Uttar Kaanda
214 - Kakabhusundi approaches the sage Lomasa, who first pronounces a curse on him but later on showers his grace and bestows a boon on him
Chaupais
Description
"No suffering occasioned by time, fate, merit, demerit or disposition shall ever torment you. The manifold charming mysteries of Sri Rama, that are found mentioned in the chronicles and Puranas either explicitly or implicitly, you will come to know without any difficulty; and the flame of your devotion to Sri Rama's feet will grow ever brighter and brighter. Whatever longing you may entertain in your mind, you shall have no difficulty in attaining it by the grace of Sri Hari." On hearing the sage's benediction, mark me, O Garuda of steadfast reason, a deep voice-which was evidently the voice of the Supreme Spirit-was heard from the heavens: "May your prophesy come to be true, O enlightened sage ! He is My votary in thought, word and deed." I rejoiced to hear the heavenly voice and stood overwhelmed with love and rid of all my doubts. On receiving the sage's permission in response to my prayer I repeatedly bowed my head at his feet and gladly came away to this hermitage, having obtained by the Lord's grace a rare boon. Listen, O lord of the feathered creation : I have now lived in this hermitage for seven and twenty rounds of creation. I am ever engaged in hymning the praises of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), while enlightened birds reverently listen to them. Each time the Hero of Raghu's line assumes the form of a man in the city of Ayodhya for the sake of His devotees I go and stay at the capital of Sri Rama and enjoy the spectacle of His childish sports. Again, enshrining an image of the child Rama in my heart I return to my hermitage, O king of the birds. I have now told you all the circumstances that invested me with the form of a crow, and have also replied to all your queries. The glory of devotion to Sri Rama is superb indeed.