12.343
The guest said.
O Brāhmaṇa, I shall give you instruction according to the scripture. Hear from me what has been declared in essence by my teacher. (12-343-1)
Where, by the previous initiation, the wheel of dharma was set in motion. In Naimisha, on the bank of the Gomati river, there is the city called Nāga. (12-343-2)
O best of twice-born, there was a sacrifice with all the thirty gods present, where Māndhātā, O best of kings, surpassed even Indra. (12-343-3)
There, the great and most fortunate Padmanabha, whose essence is dharma and who is famed for his sight and hearing, having established residence, is well-known as 'Padma' (the Lotus). (12-343-4)
O best of the twice-born, he who is established in the threefold path pleases all beings by speech, action, and mind. (12-343-5)
The eye protects both a person in difficulty and itself by four means—conciliation, giving, division, and punishment—by being attentive. (12-343-6)
Having approached him according to the proper method, you ought to ask what you desire. He will show you the supreme dharma, not falsely. (12-343-7)
He, Nāga, who is indeed a guest to all, is an expert in intellect and scriptures; endowed with unexcelled virtues and all desirable qualities. (12-343-8)
By nature ever adaptable, always devoted to study, endowed with both austerity and generosity, and possessing unbroken good conduct. (12-343-9)
One who performs sacrifices, is inclined to giving, is patient, established in supreme conduct, speaks the truth, is free from envy, possesses good character, and has taken refuge; (12-343-10)
He eats only leftover food, is obedient to commands, excels in honesty and gratitude for good deeds, does not create enmity, is engaged in the welfare of beings, and is endowed with the sanctity of Ganga's waters and noble lineage. (12-343-11)
