Then said the great Lord Shiva with a smile, ‘No one is wise or foolish. Man instantly becomes what Raghunatha wills him to be at a particular moment.’

Said Yajnavalkya, ‘I now tell you the story of Rama’s perfections, O Bharadvaja; listen with reverence. Renouncing pride and self-conceit, says Tulasi, adore the lord of Raghus, who puts an end to birth and death.

‘In the Himalaya mountains there was a most sacred cave; the beautiful stream (Ganga) flowed nearby. The sight of so holy and lovely a retreat greatly pleased the divine seer Narada.

As he gazed upon the beauty of the hills and the river and the forest glades, he was filled with passionate love for the feet of Lakshmi’s lord, and when he thought upon Hari, the spell of the curse (pronounced by Daksha, which did not allow him to stay at one place) was lifted and his spotless soul fell into a trance.

When he saw the sage’s condition, the chief of the gods became apprehensive; so he summoned the god of love and received him with great honour. “Go,” he said, “with your associates to do me service.” The god of love (who has a fish emblazoned on his standard) went off very gladly.

Indra apprehended that the celestial sage desired to take possession of his city. Those who are lustful and covetous are afraid of everyone, like a crafty crow.

Just as a foolish dog, on seeing a lion, runs off with a dry bone, fearing in his ignorance that the lion may rob him of it, even so the Lord of heaven had no shame.