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Introduction
 
xliii
 
of the kalpa from the space which is the abdomen of Visņu, the unconquered
one, and merges into it at the end of the mahakalpa. Let our inner organs
(mind and heart) entertain themselves forever with great pleasure in this
abdominal region of Visnu, whose form is absolutely inconceivable. [25]66
 
The wide ocean of the abdomen of Damodara is full of the flow of water
in the form of splendour, with waves glittering in the form of dark blue
wrinkles. It shines forth with the great whirlpool of his deep navel, and it
is rich in brilliance from the rays of the ocean fire in the form of the golden
chain worn (around his waist). Let the fish of our mind play in this ocean
at will forever.[26]67
 
The row of hairs in the abdominal region Rising upwards from the
bottom of the lotus of the navel, the beautiful row of hairs on the abdomen
shines, as if a black row of bees moving towards the lotus of the face, at-
tracted by the more abundant fragrance. Let this highly beautiful row of
hairs in the middle of the abdominal region of Visnu, dwelling in our mind
and bestowing increased wealth, never go away.[27]68
 
The chest
 
The bosom Densely spread with the tender leaves of the effulgence of
the rays of the Kaustubha jewel, rich in pearls (in the necklaces, also rich in
fruits like pearls) and flourishing due to the presence of Lakṣmi (the Goddess
of wealth, or splendour), marked with the fresh garland, Vanamālā (also the
evergreen groves of trees), shining with its shoulders (also beautiful with
the nearby birch trees), attractive with the mark Srīvatsa [which is the tree
serving as a resort to Lakṣmī as a creeper] (also attractive with holy fig trees),
and dark as a swarm of bees here is this chest of Viṣṇu (who carries the
 
66 In this and the next verse, the stomach of Vișnu is described. The creation of the
Universe at the beginning of each kalpa and its dissolution at the end of each mahākalpa
is described according to the Puranic tradition here. The belly of the Viratpurușa is
identified with the sky: its metaphysical parts in the creation of the Universe are explained
in the commentary by quoting relevant sources. In the next verse, the abdomen of Visņu
is conceived as the great ocean that shelters the fish of our mind.
 
67 The upper abdomen is again compared to the ocean filled with blue effulgence of light
from the body which is the water acting as a support for the mind that moves about like
a fish within it. The description is complete with the whirlpool in the form of the navel,
filled with streaming water in the form of radiating rays and with the waves in the form
of blue wrinkles in the abdomen.
 
68 Because of the dark colour, the line of hairs stretching upwards from the navel towards
the face is conceived as a line of bees flying from the less fragrant lotus in the navel towards
the more fragrant one of the face of Vișnu.