Be at peace, O highly fortunate one; do not let your mind fall into sorrow—such gentle and comforting words were spoken, words so pleasing to the heart that they bestowed liberation upon Śuka. In that place, I reside, O gentle soul, having come here for the purpose of trade; and now, it is our wish to return, taking our goods as we please. When it was heard that Gokarna was a resident of Mathura, the parrot, attentive and wise, took note. As these conversations unfolded, Shabari herself arose from her bed, surrounded by her attendants, her form both charming and beautiful. With great warmth and reverence, she received her dear guest—pure and most worthy of honor. Following the parrot’s words, arrangements were made for the guest’s worship. In Shabari’s presence, the parrot once again saw to it that all honors were properly bestowed. Fruits mixed with meat and fragrant honey were offered, a feast of welcome. Thus 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 sacred confluence of the Sarasvati—” She explained further: “The fruit spoken of at the confluence is attained by observing the vow of the twelfth day. For whom one performs this vow, that person attains the supreme state. He does not go to the city of Yama; instead, he goes to the world of Vishnu.” Thus concludes the one hundred seventieth chapter, describing the greatness of Gokarna and Sarasvati, in the glorious Varaha Purana. Sri Varaha continued: When one enters that sacred place and gains merit, one should dedicate it to one’s mother and father. Having recounted all the deeds of the parrot, the wise one—having attained happiness, approval in his dealings, and honor—once more turned his mind toward returning there, intending to act as a merchant. He declared his intention: “I will bring many things here, together with jewel-appraisers and people who travel the sea.” With this resolve, he departed, gathering provisions of food and drink suitable for the journey. He received auspicious blessings from his mother and father at the house of the deity. He said, “You all will perform every service for my father,” and to the women, “Ladies, you must do my duties as is fitting.” Granted permission by his wives, he then went to the vessel prepared for travel. All boarded the ship, accompanied by the shipmen. But then, by the force of fate, a contrary wind arose. The shipmen became unconscious, bewildered, and weak. They cried out in distress, “Alas, what misery! What is this? Where are we going?” Harsh words were spoken in confusion, and suspicion grew among them. They asked, “Who among us, the most sinful, has boarded and brought this ruin upon us?” As they lamented, four of them gathered together. Among them arose mutual reproach and accusation. “A man without a son has no destiny,” they all agreed, recognizing the gravity of their fate. They wondered, “What is appropriate in this difficult time that has now come upon us?” Then Śuka spoke, “I will do all that is necessary; do not let your mind be troubled.” Thus comforting his father, he swiftly lifted him up. Moving low, he protected his father through those very difficult and impassable waters.