment, steadily constant and in the numbers of hundreds and born of the families of Divine elephants or family are pleasantly embellished (3) The Horses; adorned by the wealth of God Vishnu; slender, are like with unfattened muttonless curved bodies with good alert ears, pleasing the minds, long necked (or having long necks) having good eyesights, smart looks are decoratively seen there (4) Where, there were hundreds of prostitutes, having the limbs & organs like petals of the padma-lotuses, with padma Garbha and having the faces so beautuful as the full moon, very expert and well-practised in elocution and offering enchantment or romantic joy (5) One who is without merit, without learning, there is no culture, there is no activity or work and whose aspirator, having gone to Ayodhya, becomes disappointed or desired-less (6) That city (of Ayodhya) is having built with hundreds of gardens, and having the festivals of socially importance and having brave and diseaseless persons, having overcome all complications of logical disagreements and complaints (7) The city is always with the musical notes and tunes of Beena, Mrudanga (drums) and flute constantly, always fast smiles, on pleasant person, adorned by many precious pearls and jewellery (8) It is alsoo adorned by the groups or teams or Brahmins like "Brahma-Ghosh-and-Maha-Ghosha" and that neat and pleasant atmosphere with the sweet and tonic smokes of holy sacrifices in the land (9) With the smell, sweetened with the smoke sweetly fragrant with the breezes of winds, brought up by the people with their daily routines of holy duties (10) Where there are neither poor people, nor dirty and weak or thin persons, having no disliking grivences on "The vedas" down-trodden means, worthless and differentiated in their bondages and faithless persons (11) At a distance often yojana there is a big city in the centre, on the river Saryu, situated in three yojana of square area (12) Oh ! the Leader or the God or Master of the People of Yadavas ! That is got built by the king at the period of a "Manvantara" and rebuilt also, and the whole world is also built and rebuilt is being observed (13)

Chapter 14 (Dynasty of Ikshvaku)

Markandeya said : "Manu, the Vaivasvast designed a city and inhabited and he also reigned it for long times, having the Royal Ceremony of Commemoration of Rajyabhishaka to Ikshwaku (1) Having given the burden to his son he expired and thereafter his sons reigned the - "three lokas" or-"Trilokas" the movable and immovable world (2) Therefore this whole world is to be reigned and ruled by him and Ikshwaku is his son, reigning and ruling these Triloka or Three-people-world (3)

He was a great ruler and guiding sun to the Ayodhya city and pleasing the group of the enemies also (10)

Chapter 15 (The death of Madhu and Kaitabha)

Markandeya said, "there was born a son to king Ishwaku and was named Vikukshi, He was religious. His son was Kakustha and other son (1) was Pruthu and his son was Shreeman-Vishwadesa and his son was named Shravatsaka and Shravasty was designed and constructed by him (2) His son was Bruhads and kuvalashwa was his son. Kuvalashwa was very bright and lustrous, by killing Dhundhu, he became a giant in waters with a huge body (3) Vajra said, "How Dhundhu, with great light and luster, was wounded by Kavalashwa, and who was the enemy of Dhundhu here as "Water-giant"? (4) Markandeya said, "In ancient times, when the movable and immovable things were destroyed in the people, in an ocean; (5) and when there was the destruction of the moon and the planets and stars, whatever was remained, was saved and put in the lap and Janardana, the God, slept (6) There sprout out a divine good lotus, from the navel of Him and from that only God Brahma was self born, with good (four heads) four faces or four mouths (7) There he was seated and while God Janardana was sleeping, they worshipped, -"The Vedas" bearing the bodies all around (8) Where he was in the full study of the Vedas, there were born the drops of perspiration, so He having taken a lotus-leaf, the king was full of many doubts (9) There arose and born two giants from that, from the dust, and darkness, with the strongest of vigour, with names of Madhu and Kaitabha and full of strength and super deeds (10) Then they both, having the decision of sin, forcefully plundered the Vedas and Brahmins, with the body plundered the grandfather (Brahma) (11) In order to preach the God of Gods, Padmanabha, He became wise and bore the head of a horse (12) He, second body of a horse, was like hundreds of full moons and brightly decorative with different jewels and ornaments, with the second body went to Rasatala (13) He, with the head of a Horse, went and brought all the Vedas, permanently and presented them to the great grandfather and he became a guru or preceptor of the world or Jagatguru (14) Then having the head of a horse, or Horse-Head, God went into Antardhana (disappeared) in order to save the country from the giants, Madhu and Kaitabha (15) God Vishnu bore two bodies, viz Vishnu and Jishnu as are remembered and Jishnu fought with Madhu and Vishnu fought with Kaitabha (16) Then, with the good fight of both of them, God Janardana was satisfied and He said to those huge bodied giants-Madhu and Kaitabha (17) The strongest and the best is attained by or achieved by the Best one only and becomes the supreme and unconquered. Then to ask for (Vardana) boon then said, to God Vishnu, with the eyes like a lotus or Lotus-eyed Vishnu God (18) Our Son should become so powerful in great strength and super deeds and when the son was born to them, those both of them in ancient times were destroyed by Vishnu and Jishnu (19) and they were protected in the waters and they were submerged or drowned and pervaded there and the Earth or Mahi has come out of them (20) Then it became famous as Medini, as by the people and the philosophers; and then in the form of a pig or Varaha, this earth is uplifted (21) Therefore, the God of the Gods has put forward this land in the eastern direction of the Earth, in the establishment as in the wheel of revolution, by the orders of rule of God of the Gods (22) In this way in the fight between God of the Gods and Madhu and Kaitabha, both Madhu and Kaitabha are defeated; and they both went to the Home of Vishnu-God in this salty ocean, in the neighbourhood of God Vishnu (23)

Chapter 16 (The Slaughter of Dhundhu)

Markandeya said, "Oh ! King ! In this ninth part of the Bharata-Varsha, the sea became full of sands and was heard to be overcome out of waters (1) In the centre of that sea, Dhundhu is established eternally and at the end of Samvatsara, he lets out a great breath or "Maha-Uchhavas" (2) While and when the earth destroys herself, along with the mountains, vegetations and forests, the lives which are less in strength or longevity are destroyed and go to "Yama-Sadana" or die themselves (3) When this world becoms a little more active or lively, then the water gaint the sinful soul attacks devouring for food (4) At that very time, indeed, the high-lives or lofty souls, are in full-penance and at the end of penance, they have the Darshana of Madhusudana (5)

