05.108

Suparṇa said:

This direction is dear to King Varuṇa, O protector of cows; it is always the abode and the very origin of the lord of the waters. (5-108-1)

Here in the west, O best of the twice-born, the sun himself sets his light, and so this direction is known as the west. (5-108-2)

Here, for the sovereignty over the aquatic beings and the protection of the water, the exalted Kaśyapa anointed the god Varuṇa. (5-108-3)

Here, having drunk all six of Varuṇa's essences, the young Soma is born at the start of the bright fortnight, destroyer of darkness. (5-108-4)

Here, the Daityas, driven back and restrained by the wind, sighing and afflicted by the great serpents, slept, O twice-born. (5-108-5)

Here, the mountain called 'Asta' receives the beloved sun, from which the western dusk advances onward. (5-108-6)

From this, night and sleep arise at the close of day, appearing to take away as it were half the lifespan of living beings. (5-108-7)

Here, Śakra rendered the goddess Diti, who was sleeping and bearing her own offspring, bereft of her embryo—where the host of Maruts was born. (5-108-8)

Here lies the eternal root of the Himalaya, the Mandara mountain. Even in a thousand years, its end cannot be reached. (5-108-9)

Here, having reached the shore of the ocean, at the golden mountain and the river of golden water, Surabhi pours forth milk. (5-108-10)

Here, in the midst of the ocean, the trunk of Svarbhanu, who is like the sun and seeks to harm the Moon and Sun, is seen. (5-108-11)

Here too, from the one with a golden head, singing out with tawny hair, comes the mighty sound of the unseen and immeasurable. (5-108-12)

Here, Dhvajavatī, a maiden daughter of Harimedhas, stood in the sky at the command of the sun, saying, "Stand, stand." (5-108-13)

Here, O Gālava, the wind, fire, water, and space, as well as everything belonging to the day and night, cast off the touch of suffering. From this point onward, the sun’s course moves obliquely. (5-108-14)

Here, all the lights enter the solar disk, and after moving together with the sun for twenty-eight nights, they emerge again from the sun because of conjunction with the moon. (5-108-15)

Here is the constant source of the flowing streams and the origin of the ocean; here dwell the waters of the three worlds under Varuṇa's domain. (5-108-16)

Here is also the dwelling of Ananta, king of the snakes, and here is the unsurpassed abode of Viṣṇu, who is without beginning or end. (5-108-17)

Here is also the residence of the Wind, the friend of Fire; here is the residence of the great sage Kaśyapa, Mārīca. (5-108-18)

This is the western path, known as the gateway to that direction. Tell me, Gālava, shall we go? What is your decision, O best of Brahmins? (5-108-19)