in its four hands, the Conch, the Disc, the Club and the Lotus ; the Kaustubha shining in its breast and the Sudarsan Chakra before it looking as if it turned.* Two huge decapitated forms stood before it, painted as if drenched in blood, representing Madhu and Kaitabha.f To the left stood Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as though shaking with fear, with her ample locks flowing at ease and a garland of lilies on. To the right was Saraswati, the goddess of learning, surrounded with books and instruments of music and embodied symphonies. On the lap of Vishnu sat a charming figure, fairer far than Lakshmi or Saraswati and richer far than both. Super-human beings like the Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Yaks/ias, and Rakshas were engaged in worshipping her. The ascetic asked Mahendra in a deep and resound- ing tone if he saw everything there. " Yes " answered Mahendra. " Have you seen what is there on Vishnu's lap ? " " Aye, but who is she ? " " The Mother." " Who is the Mother? " " She whose children we are." "Who is she*"
- This is the form in which Vishnu, the Lord of Preservation, is con*
cetved in Hindu Mvthology. The Sttdarsana Chakra is the mythical disc which Vishnu holds in his hand and with which he slays his foes, t Two of the Demons killed by Vishnu to lighten the burden of the world.
