Tell me, Lord, what was the reason that Bhushundi, who was so devoted to Rama, so steeped in wisdom, so full of all good qualities and resolute of purpose, had the body of a crow?

Pray tell me, O merciful Lord, wherefrom did the crow get this holy and delectable story? Tell me, too, O foe of Love, how came you to hear it; for all this fills me with great curiosity.

Garuda, again, is a bird highly enlightened, a storehouse of virtues, a votary of Hari (being his own mount) and always very close to him. Leaving the host of sages, wherefore did he approach a crow and hear Rama’s story from him?

Tell me, how the dialogue proceeded between Kakabhushundi and Garuda (the devourer of serpents), both of whom are votaries of Hari.’ Shiva rejoiced to hear the simple and charming speech of his consort (Parvati) and courteously replied:

‘A blessing, O Sati, on your holy thoughts! Great indeed is your love for Raghupati’s feet. Now listen to the very sacred story which, when heard, puts an end to every sorrow and delusion,

And brings to birth an implicit faith in Rama’s feet and enables a man to cross the abyss of birth and death without any difficulty.

Somewhat similar were the questions that Garuda, the king of birds, put to Kakabhushundi. As I shall reverently explain it to you in full, listen, Uma, with all attention.