They received the king of birds with the utmost respect and, having asked after his continuing well-being, motioned him to an exalted seat. After paying him loving homage, Kakabhushundi addressed him in these honeyed accents;

‘The sight of you, lord, has satisfied all my desires; now, O king of birds, let me do whatever you bid me. What is the object of your visit, lord?’

'You have always been a picture of blessedness,’ replied Garuda in gentle tones. ‘For with his own lips the great Lord Mahadeva has reverently sung your praises.

Listen, dear father; the object for which I came was attained as soon as I came and I have also had the privilege of seeing you. At the very sight of your most holy hermitage all my infatuation, doubts and misconceptions fled.

Now, father, narrate to me with due reverence the most sanctifying story of Rama, which is ever delightful and a remedy for every sorrow; this, my lord, is what I insistently entreat you to do.’

On hearing Garuda’s prayer, humble, sincere, loving, delightful and pious, Bushundi was filled with supreme joy and thus began to recount the story of Raghunatha’s perfections.

First of all, Bhavani, he expounded with fervent devotion the meaning of the Holy Lake of Rama’s Acts. Then he told the story of Narada’s unbounded infatuation and of Ravana’s birth as a demon.