After eulogizing Kakabhushundi in every possible way and bowing his head before him with folded hands, Garuda once more addressed him in gentle words full of affection and modesty.

‘In my ignorance, O my lord and master, I would put a question to you; graciously be pleased, O ocean of compassion, to answer it, regarding me as your own servant.

You are omniscient and know the essence of things; you are beyond the darkness of delusion, intelligent, amiable, upright in your dealings and a storehouse of wisdom, dispassion and spiritual intuition. Above all, you are a beloved servant of Raghunatha.

Yet wherefore did you get this form (of a crow)? Explain all this to me in full, my father, and tell me, too, my winged master, where you learnt this excellent history of Rama’s deeds.

Further, my Lord, I have heard from Shiva that not even at the Great Dissolution do you perish (when Brahma himself retires into the Lord’s body after completing the 100 years of his existence). The divine Lord Shiva would never utter an idle word, and therefore this doubt arises in my mind.

The whole universe, lord, with all its animate and inanimate beings, including serpents, men and gods, is but a morsel for Death to devour. Death, which swallows up countless universe, is ever mighty and irresistible.

Then how is it that the most formidable Death has no power over your? Be pleased to inform me, my gracious lord, whether it be the effect of spiritual insight, or the virtue of your ascetic contemplation.