Siva's loins. Rama worsted his preceptor's son in
battle, at which his preceptor, gratified with him, made him a present of
his own battle-axe, wherewith the regenerate hero exterminated the
Kshatriyas for full one and twenty times.

604. Many of these words beginning with Mahat represent Krishna's own
words as spoken to Arjuna in the Gita. 'I am the foremost of sacrifices;
I am the foremost of sacrificers,' etc.

605. Referring to Hanumat and others among the apes that Rama led against
Ravana.

606. The universe consists of Soul and Not-soul. Jiva, when cased in
matter or Not-soul takes Not-soul for himself, in his ignorance. In fact
until true knowledge is attained, the body is taken for self.

607. The sense is that untimely deaths do not occur in such places; nor
fear of oppression or unlawful chastisement by the king; etc.

608. The Bengal reading mrishtascha varina is incorrect. The Bombay
reading mrishtasya varinsha is correct.

609. The word kavi used in this verse, means Agni or fire, as explained
by the commentator. One of the vernacular translators wrongly takes it as
implying the preceptor Sukara.

610. The last verse, as read in the Bengal texts, is vicious. Nastyandam
astitu Brahma, etc., is the correct reading.

611. To an afflicted person the day seems long.

612. The sense is that it is this Kesava who upholds the cause of
Righteousness when dangers overtake it, cf. 'Yada yada hi dharmasya,
etc.' in the Gita. It does not mean that when doubts are entertained by
persons on questions of morality, it is Kesava who dispels them.

613. Refers to the existence of Brahma when all else is nought.

614. The fivefold seed consists of the four orders of creatures and acts
which determine the conditions of all beings.

615. Eagle marmelos, Linn.

616. Durvasa is regarded as a portion of Mahadeva. The question of
Yudhishthira, therefore, really relates to Mahadeva although the name
that occurs is of Durvasa.

617. A Parvam is a knot. Reeds and bamboos consist of a series of knots.
The space between two knots is called a Salya.

618. The allusion is to the fiery mare's head which is supposed to wander
through the ocean.

619. Verses 4 to 9 are extremely difficult. They represent so many
surceases. Nilakantha, however, has shown great ingenuity in expounding
them. In the first line of 4, drishtam refers to pratyaksham, and srutam
to sruti or agama. Hence, what is meant by the first line
is,--Innume