In days of old, there were thousands of Brahmins and tens of thousands of women, yet amidst all these, my mind never once became disturbed. Seeking guidance, I implored, “By giving instruction, you ought to show your favor.” There was an eminent Brahmin who, regarding someone as a brahmin-slayer and a doer of evil deeds, purified himself with a bath and then approached the liṅga of liberation. At that very moment, his divine body dissolved into the liṅga, and he realized suddenly, “Liberation has been attained, O beautiful-faced one.” But the hunter, bound by sin and lacking concentration, did not attain the supreme form nor liberation. Entering the water, he undertook great austerity. After some time, he came to the river. As he moved within the water, a tiger sought to seize him. Even as the tiger attacked, the mantra was remembered. At that very moment, his life departed, and he became a blessed man, adorned with divine ornaments. He declared, “I am going to that place where Viṣṇu, the eternal, abides.” Hearing this, the Brahmin asked, “Who are you, O best of men?” The reply came: “I am known as Dīrghabāhu, expert in all dharmas. I know what is auspicious and inauspicious; I am omniscient upon the earth.” He continued, “On one particular day, O Brahmins, all were filled with anger. Because of the disrespect shown to the Brahmins, I became a meat-eater, bringing fear. Thus, in former times, I was addressed by those Brahmins who were accomplished in the Vedas. Then all those Brahmins, having bowed to me, O sage, spoke thus. I know the power of the Brahmins and the great fortune of the wise. Likewise, I know the brilliance of ascetics whose souls are purified. Because of the insult to the Brahmins, Vātāpi became wicked in nature. The fire was made to consume all things by Bhṛgu for another reason. Keśava was born in ten forms, difficult to cross, for the protection of Brahman. The divine physicians, the Ashvins, together with the great-souled Cyavana, and Kārtavīrya Arjuna with his thousand arms, all appeared. In ancient times, Indra and Vasiṣṭha protected the three celestial realms. And all the rulers of worlds and the lords of the visible and invisible, all preceded by Brahmins. If angered, those who are manifestly seen could reduce this world to ashes. Anger is vast and immediately brings about direct consequences. One should always protect prosperity from anger, and wealth from jealousy. Out of ignorance, I committed sin, O divine one, through royal pride. Then, all the satisfied Brahmins joyfully spoke these words to me: ‘You will become an eater of flesh for a certain period, O king.’ But one who was submerged in water uttered, ‘Salutations to Nārāyaṇa.’ In this way, you also spoke, ‘Salutations to Nārāyaṇa.’ By your grace, O virtuous one, I have now been born with a divine body. Accept a boon from me, and let any doubt that remains in your heart be dispelled. By giving you this instruction, I am able to free myself from my obligation.” Hearing these words from him, that Brahmin, now possessing a divine body...