Seeking protection, Gokarṇa made his way to a splendid mountain, longing for safety and guidance. There, the birds counseled him, saying, “Follow your father’s path and approach the raft.” Gokarṇa agreed, promising, “I will step into the water wherever you place your feet.” He added, “By plunging my beak into the water, I will drive away the aquatic creatures.” With swift care, the bird carried Gokarṇa across, finally reaching the back of Jatayu. Jatayu, with a deep and gentle voice befitting a noble soul, addressed Gokarṇa warmly. Before them lay a lake brimming with lotuses, sparkling with jewels and precious stones. Gokarṇa gathered flowers and worshipped Keśava, the Lord, and upon seeing him, withdrew to a secluded spot, remaining there with the parrot’s consent. In a moment, the deities returned, just as they had before, to welcome Gokarṇa, who was tormented by hunger yet steadfast in Brahman and blessed with a great soul. They said, “Give Gokarṇa what will satisfy him for three months.” After fulfilling this, they reassured him, “May you be free from fear; do not grieve.” The goddesses departed, but each day they returned, bringing their gifts and blessings. Then, the boat was lifted by a favorable wind, carrying many precious jewels and other treasures. When they sought Gokarṇa’s presence, he was nowhere to be found, and they cried out in distress. Overcome by shame, it was believed he had sunk into the abode of the makaras, the aquatic creatures. They resolved, “We shall give each his proper share of the jewels, the highest portion.” Meanwhile, Gokarṇa, dwelling on the island, was overwhelmed with sorrow. Confused by the mantra, the parrot reported the matter to his father. The parrot explained, “I have gone to Mathurā, and on the way, at the ocean covered with water, I must certainly go; let permission be granted.” His father replied, “Go, my son, to Mathurā and observe my present condition.” Thus instructed, the parrot responded, “So be it,” and boarded the boat. Having heard that Gokarṇa was in dire straits and had died, the others took it to heart. They pleaded, “O bird, for our survival, you must act.” Through the parrot’s wisdom and conversation, kept even in the cage, guidance was found. Soon, a caravan arrived, its riches rivaling the ocean, filled with jewels. All twenty members, each accompanied by those from the sea, were honored and sent home. They served the merchant as devotedly as they would their own father. Thus concludes the one hundred seventy-first chapter in the glorious Varaha Purana, extolling the greatness of Gokarṇa. Sri Varaha continued: On the first day, as was the custom, and again on the thirteenth, the goddesses practiced their arts, becoming skilled in dance and song. Gokarṇa, engrossed in their company, forgot his home entirely. Yet, their faces grew pale and dejected, their ornaments and garments broken. Their bodies became deformed, covered in wounds and flowing with blood. For one without a son, there is no path, no heaven, nor anything else. Understanding this, Gokarṇa asked about the change in their appearance. The goddesses replied, “That Lord is time itself, by whom good deeds are enjoyed.