Chapter 17 (The episode of Sagara)

dynasty of sagara

Chapter 18 (sub-story of the Sagaras)

Markandeya said, "Really those sons of Sagara, were most powerful and united, became by the will of the fate, thorns of the Gods and Brahmins (1) Having been sorrowful minded, the Gods, all they went to the great father Brahma and spoke that the collected and powerful sagaras are killing us (2) Brahma, being spoken like that, the great grandfather of all, spoke, to all the gods, who were displeased with all the Sagaras (3) The permanent and great master of the world is really Vasudeva, He is Kapila, of Gods and will kill them (4) having been spoken like that by Brahma, all the Gods went to Vasudeva, at that time Sagara was the Ruler of the world (5) He was initiated into the Vedas by Vajimedha, and the horse for the worthy of sacrifices was grazed on the world (6) While he saw grazing the horse, Kapila snatched away the horse and the confused persons knew that the horse was not snatched away by Kapila (7) Inspite of great search; when the horse was not obtained or searched out, they went to their father and complained about the lost horse and digged into the surface of the world (8) Oh ! King ! In the ninth part of this land of Bharat-Varsha, when they searched out, completely everywhere, they with all their power and capacity started to dig into the earth (9) From the extensive yojanas, while going to the way of Patals, from the Himachalas in the western-northern direction from the mount Vaidurya mountains (10) and at the back of Kanchan mountains and towards the north from the salty seas the country is divided into two countries, Oh King ! (11) After digging the part of Himachala-they entered the land after digging the earth of it, there is sea and the peaks of snow or Himashaila of a very dangerous avalanches dropping; (12) Like this they entered (in search of the horse in different ways) where they were gathered there, by divine will or by accident, Kapila was there and (13) They found the Horse standing by the side of Kapila, when seeing at the horse, standing by Kapila, they were all enraged (angry) with kapila (14) With the desire of killing him (Kapila) they attacked him with axes and hammers in hand, they harassed him, these wicked were seen by the Rishi (15) The sagar were burnt to ashes, indeed, only by the sight of the eye and all of them went to the Hell or the Naraka, as they were the thorns to Gods and Brahmins (16) Having known the sons killed, king Sagar wanted to send for Anshuman, with the help of Narada as Anshuman was religious (17) Having obtained Anshuman, Kapila muni, the best of the Munis was pleased with great lustre, oh son of Yadus (18) the sage Kapila gave the horse with happiness. Then Anshuman spoke with water in the hands for ancestors (19) Having greeted, he, with great light and with the penance of that very great one's high-light. That Goddess, with the girdle of sky, will come there (20) She will wet the ashes of the Sagaras, the cruel souls (21) When it will happen, then the Sagaras will go to Heaven and when the bones of others will fall in the waters of Gangas (22) They will also go to the Heavens, undoubtedly; having spoken like this Anshuman, soon, having greeted to the father of the world, jagadguru (23) As per the determination, having come to great grandfather, on horse back, Sagar, the great king of the earth, accomplished the sacrifice (24) Like that overjoyed the Sagaras, oh best ruler this ditch is known as Sagara by the king (25) From the salty sea, with the waters was produced the king. When it was over then was produced the people's master or the king (26) He conquers many kingdom and becomes the Emperor. Then he becomes great religious man and afterwards goes to heaven (27) Having transfared the kingdom to Dilipa, he went to heaven himself and even Dilipa, having taken the reign and ruling well he handed over it to his son Bhagiratha (28) Then the king, having left everything, went to the forest and observed great penance and having left the rule, Bhagiratha also went to the forest to observe the great penance and went to heaven (29)

Chapter 19 (The descendant of river Ganga)

Markandeya said : The son of the glorious king Dilip, after getting the kingdom and after knowing that his ancestors were in -hell, entrusted his kingdom to the ministers and courtiers (1) began devout austerity, worshipping the Ganga constantly sitting on one seat for ten thousand years following rules and restraint of senses for his ancestors' salvation. On that when the holy Ganga was pleased (2-3) Bhagirath asked the favour. On that the Ganga asked him to please Lord Ashutosh Shiva to bear the force of her fall because when she will come down to the earth, the earth will not bear the force of her flow. Oh King ! only Shiva can bear the force of my flow (4-6) saying thus the Ganga disappeared. Then the religious king Bhagiratha started the hardest and toughest devout austerity to please Lord Shiva. As a result Lord Shiva gave him his Darshan (7-8) The Lord of the Lords said "Oh king, I have been pleased with your hardest and toughest penance. I bestow your ancestors' enormous fame and my best devotion" (9) Markandeya said "When God spoke thus, the king Bhagiratha whose ambitions have been fulfilled, worshipped Shiva went to the Ganga (10) When the Ganga realized that the Lord Shiva was pleased, she came down from the sky to fulfill the ambition of Bhagiratha (11) knowing that the Ganga was going down on the earth Brahma too came to the earth. The great glorious Yama, Indra, Varuna etc. and the famous hermits men like half faced serpents, Gandharva and Vidyadharas, Suparnas, kinnaras and Apsaras came down in their own planes (12-13) So the sky was covered with hundreds of planes. The Gods and serpents showered flowers and the whole scene was quite beautiful and attractive because of the charming handsomeness of Gods. There, blew all three kinds of wind with its coldness and flavour. The surrounding area was filled with the musical notes. At that time there came the Ganga to the earth from the middle of the sky (14-15) "I will drag Lord Shiva to the world under the earth."With this evil thought in her mind the Ganga fell on the head of Lord Shiva (16) On knowing the evil thoughts of the Ganga, the four faced Lord Shiva inserted her flow in the curling of His hair (17) Thus the Ganga who lost her way arrested herself there and there for years to come (18) The king made a beautiful lake out of the scattered drops of showers of the Ganga waters. Lord Shiva freed the Ganga from the curling of his hair on seeing the starving and thirsty king Bhagiratha for his ancestors' uplift (19-20) Lord Shiva-bearer of the Ganga, disappeared then. Freed from the curling of the hair of Shankara, the Ganga entered into a fine pond (21) and flew forward in her seven flows. She proceeded further in the East entertaining the mind with her jingling sound and with her large breath (22) Her second flow was towards the west sea in the zig zag fashion. Her one flow followed the king Bhagiratha southward. The Ganga's flow was swift somewhere and was slow some where (23-24) Somewhere it was silent, somewhere it was with whirling Its sound was great somewhere its sound was less. There were geese on either side of her bank somewhere and flocks of sheldrakes too. (25) The swift flow of the Ganga look very beautiful. The Ganga that gives happiness to Gods and accomplishes. The pure water of the Ganga has become like nectar because of the touch of Lord Shiva (26) This Ganga, flown through the legs of that Lord Vishnu washes the sins of the sinners. It passes through the Vindhyas and enter into the eastern sea (27) When it reaches the Patal from the sea it wets the king Sagar's sons who had been burnt with its holy waters and gives the salvation. Thus the daughter of the king Jahnu the Ganga who is worshipped by hermits began to move in the three worlds (29-30)

