Sometimes, taking the form of a child, the wicked demon Paraśu would roam near the dwelling of the learned Brahmin and eminent sage, Śākalya. Again and again, this most malevolent of demons approached Śākalya, who was pure and virtuous. Though Paraśu was determined to harm or even kill the sage, he could never succeed. One day, after Śākalya had performed his worship to the gods with great care, Paraśu arrived, this time assuming the guise of a feeble, gray-haired Brahmin, appearing weak and accompanied by a maiden. Approaching Śākalya, Paraśu spoke humbly, “Know me, O Brahmin, as one who seeks food, and this maiden as well. At this time of hospitality, we have arrived, and you are renowned as a giver of honor. Blessed indeed are those in this world whose guests leave their homes with their wishes fulfilled, whether those guests are living or departed. When one is seated for a meal, and whatever is set aside for oneself is instead given to a guest, by that gift, it is as if the whole earth is given.” Hearing these words, Śākalya responded, “I will give.” He seated the disguised demon, honoring him as custom required, and presented him with an axe. Having thus honored his guest, Śākalya served him food. After washing his hands, Paraśu spoke again, “The gods follow one who comes from afar, weary; when such a guest is satisfied, so too are the gods. If he is not, the opposite happens. The guest and the slanderer are both kin to all: the slanderer takes away sin, while the guest brings the reward of heaven. Whoever looks with contempt upon a weary traveler who arrives at his door, in that very moment, his righteousness, fame, and prosperity are destroyed. Therefore, O best of twice-born, I am weary and have come to you. I ask you—if you grant my wish, I will eat; if not, I will abstain.” Śākalya replied, “It is given.” The Rakshasa responded, “Then eat,” and revealed his true nature, declaring, “I am the foremost of Rakshasas. I am not a Brahmin, nor your enemy, nor old, nor gray, nor emaciated. For many years I have watched you. My limbs are drying up, like in the summer with little water. Therefore, I will take you and your followers and devour you, O best of Brahmins.” Hearing these words, Śākalya spoke calmly, “Those born in noble families, who know all the scriptures, always fulfill what they have promised; there is never any deviation from this. Do as is proper, friend. Yet listen to my words: even when one faces death, the wise must speak what is beneficial. I am a Brahmin, with a body like a thunderbolt; Hari protects me on all sides. May Vishnu guard my feet, Janardana my head, Varaha my arms, the king of turtles my back, Krishna my heart, and the deer my fingers. May Vagisha guard my mouth, the bird-god my eyes, the lord of wealth my ears, and Shiva protect me on all sides. In all dangers, Narayana is my sole refuge.” Having spoken thus, Śākalya said, “Lead me away or eat me as you wish, O lord of Rakshasas Paraśu, without delay.” At these words, the Rakshasa prepared to devour him, for the wicked know not compassion. With a fearsome face and protruding fangs, Paraśu approached Śākalya and said, “O best of twice-born, I see you holding conch, discus, and mace, with a thousand feet, heads, eyes, and hands, O Lord. Today I behold you as the sole abode of all beings, of Vedic form, pervading the universe, without a previous body.” Humbled and awestruck, Paraśu pleaded, “Therefore, I implore you, O Brahmin, be my refuge. Grant me knowledge, O great-minded one, and tell me the sacred means for removing sin. The sight of the great is never fruitless; whether by hatred, ignorance, association, or carelessness, it always yields results. Even iron, through contact, becomes gold.” Hearing these words, Śākalya, moved by compassion, spoke, as did Sarasvatī, the bestower of boons. “Soon, O lord of the Daityas, praise Janārdana; for the fulfillment of your desire, there is no other way than praise of Nārāyaṇa. Listen, O Rakshasa, there is a cause for everything in this world; that goddess is pleased with you, and by my words, it shall come to pass.” Accepting this, Paraśu bathed in the Ganges, purifier of the three worlds. Purified and focused, he stood facing the sacred river and there beheld Sarasvatī herself, of divine form, adorned with celestial fragrance, the sustainer of the world, just as Śākalya had said. He saw her as the remover of the world’s dullness, mother of all, and ruler of the earth. With a humble heart, freed from sin, Paraśu addressed her. Śākalya, the wise teacher, instructed him, “Praise the creator without delay; by your favor, may that power come to me—do so accordingly.” Sarasvatī replied, “So be it.” By her grace, Paraśu praised Janārdana with many words. Hari, the ocean of compassion, was pleased and granted a boon to the Rakshasa, saying, “Whatever is in your mind, O Rakshasa, all that shall come to pass.