05.097

Nārada said:

This city, known as Pātāla, is situated at the navel, the central place, of the Nāga world, and is well known as being attended by Daityas and Dānavas. (5-97-1)

Whatever stationary or moving beings arrive here together with the waters, as they enter the great chasm, cry out, afflicted by fear. (5-97-2)

Here, a demonic fire that constantly burns, feeding on water, was understood to be bound in place by its own action, with itself held firm. (5-97-3)

Here, after the gods drank the nectar, it was deposited by those who had vanquished their enemies; therefore, the decrease and increase of Soma are observed. (5-97-4)

Here, a divine horse-headed being rises up at the proper time, on each full moon, golden in appearance, filling the world with waters. (5-97-5)

Since here all these forms of water fall from it, therefore this greatest city is known as Pātāla. (5-97-6)

Airavata takes water from here and, for the benefit of the world, releases the cool water into the clouds, which great Indra then pours down as rain. (5-97-7)

Here live aquatic beings and fishes of many different kinds and forms, dwelling in the waters, who have drunk the radiance of the moon. (5-97-8)

Here, O Sūta, those who dwell in the depths of the netherworld, pierced by the sun's rays, die by day but come to life again at night. (5-97-9)

Here, whenever the moon rises, always enveloped in its rays, it touches the nectar and by that contact revives living beings. (5-97-10)

Here, those Daityas, engaged in unrighteousness, confined and afflicted by time, whose splendor had been taken by Vāsava, used to dwell. (5-97-11)

Here, the lord of beings, called the supreme lord of all creatures, practised the highest austerity for the welfare of all beings. (5-97-12)

Here dwell great sages—brahmins who observe the vow of caring for cows, worn down by their continual recitation of the Veda, who have renounced life and conquered heaven. (5-97-13)

He who always lies down anywhere, is sustained by whatever food he can get, and is covered with whatever shelter—he is here called a go-vrata. (5-97-14)

Airavata, the king of elephants, Vamana, Kumuda, and Anjana—these outstanding elephants were born in the lineage of Supratika. (5-97-15)

Look, whichever one among them you find to be the best in qualities and to your liking, we shall go and choose him, making an effort, Mātali. (5-97-16)

This egg, set in the water and shining with radiance, does not break or move at the very emergence of living beings. (5-97-17)

I do not hear anyone speak of its origin or nature, nor does anyone know its father or mother. (5-97-18)

Therefore, indeed, O Mātali, at the final time a great fire will arise and will burn all the three worlds, along with everything moving and unmoving. (5-97-19)

Kaṇva said:

Mātali then, having heard Nārada's words, said, "Nothing here pleases me; go elsewhere without delay." (5-97-20)