Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.2259

c8.2259

Pippalāda became arrogant with the boon of ‘Sarvakāmasiddhi’ in his possession. One day while he was sitting on a river-bank a swan appeared before him and in clear tones said:— "Pippalāda, why are you so proud of your greatness? I do not believe you have that power of universal attraction. This art is arvācina (modern); you do not know Prācina because you are illiterate. You take pride unnecessarily for having done penance for three thousand years. Do you know Sukarmā, the wise son of Kuṇḍala? He is the man who has acquired this power of attraction. There is no mahājñāni (one possessing spiritual knowledge) like him anywhere else in this world. Sukarmā has given no gifts, he has not practised meditation, he has not performed yāgas or yajñas nor has he ever done a pilgrimage. He has not done any of these virtuous deeds and yet he is well-versed in all the śāstras and Vedas. Even though he is a child you do not possess enough knowledge to equal his. Why? Because he is always engaged in the care and welfare of his parents. You take pride in your achievements without reason.” Hearing that Pippalāda went and met Sukarmā. Pippalāda knew that the bird was none other than Brahmā himself. They talked to each other for a long time and then Pippalāda admitted that Sukarmā was a greater man than himself. (Chapters 60-62, Padma Purāṇa).