The reason, Uma, why I did not myself instruct him was that by the grace of Raghunatha I knew the secret (of Garuda’s infatuation). He must on some occasion have given vent to his pride, and the gracious Lord Rama evidently wished to cure him of it.

Partly for this reason too I did not detain him that to a bird, the only speech comprehensible is the speech of birds. Formidable, O Bhavani, is the Lord’s delusive power! What man is there so wise as not to be led astray by it?

Even Garuda, the very crest-jewel of votaries and enlightened souls, and the mount of Lord Vishnu (the sovereign of the three spheres), was deluded by Maya; how absurd it is for poor mortals to vaunt their immunity from it!

When illusion can beguile even Shiva and Brahma, then of what account is any other wretched creature? Bearing this in mind, do sages adore the Blessed Lord of illusion.

Garuda went to the abode of Kakabhushundi, that bird of keen intelligence and uninterrupted devotion to Hari. At the sight of the mountain his heart rejoiced and he was rid of all Maya (delusion), infatuation and care.

After bathing in the lake and drinking of its water, he went under the banyan tree, delighted at heart. Aged birds of all kinds flocked there to hear the wondrous story of Rama’s exploits.

Kakabhushundi was just about to begin his narration when Garuda, the king of birds, arrived. All were glad to see him approach, Kakabhushundi no less than the rest of the company of birds.