Chapter 20 (The narration of the Jahnu's daughter)

Vajra said, "Oh King ! I have listened from you the description of the divine river Bhagiratha Ganga, now I wish to know the reason why the Ganga the wife of this sea is called Jahnavi (1) Markandeya said, "There was a king in the country named Panchal. He used to live this homely life following his Vamashram religion and routine work (2) He got the city constructed with hay and poles. The city decorated with jewels is called Kanyakubja (3) There was a benevolent king named "Janhu" whose fame spread all over the universe (4) The king began to perform the "Ashvamedh Yagna" (A horse sacrifice). At that time the Ganga wetted the whole of the arbour of the "Yagna" with her forceful fall of her water. On making the arbour wet the king Janhu told the Ganga (5-6) Oh sea-wife Ganga ! "You will get the fruit of this evil deed of your soon. I will just now drink up all your water" (7) Saying this, the king with his strength of his great penance and meditation drank up the whole of water of the Ganga (8) Then the recluse on seeing the waterless and unhappy Ganga pleased the king. The king then allowed the water of the Ganga to flow through his ears and accepted the Ganga as his daughter. So Oh Yadunandan ! Bhagiratha is called Jahnvi (9-10). The Ganga wetted the arbour of the yagna because the king became proud of his all round fame (11) Thus the inhabitant of all the three worlds, the daughter of the Himalayas and Adripati, a great pious, remover of pains and bestower of favour, offspring of the foot of Lord Vishnu and the wife of the sea was considered as the daughter of Jahnu.(12)

Chapter 21 (The incidence of Trivikram)

Please tell me in detail why the learned people of the world call the Ganga 'Vishnupadi'. (1) Markandeya said, In old days during the time of an epithet of Brahman Manu the four Gods among which Jaya, Ajit and Shukra achieved great fame (2) One among them who was worshipped by people who maintained the universe became Tndra'. Their relatives and friends were of demoniacal acitivities (3) From among them there became a king named "Bashkali'. He snatched away the kingdom of Indra by winning Him (4) Indra, whose kingdom was snatched away sought the protection of Brahma who took him to Lord Vishnu (5) Four faced Brahma talked about the victory of Bashkali to Lord Vishnu (6) said Vishnu, Oh Brahman ! I will get back the kingdom of Indra Oh religious souled God go back, I will not make any delay in this matter (7) I will come to the king Bashkali in disguise of a Brahman. On seeing me with surprise Oh Devraj, you tell Bashkali (8) Oh Bashkali you have taken away all my three worlds. Now give three steps of the earth to this dwarfish man for the sacrificial fire (Yagna). When Indra will tell this he will grant to give three steps of the earth. (9-10)

...

Markandeya said, then Vishnu, the good wisher of people and God, disclosed of his disguise and showed his vast appearance (18) Then Vishnu put his one step in Brahmaloka and his right leg in the world of demons (19) Then, O, Yadava ! The world-Lord Vishnu gave the first (step) to the sun, the second to the Dhruva and the third to the Gods. (20) Then Vishnu strongly kicked in the Brahmanda resulting into making a hole into it (21) The water above the Brahmanda, entered into the earth through the hole (22) The flow of holy water that flew from the hole of "Angusta' made a river which is called the "Vishnupadi" river (23) Bestowed with all the happiness O king the river Ganga made her flow ahead for the sake of welfare of all in the entire universe (24) Thus when Vamana measured all the three worlds in his three steps the angry demons left this earth and made their way to under part of the world 'Patala' filled with water (25-26) After snatching away all the three worlds, Vishnu disappeared at once and Bashkali used to live a happy life into the "Patala (27) The king of God Indra by avoiding the troubles of the people used to maintain the world. This incarnation of God is known as Shri "Trivikrama' (28) The whole episode of coming down of the Ganga is helpful in getting rid of all the sins (29) Moreover, the same Ganga spread her existence again in the time of Vaivshwat Manu (30) The Ganga, the offspring of the foot of Vishnu in whom the whole of universe and all three worlds are contained is called "Vishnupadi' (31)

Chapter 22 (The perversion of Ganga)

