Once, there was a Brahmin who, having fallen into bad ways, became intoxicated with wine and began to eat the flesh of cows and other wretched things. His conduct soon brought him trouble, and even the king began to harass him. Unable to bear this, the Brahmin fled into a deserted forest, seeking refuge. Yet, despite his past, the company of virtuous people left its mark upon him. Influenced by their goodness, he began to give food freely and without restraint to others. Always devoted to righteousness, he cared for the virtuous with great effort and unwavering dedication. For one who gives generously to the worthy and remains steadfast on the path of righteousness, the fruits of the wish-fulfilling tree are said to be enjoyed only by the immortals. This Brahmin, named Yajñamālī, was always fully engaged in service within the house of Vishnu. At the same time, there was another named Sumālī. In due course, both Yajñamālī and Sumālī died at the same time. At that moment, Lord Hari sent a celestial chariot, surrounded by divine attendants, to receive Yajñamālī. He was honored by hosts of gods and praised by great sages. Adorned with wondrous ornaments and nourished by the wish-fulfilling cow, Yajñamālī began his journey along the divine path to Vishnu’s abode. On his way, he saw a man running here and there, lamenting helplessly. This man was tormented, crying and restrained by guards, and the sight troubled Yajñamālī’s mind. With joined palms, he asked the divine attendants, “Who is this being, so grievously tormented by the guards?” They replied, “This is Sumālī, your brother, who is sinful.” Distressed at heart, Yajñamālī asked again, “Tell me the means for his release, for you are indeed my kinsmen.” Among the virtuous, he reflected, friendship is established by seven steps; among the good, even by three steps. Even among the good, those who travel together may find friendship or enmity at every step. “Therefore,” he said, “since this is my brother, if he can be released, let it be told here.” With smiling faces, the divine attendants spoke to Yajñamālī, beloved of Hari: “We shall tell you a means, O Sumālī, that grants both love and liberation. Listen attentively, for I will explain it briefly. The sins you have committed are indeed countless. Once, abandoned by your relatives, you were afflicted by grief and sorrow. At that time, there was a rain, and the place where you stayed became muddy. That place, having become smeared, was in a temple of Vishnu. There, you were bitten by a snake and met your death. As a result, you attained birth as a Brahmin and, with unwavering devotion to Hari, dwelt there, gaining knowledge. Through this, you will attain supreme liberation. Now, I shall tell you the means—listen, O wise one. Give, O highly fortunate one, and rescue your brother with compassion.” Moved by their words, Yajñamālī gave the fruit of his merit to his brother for the removal of his sin. Instantly, the messengers of Yama, the god of death, abandoned Sumālī and fled away. At that moment, O sage, Sumālī ascended to heaven and rejoiced. The two brothers embraced each other in great joy, and, sung by the Gandharvas, they journeyed together to Vishnu’s world. There, Yajñamālī dwelled with his brother for a full kalpa, filled with happiness. In that very place, endowed with knowledge, he ultimately attained supreme liberation.