- are like so many threads which a pious soul gathers up and twists into one strong rope to bind his soul to my feet. Nay, he looks upon all with an impartial eye and has no craving, and in his heart is neither joy nor grief nor fear.

Such a saint abides in my heart like riches in the heart of a covetous man. Only saints of your type are dear to me; for the sake of none else do I take no mortal form.

Those men who worship my personal form and devote themselves to doing good to others, who firmly tread the path of righteousness and are steadfast in their vow, and love the feet of the Brahmans, are dear to me as my own life.

Listen, O prince of Lanka; you possess all these virtues, and that is why you are extremely dear to me.’ On hearing the words of Rama, the monkey host exclaimed, ‘Glory to the All-merciful!’

Vibhishana’s eagerness to hear the Lord’s speech, which was all nectar to his ears, knew no satiety. Again and again he clasped his lotus feet, his heart bursting with boundless devotion.

'Listen, Lord,’ he said, ‘ruler of the whole creation, animate as well as inanimate, protector of the suppliant and knower of the secrets of all hearts, formerly I did have some lurking sensual desire in my heart, but now it has been swept away by the stream of my devotion to the Lord’s feet.

Now, my gracious Lord, grant me that pure devotion (to your feet) which ever gladdens the heart of Shiva.’ ‘So be it,’ replied the Lord, staunch in fight, and forthwith called for water from the sea.