Vajra said, Please narrate the description of the Ganga which has been born from the foot of the great Vishnu and which has been spread all over the three worlds (1) Markandeya said, O King, the pious maker Ganga entering into the land of Brahma, achieving the land of Vishnu, wetting the arbour of Brahmi, arrived, at the penance grove (2) From there she reached "Mahat Loka" then after reaching the Heaven she reached the "Lunar Mandala' (3) Falling from the Lunar Mandala she reached the Bhuvarloka, there she is called the celestial Ganga (4) There one can see the clear route of the Ganga in the clean sky and this celestial Ganga falls on the middle part of the "Meru mountain" (5)Flowing through this Meru mountain, somewhere visible and somewhere invisible halting in all the year round (i.e. Satya, Dwapara, Treta and Kali) It flows on and on (6) O King, the Ganga Devi stayed at a lake in Kurukshetra in the name of Jaya and divided herself into two branches of her flow in the names of 'Shanta' and 'Sadhvi' (7) she flew in the beautiful countries known as Jyotsna, Mrugmanda, Hiranyavati, and Pundrika (8) Flowing according to the will, she is known as "Bhadra' and "Gandharvi', besides the same Ganga is known as splendid "Jambuvati' on coming to "Ilavarta' (9) The divine persons-residents of her banks at that place, wear golden crowns on their heads. It became famous as Nadwala in the country full of trees called Ketumala (10) In the country named Hari it became famous as "Manswini' and "Jyotishmati' then it was known as "Rambha' and beautiful 'Chandrawati' in the country of 'Kimpurusha' (11) Then the holy maker of brain Ganga became known as "Kashika' in the country named Indradyumna. Then flowing according to the will of the king Bhagiratha, Ganga celebrated for her pearls made her name famous as 'Gabhasti' and "Matimalini (12) It reached the "Rudraloka' after becoming known as Nagavati in Nagdwipa and Somaprabha in the south and went to Brahmaloka (13) It became known as Gandharvi in the country of Gandharva and Varuna Sarovara in the country of "Varuna' (14) Maker of mind pleasant, with pious water, flowing in the eastern countries, making the eastern sea famous, the Ganga, is worshipped by all immortals, all fishermen, all Rishis, persons with awkward lips, men with peaceful appearance, people with big ears, people with big stomachs, earless people and all other (15-16) The residents of Khervad and Vegvad to fulfil their desires used to worship the Ganga by making the lake named "Indradyumna' (17) All the residents of Darad, Jahud, Kashmir, Niras, Kuru, Gandhara, Daiada, Abhira Kuparva, Bhimrauva, Shivaparva, Indraparva and all other residents on the seashore worship the Ganga (18-19) Gods, demons, Kalkeya, Gandharvas and Kinnaras, along with mind pleasing learners, snakes, Suparvas, the residents of Kalpagrama and Naranarayanashram, Kiratas and Pulindas and the residents of city of Maya. (20-21) Kulun and Bharatas residents of the part of Pulinda, Panchola, Kashi, Vatsa, Magadha and the residents of Tamradesha (22) The residents of northern parts vang and the residents of Shravasti, Anga, Banga and the residents of Pundra worship the holy water of the beautiful Ganga. (23) Thus O King, pleasure giver to mind-the Ganga-the daughter of the king jahnu entered into the eastern sea (24) Oh, King, one part of the Ganga made its way to the western sea named "Sitachkashu'. This way I have narrated the description of the perversion of the Ganga (25) Oh King, now listen to its flow in other parts and islands. She flows into seven seas in Shakdwip named Sukumari, Kumari, Sukruta, Sevini, Ikshu, Venuka and Nanda (26) Oh son of Yadu the river merged itself leaving its form of a river into the Shalmali, Gaumedh in Pushkar islands. Oh Yadunandana There is not a single river in any of these three islands (27-28) The fall of its water turned into thousands of falls of water and wetted the entire earth and the black soil of patala (world under earth) (29) From there it flew towards the white land near the Patala and from there to the reddish land (30) From there it flew to "Sita Bhumi' and Rukmabhumi and from there it flew to the very harsh Rudraloka (31) Then emerging itself into one it came to Varahaloka and separated itself again returned to her own place i.e. in her own hole (from where it came) (32-33) thus moving in the entire universe the Ganga remains constant ever.

Chapter 23 (An episode of Sahasrarjuna)

...(long list of descendents from Bhagiratha)...Krutavirya's son's name was Arjuna. Then his son Dattatraya who had the form of Vishnu became the owner of seven islands (12) He captured the unattainable kingdom by doing the hardest penance and worship (13) He, the possessing of the highest moral thoughts and gifted with a thousand hands, thought that the God Janardana used to kill the practitioners of sins, began to rule the kingdom with morality after winning the entire universe (14) He won the entire universe and all the seven islands and brought them under his control by ritual ceremony and his duty of Kshatriya (15) No one could stop the chariot of this Lion-like king in any places of Patala mountains, earth or hell (16) He made trenches in all the islands for protection. Equipped with swords and guns the military of the king made tracks because of their movements of going and coming and set up celestial fire poles at all places. (7) He kept watch on the thieves of his kingdom (18) He, Sahasrarjuna used to bring rain out of his strength of his own deep meditation. His skin of his palm became stiff because of stretching of the string of his bow (19) The king shining like a thousand rays of the Sun appearing in the season of autumn won demons and imprisoned Ravana too. (20) He won the Bhagwati Nagari and kidnapped the daughter of Karkotaka. Even the sea shivered because of the thousand handed king. All the lakes depended themselves into Patala without hesitation. (21) The serpents living in the sea had gone away to the Mandrachala mountain fearing as if there will be changing of the sea again (22) Oh king, the king Sahasrarjuna who was religious minded and saint like used to protect the earth and perform ten thousand "Yajnas" in each island (23) The brahmins were given a lot of "Dakshina' for performing the Yajna adorned with golden Altars for a sacrifice and golden poles (24) In these "Yajanas" Gods themselves take part in the performance of Yajanas and serving the dinners to the brahmins taken part into the yajans (25) The great devout Muni Narada used to sing his praise. Even Vikrama who was a great devout and the performer of yajnas and bestower of alms and kirtiveri famous for his fame could not surpass the king Sahasrarjun (26-27) The king Sahasrarjuna who was like the almighty of all the seven islands used to rule as a sovereign for eighty five thousand years (28) In his kingdom there ruled other sub kings. The king Sahsrarjuna had many brilliant sons who looked after many other horses, elephants and cows. The earth became confused and bewildered because of their pressure. (29-30) The earth became unhappy and stuffless because of fame of the king and the pressure of the people (31) Thus the earth protected by the king but troubled with the pressure, went to the "Paradise" (Indraloka) populated with gods and saints (32-33)

Chapter 24 (The killing of Vrtrasura)

