Post #536

Then Vidagdha, the son of Śakala, asked him, ‘How many gods are there, Yājñavalkya?’ Yājñavalkya decided the number asked for by Śākalya through this Nivid that is just going to be mentioned. ‘As many gods as are indicated in the Nivid of the eulogistic hymn on the Viśvadevas.’ The Nivid is a group of verses giving the number of the gods, which are recited in the eulogistic hymn on the Viśvadevas. ‘There are as many gods as are mentioned in that Nivid.’ Which is that Nivid? The words of that Nivid are quoted: ‘Three hundred and three gods, and again three thousand and three gods. So many gods are there.’ ‘Very well,’ said Śākalya