By perpetually deceiving everyone, you have grown habituated to such tricks. You fear none and so zealously pursue your object . Good and evil deeds do not come in your way, and so far no one has been able to restrain you .

But you’ve this time played with fire and so shall reap what you have sown! Assume the same form as that in which you cheated me! This is my curse.

And as you made me look like a monkey, you shall have monkeys for your helpmates; and in the same way as you have grievously wronged me, so shall you suffer the pangs of separation from your wife.”

The Lord gladly accepted the curse and made many entreaties to Narada. Then the gracious Lord withdrew the irresistible charm of his illusion.

When Hari lifted the spell of his illusion, neither Lakshmi nor the princess was to be seen. In great fear the sage then clasped Hari’s feet, crying, “O reliever of the distress of the suppliant, protect me!

O gracious Lord, may my curse be of no effect, !” “It was my will,” said the Lord, who is so merciful to the humble. “Full many an injurious word have I spoken,” the sage repeated, “how shall my guilt be expiated?”

“Go and repeat the hundred names of Shankara and your heart will be disburdened at once. No one is as dear to me as Shiva; never give up this belief even by mistake.