Simhasanadvatrimshika 3.p6

3.p6

Having reflected thus, he undertook to perform a sacrifice with gifts of all his possessions. Then a most delightful pavilion was constructed by craftsmen. Every material for the sacrifice was procured; the divine seers, gandharvas, yakṣas, siddhas, and others were summoned; brahmins arrived; and all kings and kinsmen were assembled. At that time, to summon the Ocean, a certain brahmin was sent to the seashore. He went to the seashore, performed the sixteen modes of worship with fragrance, flowers, and the rest, and said: “O Ocean, King Vikramārka is performing a sacrifice; sent by him, I have come to invite you.” Having offered a handful of flowers into the water, he waited for a moment. No one gave him any reply. Then, as he turned back and was returning toward the settlement, a certain person of glowing body appeared in the form of a brahmin, approached him, and said: “O brahmin, you were sent by Vikrama to invite us; therefore, the respect shown by him has indeed reached us. This alone is the mark of a friend: giving, honoring, and so forth at the proper time.” And so it is said: