In the sacred narrative, it is declared that without serving great souls, devotion to Hari is not easily attained. This profound truth sets the stage as a father addresses his child with awe, asking, “O child, how did your extraordinary resolve arise?” He marvels at the devotion that has blossomed toward the Blessed Lord, expressing his wonder at such a rare and precious occurrence. Bhadraśīla, the best among sages, then carefully questioned his father. In response, Bhadraśīla faithfully recounted to his father all the actions he had undertaken, describing them exactly as they had occurred. He explained, “Because I remember my past births, I know what was spoken by Yama.” Pleased by his son’s wisdom, the father spoke kindly to Bhadraśīla, who possessed great insight, and urged him, “Of whom, or for what reason, all this—please tell me.” Bhadraśīla revealed that he was known as Dharmakīrti, instructed by the command of Dattātreya. He confessed that he had performed both unrighteous and righteous acts in abundance. By associating with wicked heretics, he had adopted their ways and, harassed by them, had completely abandoned the Vedic path. Witnessing his engagement in unrighteousness, the sons of Mahesha took notice. He continued, “Always engaged in sinful conduct and addicted to vices, I entered the forest with my army, killing many kinds of animals. Overcome by the fierce heat of the sun, I bathed in the sacred Reva river. Alone, without my army, I was tormented by hunger. At the break of night, I saw a woman devoted to the vow of Ekadashi. Even though I was alone, I kept vigil through the night. At the end of that vigil, dear one, death overtook me.” He described how, at that moment, he saw a being with a terrifying face and protruding fangs approaching him. Seeking guidance, he implored, “Tell me properly, O learned one, the prescribed discipline for him.” The being pondered for a long time, and then this thought arose: “On Ekadashi, by fasting, one is freed from all sins. By keeping vigil and fasting, one attains sinlessness.” All the sins that had burdened him were destroyed by the power of the fast. Moved by compassion, the being bowed to the ground before Bhadraśīla. Then he summoned all his attendants and issued a command: “Bring before me those mortals who are devoted to the path of righteousness. Those who always say, ‘Narayana, Achyuta, Hari, be our refuge’—release them at once, for the peaceful ones say this constantly. Those who are always peaceful and speak for the good of all the world—let my attendants stay far from them; I have no authority over such as these. Abandon at once those who are always engaged in giving to worthy recipients, who are truly destitute, and who are devoted to the name of Hari. Likewise, abandon those messengers who regard Shiva and Hari with equal mind, and those intent on helping others among men.” He continued, “But bring to my house those sinners who are not gladdened by the sprinkling of water from the feet of the wise. Messengers, bring here those who delight in deceiving the gods, who destroy people, and who are devoted to wrongdoing. Bring here the one who destroys the village, who is utterly hostile, and who is greedy for the wealth of Brahmins. Also, bring here by force those extremely wicked fools who never go to Vishnu’s temple.” Bhadraśīla remembered that the condemned act he had committed was burned away by his repentance. There, in that very place, all his sins, without exception, were destroyed. Finally, Yama, shining like a thousand suns, bowed to him, recognizing the transformation brought by devotion, repentance, and the power of righteous observance.