O goddess, in that sacred place, I always remain for the welfare of the worlds. Especially at the solstices, the equinoxes, and during the auspicious Viṣṇupadī times, my field there—renowned as Akrura—shines in glory, O Earth. Bathing in those holy waters bestows upon a person the merit of both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. Indeed, the fruit of bathing there is equal to that of bathing at Prayāga itself. Among my devoted followers, there is one by the name of Sudhana, who is ever steadfast in his devotion to me. In his home, he enjoys unsurpassed affection with his relatives, sons, and wife. The days, months, and years of his life pass peacefully, for he is honest in all his dealings—never does he commit fraud in weights or measures. He dedicates himself to the excellent worship of Hari, offering divine gifts and fragrant incense with reverence. He observes fasts and keeps vigil through the night as well. One day, Sudhana arrived at this sacred place and, with an auspicious appearance, danced before me in worship. But as he was moving in devotion, a Brahma-rākṣasa suddenly seized him by the feet. Grasping him tightly, the Brahma-rākṣasa spoke out to the earth, declaring, “I am a rākṣasa, O best of merchants, dwelling in this forest.” Sudhana, undaunted, replied, “Do you intend to devour my body, which has been nourished with delicious food? O rākṣasa, I wish to keep vigil for the Lord of gods. Allow me to complete my vigil here; in the morning, in your presence, you may then eat my body. Please, do not break my vow, for it is for Nārāyaṇa.” Hearing Sudhana’s words, the Brahma-rākṣasa—tormented by hunger—said, “You speak falsely, good man. How will you return again?” The merchant responded calmly, “Sages who have mastered the Vedas attain success through truth. The human state is gained by the prescribed inner self. Here, after keeping vigil, one dances as one wishes. A maiden is given in marriage through truth; Brahmins speak truthfully. People desire heaven through truth; liberation itself is attained by truth. Yama takes by truth; Indra shines by truth. “If I do not return to you, I will be stained by the sins of those who, afflicted by lust and delusion, approach another’s wife. Likewise, if someone gives land as a gift and then causes harm, or enjoys a woman and seeks only pleasure and sport, or breaks the dining line among those eating in a single row, or, after performing a great protective śrāddha on the new moon, goes to a woman—if I do not return, their sin becomes mine. On the eighth and new moon, and on both sides’ fourteenth day, if a dull-minded person approaches his teacher, brother, son, friend, or maternal uncle, their sin also becomes mine if I do not come before you. Thus, I am stained by all these sins if I do not return as I have promised.” In this way, Sudhana spoke with unwavering truth and devotion, upholding his vow and the sanctity of his worship.