O gentle soul, listen to this account of virtue, repentance, and grace. Even those who are virtuous do not destroy the wicked without just cause. The truly noble, with minds at peace, refrain from all forms of hostility. Such a person is recognized as the highest among men, always beloved of Vishnu. Like the sandalwood tree that, even when struck by the axe, imparts its fragrance to the very instrument that wounds it, so too does the virtuous one respond to harm with goodness. Though free from worldly attachments, the virtuous are still troubled by the wicked. Yet, they are never harmed by their equals—only by those who, like hunters, fishermen, and slanderers, become enemies without reason. For the sake of sons, friends, wives, and wealth, people willingly endure all manner of suffering, but in the end, they abandon everything and depart from this world alone. The sense of “mine” that so afflicts living beings is ultimately in vain. In this world and the next, virtue and vice remain together; there is nothing else. When food mixed with ghee is offered into the mouth of the departed, it is they who partake of it. But in truth, neither virtue nor vice, nor wealth, nor sons, nor relatives remain with a soul after death. For those who perform virtuous deeds, desire itself gradually fades away. Yet, people trouble themselves endlessly, striving to acquire and give away wealth, but all such efforts are ultimately fruitless. Those whose minds are steadfast in this understanding are never beset by anxiety. Only fate knows the mysteries of birth and death—none else can comprehend them. Still, people, even knowing this, persist in their fruitless endeavors. Even after committing grave sins, some strive diligently to benefit others, but it is only the foolish one who must bear the fruit of his own sin. It was then that Gulika, with palms joined in humility, repeatedly pleaded, “Forgive me.” Freed from sin and now truly repentant, the hunter spoke with a heavy heart: “All my sins have been destroyed, O best of Brahmins, simply by beholding you. What more can I do to atone? To whom shall I seek refuge, O Lord? Having committed so many sinful acts here, what will become of me? I have made no remedy for these deeds—what fate awaits me, or what will my next birth be? How long must I endure the consequences of my fierce actions, and through how many births?” Tormented by the fire of remorse burning within him, the hunter’s life came to an end at that very moment. The wise sage then anointed him with the holy water from Vishnu’s feet. At once, the hunter ascended a divine aerial chariot and, filled with gratitude, addressed the sage: “By your grace, I am freed from the armor of great sin. In this way, all my sins have been utterly destroyed. Through you, I have been brought to that supreme abode of Vishnu. Therefore, O wise one, I bow to you—please forgive whatever I have done.” With deep reverence, the hunter circumambulated the sage three times and offered his salutations. Surrounded by groups of radiant Apsaras, he then reached the temple of Hari. Placing his joined palms upon his head, he praised the Lord of Lakshmi. By the boon granted to him, Uktaṅka too attained the supreme abode. What kind of boon did the virtuous Uktaṅka receive? Witnessing the greatness of the holy water from Vishnu’s feet, Uktaṅka praised the Lord with heartfelt devotion.