The brightness also of the lunar disc from that time
received a stain, for the body of Shoma, since then, has come to present
certain dark spots. In fact, the splendid disc of the moon has, from that
day, come to exhibit the mark of a hare. Once on a time, a Rishi of the
name of Sthulasiras was engaged in practising very severe austerities on
the northern breasts of the mountains of Meru. While engaged in those
austerities, a pure breeze, charged with all kinds of delicious perfumes,
began to blow there and fan his body. Scorched as his body was by the
very severe austerities he was undergoing, and living as he did upon air
alone to the exclusion of every kind of food, he became highly gratified
in consequence of that delicious breeze which blew around him. While he
was thus gratified with the delicious breeze that fanned him, the trees
around him (moved by jealousy) put forth their flowers for making a
display and extorting his praise. Displeased at this conduct of the trees
because it was dictated by jealousy, the Rishi cursed them,
saying,--Henceforth, ye shall not be able to put forth your flowers at
all times.--In days of yore, for doing good to the world, Narayana took
birth as the great Rishi Vadavamukha. While engaged in practising severe
austerities on the breast of Meru, he summoned the Ocean to his presence.
The Ocean, however, disobeyed his summons. Incensed at this, the Rishi,
with the heat of his body, caused the waters of the Ocean to become as
saltish in taste as the human sweat.
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