It is based on the story in traditional folklore about Naranath Bhranthan and his father Vararuchi.
The collection along with an English translation has been published in Clay Sanskrit Library under the title The Quartet of Causeries.
It includes popular tales such as about the twelve children of Vararuchi and Parayi (a woman of Paraiyar caste), Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kadamattathu Kathanar among many others.
He curses the Yaksha into a Brahmarakshas, promising his revival only upon teaching a human, the Mahabhashya.The Yaksha teaches it to Govindaswami, the father of Vararuchi, Vikramaditya, Bhatti and Bhartruhari.