he will support the prosperity of the Kurus. (Surfeited with libations at the sacrifice of king Shwetaki), Agni will derive great gratification from the fat of all creatures dwelling in the Khandava woods (to be burnt down) by the might of this one's arms. This mighty hero, vanquishing all the effiminate monarchs of the earth, will, with his brothers, perform three great sacrifices. In prowess, O Kunti, he will be even as Jamadagnya or Vishnu. The foremost of all men endued with prowess, he will achieve great fame. He will gratify in battle (by his heroism) Shankara, the god of gods (Mahadeva), and will receive from him the great weapon named Pashupata. This thy son of mighty arms will also slay, at the command of Indra, those Daityas called the Nivata-kavachas who are the enemies of the gods. He will also acquire all kinds of celestial weapons, and this bull among men will also retrieve the fallen fortunes of his race.'
"Kunti heard these extraordinary words while in the lying-in room. And hearing those words uttered so loudly, the ascetics dwelling on that mountain of hundred peaks, and the celestials with Indra sitting on their cars, became exceedingly glad. The sounds of the (invisible) Dunduvi filled the entire welkin. There were shouts of joy, and the whole region was covered with flowers showered down by invisible agents, The various tribes of celestials, assembled together, began to offer their respectful adorations to the son of Prithā. The sons of Kadru (Nagas), the sons of Vinata, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, the lords of the creation, and the seven great Rishis, viz, Bharadwaja, Kasyapa, Gautama, Viswamitra, Jamadagni, Vashishta, and the illustrious Atri who illumined the world of old when the Sun was lost, all came there. And Marichi, Angira, Pulasta, Pulaha, Kratu, the lord of creation Daksha, the Gandharvas and Apsarās, came there also. The various tribes of Apsarās, decked with celestial garlands and every ornament, and attired in fine robes, came there and danced in joy, chaunting the praises of Vivatsu (Arjuna). All around, the great Rishis began to utter propitiatory formulæ. And Tumvaru accompanied by the Gandharvas began to sing in harming notes. And Bhima-sena and Ugra-sena, Urnayu and
