O Girija, there is no gain so valuable as the fellowship of the saints; but, as the Vedas and Puranas declare, that is attainable only by Hari’s grace.

I have told you the most sacred story, by the hearing of which one is freed from the bonds of birth and death and there springs up devotion to the lotus feet of the all-merciful Rama, the tree of Paradise to the suppliant.

Those who listen to this story with mindful ear are absolved of all sins of thought and word and deed. Pilgrimage to shrines and other means of self-purification, meditation, detachment, perfection in wisdom,

the various works of religious merit, vows and almsgiving, self-denial and self-control, prayer, penance and manifold sacrifices, compassion shown to all living beings, ministering to the Brahmans and gurus, learning, modesty and sound judgement,

in short, all the expedients that the Vedas have prescribed, Bhavani, have but one reward – devotion to Hari. But to that devotion to Raghunatha which the scriptures describe scarce any has attained, and then only by the grace of Rama.

Although such devotion to Hari is scarce attainable even by sages, it can be effortlessly won by those who continually listen to this story and put their trust in it.

He is the man of infinite knowledge, accomplishment and wisdom, he is the ornament of the world, learned and munificent, and he is the pious devotee and saviour of his house, whose mind is utterly devoted to Rama’s feet.