ef reference to its ordinances.[1892]
Know that the Island-born Krishna, otherwise called Vyasa, is Narayana on
Earth. Who else than he, O tiger among kings, could compile such a
treatise as the Mahabharata? Who else than that puissant Rishi could
discourse upon the diverse kinds of duties and cults for the observance
and adoption of men? Thou hast resolved upon performing a great
sacrifice. Let that sacrifice of thine proceed as determined by thee.
Having listened to the diverse kinds of duties and cults, let thy
Horse-sacrifice go on.'"

Sauti continued, "That best of kings, having heard this great discourse,
began all those rites that are laid down in the ordinance, for the
completion of his great sacrifice. Questioned by thee, O Saunaka, I have
duly recited to thee and all these Rishis that are denizens of the
Naimisha forest, that great discourse having Narayana for its topic.
Formerly Narada had recited it to my preceptor in the hearing of many
Rishis and the sons of Pandu and in the presence of Krishna and Bhishma
also.[1893] The Supreme deity Narayana is the Lord of all the foremost of
Rishis, and of the three worlds. He is the upholder of Earth herself of
vast proportions. He is the receptacle of the Srutis and of the attribute
of humility. He is the great receptacle of all those ordinances that
should be practised for attaining to tranquillity of heart, as also of
all those that go by the name of Yama. He is always accompanied by the
foremost of regenerate persons. Let that great deity be thy refuge. Hari
ever does what is agreeable and beneficial to the denizens of heaven. He
is always the slayer of such Asuras (as become troublesome to the three
worlds). He is the receptacle of penances. He is possessed of great fame.
He is the slayer of the Daityas known by the name of Madhu and Kaitabha.
He is the ordainer of the ends that are attained to by persons acquainted
with and observant of scriptural and other duties. He dispels the fears
of all persons. He takes the foremost of those offerings that are
dedicated in sacrifices. He is thy refuge and protection. He is endued
with attributes. He is freed from attributes. He is endued with a
quadruple form. He shares the merits arising from the dedication of tanks
and the observance of similar religious rites. Unvanquished and possessed
of great might, it is He that always ordains the end approachable by the
Soul alone, of Rishis of righteous deeds. He is the witness o