Gods Approach Agastya and Recite His Praises

The gods took Vishnu's counsel to heart. They went to Parameshthi — the grandfather, Brahma himself — and received his leave. Then they set out for Agastya's hermitage. They found him seated among a mass of rishis who were worshipping him. The son of Mitra and Varuna blazed with an energy that reminded the gods of the grandfather himself. He was undecaying, great-souled, and surrounded by the accumulated power of his austere deeds. The gods approached and recited his praises. They reminded him of what he had already done for the worlds. In ancient times, when Nahusha had oppressed the universe — when the king who had once been mortal had grown drunk on power and seized Indra's throne — Agastya had been the refuge of the worlds. He had removed that thorn from the side of the gods. They reminded him of Vindhya. The great mountain, angry with the sun, had begun to increase its height — rising higher and higher, blocking the sun's path across the sky. But when Agastya spoke, Vindhya could not ignore his instructions. The mountain ceased to grow. They reminded him of the darkness. When the world had been covered in shadow, when all subjects were oppressed by their fear of death, they had obtained Agastya as a protector. And they had attained the supreme objective. "O illustrious one," the gods said, "whenever we have been scared and frightened, you have always been our refuge. Therefore, we distressed ones are asking you for a boon. You are the granter of boons."