RAMAVIJAYA.

THE MYTHOLOGICAL HISTORY OF RAMA*

_____Q_____

Powlasti, a son of Bramkadev,* was married to Deva-
yarni, and he liad a son called Vishrava. A daughter
of Bharadwaja, a Rishi, | was given away in marriage to
Vishrava; and she had a son called Kuber. Bramhadev
had created Lanka and given it to Kuber. While Kuber
was ruling there, a demon came from Fatal J in the form
of a Brahman and became very jealous of him. The de-
mon said to himself, '* Lanka is my country and this man
has no right to rule. here." So saying to himself he gave
away his daughter, Kakesi, in marriage to Vishrava with
a view to drive out Kuber of his country, Lanka, with the
\ help ol the sons who would be born to her by him. Vish-
Sv^Thad got by Kakesi three demons, Ravana, Kumbha-
karna, and Vibhishana and two demonesses, Tateka and *
Surpanakha. Eavan and his brothers went to Gokarna,
where they performed severe penances. Siva§ was pro-
pitiated by Havana, Bramhadev by Kumbhakarna, and
, Vishnu 1f by Yibhishana. Bramhadev wag pleased with
them and called upon them to ask him for blessings. Ea-
vana was blessed with a power to imprison all gods
and also with wealth and learning. Kumbhakarna wanted
such a blessing from Bramhadev as would enable him to
devour heaven and earth. All the gods were, therefore,
alarmed and prayed to the goddess, Saraswati, who induc-
ed the demon to ask the god for sleep. Bramhadev blessed

* The. creating god of the universe, j- A sage. J The re*
gions under the earth. § The destroying god of the universe,
$ The protecting god of the universe.