Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.5

v4.c26.5

Vasisṭhtha and other *rishis* performed an *yājña* to which the gods headed by Indra went to receive oblations. Agni, being invoked, descended from the sun, entered the fire, received oblations of the *rishis* and presented them to the gods. Then he beheld the wives of the *rishis* and became perturbed by desires. His heart felt distressed because he failed to obtain the wives of these *brāhmaṇas*; he therefore resolved to abandon his corporeal form and went away to the forest. Meanwhile, Svāhā, the daughter of Daksha, who was loving Agni from her youth, discovering the cause of Agni's discomfiture resolved to take the forms of the wives of the *rishis* and to present herself to Agni. Assuming first the form of Śivā, the wife of Āṅgirasa, Svāhā addressed Agni thus: " Agni, you ought to love me, who am troubled with love for you. I am the wife of the *rishi* Āṅgirasa. If you will not do so, look upon me as dead ". Agni embraced her with joy and delighted her. Assuming the form of a Gāruḍi bird to avoid detection, Svāhā issued from the forest and beholding a white mountain surrounded by palisades of arrows, guarded by seven-hooded snakes and rākshasas and others, went quickly to its summit which was difficult of access and threw the seed into a golden receptacle. Thus did this goddess enjoy the company of Agni by assuming successively the forms of the wives of the *rishis*. But she could not take