dred luminaries of blazing effulgence, which had the virtue of
despoiling every creature of energy. Thus equipt Nahusha continued to
rule heaven. The three worlds were restored to their normal condition.
The inhabitants of the universe once more became happy and cheerful.
Nahusha then said,--'Everything that Indra used to enjoy is before me.
Only, his spouse Sachi is not by.' Having said this, Nahusha proceeded to
where Sachi was and, addressing her, said,--'O blessed lady, I have become
the lord of the deities. Do thou accept me.' Unto him Sachi replied,
saying--'Thou art, by nature, wedded to righteousness of behaviour. Thou
belongest, again, to the race of Shoma. It behoveth thee not to assail
another person's wife.'--Nahusha, thus addressed by her, said,--'The
position of Indra is now being occupied by me. I deserve to enjoy the
dominions and all the precious possessions of Indra. In desiring to enjoy
thee there can be no sin. Thou wert Indra's and therefore, should be
mine.' Sachi then said unto him,--'I am observing a vow that has not yet
been completed. After performing the final ablutions I shall come to thee
within a few days.' Extracting this promise from Indra's spouse, Nahusha
left her presence. Meanwhile Sachi, afflicted with pain and grief,
anxious to find her lord and assailed by her fear of Nahusha proceeded to
Vrihaspati (the chief priest of the celestials). At the first sight
Vrihaspati understood her to be struck with anxiety. He immediately had
recourse to Yoga-meditation and learnt that she was intent upon doing
what was necessary for restoring her husband to his true position.
Vrihaspati then addressed her, saying,--'Equipt with penances and the
merit that will be thine in consequence of this vow that thou art
observing, do thou invoke the boon-giving goddess Upasruti. Invoked by
thee, she will appear and show thee where thy husband is dwelling.'--While
in the observance of that very austere vow, she invoked with the aid of
proper Mantras the boon-giving goddess Upasruti. Invoked by Sachi, the
goddess presented herself before her and said,--'I am here at thy bidding.
Invoked by thee I have come. What cherished wish of thine shall I
accomplish?' Bowing unto her with a bend of the head, Sachi said,--'O
blessed lady, it behoveth thee to show me where my husband is. Thou art
Truth. Thou art Rita.' Thus addressed, the goddess Upasruti took her to
the lake Manasa. Arrived there, she pointed out to Sachi her