A blinding infatuation has arisen in your soul, O Garuda, and it will not be readily removed by any words of mine, Go then, king of birds, to Brahma the four-faced Creator and do whatever he enjoins you.’

So speaking, the most enlightened divine seer went his way, chanting Rama’s praises and repeatedly recalling to his mind the power of Hari’s illusion.

Then Garuda, the king of birds, went to the Creator and told him his doubts. On hearing his story, Brahma bowed his head to Rama, and as he recalled his majesty, his heart was filled with love.

Brahma mused within himself; ‘Poets, scholars and wise men are all subject to delusion. Unbounded is the power of Hari’s Maya, which has often made a puppet of me.

All creation, animate and inanimate, is my work; but when I – Brahma – dance to the tune of this illusion, need one be surprised if it beguiles the king of birds?’ then said Brahma in gracious accents; ‘Mahesha is well aware of the majesty of Rama.

Go then, Garuda, to Mahadeva and ask no question of anyone elsewhere, my son. There will you find the solution of your doubts.’ On hearing Brahma’s advice, Garuda went his way.

Then in anxious haste came the king of birds to me. At that time, Uma, I was on my way to Kubera’s palace and you were here at Kailasa.