Soot said: The king, contemplating that action, which is indeed blameworthy, became very disturbed; alas, I have acted in a lowly and unworthy manner towards the concealed energy of the Brahman.

Surely, my affliction caused by the divine play is not too long; may I not act again in a way that brings such suffering upon me.

Today, may the fire of the Brahmanas, which is provoked, burn away the wealth and strength of the wicked, and may I not be afflicted by the sinful intelligence of the twice-born and the gods.

While contemplating thus, he heard from the sage's son about the serpent Takshaka. He thought it was good and soon became detached from the cause of attachment.

Having abandoned this world and deliberated on it as something to be discarded, he sat down, desiring to serve the feet of Krishna, near the mortal river.

That very Tulasi, mixed with the beautiful form of Krishna's feet, purifies the worlds from fear. Who would not serve her while facing death?

Thus, having separated from the Pandavas, he contemplated on the feet of Vishnu and thought of Mukunda with unwavering devotion, free from all attachments.

There, the great sages, endowed with noble qualities, along with their disciples, gathered together. Indeed, the virtuous purify the holy places through their own visits.

Among them were Atri, Vasistha, Cyavana, Sharadvana, Rishtanemi, Bhargava, Angira, Parashara, the son of Gadhi, Rama, Uthathya, and Indra-pramadeva.

Medhatithi, Devala, Arshthishena, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Pippalada, Maitreya, Aurva, Kavasha, Kumbhayoni, Dvaipayana, and the Lord Narada.

Others, including the divine sages, the best among the Brahmarishis, the best among the Rajarishis, and the Arunas, all of them, having assembled, the king worshipped them with his head bowed.

Seated comfortably, they were greeted with respectful salutations by the one who desired to offer his own wishes, who was present there, with a focused mind and hands raised in reverence.

The king said: Alas, we are the most fortunate among kings, endowed with great virtues. The lineage of kings, far removed from the purity of Brahmins, is indeed engaged in despicable deeds.

Indeed, in my house, the Lord of the Universe, who is the essence of my sins, is constantly present, and where the root of despair, resembling a curse from a Brahmin, quickly brings fear.

Let the learned ones approach him, and may the Ganges and the goddess, who is steadfast in mind, also come forth. Whether it be a deceiver or a Takshaka, let them sing the glories of Vishnu.

May there be renewed devotion to the Infinite Lord, and may the discussions about Him flourish in those who shelter Him. To the great ones, wherever I go, I bow to the Brahmins everywhere.

Thus, the king, determined and steadfast, remains facing the east, burdened with the weight of his daughter-in-law, in the ancient roots of the Kushas.

Thus, when the Lord of men, the Supreme Being, was seated, the assembly of gods in heaven praised Him, showering flowers with joy, while the drums resounded repeatedly.

The great sages who had gathered there praised Him, approving of His virtuous qualities, and spoke of the essence of His benevolence towards all beings, which is adorned with the qualities of the Supreme Lord.

This is not a strange thing, O best of kings, that those who are devoted to Krishna abandon the royal crown and immediately attain the divine realm.

All of us are indeed here today in this body, until he departs, and then he will go to the higher, pure, and sorrowless world, the one who is devoted to the Bhagavata.

Listening to the words of the sages, Parikshit, the son of the Madhu dynasty, spoke about the glories of Vishnu, having not yet rejoiced in the stories of His deeds.

All the Vedas have gathered here, just as the three-headed deity manifests. No one here, whether in this world or the next, can achieve anything without the grace of the Supreme Self.

Then, I am asking you this question, O wise ones, with full confidence. While those who are pure and engaged in their duties are dying, let us be united in that pure action.

There appeared the Lord, the son of Vyasa, unexpectedly, unattached, with an unmanifested form, satisfied with his own gain, dressed like a child.

He was two years old, with delicate limbs, beautiful arms, and a charming face, resembling the moon, with a neck like a conch.

With a hidden throat, broad chest, and a belly that is well-rounded, he was naked, with scattered hair on his face, and long arms.

The dark one, always adorned with the beauty of women, with a charming smile, arose from his seat. The sages, knowing his qualities, also rose, recognizing his hidden splendor.

Vishnu, having welcomed the guest, offered him worship with his head. Then, the wise women and children, having finished their tasks, entered the great seat, honored.

Surrounded by great sages, the divine sage, the king of sages, shone like the moon, protected by the stars and constellations.

The king approached the tranquil sage, who was seated and undisturbed, bowed his head, offered his palms in reverence, and inquired with sweet words.

Parikshit said: 'Alas! Today we, O Brahman, are the relatives of the Kshatriyas, made holy by you in the form of a guest.'

By remembering whom, the houses of men are immediately purified; what to speak of the purity attained by seeing, touching, and sitting at their feet.

From your presence, O great yogi, even the greatest sins of men are immediately destroyed, just like the sins of the gods before Vishnu.

Is my Lord Krishna, the beloved of the Pandavas, pleased with me? For the sake of the affection of my ancestors, he is indeed a relative of that lineage.

Otherwise, how can we, who are perishing, perceive the imperceptible? It is indeed very difficult for us to comprehend the ultimate reality.

Therefore, I ask the supreme guru of the yogis about the ultimate purpose of a man who is perishing in every way.

What should be heard, what should be chanted, what should be done by men, O Lord, tell me what should be remembered or worshipped, or what is the opposite.

Indeed, O Brahman, in the homes of householders, the presence of the Lord is not perceived, nor is there any sign of cow milking anywhere.

Soot spoke: Thus questioned by the king with gentle words, the knowledgeable Lord Badarayana replied.