BY

THE LATE

HOR A CE HAYMAN WILSON,

M. A., F.R.S.,

MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY, OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETIES OF
CALCUTTA AND PARIS, AND OF THE ORIENTAL SOCIETY OF GERMANY;

FOREIGN MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FRANCE;
MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL ACADEMIES OF ST. PETERSBURGH AND VIENNA,
AND OF THE ROYAL ACADEMIES OF MUNICH AND BERLIN;

PH. D. BRESLAU; M, D. MARBURG, ETC.;
AND BODEN PROFESSOR OF SANSKRIT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.

LONDON:
TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.

THE

VISHNU PURANA:

A SYSTEM

OF

HINDU MYTHOLOGY AND TRADITION.

TRANSLATED

FROM THE ORIGINAL SANSKRIT,

AND

ILLUSTRATED BY NOTES

DERIVED CHIEFLY FROM OTHER PURÁNAS,

BY THE LATE

H. H. WILSON, M.A., F.R.S.,

BODEN

PROFESSOR OF SANSKRIT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,

ETC., ETC.

TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW.

VISHNU PUR ÁŃ A.

BOOK IV. (continued).

CHAPTER VI. Kings of the lunar dynasty. Origin of Soma or the Moon: he

carries off Tárá, the wife of Brihaspati: war between the gods and Asuras, in consequence: appeased by Brahmá. Birth of Budha: married to Ilá, daughter of Vaivaswata. Legend of his son Purúraras and the nymph Urvaší: the former institutes offerings with fire: ascends to the sphere of the Gandharyas.

MAITREYA.- You have given me, reverend (preceptor), an account of the kings of) the dynasty of the Sun. I am now desirous to hear a description of the princes who trace their lineage from the Moon, and whose race is still celebrated for glorious deeds. Thou art able to relate it to me, Brahman, if thou wilt so favour me.

PARÁśARA.—You shall hear from me, Maitreya, * an account of the illustrious family of the Moon, which has produced (many celebrated) rulers of the earth, — a race adorned by (the regal qualities of) strength, valour, magnificence, prudence, t and activity, and enumerating, amongst its monarchs, Nahusha, Yayati,

* Literally, "tiger of a sage,” muni-sárdúla. See Vol. III., p. 118, note ß. + Dyuti and sila.