Thus, when prompted, the wise parrot began to recount all the deeds of his past. Whatever had been disagreeable to him was equally unwelcome to the great sage who was absorbed in austerity. This parrot, none other than Śuka—the illustrious son of Vyasa—had himself performed intense austerities. At that time, many revered sages arrived at the place: Asita and Devala, followed by Aṅgirās, Taittirīya, Raibhya, Kāṇva, Medhātithi, and Kṛta, as well as Vāmadeva, Āśvaśirā, Triśīrṣa, Gautama, and Udara. All these sages approached Śuka and questioned him about the code of righteousness. Śuka then spoke of his own youthful days, saying, “Though I was devoted to faith, I strayed in childhood, even while outwardly following good conduct. My teacher constantly forbade me, for I would speak unjustly. I was caught between preliminary arguments and established conclusions, each seeking to surpass the other. Thus, my teacher and the eminent sages restrained me.” Out of anger, Śuka pronounced a curse upon him: “This boy is a mere prattler.” As soon as these words were spoken, he became Śuka’s younger brother. The sages regarded Śuka, the great soul, as the foremost knower of true meaning. Then it was declared, “In a future time, O good one, I shall grant a boon to this Śuka. He will always be devoted to the welfare of the virtuous. After dying in Mathurā, he will ascend to the world of Brahmā. Constantly, without fatigue, he will utter ‘Mathurā’ and ‘Mathura’ aloud.” The parrot continued, “I was captured by a Śabara, who kept me in a cage. Yet, by the sage’s grace, knowledge never abandons me at any time. Be at peace, O highly fortunate one; do not let your mind fall into sorrow.” Those words, pleasing to the heart, bestowed liberation upon Śuka. The parrot explained, “I am residing there, O gentle one, having come here for the purpose of trade; again, we wish to return there, taking our goods as we please.” Upon hearing that Gokarna was a resident of Mathura, the parrot responded accordingly. As the parrot spoke, Shabari arose from her bed. Surrounded by attendants, possessing a charming and beautiful form, she received the dear guest—most worthy of honor and pure. According to the parrot’s words, arrangements were made for his worship. In Shabari’s presence, the parrot again performed the honoring of the guest, offering fruits mixed with meat and fragrant honey. Addressed by Shabari, Gokarna spoke: “Let this parrot and its cage be given to me for the sake of my son.” As soon as these words were spoken, Shabari replied, “When the fruit of Sarasvati is given, I will give you the parrot. Whatever fruit a man obtains at the confluence of Sarasvati—” She continued, “The fruit spoken of regarding the confluence, one should hear about the vow of the twelfth day. For whom one performs the vow, he attains the supreme state. He does not go to the city of Yama; he goes to the world of Vishnu.” Thus, the one hundred seventieth chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, describing the greatness of Gokarna and Sarasvati, concludes. Then, Sri Varaha spoke: “Entering, one should take that merit and dedicate it to one’s mother and father.