44.4: Bahirambhat a Brahman again

39. On a certain day, however, the Brahmans were seated on the banks of the Godavari river. He went to them and in repentance began to cry.

49. His throat choked with emotion and tears of joy flowed from his eyes. Seeing him thus, the Brahmans questioned him.

41. They said to Bahirambhat, ‘For what purpose did you became a Muhammadan? What good qualities did you find amongst them, that you should cast us aside?’

42. When the Brahmans said this to him, he replied, ‘My kirma (fate) was very powerful, therefore I fell into this thoughtless action.

43. In order to attain God, I of my own will became a Muhammadan. But I do not see there any way of obtaining knowledge of the soul.’

44. The Brahmans replied to him, ‘One’s deliverance is in one’s good deeds.’ Saying this to him, they consulted among themselves.

45. He was a wise and good man. He became defiled because of his karma (fate). So now giving him a penance according to prescribed rules, let us again bring Brahmanhood to him.

46. The inhabitants of other cities come here to question us regarding the laws of the shastras. And now why should we hesitate regarding the decision to make him pure?

47. After the sewage of villages has united with the Ganges, it becomes pure. Then if the water of the Ganges itself spreads outside, will it be called filthy?

48. If one belonging to another town has been defiled in another caste, he becomes pure by coming to Pratishthan (nodern Paithan), then why drive away any good man belonging to this place? If we do so, we shall be reproached.’

49. Examining the shastras, they at once gave him penance. Spending an enormous amount of money, the Brahmans made him pure.

50. Now all the Brahmans assembled and said to Bahirambhat, ‘Because of your good deeds in a former birth, you will have a sight of Shri Hari.’