The visitor is told that the male figures are Mahadeva, and the female Kali: we could hear of no other deities.

And through the grace of Mahadeva, he acquireth the status of Ganapatya blessed with prosperity and peace and high grace.

And O bull among men, the presence of Mahadeva is there.

Leaving Vadava, O king, one should then proceed to Raudrapada, and beholding Mahadeva there one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice.

And, O king, filled with great joy at the prospect of beholding Mahadeva, the Rishis assembled there, each saying, 'I will first behold the god!

And gratified, O king, with the deep devotion of those Munis of subdued souls, Mahadeva granted them a boon, saying, 'From this day your righteousness shall grow!'

One should next proceed, O king, to the celebrated tirtha called Saraka, and beholding Mahadeva there on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, one obtaineth all his wishes and goeth also into heaven.

Bathing there and worshipping Mahadeva, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice.

Then, O king, the gods with Brahma at their head and Rishis endued with the wealth of asceticism moved by the act of Mankanaka, represented the matter to Mahadeva, saying, 'It behoveth thee, O god, to act in such a way that this Rishi may not dance.'

Thus addressed, Mahadeva, with heart filled with joy, approached the dancing Rishi, and moved by the desire of doing good to the gods, said, 'O great Rishi, O virtuous one, why dost thou dance?

Having said this, O best of men, Mahadeva, O sinless king, pressed his thumb by the tip of his own finger.

And adoring Mahadeva thus the Rishi also said, 'O god of gods, grant me thy grace, so that my asceticism may not diminish.'

Having said this, Mahadeva disappeared then and there.

By this, through the grace of Mahadeva, one attaineth to an exalted state.

Beholding (the image of) the boon-giving, eternal, and fierce Mahadeva who is there, one shineth, O king, like the moon emerged from the cloud.

On the mountain Sree dwelleth happily, the effulgent Mahadeva with the goddess, as also Brahma with the other gods.

It was there that the Rishis and the gods Varuna, Agni, Prajapati, Narayana also called Hari, Mahadeva and the illustrious Grandsire of great splendour, appointed the resplendent Bhrigu to officiate at a sacrifice.

Beholding Mahadeva who is there, one shineth like the moon.

One should next proceed to the place called Mayuravala, consecrated to Mahadeva of high intelligence.

Higher than heaven itself, and pure, and created and bestowed by the trident-bearing god, there in that tirtha is an image of Mahadeva beholding which a mortal goeth to the region of Siva.

It is from that lake that all the rivers take their rise and there in that tirtha, Mahadeva the wielder of the Pinaka, is present for aye.

Issuing out of the matted locks of Mahadeva, she passes along, flooding the southern country and benefiting it like a mother, and ultimately mingleth with the ocean as if she were his favourite bride.

It is said that the lord Mahadeva himself, disguised in the attire of a hunter, was gratified by this son of Pritha in battle on the mountains of Himavat.'

Indeed, thou seemest to me to be Mahadeva, or Indra, or the chief of the Gandharvas, dwelling in the guise only of one of the third sex.' "Arjuna said, 'I tell thee truly that I am only observing this vow for a whole year agreeable to the behest of my elder brother.

DHASTU'RA (Datura Fastuosa).A large tulip shaped white flower, sacred to Mahadeva, the third Godhead of the Hindu Trinity.