...answering question of why Dattatreya appeared... story that Indra killed Vishvarupa and then had to leave Indraloka... He concealed himself into the thread of lotus. The deities headed without Indra, made Nahusa their Indra. (5) That Nahusa became desirous of Indrani the beloved wife of Indra. To pass time the chaste wife asked Nahusa (6) Oh, the king of God! come to me by an extraordinary (or a unique) vehicle. So Nahusa set out to meet Indrani, by getting his palanqin lifted with some Rishis. (7) The wicked Nahusa kicked Rishi Agastya who was walking slowly lifting the palanquin (8) So Rishi Agastya cursed Nausha, "Oh king, turn into a serpent, you will be from this generation only after your contact with Yudhisthirs (9) On saying this by the saint, Nahusha sinner became a serpent. (10) The kingless deities were filled with rajoguna and Tamoguna So there was the most horrible drought in the universe (11) The deities began to suffer from the drought and the disease of plague. The celebrations of Yajnas were cancelled and the 'Shatkarmas' were postponed (12) the entire world used to suffer from drought. The masses at large courted death because of hunger and thirst. (13) The roads and ways were covered with skulls and bones and the limbs of the bodies of corpses were snatched by the wild animals (14) The entire path looked horrible because of the corpses and trades and agriculture hampered a lot. The earth became barren for lack of agriculture. (15) The great Hell too were filled with people. (16) For want of corns even the demons had to wander here and there carrying their children on their shoulders (17) On drying up water even the big lakes became useless. In this critical situation all the three races eg. Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas abandoned their own traditions (18) and exiling Aryavarta they went away to "Mlechha Desha'. For their survival they put away the thought of eatables or uneatbles. (19) Because of wandering with hunger and thought of survival they lost their lustre (20) So the entire mass changed itself to Mlechhas and on being Mlechhas they avoided doing pious acts (Yajnas) (21) Deities too like common people becoming workless and full of troubles because of hunger began to pray to Vishnu (22) Desiring the welfare of all the three worlds they prayed to God for Indra (23) The God asked them to go to Manasarovara, you will find there Indra hidden into the poisonous thread. Don't delay in going there (24) Oh Deities, I will make free from sins after being Ashvamedha Yajana done by him (25) And he will divide the sins of killing of Brahmanas into four parts. (26) One part will be attached to one who is offering to fire who was offered undue offerings, the second part will be attached to one who has left excrement and urine into holy waters (27) The third part of Brahmahatya will be attached to the destroyer of trees without any reason. The rest part will remain with the menstruate woman. (28) for the cause of Deities, I in one of my portions will take incarnation on this earth and re-establish the religion again that has been destroyed (29) The lord Vishnu told the deities thus and the killer of Vrutrasura Indra again became the king (30) This way, Indra hidden in the poisonous thread on contemplating the God Hari, becoming free from the curse of Brahmahatya gained again the kingdom of the tri(three)worlds. (31)

Chapter 25 (The episode of Dattatraya)

Markandeya said : On account of the blessings of Brahma-the father of the nation then Atree had the son named Prabhakara virtuous like his grandfather (1) At that time the sun fell down on the earth on swallowing it by Rahu. On spreading darkness, Prabhakara with his power of penance increased the light of the Sun (2) And said : "Bless you, to be happy". Oh Brahmarshee ! On saying this he fell on earth from Heaven (3) That Great glorious Prabhakara spread "Atree gotra' that has been praised as "Atreevanam' by deities (4) That Atreemuni had the sons in the forms of Lord Shankara and Lord Vishnu known in the world as Dattatraya and Durvasa (5) The Lord Madhusudana after being Dattaraya, taught Vedas to the Brahmins with the best character (6) Because without the knowledge of Vedas and on being the holy sacrificial activities stopped, the religion became lost in all the four sects (varnas) (7) And on increasing lies and decreasing truth, having destruction all around the entire population was suffering from pain (8) At that time that deity Dattatraya brought back the Vedas by performing yagnas and ceremonies and that deity Dattatraya saved all the four sects from the great disaster (9) Not only that but on his being incarnation on this earth, there abolished famine and plague and the thousand eyed Indra was pleased and poured rain (10) Oh King, the entire world became just like before and the people on the removal of their sins, turned themselves on the path of truth (11) The devout Brahmins started doing yajnas, the brave Kshatriyas began to protect the kingdom, Vaishyas began doing agriculture and commerce and sudras began to serve all the three sects (12) Thus all the (three) tri-worlds being happy Kartvirya Arjuna, who gained enormous strength by the blessings of God began to do profound penance for ten thousand years in the Dattatraya's hermitage situated at Prayaga (13-14) Kartavirya Arjuna, on worshiping Dattatraya, gave him the boon, got the kingdom void of thorns (15) And that Arjuna made the Mlecchaless earth known as "Aryavarta". He got victory over deities and demons (16) The earth after the deities being defeated, on suffering from unhappiness, went to Indra with the desire of Darshana of Indra (17) Vajra said : Tell me what the king of God Indra said when the painful earth went to Heaven for Indra's Darshana (18)

Chapter 26 (The departure of the earth to Indraloka)

Markandaya said : The earth on reaching Heaven saw Lord Vishnu. There Vishnu is seen enthroned on the throne with jewel and seated Himself with Laksmi (1) ... He wore the crown set with Jewels, garland on the neck and armlets on arms. (4) Adorned with jewel & garland. He looked very much handsome with body flavoured the perfume of sandal liniment, sky like blue, Hari (5) whose forehead that was somewhat side long looked handsome with the third eye, the cause of the tri-world eveready for religion and deeds, attachment with the welfare of cows and brahmins. On coming to the Heaven the earth saw such-handsome Lord Janardana along with Laksmi (6-7) The earth, panic by the pressure of devils greeted "Narayana" who was free after doing his evening worship and sitting with Laksmi (8) After getting the earth cleaned the feet of Indra with water, offered prayer and done rinsing the mouth, welcomed Indra, Vishnu, seated on a beautiful throne asked the reason for her coming there (9) Then being asked by Indra the earth began to say (10) The earth said : Oh God of the universe! I am just like the sky and the Heaven, Oh, Great fortunate (God) I am at your command and you are being the god of Gods, competent (11) ...(this bit is really confusing because I can't work out if it is Indra or Vishnu or both who are there in heaven and being praised by the earth) ... earth complains to Indra about demons giving pressure and Indra replies that they shall go to Brahma for help to kill the demons... Markandeya Rishi said : Oh, Rajan ! Devaraj Indra, telling thus to the earth, went to the court of the most profound intelligent Brahma with the Deva Guru Bruhaspati and the earth (23)

