03.101
The gods said.
From this act of giving, all four kinds of creatures arise; and, when nourished, they in turn nourish the dwellers of heaven through offerings to gods and ancestors. (03-101-1)
People indeed live in this way, mutually dependent on each other; by your favor they are free from anxiety, and protected by you alone. (03-101-2)
And this supreme fear has now come upon the worlds, and we do not know by whom these brāhmaṇas are being killed at night. (03-101-3)
When virtue among Brāhmaṇas declines, the earth will suffer destruction; then, when the earth is destroyed, heaven itself will suffer decay. (03-101-4)
O mighty-armed, by your favor, O lord of the universe, all the worlds, being protected by you, would indeed not meet destruction. (03-101-5)
Viṣṇu said.
O gods, I know all the causes of destruction of beings; I will tell you, too. Listen, free from anxiety. (03-101-6)
The group known as Kāleya, exceedingly fierce, sought refuge with Vṛtra and, by them, the entire world was afflicted. (03-101-7)
Having seen Vṛtra slain by the wise, thousand-eyed Indra, they protected their lives and entered the abode of Varuṇa. (03-101-8)
They enter the terrible ocean filled with crocodiles and aquatic monsters, and at night, for the destruction of the worlds, they kill sages here. (03-101-9)
But those residing in the ocean cannot be destroyed; your wisdom should consider the destruction of the ocean. Except for Agastya, who else indeed is capable of drying up the ocean? (03-101-10)
Having heard these words spoken by Viṣṇu, and having been instructed by the lord of creation, the gods went to the hermitage of Agastya. (03-101-11)
There he saw the great-souled son of Varuṇa, radiant in his splendor, being worshipped by sages and gods, like the grandsire (Brahmā). (03-101-12)
They, having approached the great-souled descendant of Mitra and Varuṇa, the infallible sage residing in the hermitage and a treasure of austerity, praised him with their own deeds. (03-101-13)
The gods said.
You were once the refuge of all the worlds afflicted by Nahusha; and, for the sake of the worlds, you fell from divine sovereignty, becoming the tormentor of the worlds. (03-101-14)
The great Vindhya mountain, having grown out of anger and suddenly, at the word of Bhāskara (the Sun), not transgressing your command, does not grow. (03-101-15)
In a world enveloped by darkness and afflicted by death, the beings, having approached you alone as protector, attained supreme peace. (03-101-16)
O Lord, you are always the refuge of us who are terrified by fear. Therefore, we who are distressed request a boon from you, for you are indeed the bestower of boons (03-101-17).
