As the fierce tiger lunged in attack, the man recalled the sacred mantra. In that very instant, his life departed from his body. Freed from mortal bonds, he became a blessed soul, adorned with divine ornaments, his form radiant and celestial. In his new, luminous state, he declared, “I am now going to that realm where Viṣṇu, the eternal Lord, abides.” Hearing these words, a Brahmin nearby inquired with reverence, “Who are you, O best of men?” The radiant being replied, “I am known as Dīrghabāhu, skilled in all dharmas. I possess knowledge of what is auspicious and inauspicious; on earth, I am omniscient. Once, O Brahmins, anger took hold of everyone. Because of the disrespect shown to Brahmins, I became a meat-eater, a source of fear to others. In those days, Brahmins accomplished in the Vedas addressed me, and, after bowing to me, spoke these words. “I am well aware of the power of Brahmins and the great fortune that belongs to the wise. Likewise, I know the brilliance of ascetics whose souls are purified. Due to the insult to Brahmins, Vātāpi’s nature turned wicked. Bhṛgu caused the fire to consume all things for another reason. Keśava, the Lord, was born in ten forms, difficult to comprehend, to protect Brahman. The divine physicians, the Ashvins, together with the great-souled Cyavana, and mighty Kārtavīrya Arjuna with his thousand arms, all played their part. In ancient times, Indra and Vasiṣṭha protected the three celestial realms. All rulers of the worlds, both seen and unseen, are always led by Brahmins. “If angered, these manifest beings could reduce the world to ashes. Anger is immense and swiftly brings about direct consequences. Therefore, one must always guard prosperity from anger and wealth from jealousy. Out of ignorance, O divine one, I sinned through royal pride. “Eventually, the Brahmins, now satisfied, joyfully spoke to me: ‘For a certain period, O king, you will become an eater of flesh. But one submerged in water uttered, “Salutations to Nārāyaṇa.” In the same way, you too 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 lingers within your heart be dispelled. By giving you this instruction, I am freed from my obligation.’ “Hearing these words, the Brahmin, now possessing a divine body, was filled with joy and gratitude. ‘Today my knowledge is fruitful; today my austerity has borne fruit,’ he exclaimed. Those who listened to the words spoken by the god, after bathing, beheld a body made of pure light—the true, eternal form of Brahman. “Yet a question remained in the Brahmin’s heart, one that had long troubled him. ‘I wish to know the reason for this,’ he said. ‘Even though I practiced yoga devotedly for thirteen years, a doubt has arisen within me—please explain the cause in detail.’ “Hearing his earnest plea, Dīrghabāhu replied, ‘O sage, liberation is very difficult to attain without quickly worshipping Mahādeva, the Great Lord. Listen carefully, O Brahmin, and make every effort as is proper. When I was cursed by those Brahmins, I felt great satisfaction, for through their words and your devotion, I have now attained this blessed state.