b-divisions that exist of the
different Vedas in respect of branches and all the verses that compose
those branches, and all the vowels that occur in those verses, and all
the rules in respect of pronunciation, know, O Dhananjaya, are my work. O
Partha, he that rises (at the beginning of Creation from the Ocean of
Milk at the earnest invocation of Brahmana and all the deities) and who
gives diverse boons unto the diverse deities, is none else than myself. I
am He who is the repository of the science of syllables and pronunciation
that is treated of in the supplementary portions of the Vedas. Following
the path pointed out by Vamadeva, the high-souled Rishi Panchala, through
my grace, obtained from that eternal Being the rules in respect of the
division of syllables and words (for reading the Vedas). Indeed, Galava,
born in the Vabhravya race, having attained to high ascetic success and
obtained a boon from Narayana, compiled the rules in respect of the
division of syllables and words (for reading the Vedas). Indeed, Galava,
born in the Vabhravya race, having attained to the high ascetic success
and obtained a boon from Narayana, compiled the rules in respect of the
division of syllables and words, and those about emphasis and accent in
utterance, and shone as the first scholar who became conversant with
those two subjects. Kundrika and king Brahmadatta of great energy,[1875]
repeatedly thinking of the sorrow that attends birth and death, attained
to that prosperity which is acquired by persons devoted to Yoga, in
course of seven births, in consequence of my favour. In days of yore, O
Partha, I was, for some reason, born as the son of Dharma, O chief of
Kuru's race, and in consequence of such birth of mine I was celebrated
under the name of Dharmaja. I took birth in two forms, viz., as Nara and
Narayana. Riding on the vehicle that helps towards the performance of
scriptural and other duties, I practised, in those two forms, undying
austerities on the breast of Gandhamadana.[1876] At that time the great
sacrifice of Daksha took place. Daksha, however, in that sacrifice of
his, refused to give a share unto Rudra, O Bharata, of the sacrificial
offerings. Urged by the sage Dadhichi, Rudra destroyed that sacrifice. He
hurled a dart whose flames blazed up every moment. That dart, having
consumed all the preparations of Daksha's sacrifice, came with great
force towards us (Nara and Narayana) at the retreat of Vadari. With great
v