I know well the radiant brilliance of ascetics whose souls have been purified through their practices. But once, due to the insult inflicted upon Brahmins, Vātāpi became corrupted in nature, turning wicked. There was another reason as well: the sage Bhṛgu empowered fire to consume all things. For the protection of Brahman, Keśava was born in ten formidable forms, each difficult to overcome. 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, too, safeguarded the three celestial realms. Alongside them were all the rulers of worlds, the visible and invisible lords, all preceded and guided by Brahmins. If angered, these manifest beings could reduce the world to ashes. Anger is vast and swiftly brings about its consequences. Therefore, one should always protect prosperity from anger and guard wealth from jealousy. Out of ignorance and royal pride, I committed sin, O divine one. Then, all the Brahmins, satisfied, joyfully addressed 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 the same way, you too spoke, “Salutations to Nārāyaṇa.” By your grace, O virtuous one, I have now been born with a divine body. Please accept a boon from me, and let any lingering doubt in your heart be dispelled. By imparting this instruction to you, I fulfill my obligation. Hearing these words, the Brahmin with the divine body responded: “Today my knowledge is fruitful; today my austerity is fruitful.” After bathing, embodied beings who hear the words spoken by the god see a body made of light—the eternal form of Brahman. “I wish to hear the reason for this,” said the Brahmin, “for it has long remained in my heart. Even though I practiced yoga for thirteen years, a doubt has arisen within me. Tell me the cause in detail.” Hearing this, the other spoke: “O sage, liberation is very difficult to attain without quickly worshipping Mahādeva. Listen attentively, O Brahmin, and make every effort as is proper. When I was cursed by those Brahmins, I felt greatly satisfied. O best of Brahmins, one who desires liberation at the time of great death attains liberation. Before that Liṅga, which is the Lord of Liberation, you must speak.” Indeed, the karma previously marked does not leave the embodied being. Hearing these words, that Brahmin, foremost knower of Brahman, said, “By fortune you have come, O king; by fortune I have met you.” Having spoken thus, the king and the Brahmin together approached the Mukti Liṅga. In that very moment, both dissolved their bodies into that Liṅga. By the touch of this Liṅga, liberation is attained—not otherwise. Even one beset with sin reaches the supreme state. O fools, what use are austerities, what use are gifts and observances? The hosts of gods do not know me, nor the Asuras, nor the great sages.