Chapter 27 (Going to Brahmaloka)

Markandeya said : Devaraja Indra, alongwith Guru Deva and the earth, going to the meeting of Pitamaha, saw Brahma seated on the throne of lotus (1) The earth reached Brahma who was like lotus with white-red petals, glorious like blossomed lotus, four faces in four directions learning four vedas, worshipped by all the four kinds of age groups (2) Bearer of all the four castes, performer of all the four "Deva Yagnas" having put on Krishna Mrugacharma, able of the ablest, having peaceful appearance (3) Self emerged (born) and being worriless creator and destroyer of the universe (4) They began to worship the greatly praised (Brahma) to please him. Deities said : Oh God of Gods who is the cause of creation and destruction, support of the vedas, the idol of veda, yagnas own self, doer of ... Nothing exists without you in this universe, facilities of senses and their importance and even more than these whatever exists or non-exist have all been created by you, Oh Jagannatha ! You have made the best fire like rays, religious observance and rules like "Chandrayana" etc. (9-10) Oh Purushottama ! You are the distinguisher of time-the mover of time round and the mover of the universe round (11) Four faced God You are the bestower of boon to Gods. Oh creator of universe ! Religion and Rudras (a group of Gods) are the creation of you (12) Oh Brahma! ...birth of sages etc.... Oh God ! Rigveda that is glorified like nectar, has been emerged from your eastern mouth (15) and from your western mouth Samaveda and from your northern mouth Atharvaveda like "Agniras" a celebrated sage (to whom many hymns of the Rigveda are ascribed) (16) Brahmins have been emerged from your mouth, Kshatriyass from your arms, Vaishyas from your two thighs and Shudras from your legs. (17) Lightning (Asansi) cloud, rainbows etc. are all created by you and all of them disappear in you (18) you, yourself being the God of Gods, Lord Vishnu who is the Truth and Perpetual and who fascinate the world just by the name are no body but only you (19) Oh God of gods ! The Devils whom I have won because of your favour in the battle have been born as Kshatriyas on the earth and harassing the earth. (20) The earth having been painful because of the pressure has come to you. Oh protector of the earth ! we pray to you to protect us (21) Markandeya Rishi said : When Devaraj Indra prayed to Prajapati Brahma like this, Brahma welcomed Indra along with Guru (22) and the earth too, and asked Indra to go to the God of the Gods Lord Shankara (23) After going there narrate all the matter of the earth. He will tell the plan of getting rid of the Kshatriyas (24) On saying thus by Pitamaha, Indra, Devaguru and the earth reached the religious Rudra Loka (25)

Chapter 28 (Hara Darshan)

Markandeya said : Indra and others saw Shankara, shining like a mass of fire adorned with matted hair in Rudra Loka (1) The young moon was shining in the head with vast matted hair in which shines the third eye just like the light of the sun (2) Nageshwar Shiva, bearer of a sacrificial thread (Yagnopavita) of a serpent having blue neck, having broad eyes wearing the skin of an elephant (3) Companion of Parvati, bestower of the boon, cause of the births of all the animals, rider on the river the demigod of the troup of horses attending on Shiva (Pramathgana) (4) who has been adorned with innumerable faces, heads, necks and multiple weapons and ornaments, on. seeing Shiva adorned with all these things Devaraja Indra along-with DevaGuru Bruhaspati greeted him and said (5) Indra said, Oh God of the Gods, remover of the pains of the sufferers, fortunates Nilkantha, promoter of Parvati's beauty you are greeted (6) Beautiful looking with beautiful matted hair constantly being washed by the white ripples of the Ganga, glaring like hundreds of the moon and crores of the suns (7) bearing the form of Vamana, bearing matted hair and being worshipped by the hairless troup of horses attending on you (Pramathagan) unmeasurable valours, God of Gods (8) Unmatched in practising terrible celibacy, all the Gods are ever-ready to worship your Linga (9) They always absorbed in meditation of you and get the most excellent emancipation, you are the incomprehensible (Achintya) existence of Vishnu who created you for the destruction of subject (10) Protector of all the Gods and yourself God, you are the greatest of all the Gods and the beautifier of all the animals (11) You are the only Mahadeva, the God of all the immortal Gods, God of all the creatures, the great ascetic, victorious, the great ablest (12) Having most intelligent, greatest strength, a lot of brilliance, great fame, religion like four footed, rider of Nandini (13) Residential of the cremation ground, applier of the ash of the burnt dead bodies on your body, doer of dance after applying the ash (14) The earth, the sky, the sun, the fire, the wind, the host, moon, the vayu with whom the whole universe is filled, worship you Oh, Great God ! (15) There is no existence of this universe without you. We greet you who maintain the earth suffering from the pain of the pressure of demons (16) Markandeya Rishi said : When Devaraja Indra said to God Shankara in this way, Shivaji said : I am not capable of killing Kartavirya by fighting (17) Oh, devaraja Indra ! I will tell you how he will be slaughtered. He has been given the boon by lord Vishnu so I can not kill him (16) I will pray to Lord Vishnu to kill that cruel Kartavirya, all of you go back to your places. I too (19) will go to Lord Vishnu bestower of Amareshwar boon and who is the resident of middle of the Ishwarachandra group of all (20) Lord Vishnu creator of Dattatrays from his half part of his body will protect this earth. (21) When Mahadeva-the greatest in all the three worlds Shivaji said in this way to Devaraja Indra, Oh King ! Indra, Gurudeva along with the earth returned to their places (22)

Chapter 29 (Chandra Mandala Darshana)

