CONCLUSION

India

Greece

Egypt

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When Indra, King of the Gods, had destroyed the Titan who held the waters of the earth captive in his entrails, he returned to the heights of the Central Mountain with the song of the rains and running waters in his ears. But where his dwelling once stood, he saw only ruins and ashes. So he summoned Visvakarman, god of works and arts, and asked him to build another palace to match his powers. The architect set to work; soon towers, buildings, and gardens rose among lakes and woods. Indra urged him forward impatiently. Each day he called for some fresh marvel, pavilions more richly adorned, statues greater in number and cunning. A fever seemed to burn in him. And Visvakarman, exhausted by his labors, decided to lay a complaint before the Creator of the world. Brahma received him, gave ear, approved, and went to plead his case before Vishnu, the supreme Being. Help was promised.

Soon a young Brahman appeared at the King’s palace and demanded audience. Charmed by the light of his eyes, Indra granted his request. “Oh King,” said the messenger, “Thy palace shall be the noblest of all.” These words were sweet to Indra’s ears, and he rejoiced. Vishnu’s messenger continued: “It shall be the noblest of palaces which the Indras before thyself sought to build.” The King became uneasy. “Dost thou say that there were other Indras, Other Visvakarmans before ourselves, other palaces before mine?” “Indeed yes,” the youth answered, “I have seen them.”

“Moreover, I have seen the world arise and vanish, arise and vanish again, like a tortoise’s shell coming out of Infinite ocean and sinking back. I was present at the dawn and twilight of the Cycles, past counting in their numbers, nor could I count all the Indras and Visvakarmans, even the Vishnus and Brahmas, following one another without end. ” Brahmavaivarta Purana and Krishnajanma Khanda

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