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Kansa was wonder-struck. Me removed the fetters of Vasu-
deva and Devaki and begged their pardon, saying, " Like a Rakshasa,
I have killed your sons. I do not know what fate awaits me after
death. Not only men tell lies, but the Devas too."
Kansa then called the Daityas together. These sworn enemies
of the Devas heard their master and then broke forth thus:
"If it be so, O King of Bhoja, we will kill all children, whether
ten days old or not, whether found in towns, villages, or pasture
grounds. What can the Devas do, cowards in battle? They are always
afraid of the sound of thy bow. Dost thou not remember how, pierc-
ed by thy arrows, they fled for their lives. The Devas are only bold
when they are safe, and they indulge in tall talk outside the battle
ground. Vishnu seeks solitude. Siva dwells in forests. Indra has
but little might. Brahma is an ascetic. But still the Devas are ene-
mies. They are not to be slighted. Therefore engage us, your
followers, in digging out the very root of the Devas, for like disease
and sensuality when neglected at first, they become difficult of suppres-
sion. Vishnu is the root of the Devas, and he represents the eternal
religion (Sanatana Dharma i. e. Dharma that follows the eternal
course of time, or is based on the eternal truths of nature, hence eter-
nal religion, a term applied to Hinduism proper). And the roots of
Dharma are the Vedas, the Cows, the Brahmanas, Tapas and Yajna.
Therefore by all means, O King, we shall kill the Deva-knowing,
Yajna-performing and ascetic Brahmanas and cows that supply the
sacrificial ghee. Brahmanas, Cows, Vedas, asceticism, truth, restraint
of the senses, restraint of the mind, faith, kindness, forbearance and
sacrifices these are the parts of Vishnu's body. Therefore the best
way to kill him is to kill these. Vishnu, who pervades all hearts, is
the guide of all Devas, the enemy of Asuras. He is the root of all
Devas, including Siva and Brahmft."
Kansa approved of this counsel. He directed the Kamarupa
bearing (i. e. bearing forms at will) Asuras to oppress all good people
and they readily took to their work.
NANDA AND VASUDEVA.
SKANDHA X. CHAP. 5.
Nanda performed the birth ceremony of his son with great
pomp. His gifts knew no bounds. Vishnu was worshipped and there
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