Markandeya said : Lord Shankara having turned his ownself as small as a thumb and entered into the water of the Ganga just after Devaraj Indra along with Devguru Bruhspati and the Earth reached there (1). The Mahadeva entered into the wide Lunar mandalas along with the water of the Ganga flowing in the Heaven (2) The width of the Lunar mandala is considered to be nine thousand Yojanas (One Yojana is equal to 4 Kosas) and its surrounding Nishkambha (Outskirt) is double tht, size (3) In the central part of this area there is the place of forefathers in the form of a Lump extract of water (4) Which is rested as five rasas in the bodies of all the animals and the human beings that are just like the pressure on the earth (5). Five kinds of animals e.g. dependents, Kubedakas, ignorants, killers and greedy are seen (6) Mind is considered to be best and the master of all the ten senses. And the moon in the sky mandala is considered to be the cause of the universe and the immortal Nectar-the master of all the medicines (7) which is drunk by the Gods and forefathers desirous of drinking Nectar, which is called similar to God of the Gods Vishnu (9) the other form of Vishnu-Mahadeva Shankara who is the receiver of all the things offered in the religious sacrificial fire, and the only soul of each of the animals, entered into the Lunar mandala (9) The Spirit (Tejah) of that God has been spread in the form of the micro-grains which is described as Mahadeva in the form and size equal to a thumb, by the learned people (10) The same God in person who has remained as the pupil of the eye in the centre of the eyeball is spread all over the Lunar mandala (11) He is considered to be the witness of all the deeds of the people and the sustainer of all. The rays of the sun keep away the darkness of the moon and the earth away (12) The moon passes its night with the help of the light of the rays of that Adityadeva and the form of the light is unperceptible and unbearable (13) On seeing the Deva, Mahadeva began to worship (Him) Ishwara said : The sun and the moon are the masters of this entire universe that is called the Fire in the form of the sun & the moon. They are the same Lord Vishnu (14) The body of Vishnu in Arjuna (22) Please be ready for the slaughter of all the demons who have taken birth in the form of Kshatriyas at Arjuna's place and taken their shelter there (23) No one else except you can kill them because of your blessings given to them before O, Vibho this entire work is divine and hence you should certainly do it (24) Markandeya Muni said This way Mahadeva told Chandra Shankara, Chandra too worshipping the God of the Gods and the plain remover of the surrenders (shiva) began to tell (25) Chandra said, O God Shankara ! You have made my gentle idol please go to the idol contained in the sun and it shall do your work (26) Markandeya Muni said-Oh King! On being told thus and on being thus worshipped by the moon Lord Shankara entered into the glamorous group of the Sun (27)

Chapter 30 (Aditya Darshan)

Markandeya Rushi said : On going there Mahadeva saw the large solar Mandala, its circumference and area was equal to that of the Lunar Mandala (1) and it looked as if it were the shinning burning globe of fire, besides, it looked as if the Dhama (Residence) of the Devadhi Deva like ownself of intelligence, Lord Vishnu (2) The religion of the Mandala was decorating the other universes. That religion is as the supporter of all the living beings and the digestive fire of the stomach (3) They are in all the living beings in fire forms e.g. perceiver, digestive, stimulant, Ganjaka and illuminator. He is the God of all the living beings and as the right eye of all the living beings and as the right eye of all the living beings possessing bodies (4-5) Beside it is He who is known as Devadhideva Vasudeva, only he gets the offerings offered as per rite in the sacrificial fire daily (6) The light by which the clouds have been emerged and caused rainfall, being given by Him (to the living beings) remains ever with the living beings (7) Moreover by whose command the entire time circle is in action and there is no one else except Him in growing medicinal herbs (8) The Lord Shankara entered into that solar Mandala penetrating in the form of rays (9) Possessing drunk strength and a small size of thumb. On seeing the splendour, person possessing strength and a small size of a thumb, the great splendorous Rudra began to worship (10) Rudra said-Oh God of Gods, storage of light ! I bow down to you. you are the cause of all the living beings and the only best God worthy to be worshipped (11) Moreover you are the only entrance of Heaven, of the subject and of the salvation. You are eternal, immeasurable, and the smallest of the small (12) Oh Bhaskara Our entire brilliance lies in you. You are aloof or neither us nor Vishnu too. (13) Oh Bhaskara ! I am Vishnu, you are Vishnu and Brahma too, is the oneself of Vishnu. Moreover Oh Bhaskara our entire brilliance lies in you (14) With which (brilliance) you do all the deeds of the universe and you are called Savita because you create the people (15) You are called Aditya because you give alms and because you possess the feelings of friendship. You are called Mitra (16) You are called Pooshan because you feed the entire universe. Dhata because you sustain the entire subject and because of keeping everybody under your control, you are called Aryaman (17) Anshuman because of possessing rays and Varuna because of doing dissolution. Because of possesing good luck you are known as Bhava and because you are the doer of all the deeds, you are known as "Vishwakarma' (18) you are called 'Vivasvan' because of your seeing all the living beings equal, and because of your all round existence, you are called Vishnu and because you are the God of all, you are called Indra (19) So you shall do the work of the subject without thinking (without hesitation) This earth has been suffering from the pressure of immovable and movable animals (20) At times the earth suffers from the movable animals and at times she suffers from the pressure of the Sun and at times she suffers from the mountains (21) The demons in the form of Kshatriyas alongwith Sahasrarjuna King possessing the branches of Sun afflict the earth (22) The Sun said : Oh, Maheshwara I have had never your "darshana' before, I will change myself into the form of a Brahmin and with my rule perish the Kshatriyas who are in the form of "Vruksha' living with Sahasrarjuna, by taking birth in disguise of "Bhrugu' form Vashisttha Muni. (24-25) Markandeya Muni said : Thus, Tripurantakari Mahadeva went away to His "Dhama" best among the universe, after telling this to the Sun adoring with the beautiful rays (26)

Chapter 31 (The Forest conflagration)

