Overcome by your delusive power, O Lord, this stupid creature ever wanders astray; be not then wroth with him, O all-merciful God!

Now be gracious to this creature, O Shankara, compassionate as you are to the poor and the afflicted, so that, Lord, after a little time your kindness may release him from the curse.

Pray do that which may bring him supreme blessedness, O fountain of mercy!” on hearing the Brahman’s words so pregnant with feeling, the heavenly voice declared, “So be it!

Though he has committed a grievous sin, and I in my wrath has pronounced a curse on him, yet in recognition of your goodness, I shall do him a special favour.

O holy Brahman, those who are of a forgiving disposition and beneficent are as dear to me as Rama, the slayer of Khara. Nonetheless, O Brahman, my curse shall not go in vain; he must assuredly be born a thousand times.

But the insupportable pains involved in each successive birth and death shall not have the least effect on him. (Turning to me, the voice continued:) Now listen, O shudra, to my unfailing promise: in none of your births shall your awareness (of previous existences)leave you.

(In the first place) you were born in Raghunatha’s city; moreover, you devoted yourself to my worship. By the influence of the holy city and by my favour faith in Rama shall spring up in your heart.