Now listen, brother, to my solemn pronouncement; a vow to do service to the Brahmans is the surest means of propitiating Hari. Never again insult a Brahman, but hold a saint to be the equal of the infinite Lord himself.

Even he who succumbs not to the stroke of Indra’s thunderbolt, my massive trident, the rod of Death and the dreadful discus of Hari, is burnt to ashes in the fire of hostility to the Brahmans.

Treasure up this wise counsel in your heart and there will be nothing in the world too difficult for you to attain. One other blessing I bestow upon you: you shall have unobstructed access everywhere.”

The guru rejoiced when he heard Shiva’s promise and cried, “So be it!” then after admonishing me, he returned home; with the image of Shiva’s feet impressed upon his heart.

Driven by the decreed, I went to Vindhya mountains and was reborn as a serpent, and again after some time dropped that form without the least effort.

Whatever form I assumed, O mount of Hari, I dropped again with the utmost ease; like a man who takes off his old clothes and puts on new ones.

Thus Shiva vindicated the Vedic ordinances and I suffered no pain. In this manner, O king of birds, I assumed various forms, but never did my understanding leave me.