From the shoulder of the Creator Brahmā emerged Marīci, and from his throat came Apāntaratamā. From the left side of his abdomen was born Haṃsa, while Yati appeared from the right. Among these sons, Nārada, having listened attentively to his father's instructions, respectfully spoke to him. Nārada addressed Brahmā, “O Lord of the world, after engaging us in austerities, please tell us—our father has set us on the path of penance, so how are we to participate in worldly life? To which son has the supreme nectar, greater even than austerity, been given now? Who among us, O father, will fall into the dreadful and unfathomable ocean of worldly existence? Who will become the seed of deliverance for all, the supreme seed of humanity? Who will be the sole refuge and beloved of devotees, pure and worshipped by those devoted, and yet abandon the Supreme Lord? Who would forsake service to Krishna, which is dearer than nectar itself?” He continued, “Worldly pleasures are like dreams—impermanent, insignificant, untrue, and ultimately the cause of death. Just as a piece of flesh on a hook delights the fish only to ensnare it, so too does worldly enjoyment deceive.” Having spoken thus, Nārada fell silent before Brahmā. Overcome by anger at his son’s words, Brahmā pronounced a curse upon Nārada, “You will become a playful deer, restless and eager for women, greedy and lustful. You will be charming to those in the bloom of youth and beauty, skilled in the science of love, and exceedingly attached to passion. Among the Gandharvas, you will possess a beautiful, melodious voice, skilled in singing. Yet you will also be wise, sweet-spoken, calm, virtuous, handsome, and intelligent. With the Gandharvas, you will enjoy divine pleasures for a hundred thousand years in a secluded forest. But, O child, by the association of Vaiṣṇavas and by partaking of food sanctified by them, I will again grant you that ancient, divine knowledge.” Thus having spoken, Brahmā, lord of the worlds, fell silent before his son. Nārada replied, “Alas, the anger of the ascetic creator has not truly fallen upon me. A wise man should abandon or even curse a son who has strayed from the path. Yet, may my birth be among those devoted to Brahman, in whatever wombs they may be. If a son of the sustainer of the worlds has no devotion to the feet of Hari, let him be born, even in the wombs of swine, with remembrance of past lives and devotion to Hari, desiring the honey-like sweetness of devotion to the lotus feet of Govinda.” He continued, “O grandsire, even the holy places yearn for the touch of Vaiṣṇavas. By the mere instruction of a mantra, people are liberated in Bhārata. Simply by receiving the mantra, sins accumulated over millions of births are destroyed. Sons, wives, disciples, servants, and relatives—a guru who, gaining the trust of disciples, leads them astray—what kind of teacher, father, master, or son is he?” “O Four-faced One, I have been cursed by you though I am without fault. With armor, hymns, and worship, Manu and his mind—may you, O father, be unworthy of worship among all beings for three kalpas. Now, O virtuous one, your share in sacrifices and in vows is lost.” Having spoken thus, Nārada fell silent before his father.