upheld by Agni and Shoma united together. It is said that
Surya and Chandramas are the eyes of Narayana. The rays of Surya
constitute my eyes. Each of them, viz., the Sun and the Moon, invigorate
and warm the universe respectively. And because of the Sun and the Moon
thus warming and invigorating the universe, they have come to be regarded
as the Harsha (joy) of the universe. It is in consequence of these acts
of Agni and Shoma that uphold the universe that I have come to be called
by the name of Hrishikesa, O son of Pandu. Indeed, I am the boon-giving
Isana, the Creator of the universe.[1864] Through virtue of the Mantras
with which libations of clarified butter are poured on the sacred fire, I
take and appropriate the (principal) share of the offerings made in
sacrifices. My complexion also is of that foremost of gems called Harit.
It is for these reasons that I am called by the name of Hari. I am the
highest abode of all creatures and am regarded by persons conversant with
the scriptures to be identical with Truth or Nectar. I am, for this
reason, called by learned Brahmanas by the name of Ritadhama (abode of
Truth or Nectar). When in days of yore the Earth became submerged in the
waters and lost to the view, I found her out and raised her from the
depths of the Ocean. For this reason the deities adore me by the name of
Govinda. Sipivishta is another name of mine. The word Sipi indicates a
person that has no hair on his body. He who pervades all things in the
form of Sipi is known by the name of Sipivishta. The Rishi Yaksha, with
tranquil soul, in many a sacrifice invoked me by the name Sipivishta. It
is for this reason that I came to bear this secret name. Yaksha of great
intelligence, having adored me by the name Sipivishta, succeeded in
restoring the Niruktas which had disappeared from the surface of the
Earth and sunk into nether regions. I was never born. I never take birth.
Nor shall I ever be born. I am the Kshetrajna of all creatures. Hence am
I called by the name of Aja (unborn).[1865] I have never uttered anything
base or anything that is obscene. The divine Saraswati who is Truth's
self, who is the daughter of Brahma and is otherwise called by the name
of Rita, represents my speech and always dwells in my tongue. The
existent and the non-existent have been merged by me in my Soul. The
Rishis dwelling in Pushkara, which is regarded as the abode of Brahman,
called me by the name of Truth. I have never swerved f