I shall tell you later the manner of their exalted converse; hear now the most charming and sanctifying story of Rama’s incarnation.

Infinite are the virtues and the names of Hari, his stories and his forms innumerable and immeasurable. Yet I proceed to tell of them as best as I can; listen, Uma, with reverence.

Listen, Girija! The Vedas and the Agamas have sung many a beauteous and sinless act of Hari. The cause of Hari’s descents cannot be defined dogmatically.

Listen, sensible lady! Rama is beyond the grasp of intellect, mind or speech: such is my conviction. Yet as saints and sages, the Vedas and the Puranas, explain in part, according to the measure of their understanding -

-so, I, fair lady, tell you the reason as I understand it. Whenever righteousness declines and demons, vile and arrogant, multiply -

-and work lawless deeds beyond the telling, and whenever Brahmans and cows, and gods and earth are in trouble, the gracious Lord assumes various bodily forms and relieves the distress of the faithful.

He slays the demons and reinstate the gods, defends the bounds of propriety fixed by the Vedas, and diffuses his spotless glory throughout the world. This is the cause of Rama’s descent.