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"T nereveon when the night set in Satrughna accosted Vrigu’s son Chabanya saying, “O Brahman, how powerful is Lavana? And what is the strength of his dart? What persons before had been destroyed by this dart in conflict ?” .Hearing the words of the high-souled descendant of Raghu, —Satrughna,the highly effulgent Chabanya replied saying — “ O descendant of Raghu, Lavana hath accomplished many works by this dart; amongst them, hear, - what. Mandhita, born in the race of Ikshawku, did. The early king of Ayodhya was known over the three worlds under the name of Mandhata. He was the son of Yavanashwa, highly powerful and strong. Having brought the whole world under his subjection the king Mandhata engaged in the conquest of the celestial region. He having been engaged in making preparations to conquer the world of gods—the celestial chief Indra with other immortals was greatly terrified. With this _ promise, the king Mandhata went up into the celestial region that he would occupy the half of Indra’s throne and kingdom and the celestials would adore him. Being apprised. of this vicious intention of his, Indra, the slayer of Paka, consoled him in sweet words, saying :—“ O foremost of men, even in the land of men, thou hast not been able to become the real king. Without perfectly subjugating the earth how dost thou wish to lord over the celestial kingdom ? If the whole world is under thy subjection, O hero, be thou, with the whole host of thy servants and soldiers, installed on the celestial throne.” Indra having said this, the high-souled MAandhata replied:—‘ O Sakra, who on this earth, hath disebeyed. my commands ?” Whereto Indra replied “O sinless

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one, the night-ranger, Lavana, Madhu’s son, living in Madhuvana, is not under thy control.” Hearing those dreadful and npleasant words from Indra, the king lowered his head in shame and became silent. Thereupon ,having welcomed Indra in that way, he left there and returned earth. @ slayer of enemies, with an angry heart, army and conveyance he went to subjugate Madhu’s son Lavana and sent an emissary inviting him to battle. The ambassador, having gone there, addressed many unpleasant words unto Lavana and the nightranger devoured him. On the other hand finding the delay of his return tke king Mandhata, enraged, began to assail the Rakshasa Lavana with arrows from all sides. Laughing wild Lavana took up the dart in his hand and discharged it to destroy the king with his followers. Thereupon growing powerful the dart reduced the king with his servants and army into ashes and returned to Lavana. In this wise the highsouled king Mandhata, with his huge army, was slain. O gentle hero, incomparable and great is the strength of the dart. Forsooth thou shalt slay Lavana next morning. Certain is thy victory if Lavana cannot take up his dart. People shall be at ease if thou canst bring about the destruction of Lavana. O foremost of men, I shall then deseribe unto thee the imcomparable and dreadful prowess of the vicioussouled Lavana and his dart. O king, with great exertions did Lavana slay Mandhata and not easily. O high-minded one, néxt morning thou shalt surely destroy Lavana. He shall issue out for flesh without taking his dart. And at that time, O lord of men, thou shalt, for sooth, be crowned with victory.”