Then, by the force of fate, a contrary wind suddenly arose, and all those aboard the raft were thrown into confusion. The shipmen became unconscious, bewildered, and weak, unable to comprehend what was happening to them. In their distress, they cried out with harsh voices, “Alas, what misery! What is this? Where are we going?” Their minds clouded, they began to suspect one another, faint and confused, searching for a cause to their misfortune. In their desperation, they wondered aloud, “Who among us is the most sinful, who has boarded and brought this ruin upon us?” As they lamented, four of them gathered together, and among them arose mutual reproach and accusation. Each looked to the other, seeking blame, and together they reached a somber conclusion: “A man without a son has no destiny.” In the midst of this distress, they pondered, “What is appropriate in this difficult time that has now come upon us?” At that moment, Śuka spoke, his voice calm and reassuring: “I will do all that is necessary; do not let your mind be troubled.” Thus comforting his father, Śuka swiftly lifted him up, moving low to the ground, and protected him as they struggled through the very difficult and impassable waters. As they journeyed, the parrot’s body bristled with goosebumps when he beheld a great mountain ahead. There, shining with wondrous radiance, he saw the abode of Vishnu. In awe, he wondered, “Who is this calf wandering here? When, and why? Yet, he is my father.” For a moment, Śuka was absorbed in thought about his father. Then, saying, “Salutations to Narayana,” he sat down upon an excellent seat. At that very moment, countless goddesses arrived there, just as she had before. The place was filled with singing, instrumental music, and dancing, and all enjoyed themselves as they pleased. On the right side of the goddess were the deities and the vulture birds, gathered together. Into this assembly, the parrot made his intention known and was placed in their midst. They comforted him and asked, “How did you come here?” The parrot replied, “My father is on the raft. Desiring his protection, I have come here to this excellent mountain.” The birds said to him, “Go near the raft, following your father’s path. Place your feet in the water, and I will step just as you do. By plunging my beak in, the aquatic creatures will perish.” Swiftly, he carried his father across and reached the back of Jatayu. With a deep, gentle voice, as a virtuous one should, he spoke from his heart and throat. Before them lay a lake filled with lotuses, adorned with jewels and precious stones. There, having gathered flowers, he worshipped the god Keśava. Upon seeing him, he withdrew and hid in a secluded place, remaining there with the parrot’s consent. In a moment, those deities returned again, just as before, to welcome Gokarṇa, who was tormented by hunger, steadfast in Brahman, and of great soul. They said, “Give to Gokarṇa that by which he will be satisfied for three months.” Having done so, they comforted him: “May you be free from fear; do not grieve.” Afterward, the goddesses departed, yet in this way, they came again every single day. Then, a favorable wind arose and carried the boat upward. Many jewels of great value were brought forth, along with many other treasures. When they sought his presence and did not find him, they cried out in distress, “Overcome by shame, he has surely sunk down into the abode of the makaras.” Still, they resolved, “We shall give each his proper share of the jewels, the highest portion.” Thus, Gokarṇa, dwelling on the island, was overwhelmed with sorrow. Because of confusion regarding the mantra, the parrot reported all that had happened to his father.