In the depths of his heart, the sage contemplated the Supreme, who dwells within the lotus of the heart, transcending both knowledge and ignorance. This Supreme Being is unborn, subtler than the subtlest, and utterly free from all limiting conditions. Known as Vishnu, the very abode of the universe, the sage sought refuge in Him alone. He recognized that Vishnu is more worthy of worship than the most worshipful, serene beyond compare, and so the sage surrendered himself at the Lord’s feet. Superior to all, eternal and all-pervading, imperishable, the sage bowed to Him with reverence. Free from the taint of ignorance, this Supreme Self is praised as the highest of all, the best among the best, unborn and beyond even the highest conception—before Him, the sage bowed low. The Lord is of the very nature of knowledge, the treasure-house and foundation of all wisdom, pervading everything; and so the sage worshipped Him. Just as the sun blazes forth, so too does the Lord shine in the form of the sun and as Indra, the lord of sacrifice. The sage worshipped that Person, who is inconceivable to speech and mind, of infinite power, and knowable only through true knowledge. Taking refuge in Him whose fullness sustains all worlds, immeasurable and vast, the sage bowed to the Primal One, honored by all sacrifices, who grants satisfaction and is endowed with mighty strength. The Lord is the lover of virtue, the fulfiller of desires, unattached and beyond the senses, holding the universe in His embrace, free from all craving. The sage declared, “I do not worship that which is merely composed of speech or life-breath, but that which is realized through the diversity of knowledge and established in the imagination.” He reflected, “Even the gods, beginning with the lotus-born Brahma, know Him only in part—how then can I, desiring only to please Him, hope to comprehend His true nature?” With humility, the sage cried out, “O ocean of compassion, protect me! I am afflicted by fear; again and again I take refuge in You.” In response, the Blessed Lord, the treasury of splendor, revealed Himself before the sage. He appeared adorned with a shining crown, brilliant earrings, a resplendent necklace, and gleaming armlets. A pearl graced His nose, enhancing the radiance of His half-divine form. His feet, worshipped with tender tulasi leaves, shone with great brilliance. Beholding this wondrous vision, the foremost of Brahmins fell flat upon the ground in reverence. He cried out, “O slayer of Mura, protect me, protect me!”—his mind filled with nothing but devotion. The Lord, pleased, addressed the best of sages, “Choose a boon, dear one.” Again bowing, the sage spoke to Janardana, the God of gods: “May I have firm devotion to You, birth after birth. Whether I am born as an insect, bird, beast, reptile, demon, spirit, or human—wherever I am, O Keshava, by Your grace may I have unwavering, unswerving devotion to You alone.” The Lord of the worlds replied, “Let it be so.” Touching the sage with the edge of His conch, He granted him divine knowledge, rare even among yogis. As the foremost of Brahmins praised Him, Janardana, the God of gods, smiled, placed His hand upon the sage’s head, and spoke: “Go to the abode of Nara and Narayana; you will attain liberation. After fulfilling all desires, one ultimately becomes a recipient of liberation.” Thus, Uttanka—the sage—went to the abode of Nara and Narayana. It is declared that supreme devotion to Hari grants the fruits of all desires. Worshipping Madhava daily in the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, Uttanka attained that supreme abode of Vishnu, which is difficult to attain. Narayana, Lord of the universe, ever increases the welfare of His devotees. One who desires happiness here and hereafter should worship Him with devotion, for such a one, freed from all sins, goes to the abode of Hari. This sacred narrative destroys all sins, is holy, and grants both enjoyment and liberation to people. To those who listen and speak it—especially the devotees—I bow, for by their association, people attain liberation.