In a time of great peril, one sought refuge in the deepest secret of the gods, that eternal Person whom the wise revere. With devotion and humility, he approached the everlasting Viṣṇu, the supreme Lord whose virtues surpass all others, and who stands as the highest refuge for those in distress. He turned to Viṣṇu, Janārdana, the mighty one, the very treasure of the Vedas and sovereign of the gods, seeking shelter and strength. With reverence, he approached Keśava, radiant in golden brilliance, adorned with a garland and clad in yellow garments. He took refuge in Acyuta, the steadfast Lord, whose power encompasses the might of the Ādityas, Rudras, Aśvins, and Vasus. He surrendered himself to the subtle, immovable, and most excellent one—the giver of fearlessness to all who seek him. He sought the supreme state, that which is attained by ascetics free of attachment, and devoted himself to the protector of devotees, the unfailing shelter for all who seek protection. With his heart full of faith, he surrendered to Janārdana, the very soul of yoga, the great and infinite spirit. Again and again, he turned to Nārāyaṇa, subtler than the subtlest, beloved of brāhmaṇas and Lord of the gods. With deepest homage, he praised the thousand-headed, infinite Lord, the supreme goal even for Brahmā and the other gods. All beings offered their praise to him, acknowledging him as the highest destination. In his supplication, he also called upon Subrahmaṇya, seeking protection and offering salutations. Pleased by such heartfelt devotion, Viṣṇu—the bearer of the conch, discus, and mace—was moved. Seated majestically upon Garuḍa, the support of all worlds and rich in austerity, the immeasurable Madhusūdana swiftly descended. With compassion, he lifted up the one who had sought his refuge, freeing the king of serpents from his bonds. The crocodile, having been slain by Kṛṣṇa, was granted passage to heaven. In that moment of crisis, the best of elephants and the gandharvas came together, united in worship of the Lord of the gods. Both paid him due homage, their hearts filled with gratitude and awe. It is said that those who are steadfast in devotion and remember this sacred tale will find their bad dreams dispelled, and auspicious dreams will arise in their place. Nārasiṃha and the king of serpents, who preside over creation and dissolution, are also remembered in this way. Those who do so are freed from all sins and attain worlds of great merit. Viṣṇu, in his grace, touched both the elephant and the Gandharva with his hand. He also took refuge in a brāhmaṇa wholly devoted to Nārāyaṇa. Because of the bonds of sin and the power of a curse, the wondrous deed of seizing had taken place, but now, by Viṣṇu’s compassion, liberation was granted. That blessed Lord Viṣṇu, whose ways are mysterious and unfathomable, then departed. The elephant and the Gandharva, filled with reverence, bowed to the great-souled Lord, Nārāyaṇa, Hari. With eyes wide in amazement, they praised Janārdana, marveling at the deliverance they had witnessed. Having seen the liberation of the elephant-king, one among them spoke, declaring that those who hear or recite this tale will attain the highest perfection, and their evil dreams will be destroyed. The liberation of the elephant here brings instant freedom from sin, and by reciting this sacred account, one is released from many bonds of sin, just as the elephant found liberation. With bowed head, they offered homage to that divine, secret, ancient Person—the most excellent Lord of all worlds. By praising, hearing, and contemplating him, a person’s sins are dispelled. Yet, elsewhere, there was one who delighted in harming others—base by nature and merciless. As his life neared its end, he was reborn as a terrible night-wanderer, a being who made his living by cruel deeds, driven by his own demonic nature.