As the debate between Daridra, the goddess of poverty, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, grew heated, both approached me, seeking judgment. After listening to their words, I spoke with care: “Earth is older than I am, and water is older than earth; but only women truly understand disputes among women. Especially among those born from the water pot, the goddess Gautami alone is fit to judge this matter.” I explained further: “She alone dispels suffering and creates doubt; by my command, go with Gautami to earth and seek her judgment.” Thus, accompanied by the waters, they all proceeded to the sacred river Gautami. There, earth and water each presented their case clearly before the goddess Gautami. Bowing reverently, they recounted everything as it had happened, presenting the words of both Daridra and Lakshmi, as if mediating their dispute. In the presence of the guardians of the worlds, with you, Narada, and the earth and waters as witnesses, Ganga praised Daridra, while Gautami addressed Lakshmi. Gautami spoke of the glory of Brahma, the power of asceticism, the fame born of sacrifice, the splendor of wealth and renown, knowledge, wisdom, and the presence of Sarasvati. She continued, describing the glory of enjoyment and liberation, memory, modesty, fortitude, forgiveness, success, contentment, nourishment, peace, the waters, and the earth. She spoke of ego’s power, medicinal herbs, revelation, purity, night, the sky, moonlight, blessings, welfare, pervasiveness, illusion, dawn, and auspiciousness—all these, and whatever exists in the world, whether moving or unmoving, among Brahmins, the wise, the patient, and the virtuous, are pervaded by Lakshmi. Gautami declared: “Among those endowed with knowledge, seeking either enjoyment or liberation, whatever is delightful or beautiful—all that is Lakshmi’s manifestation. Why speak at length? The entire universe is composed of Lakshmi; wherever anything excellent is seen, it is Lakshmi’s nature. Without her, nothing exists. O beautiful goddess, do you not feel shame competing with her?” Hearing this, Ganga turned to Daridra and said, “Go, go.” From that moment, the waters of Ganga were freed from the influence of poverty. Thus, where Ganga is not served, the affliction of poverty remains; but from that time, that sacred ford became a destroyer of misfortune and a source of auspiciousness. By bathing and giving charity there, one becomes endowed with Lakshmi and merit. Six thousand fords, honored by gods, sages, and ascetics, bestow all accomplishments at that sacred place. This place is known as Bhānutīrtha, bestowing all attainments upon people. There, let me recount another event, a destroyer of great sins. Once, there was a king named Śaryāti, renowned for his supreme righteousness. His wife, Sthaviṣṭhā, was unequalled in beauty upon the earth. The king’s royal priest was Madhucchandā, a Brahmin of the highest order, famed as a descendant of Viśvāmitra—a brahmarshi, lord among ascetics. Together, the king and his priest set out to conquer all directions. Having subdued the regions, the king, while encamped on his journey, noticed his priest’s distress and addressed him with concern: “What troubles you, O noble one? You alone are honored in my kingdom and possess flawless knowledge of all sciences. You are free from sin and sorrow—yet why does your mind seem elsewhere? The earth is conquered, the kings subdued, and a great cause for joy is here. Why are you emaciated? Tell me truly.” With affection and love, the best of Brahmins replied: “Hear, O king, what my wife said to me. As the night was half gone, she awaited my return. The mistress of this body, my beloved, waits for me; remembering her words, my body withers. When the agitation of love arises, the lotus-faced one, longing for life, wastes away.” The king, subduer of foes, laughed gently and spoke to his priest: “You are my teacher and friend; why do you mock yourself? O great sage, what use are my words? For those of great soul, what reliance is there on happiness that perishes in a moment?” Madhucchandā replied wisely: “Where there is harmony between husband and wife, the three aims of life flourish. O King, this is not a fault but a great virtue.” They returned to their land with a great army, and to test the love between husband and wife, the king sent news throughout the city. But as Śaryāti set out again to conquer the quarters, the foremost of Rākṣasas slew both the king and his priest, then descended to the netherworld. The king’s wife, seeking certainty after hearing the news, approached her beloved Madhucchandā. In that moment, she lost her life—a strange event. The messengers, seeing her condition, reported it to the king. Astonished and distressed by what had happened to the royal wives and the priest’s beloved, the king addressed the messengers: “Go quickly and guard the body of the Brahmin lady; bring news, for the king and priest will soon arrive.” As the king was troubled with anxiety, a bodiless voice spoke: “O King, the Gaṅgā will accomplish all that you desire; Gautamī, purifier of the earth and dispeller of all afflictions, will fulfill your wish.” Upon hearing this, Śaryāti went to the bank of the Gautamī, gave wealth to the Brahmins, and satisfied the ancestors and the twice-born. He sent his chief priest, endowed with wealth, to other holy places, instructing him to give gifts diligently among groups of travelers.