The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c18.8

v2.c18.8

—was the *mantra* which he recited and, while reciting it, frequently fell prostrate on the earth'. The sun was pleased with the devotion, appeared to the youth in a dream and recommended him to repeat with unswerving faith the *mantra* of twenty-one epithets². This was accordingly done for a period of twelve years, when the sun appeared before him in *propria persona* to offer him a blessing. 'I am greatly pleased with thee, gentle youth, for thy penance', said he, 'ask whatever blessing thou wishest'. Sāmba replied, 'If you are pleased with me, O Lord, let this be the blessing, that I may always be devoted to thee, the eternal god'. The sun : 'I am the more pleased with this devotion. It shall be so and you should have another blessing for your faith'. Sāmba thus sought the blessing from the auspicious god, the river of blessings : 'Let thy mercy rinse me from the foul disease which affects me'. 'So shall it be', returned the sun and immediately cured him and Sāmba regained his pristine beauty. The sun continued, 'Listen, Sāmba, to what I, pleased with thee, say unto thee : whoever from this day will on earth establish sanctuaries in my name will be translated to the eternal region'.