05.098

Nārada said:

This great and excellent city, known as Hiranyapura, belonged to the Daityas and Danavas, who were masters of a hundred magical arts. (5-98-1)

Constructed by Viśvakarman with immense effort, created through Maya's thought, and dwelling in the netherworld region. (5-98-2)

Here, in ages past, valiant Dānavas endowed with boons, possessed of great strength and displaying thousands of magical powers, used to dwell. (5-98-3)

These cannot be brought under control by Śakra, or by any other, nor by Varuṇa, Yama, or Dhanada (Kubera). (5-98-4)

The Asuras, the Kālakhānjās, those also born from Viṣṇu’s feet, the Nairṛtas, the Rākṣasas, those who arose from the Brahmaveda— (5-98-5)

Fanged and terrifying in appearance, endowed with magical power and might, these self-defenders dwell here. (5-98-6)

The arrogant daityas known as the Nivātakavacas—you know how even Indra is unable to subdue them. (5-98-7)

Many times, Mātali, you and your son Gomukha, and even the king of the gods himself—the husband of Śacī together with his son—were defeated. (5-98-8)

Look, Mātali, at these palaces of gold and silver, furnished and attained by actions rightly performed. (5-98-9)

Green as beryl, brilliant as coral, pure as rock crystal, and gleaming with the brightness of diamond essence. (5-98-10)

Some shine like earthly objects, some like mountains, and some appear like stars as well. (5-98-11)

Some shine like the sun and some like blazing fire; some are lofty, dense, and adorned with networks of gems. (5-98-12)

These cannot be described—whether by their form, their substance, or their qualities; they are perfected, possess measures, and have qualities. (5-98-13)

See the playgrounds of the Dānavas, and likewise their sleeping places; vessels and seats adorned with jewels, all extremely precious. (5-98-14)

Also, cloud-like mountains adorned with flowing water, and trees bearing whatever flowers and fruits are desired, moving at will. (5-98-15)

Mātali, if there is any place here that you like, let it be so. Or, if you prefer, shall we go to another part of the earth? (5-98-16)

Kaṇva said:

Then Mātali said to him, as he was speaking in that way: "O sage of the gods, I have no purpose that is offensive to the dwellers of heaven." (5-98-17)

For the gods and the Dānavas are brothers, but are bound in perpetual enmity; so how could I approve of an alliance with the side of the enemy? (5-98-18)

Let us go somewhere else; I do not wish to see the Dānavas. But I know myself, that I am indeed of a generous nature, worthy as such. (5-98-19)