serpent-maidens from Patâla and the wood-nymphs, accompanied by a
train of seven demon Asuras, came and worshipped at the altar. After
making offerings to the god they called out, "Is there any uninvited
guest present to whom we can make a gift?" The Brahman woman at once
climbed down the bel tree and called out in answer, "Yes, I am here,"
The serpent-maidens from Pâtala and the wood-nymphs, greatly surprised,
asked her who she was, and she told them all her story. Then the
serpent-maidens of Pâtala and the wood-nymphs ordered their train
of demon Asuras to go and search for the seven sons of the Brahman
woman. The seven demon Asuras spurred their horses and rode off in all
directions. In a little time the giant captain of the demon guards
rode up carrying in his arms the body of a little boy of six. Then
another rode up carrying the body of a little boy of five. And four
others rode up carrying a little boy of four, a little boy of three,
a little boy of two, and a little boy only one year old. Last of
all the seventh demon Asura rode up with a newly-born baby boy. The
demons placed the bodies in front of the serpent-maidens from Patâla
and of the wood-nymphs. And first of all the little boy of six came to
life and got up and ran to his mother. Next the little boy of five,
and then the little boy of four, and then the little boy of three
came to life and ran to their mother. Then the little boy of two
came to life and got up, but he could only walk to his mother. Next
the little one-year-old boy came to life, but he could not get up,
so he lay on his back and kicked up his legs. And last of all the
newly-born baby came to life, but he could not even kick up his
legs. And they were all delighted to see their mother, and she was
overjoyed to have all her sons again. But the serpent-maidens from
Patâla and the wood-nymphs warned her that she must pray to the
sixty-four Yoginis, the attendants who wait on Durga, the Goddess
of Death, or else her children would be snatched from her again. And