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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 7: Verses 16-27
Completion of Daksa's Sacrifice
Maitreya went on : Having thus sought the forgiveness of Lord Siva (who showers the desired blessings on His devotees) and obtained leave of Brahma (the creator), he (Daksa) had the ritual recommenced by the preceptor, priests and others. For the removal of (the. pollution caused by) the touch of the Pramathas (attendants of Rudra) and with a view to the continuity of the sacrifice, the good Brahmanas offered (to the sacred fire) the oblation called Purodasa.[1] which was intended for Lord Visnu and placed in three separate receptacles. Even as the sacrificer (Daksa), O Vidura (lit., a ruler of ment) ! contemplated (on the Lord) with a guileless mind along with the Adhwaryu, who stood holding the oblation in his hand, Sri Hari appeared (in person before his eyes). Eclipsing the splendour of those present there by His own brilliance, which illumined all the ten quarters, the Lord was forthwith borne (to that assembly) by Tarksya (Garuda), who has the two types of Sams or metrical hymns (viz., Brhat and Rathantara) for his wings. Swarthy of hue with a girdle of gold (and a golden piece of cloth wrapped about His lions), He was adorned by a crown shining like the sun; while His (lotus-like) countenance was graced with locks dark as bees, as well as with ear-rings. With His (eight) arms that severally bore a conch, a lotus, a discus, a shaft,.a bow, a mace, a sword and a shield and were (ever) eager (to protect His devotees), and which shone (with gold ornaments), He looked like a blossoming Karnikara tree. With Goddess Laksmi (His Spouse) lodged on His bosom (in the form of a golden curl of hair known as the mark of Srivatsa, and adorned with a garland of sylvan flowers, He enraptured the whole world with His winsome smiles and glances. Fans and chowries, which looked like swans, were waving on both His sides, and He shone splendid with a moon-like white umbrella (spread) over His head. Seeing Him arrived near, all the hosts of divinities and other beings under the leadership of Brahma (the creator), Indra (the lord of paradise and the ruler of the gods) and Lord Siva (who is possessed of three eyes) instantly rose (from their seats) and bowed low to Him. Their splendour obscured by His brilliance, they stood dumbfounded and struck with awe; and with their palms joined over their head they approached Lord Visnu (who is beyond sense-perception) in a prayerful mood. Even though their mind and speech had no access to His glory, Brahma and others began to the best of their ability to glorify the Lord, who had manifested His form in order to shower His blessings (on those present there). Gladly extolling the Lord with joined palms and a concentrated mind, Daksa sought the protection of the Lord, the supreme Teacher of the Prajapatis (the progenitors of the world), who is the Enjoyer as well as the Bestower of the fruit of (all) sacrifices and was surrounded by Sunanda, Nanda and other attendants, and who had (graciously) taken the excellent receptacle of presents (from Daksa's hands). Daksa said : In your own glorious being You are pure Consciousness, undifferentiated and fearless, beyond all the states of mind. You (ever) stand free, having negated Maya; but when, assumingJivahood by the same Maya, You abide in that Maya, You appear as tainted (with passion etc.). The priests said : With our mind foolishly attached to the ritual as a result of the imprecation uttered by Nandiswara (the chief of Rudra's attendants), O Lord untainted by Maya! we know not Your true character. We have known only that form of Yours which is known by the name of sacrifice, which yields religious merit and is the theme of the three Vedas and for conducting which the sphere of each particular deity has been defined.
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