He is worshipped here in this world by pious men
performing _Agnihotra_ sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The celebrated
Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"
[28] In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy
sacrifices. It is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan
translator renders this passage,--"fifteen other gods belonging
to western nations or _Asuras_." It is noticeable that the
beings that were denounced as _Asuras_ by the Hindus were
worshipped as Gods (_Asuras_) by the followers of Zarathustra.
[29] In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to
be remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of
the ancient Persians.
SECTION CCXX
"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by severe
rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire; for when he
is satisfied he vouchsafes _pushti_ (development) to all creatures, and
for this reason he is called _Bharata_ (or the Cherisher). And that
other fire, by name Siva, is devoted to the worship of Sakti (the forces
of the presiding deity of the forces of Nature), and because he always
relieves the sufferings of all creatures afflicted with misery, he is
called Siva (the giver of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic
wealth by _Tapa_, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
the same.
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