At that time, the father—a devoted worshiper of the Lord—had become extremely weak, his body frail with age and suffering. The son, deeply concerned, approached a revered master and asked, “O master, please tell me: when will my father die?” He went on to confess with worry, “My father has continually eaten food prepared by Shudras, O best of the twice-born.” The master gently explained, “That food prepared by Shudras is present at your father’s feet. Death will come to him who is deprived of Shudra food.” Hearing these words from his son, the father was overcome with self-reproach and sorrow. He left his father’s side and, burdened by grief and weakness, made his way to his father-in-law’s house, wishing only for death. Finding a stone nearby, he took it up with his foot, and, in despair, abandoned his life, departing to the realm of Time. When the son saw his father unconscious, he was overwhelmed with grief and wept bitterly. Yet, he said again, “He is not fit for funeral rites.” Citing the sage Apastamba, it was said that for one who gives up his own life, a penance should be prescribed, but the water-offering rite should not be performed. The son, thus afflicted, went to his father-in-law’s house. There, he was told, “You have incurred the sin of Brahmin-slaying; go wherever you wish.” The son protested, “I have never caused the death of a Brahmin at any time.” Hearing his words, the father-in-law replied, “Because of that fault, O sage, you have incurred the result of killing a Brahmin. Within a year, that sin will fall upon you, accompanying the one who has fallen.” Upon hearing these words, the son-in-law responded, and the Brahmin, steadfast in his vows, answered in turn. Yet it was declared to him, “Nowhere else is your purification possible, O slayer of a father.” After a long time wandering, he arrived at the city of Mathura. There, it was known that King Kuśika resided in the city of Kanyāpura, where two thousand Brahmins gathered to partake in his great sacrifice. Still, the burden of guilt remained. Meanwhile, after much time had passed, worry arose in the mind of the father-in-law. He urged his daughter, “Go to that city of Mathura.” By divine knowledge, she was always present with her husband, faithfully supporting him. At the end of each day, she would take her food and depart, placing her vessel in a pit, and always residing at the site of the sacrifice. After a long while, the Brahmins at the sacrifice questioned the twice-born man about his story. He narrated his entire account to them in full. Upon hearing it, the Brahmins said, “You are a Shudra.” But then, by their declaration and authority, they re-established him as a Brahmin. For the purpose of bathing, he went to the sacred place called Chakratirtha. With a joyful heart, his wife spoke gentle and loving words to him. Hearing her affection, he replied, and in turn, she spoke again, assuring him, “By the power of Chakratirtha, you are freed, O best of the twice-born.