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Havine in the forest slain the R&kshasa Viradha possessed” of tremendous strength, Rama endeued with prowess, embracing and cheering Sita, spoke unto his brother Lakshmana of flaming energy, saying, “This: dense forest is hard to live in; nor are we acquainted with the, ways of the wood. Therefore will we speedily repair to the ascetic Sarabhanga.”” Thereupon Raghava set out for the hermitage of Sarabhanga. And Rama beheld a mighty wonder near that one of celestial virtue, who had purified his soul through asceticism. He saw the lord of the celestials, possessed of a resplendent person, resembling in effulgence the sun or Vaicwanara—mounted on a superb car—(saw) him that is. followed by all the celestials, stationed in the sky, not touching the earth, adorned im luminous ornaments—the god dressed in a clean apparel; worshipped by many a highsouled personage dressed in the same way. And from a distance, (Rama) saw the car stationed in the sky yoked with green steeds—resembling the infant sun; and he saw the spotless umbrella possessing the beauty of a mass of white clouds, resembling the lunar disc,—and graced with variegated wreaths. And his (Indra’s) head was being fanned by two chowris, costly and furnished with golden handles, held by two magnificent damsels ; and innumerable Gandhar- ‘bas and Siddhas and prime sages were hymning the celestial stationed in the welkin. And seeing Sarabhanga engaged in converse with Satakratu, Rama said unto Lakshmana (the following words). And pointing out the car, Rama showed the wonder unto his brother. “Behold, O Lakshmana, yonder car stationed in the sky, splendid, furnished’ with exceeding Rakshasa and taken Mithila’s daughter, those ones having bows ~ -- gold, being delighted, rejoiced in that mighty forest, like the sun and,t seated in the sky.—T. , orth

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grace, wonderful, and seeming as if the sun had fallen from the heavens. The steeds standing in the sky are for certain those of which we had formerly heard as belonging unto Sakra of many sacrifices. Aad, thou foremost of men, these youths environing (the celestial) by hundreds, wearing earxings, and bearing swords in their hands, are broad of chest, have arms resembling bludgeons in size,and are clad in crimson vesture, like unto tigers incapable of being approached. Over the breasts of all appear chains of blazing sheen; and, O son of Sumitr4, their beauty appears that of five and twenty. And even this is the ever-enduring age of the celestials, as these foremost of men of sweet looks appear. O Lakshmana, stay here awhile with Vaidehi, so long as I do not gather who it is that is in the effulgent car.” Saying unto Sumiteas son, “Stay here,” Kakutstha bent his steps towards. Sarabhanga’s aslylum. And seeing Rama approach, Sachi’s. lord, taking Sarabhanga’s permission, addressed the celestials,. saying, ‘“RAma is coming hither. Do ye set out for another ‘place, ere he yet addresses me. He is not fit to behold; me (now.) When he shall have vanquished (his foe in fight), and won success, shall I readily show myself unto him. He -shall have to achieve an act incapable of being achieved by others.”’” Then rendering homage unto that anchoret and conversing with him, the weilder of the thunderbolt—subduer of enemies—repaired to heaven in a car yoked with steeds. When the thousand-eyed one had gone away, Raghava -accompanied by his companions appeared before Sarabhanga in the 4gni-hetra chamber. Taking his feet, Rama, Sita and -Lakshmana sat down with the permission of the ascetic, who received them and set apart quarters for them. Ther -Raghava questioned (the sage) concerning the visit of Sakra ; and Sarabhanga related everything unto Raghava. “O Rama, this bestower of boons wishes to take me to the regions of Brahma. I have conqucted them, incapable of being attained by persons that have not schooled themselves,—by virtue of

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fierce austerities. O chief of men, knowing that thou wert near, I became anxious to go to the minor celestial regions and the supreme heaven (of Brahm§), after I had seen thee, righteous and high-souled, who art my dear guest now. O foremost of men, I have for aye attained the excellent regions of Brahma and N&akaprishtha. Do thou receive them as pertaining to me.” Thus addressed by the sage, Sarabhanga, that best of men, Raghava, versed in every branch of learning, said, ‘‘O mighty anchoret, I shall acquire all those regions myself. I now wish that thou mayst direct me as to my abode in this forest.” Thus accosted by Raghava resembling Sakra in strength, the eminently wise Sarabhanga again said, “O RAma, here in this forest lives ‘a pious and selfrestrained ascetic of mighty energy, named Sutikshna. He will bring about thy good. O Rama, follow this Mandakini flowing among flowers, which (here) runs in an opposite ‘direction to her usual course ; and then wilt thou reach there. This is thy course, thou best of men. Do thou now, my child, for a space look at me; while I leave off my limbs, even as a serpent renounces its slough.” Then preparing a fire and with Mantras offering oblations into it, the exceedingly energetic Sarabhanga entered into the fire. The fire consumed the down, hair, old skin, bones, flesh and blood of that high-souled one. (Anon) Sarabhanga became a youth ‘resembling fire; and rising from the flame, he appeared ‘splendid. And proceeding past the regions of high-souled ‘sages sacrificing with fire, as well as of the celestials, he ascended those of Brahma. And that one of pious acts done on earth—that best of the twice-born race—saw the grandfather, in company with his followers. And the grand-father also, beholding that Brahmana, rejoiced greatly, and said,— Hail!’