The Brahmins, angered by his actions, uttered fierce curses and spoke words of reproach against him. Proud of their own strength, they struck him with clods of earth and with sticks. They questioned him sharply about his vows, asking by whom such a vow had been demonstrated, and whether this sort of behavior had ever been performed by Brahmā or by Viṣṇu himself. “Do not mock the Lord of gods,” they warned, “for today you are indeed condemned to death by us.” Yet the supreme Lord, undisturbed, smiled gently and addressed all the Brahmins assembled before him. “All of you are compassionate, firmly established in the spirit of friendship.” But those twice-born Brahmins were, in truth, deluded by the powerful illusion of that very god. As they struck him, his anger grew fierce. With his hair tied up and carrying clubs, living off the wives of others, he pronounced that for those Brahmins who had attacked him, neither their sons, nor their fathers’ wealth, nor their knowledge would remain with them. They would be reduced to begging fiercely, subsisting on the food of others. Yet, for those Brahmins who had shown him compassion even as he was being struck, he declared that women born in noble families would become his favorites. When the twice-born realized the true nature of the one they had confronted—that he was none other than Śaṅkara—they departed, filled with awe. They bathed in Rudra’s sacred lake and recited the Śatarudriya hymn in reverence. “I have not spoken falsehood,” the Lord declared, “and how can there be happiness even for those who act according to their own will?” He continued, “Those Brahmins who are peaceful, self-controlled, and devoted to me, and those who are devoted to Janārdana and engaged in the Agnihotra rituals, no misfortune will ever befall them, for their minds are established in friendship.” Thus, having received both a curse and a boon from the great Lord of gods, the Brahmins stood before him and offered prayers to Virāñci, the Grandfather Brahmā. Satisfied by Brahmā’s words, the foremost among the twice-born felt content. Some sages said, “Let us choose the Vedas,” while others declared, “What use have we for wealth when the Grandfather is pleased?” They wished for peaceful and prosperous worlds to arise for them through the granting of boons. Yet, in their desire for boons, some even prepared to fight one another. Some sages remained indifferent, and others kept silent. Among holy places, this site was proclaimed the foremost; among all sacred fields, it was the highest. After this profound conversation, the chief of the sages immediately took up residence there. It was said that merely by seeing these sages, one would not behold the realm of Yama, the lord of death. Even one who had slain a Brahmin would not have to see Yama’s world. These sages descended in the Yadu lineage, possessing divine forms and radiant splendor. Having slain the wicked Kaṃsa and the mighty Cāṇūra, they installed Ugrasena as king. Then, a voice spoke: “Tell me, what should I do for you now that your son has been killed?” And the reply came, “Everything will be accomplished, O Krishna, for nothing is difficult for you.” They were instructed, “Go to Ujjayinī; there you will become accomplished in knowledge.” Obediently, they went and mastered the Vedas and all codes of conduct, so well that the knowledge seemed ever present at the tips of their tongues. In just sixty-four days and nights, O sage, this wondrous feat was accomplished. Reflecting on their achievement, the onlooker considered them as resplendent as the moon and the sun come together.