quantity, however, that came out of his
body fell down on the earth. That seed, falling on the earth, leaped into
a blazing fire and there began to grow (in size and power) most
wonderfully. The energy of Rudra, coming in contact with another energy
of great puissance, became identified with it in respect of essence.
Meanwhile, all the deities having Sakra at their head, were scorched a
good deal by the Asura named Taraka. The Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras,
the Maruts, the Aswins, and the Sadhyas all became exceedingly afflicted
in consequence of the prowess of that son of Diti. All the regions of the
deities, their beautiful cars, and their palatial mansions, and the
retreats of the Rishis, were snatched away by the Asuras. Then the
deities and the Rishis, with cheerless hearts, sought the protection of
the illustrious and puissant Brahman of unfading glory.'"'"

SECTION LXXXV

"'"'The Deities said, "The Asura named Taraka who has received boons from
thee, O puissant one, is afflicting the deities and the Rishis. Let his
death be ordained by thee. O Grandsire, great has been our fear from him.
O illustrious one, do thou rescue us. We have no other refuge than thee."

"'"'Brahman said, "I am equal in my behaviour towards all creatures. I
cannot, however, approve of unrighteousness. Let Taraka, that opponent of
the deities and Rishis, be quickly destroyed. The Vedas and the eternal
duties shall not be exterminated, ye foremost of celestials! I have
ordained what is proper in this matter. Let the fever of your hearts be
dispelled."

"'"'The Deities said, "In consequence of thy having granted him boons, that
son of Diti has been proud of his might. He is incapable of being slain,
by the deities. How then will his death be brought about? The boon which,
O Grandsire, he has obtained from thee is that he should not be slayable
by deities or Asuras or Rakshasas. The deities have also been cursed by
the spouse of Rudra in consequence of their endeavour in former days to
stop propagation. The curse denounced by her has been, O lord of the
universe, even this, viz., that they are not to have any offspring."

"'"'Brahman said, "Ye foremost of deities, Agni was not there at the time
the curse was denounced by the goddess. Even he will beget a son for the
destruction of the enemies of the gods. Transcending all the deities and
Danavas and Rakshasas and human beings and Gandharvas and Nagas and
feathery creatures, the offspr