perpetuator of Kuru's race, that the kingdom lasteth for ever in which Brahmanas have power.'"
Thus ends the hundred and seventy-second section in the Chaitraratha Parva of the Adi Parva.
SECTION CLXXIII
(Chaitra-ratha Parva continued)
"Arjuna said.-"Thou hast addressed me (more than once) as Tapatya, I therefore wish to know what the precise significance of this word is, o virtuous Gandharva, being sons of Kunti, we are, indeed, Kaunteyas. But who is Tapati that we should be called Tapatyas ?
Vaisampayana continued.-"Thus addressed, the Gandharva related to Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti the (following) story well-known in the three worlds. -
"The Gandharva said, -'O son of Pritha, O foremost of all intelligent men, I will duly recite to you in full this charming narration. O, listen with attention to what I say in explanation of why I bave address. ed thee as Tapatya ! That one in heaven who pervadeth by his light the whole firmament had a daughter named Tapati equal unto himself. Tapati, the daughter of the god Vivaswat, was the younger sister of Savitri, and she was celebrated throughout the three worlds and devoted to ascetic penances. There was no woman amongst the celestials, the Asuras, the Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Apsaras, and the Gandharvas, who was equal to her in beauty. Of perfect, symmetrical and faultless features, of black and large eyes, and in beautiful attire, the girl was chaste and exceedingly well-conducted. And, O Bharata, seeing her Savitri (the sun) thought that there was none in the three worlds who, for his beauty, accomplishments, behaviour, and learning, deserved to be her husband. Beholding her attain the age of puberty and, therefore, worthy of being bestowed on a husband, her father knew no peace of mind, always thinking of the person he should select. At that time, O son of Kunti, Riksha's son, that bull amongst the Kurus, the mighty king Samvarana, was duly worshipping Suryya with offerings of Arghya and flower-garlands and scents, and with vows and fasts and ascetic penances of various kinds. Indeed, Samvarana was worshipping Suryya confestly in all his glory, with devotion and humility and piety. And beholding Samvarana conversant with all rules of virtue and unequalled on Earth for beauty, Suryya regarded him as the fit husband for his daughter Tapati. And, O thou of Kuru's race, Vivaswat then resolved
