In the age of Kali, there lived a king renowned for his valor and wisdom. This best of monarchs, having acquired a mighty sword capable of vanquishing his enemies, set out to restore order. With unwavering resolve, he defeated sixty bands of robbers, reclaiming great wealth from their ill-gotten gains. Each month, on the auspicious full moon day, he faithfully performed a sacred rite according to the prescribed method, never failing in his observance. Through the power of this vow, his fortunes soared, and he became the lord of a hundred thousand villages, his influence expanding far and wide. Thus concludes the twenty-sixth chapter, “The Uplifting of Candracūḍa,” from the collected histories of the Kali Age, in the Caturyuga-khaṇḍa-aparaparyāya, within the Pratisarga-parvan of the glorious Bhaviṣya Mahāpurāṇa. Meanwhile, the Niṣādas, a forest-dwelling people, wandered the woods, always carrying bundles of firewood. From time to time, they journeyed to the city of Kāśī to sell their wood. There, they observed Hari—Lord Vishnu—attended by twice-born men, surrounded by great wealth. Among them was a brāhmaṇa who, once destitute, now possessed abundant riches. The Niṣādas marveled at his transformation, questioning him: “O brāhmaṇa, whence has your prosperity arisen? Where has your misfortune gone? Surely, no one finds happiness without Hari’s compassion. You are worthy to instruct us in the proper method, with all its details, for the virtuous who are even-minded and always helpful.” Thus prompted, the brāhmaṇa began to recount the procedure and the story. He spoke: “This man came to my hermitage and worshipped Satyanārāyaṇa. Listen closely, O Niṣāda-born, to what I told him. Take half a measure of wheat flour, well mixed with sugar and other ingredients. After bathing the deity with the five nectars, offer sandalwood and other offerings. Present various fruits, flowers, incense, lamps, and water, both great and small. Know that the Lord is not pleased by material offerings so much as by pure devotion. Janardana—Lord Krishna—once rejected royal honors arranged by Duryodhana. Sudama, his friend, ate grains of rice rare for mortals. The cowherd, the vulture, the merchant, the hunter, Hanuman, and Vibhishana—all reached the presence of Narayana and rejoice under His influence even today. Those who obtain wealth rejoice on the banks of the Narmada, and having found happiness in this world, ultimately gain proximity to Him at the end. Inspired, he went forth and shared with his companions the greatness of service to Hari. In their worship of Satyanārāyaṇa, whatever they earned from selling wood, they offered joyfully, having resolved in their hearts to do so. With delight, they recounted all these events to their womenfolk from the very beginning. At the conclusion of the story, they bowed with devotion and received divine grace. By the power of their worship, the Bhillas—together with their sons and wives—enjoyed pleasures as they wished, and even the poor and blind found happiness, O best of twice-born. By the king’s instruction, the virtuous one found fulfillment, just as the merchant had before him. The king of Manipur, Chandracuda, was famed throughout the land. In Ratnapura, a virtuous merchant, lord of a hundred thousand, dwelled. He witnessed throngs of people delighting in various villages, heard Vedic teachings, and gatherings filled with singing and instrumental music. “Let us rest here,” he said, “I see a boat, and I am curious.” Crossing the riverbank, those skilled in wrestling games displayed their prowess, bringing joy and wonder to all who watched. Thus, through devotion, righteous action, and the sharing of sacred stories, the virtuous prospered and found lasting happiness, both in this world and beyond.