Janardana, the Supreme Lord, graciously declined the royal honors that Duryodhana had arranged for Him, choosing instead the path of humility and truth. In another instance, Sudama, the humble devotee, partook of a handful of rice—grains so rare and precious that few mortals ever taste them. Alongside them, the cowherd, the vulture, the merchant, the hunter, Hanuman, and Vibhishana—all these souls, each in their own way, came into the presence of Narayana. Even now, they rejoice, basking in His divine influence and grace. He who attained wealth found joy on the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Such happiness in this world is but a prelude, for ultimately, one who is devoted gains the supreme proximity to the Lord at life’s end. Filled with gratitude, he went to his companions and spoke of the immense greatness found in serving Hari. In the worship of Satyanarayana, whatever they earned from selling wood, they dedicated wholeheartedly, having resolved together to use their humble gains for this sacred purpose. With happiness, they shared every detail of these events with the women of their household, recounting all that had transpired from the very beginning. As their story came to a close, they bowed with deep devotion and, in return, received the Lord’s grace. By the power of this worship, the Bhillas—together with their sons and wives—were uplifted. They enjoyed pleasures as they wished, and even the poor and the blind, O best of the twice-born, found happiness through this devotion. By the king’s instruction, a virtuous man became fulfilled, just as the merchant before him had. The king of Manipur, Chandracuda, was celebrated for his great fame. At the same time, in the city of Ratnapura, there lived a virtuous merchant, lord over a hundred thousand. One day, he witnessed a multitude of people delighting throughout many villages. He heard the sacred teachings of the Vedas, and gatherings filled with singing and the music of instruments. Curious, he said, “Let us rest here; I see a boat and wish to know more.” Crossing the riverbank, he and his ministers observed skilled wrestlers displaying their prowess. After crossing, he respectfully approached the people and asked, “O honorable ones, revered by all, what is happening here?” The people replied that together with his relatives, the king—compassionate and beloved—was being honored by the assembly. They explained, “One who desires wealth will obtain riches here; one who wishes for a son will be blessed with an excellent child. By worshiping the truthful gods, a person attains all desires.” Bowing with reverence, the merchant expressed his wish to the assembly: “By your favor, may I be blessed with a son or a daughter.” The assembly replied, “May your desire be fulfilled.” With hope in his heart, the virtuous man returned home, keeping Hari ever in his thoughts. He performed various auspicious rites as prescribed. His wife, Līlāvatī, after her period, bathed and lovingly served her husband. In due course, a daughter was born to them, her eyes lotus-like and restless, bringing joy to all her relatives. He summoned learned Brāhmaṇas and had all the auspicious rites performed for the newborn. In the merchant’s house, which shone like the moon, the girl—Kalāvatī—grew up. When she reached the age of ten, she matured and began her monthly cycle. In the city of Kāñcanapura, there lived a renowned merchant named Śaṅkhapati, whom the sage considered a worthy husband for his daughter. With the sounds of Vedic chants and musical instruments, the sage gave his daughter away in marriage, following all the proper rites. Filled with great joy, he performed the ceremony, seeking auspiciousness for them both. The sage regarded Śaṅkhapati as his own son, and the wise merchant, in turn, honored the sage as a father. Thus, their family bonds were blessed by devotion and righteousness.