When this heavenly voice that would wake the dead dropped upon their ears and entered their hearts, their bodies became strong and beautiful as if they had only just left their home.

When the royal couple heard the ambrosial voice, a thrill ran through their limbs. Then unable to contain his love, Manu prostrated himself and said:

“Listen, O Lord, you who are the tree of Paradise and the Heavenly Cow to your servants! The dust of your feet is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. You are easy to serve and a fountain of all blessings, protector of the suppliant and Lord of all creation.

O friend of the forlorn, if you have any affection for us, graciously grant this boon to us. On that true form of yours that dwells in Shiva’s heart and is sought by sages,-

-the form that sports like a swan in the holy lake of Bhushundi’s mind and is glorified by the Vedas as both with and without attributes,-be gracious to us, O reliever of the suppliants’ woe, and on that form let us feast our eyes.”

This gentle and humble speech of the royal pair, steeped as it was in the nectar of love, was liked by the Lord very much. Full of affection for his votaries and a treasure-house of compassion, the all-powerful Lord, who dwells in the whole universe, manifested himself.

Myriads of Loves blushed to behold the elegance of his swarthy form, dark as the dark-blue lotus or the sapphire or the dark rain-burdened cloud.