Those who love not Shiva’s lotus feet can never dream of pleasing Rama. A guileless love for Shiva’s feet is the surest sign of Rama’s votary.

Who is so faithful to Raghunatha as Shiva, who put away a sinless wife like Sati and proved his devotion to Rama by his pledge of unswerving fidelity? Whom, my friend, does Rama hold so dear as Shiva?

By recounting the acts of Shiva at the very outset I have discovered the secret of your heart, that you are indeed a true servant of Rama, free from all blemishes.

Now I know of your virtues and disposition, Listen therefore while I narrate the story of Raghunatha’s divine play. O sage, I cannot say how glad I am at this meeting with you today.

The exploits of Rama, O great sage, are altogether immeasurable; even a thousand million Sheshas (serpent kings) cannot recount them. Nevertheless, fixing my thoughts on the Lord who bears a bow in his hand and inspires the goddess of speech, I recite the tale as I have heard it.

For Sarasvati is like a puppet, and Rama, the inner controller of all, is the master who holds the strings. When he blesses a poet knowing him to be a true devotee, he makes the goddess dance in the courtyard of his heart.

To that gracious Raghunatha I bow and repeat the story of his most blameless perfection. Kailasa is the noblest of mountains and very beautiful, since Shiva and Parvathi have made it their eternal home.