Bhaskara, disguised as brahmana, goes to city of Mahishmatee and sees king Kartvirya Arjuna. The Brahmin said; Oh King ! Know me as the Brahmin suffering from starvation and not eating much, Oh the best of Haihaya race ! Give me as much as my satisfaction. (4) Arjuna said : With which food grains will you be satisfied ? Please tell me without hesitation which good grain I should offer you, Oh God ! Don't delay in it (5) The Brahmin said : Oh Parthiva Give me, knowing me as Aditya, and being ready to eat the best immovable (6) Arjuna said : Oh sinless one! I have no power to give you the immovable living in the earth, moreover how will you digest the immovable human beings possessing the digestive fire of stomach ? (7) Aditya said : Oh King sitting in the chariot I throw the arrows as you wish and I will eat all the burning trees (8) Oh best Pruthu ! You must go on throwing (aiming) the arrows as long as I am not burnt, being pierced (with the arrow) (9) Markandeya Rishi said : After telling thus and going Aditya, the King Kartavirya sitting into his chariot began to shoot the arrows at the trees here and there (10) The trees of the forest began to burn because of the arrows shining like gold and shot by the king of the Haihaya generation (11) From them there arose the sound like that of a drum and there came out sparks of fire from the trees (12) The earth looked all around as if there were series of fire and the brilliant colour of the heated gold (13) Because of the forest conflagration the deer suffering from heat and thirst, and being devoid of the shadow of trees because they were burnt, went away to lakes (14) Oh master of the earth ! After burning the trees as its desire and making the earths light weight, the fire became calm (15) Then the fire of the arrows of the king Kartavirya also calmed down and Aditya took the leave after finishing the work (16) After giving farewell to Aditya, Kartavirya Arjuna being seated into his chariot returned to his city of Mahishmatee and saw the great bright Vashishttha coming on the way (17) Oh King ! My hermitage has been burnt along with the burnt forest because of the arrows shot by you (18) So Oh king, this devout Brahmin will cut off your thousand arms (19) Because of the curse of Vashishttha Muni Bhrugunandan Parashurama-the son of the Brahmin cut off the thousands arms of Kartavirya-the son of Kshatriya (20)

Chapter 32 (The creation of Vadvagni)

submarine fire? History of why Parasurama killed ksatriyas...

Ruchika (son of Bhrigu) began to tell Agni : O , Son Reside in the Agnipurvottara sagara (20) Oh, the great powerful! Go on drinking the flow of water continuously. You will be the Brahmins of the Kshatriyas nature (21) Who will destroy the Kshatriyas from their root (22) Being told thus by the father, Agni, going on drinking water for eight months from the month of Chaitra, reside happily in water. The water, having been drunk for eight months was reduced to ashes (23) He blew for four months in the earth in winter and so the air produces snow (24) O, Parthiva ! this quantity of snow falls on the Himalayas, and the production of the snow from water is at the time of snowfall (25)

Chapter 33 (The Exchange of rice pots)

Satyavati said : O Lord, kindly give a very heroic son to my mother and give me a son knowing religion who is full of Brahmanic luster. (4) Ruchika said : I shall prepare two pots of rice for you and for your mother by eating these she and you will give birth to a son. (5) Having said so Ruchika prepared two pots of rice. In one filled all the lustre of Kshatriyas with that to Vishnu. Having prepared the rice-pot for the wife and filled it with the lustre of Brahma and Rudra. (6-7) Ruchika said : O, blessed one this should be eaten by you and your mother. And then your mother should embrace an Ashvattha (Peeple) tree. (8) Similarly O one with eyes like lotus you should embrace an Udumber tree. (9) Markandeya said : Then she who was thus addressed went and related everything to the mother. (10) Then the mother, the famous wife of Gadhi spoke : O Auspicious one due to your desire for a son, the lord has certainly prepared this rice-pot filled the best of lustre. Therefore you do not delay and exchange the rice-pot for me. Similarly you should exchange the trees which are to be embraced. She who was bound with elderly respect, did everything according to the words of the mother (11-12-13). In due course of time, she became pregnant. Then the husband said : (14) Ruchika said : Certainly you have exchanged the rice pots and the trees, therefore your limbs are dark and you are having the lustre of Kshatriyas. (15) I had prepared your ricepot full of the luster of Brahma. Therefore your mother is having all limbs beautiful and full of the Kshatriya luster. (16) The rice pots are exchanged so your mother will give birth to a Brahmin son, and you will give birth to a Brahmin son occupied in the duties of Kshatriyas. (17) Satyavati said : O Lord ! Kindly forgive me, I have done this according to the order (Opinion) of my mother. It is not proper that my son be occupied in the duties of Kshatriyas. (18) Ruchika said : Let it be so. Your son will not be having the qualities of the Kshatriya, but inspired by the fate your grand-son will certainly have the qualities of Kshatriyas. (19)

Chapter 34 (Giving the boon to Kushika)

Kushika gets boon to have Brahmanism in his family...due to exchange of rice pot Vishvamitra will be born

Chapter 35 (The birth of Rama)

Now once in the summer when the sun was in the middle of the sky Jamadagni having the great luster was throwing arrows as a sport...wife Renuka fetching arrows for him gets too hot and takes a short rest in shade..

Markandeya said : Having heard the words of Renuka Jamadagni having great penance was enraged, became ready to throw arrows at the sun. (13) But at that very moment the bright sun, having come quickly in the form of a Brahmin told Jamadagni. (14) The Sun God said : It is my nature that-causes burning. If I act according to my nature, it is not proper for you to become angry. (15) O the best of Brahmins, I shall be born by your wife, and shall do the work of the gods and shall do a great good turn on the people. (16) This your wife Renuka who knows the religion and who has the best complexion let her take my umbrella and shoes. (17) O Brahmin, due to the compassion for her I have always made the umbrella and the shoes in this world. In future the donation of the umbrella and the shoes will be the best donation in this world, and the man will go to heaven by donating the umbrella and two shoes. (18-19) Jamadagni having great penance, who was thus told by the Sun, worshipped the sun-god and accepted all the words of the Sun-god. (20) There after when the Sun god was gone the former chaste woman goddess, the mother of the Sungod, Renuka gave birth to youngest son Rama, and before him Vasusena, Vasu and Visvavasu were born. (21) Amongest them the last born Rama was the incarnation of Vishnu in the form of a human being. (22) When he the incarnation, gifted by the (Sun) god was born in this world, the Earth became free from the anxiety, and the world thought that the suffering of the people and herself caused by the demons were removed. (23)