the sun and moon fade in their lustre (2:1–4). Though logically acceptable, this is not stated in the Sanskrit texts. The system of creation depicted here follows the account found in the Puraanas (2:16–19 ; Vishnu-Puraana 6.1 ; Bhagavata 3.5:32–35), but it is stated only here that a very long period intervened between one stage of creation and another. (5) Worship of the Deity is to be practised by the control of the senses and through meditation at various stages (4:1–5) (6). Worship of God is to be done by bowing at His feet” One should take shelter at His feet with folded palms (1:62-65. V. Purana 5:25 l). The devotees shall pray for the everlasting greatness of His feet, which alone would cut off the series of births (3:1–3). (7) Tirumaal married the earth when He took the form of Varaaha. It is here humorously remarked that Vedic scholars do not approve of this marriage, since Earth cannot have a place in the chest of the Lord which is already occupied by Tirumakal (2:34 34). (8) An original description is given while referring to the beneficial acts of the Lord (3:31–45). The hand is conceived of as essential to do an act. To do more acts, many hands are required. He is said to have two hands, with one of which, the demon kecin was killed and with the other nectar was given to the Gods. He is a sage with three hands, a Lord with four hands, a mighty person with five hands, Muruka himself with six hands, or the great Lord controlling the six senses with hands, the Lord with seven and eight hands, famous with nine hands, and ten hands. hundred hands, having fine activities with thousand hands, the foremost deity represented in the vedas as having ten thousand hands, having one lakh of hands and having countless hands. (9) The Lord as Mayon indulged in Kutakkuthu, Kuravaikkutthu and others (3:81–90) which are not mentioned in any of the Sanskrit sources. These activities should be only of Tamil traditions, (10) The son of Hiraniyakacipu is mentioned as Pirunkalathan. His prayer to the Lord that His fasher must be spared and His absence of dislike to the father who 403
