520:2 This passage is read and explained differently in different copies. In some it is, ###. And this is explained, 'The water of the ocean, devoured by the fire called Vád́ava, becoming condensed, or in the form of dew or snow, is seized by the wind called Kastaka, from which the Vád́ava fire has departed, consisting of a pipe of the solar rays, and being placed in the air, lies or is on the Himáchala,' &c. This is rather an awkward and confused representation of the notion, and the other reading is somewhat preferable: it consists simply in substituting ### for ### that is, according to the commentary, 'The water devoured by the fire is thrown by the wind Ka, made of a solar ray &c., on the Himáchala, where it assumes the form of snow;' and so on. However disfigured by inaccurate views of some of the instruments in operation, the physiology is in the main very correct, and indicates accurate observation of natural phenomena. The waters of the ocean, converted into vapour by solar heat, are raised by the same influence into the air, and thence borne by the winds to the summits of lofty mountain ranges, where they are arrested by a diminished temperature, descend in the form of snow, and again supply the streams that perpetually restore to the sea the treasures of which it is as perpetually plundered.

521:3 According to the Hari Vanśa the gods themselves praised this proof of Ráma's strength (bala), and hence he derived the name of Balaráma.

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Hinduism

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