05.096

Kanva said:

But as Mātali was traveling on the road to see Varuṇa, he happened by chance to meet the great sage Nārada. (5-96-1)

Then Nārada said to him, "Where are you going—on your own business as a charioteer, or on an errand from Śatakratu (Indra)?" (5-96-2)

When Mātali was thus questioned by Nārada as they traveled along the road, he told him everything in full detail, explaining his business with Varuṇa. (5-96-3)

Then the sage said to him, "Let us go together; I too am ready to descend from heaven for the purpose of seeing the lord of the waters." (5-96-4)

I will tell you everything, showing you the surface of the earth; after seeing it there, Matali, let us choose some boon. (5-96-5)

Then, after entering the earth, both Mātali and Nārada, those great-souled ones, saw the guardian of the world, the lord of waters. (5-96-6)

There, Nārada received honors suitable for a divine sage, and Mātali received ones such as are given to Mahendra. (5-96-7)

Both of them, their minds pleased, having informed Varuṇa of the purpose of their visit and having been granted permission by him, wandered through the realm of the Nāgas. (5-96-8)

Nārada, knowing everything about all beings who dwell beneath the earth, gave a full explanation to the charioteer. (5-96-9)

Nārada said:

Dear one, you have seen Varuṇa surrounded by his sons and grandsons; look at the prosperous, auspicious abode of the lord of waters. (5-96-10)

This is the very wise son of Varuṇa, the lord of waters, here. He surpasses him through character, conduct, and purity. (5-96-11)

This is his beloved son Puṣkara, lotus-eyed, handsome, and attractive, chosen by Sōmaputri as her husband. (5-96-12)

They say that Jyotsnakali is the second, representing beauty in form; he, the son of Aditi and the Cow, is considered the eldest son. (5-96-13)

Behold, O friend of the lord of the gods, the mansion of Varuṇī, entirely made of gold—on reaching this, the gods attained beauty. (5-96-14)

O Mātali, here can be seen all the shining weapons of the Daityas whose kingdoms were seized. (5-96-15)

These weapons, Mātali, were indeed indestructible and kept reappearing through magical power, but they were conquered by the gods. (5-96-16)

Here, Mātali, there were beings of the demon kind and of the spirit kind, as well as divine weapons created by the gods of old. (5-96-17)

Here, this fire of great flame blazes in the pool of Varuṇa; and the Viṣṇu's discus is set here, smokeless and accompanied by an offering. (5-96-18)

This bow made by Gāṇḍīva, endowed with the power to destroy worlds, is always protected by the gods; for this reason it is called the Gāṇḍīva bow. (5-96-19)

When a crisis arises, this (bow) continually and steadfastly bears many kinds of force with energy equal to hundreds and thousands. (5-96-20)

This, punishment—the first-born—was created by Brahmā, the proclaimer of cosmic law; it governs even those who cannot be governed, among Rākṣasas, their kin, and kings. (5-96-21)

This royal parasol of kings, great and of exalted splendour, was proclaimed by Cakra, and is borne by the sons of the lord of the waters. (5-96-22)

This parasol of the king of waters is placed in the parasol-house, and cool water pours down everywhere like a rain cloud. (5-96-23)

This water, having fallen from the parasol, as pure as moonlight, is befouled by darkness, so that it no longer shines to the sight. (5-96-24)

Matali, there are many wondrous forms to see here, but your business is being delayed; so let us go without delay. (5-96-25)