Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1990

c9.1990

The Devas once conducted at Naimiṣāraṇya a lengthy yajña of which Yama was the manager. In the absence of Yama there was no death on earth. Thus, human beings also, like the Devas, became Amartyas (deathless). Alarmed at this the Devas submitted their grievance to Brahmā who pacified them by saying that Yama would return as soon as the yajña was over and then men will, as usual be subjected to the process of death. The Devas then returned to Naimiṣāraṇya, the scene of their yajña when they saw a woman, lustrous as fire, descending the steps of Gaṅgā to carry water. She was sobbing and each drop of tear that fell into the waters of the river transformed itself into a lotus flower. As deputed by the Devas Indra approached the woman to get facts from her.