and how should I have heard the delightful story of Hari, the most wondrous lay sung in all its details? This is the doctrine of the Vedas, the Agamas and the Puranas and a pronouncement of all the adepts and sages – of this there is no doubt-

that the fellowship of pure and holy saints is attained only by those on whom Rama looks with an eye of grace. By Rama’s grace I have been blessed with your sight, and by your favour all my doubts have disappeared.’

On hearing Garuda’s speech so modest and affectionate, Kakabhushundi felt a thrill of joy, the hair of his body bristled with delight and tears rushed to his eyes.

O Uma, when good men find a listener who is intelligent and courteous, a devotee of Hari who delights to hear his sacred history, they reveal to him even the deepest mysteries.

Then said Kakabhushundi, who had no small affection for the king of birds, ‘My lord, you are in every way entitled to my reverence, a recipient as you are of Raghunatha’s grace.

You had in reality no doubts, infatuation or delusion; it was only an excuse, my lord, for doing me a kindness. By sending you, O king of birds, as a victim of infatuation Raghunatha has conferred an honour upon me.

Yet, my lord, there is nothing strange in the delusion of which you have told me, O king of birds; for Narada, Shiva, Brahma, Sanaka and his brothers, greatest of sages and exponents of spiritualism.