The Mahabharata
Book 1: Adi Parva
Kisari Mohan Ganguli, tr.
[1883-1896]
SECTION XVII
(Astika Parva continued)
"Sauti said, 'O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approaching near,
that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who was worshipped by
the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning of the Ocean for nectar.
Divine, graceful, perpetually young, creation's master-piece, and of irresistible
vigour, it was blest with every auspicious mark.'
"Saunaka asked, 'Why did the gods churn the Ocean for nectar, and under what
circumstances and when as you say, did that best of steeds so powerful and resplendent
spring?'
"Sauti said, 'There is a mountain named Meru, of blazing appearance, and looking
like a heap of effulgence. The rays of the Sun falling on its peaks of golden
lustre are dispersed by them. Decked with gold and exceedingly beautiful, that
mountain is the haunt of the gods and the Gandharvas. It is immeasurable and unapproachable
by men of manifold sins. Dreadful beasts of prey wander over its breasts, and
it is illuminated by many divine life-giving herbs. It stands kissing the heavens
by its height and is the first of mountains. Ordinary people cannot even think
of ascending it. It is graced with trees and streams, and resounds with the charming
melody of winged choirs. Once the celestials sat on its begemmed peak--in conclave.
They who had practised penances and observed excellent vows for amrita now seemed
to be eager seekers alter amrita (celestial ambrosia). Seeing the celestial assembly
in anxious mood Nara-yana said to Brahman, 'Do thou churn the Ocean with the gods
and the Asuras. By doing so, amrita will be obtained as also all drugs and gems.
O ye gods, chum the Ocean, ye will discover amrita.'"
So ends the seventeenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.
