The trees, moved by a mysterious purpose, took hold of the divine embryo, and the wind, with gentle persistence, made it whole. Nourished by the essence of Soma and the milk of cows, that embryo gradually grew within the shelter of the trees. In time, from these very trees, a maiden was born—her name was Māriṣā, a beautiful-eyed girl. Māriṣā became the wife of the Prācetasa and, through their union, the mother of Dakṣa. Meanwhile, the blessed sage Kaṇḍu, having completed his intense austerities, journeyed to the sacred abode of Viṣṇu, known as Puruṣottama. There, on the southern shore of the vast ocean, he beheld the supreme and holy field—a place rare and precious on earth, renowned for bestowing liberation and fulfilling all desires. The land was enchanting, its sands glistening, and it was adorned with groves of ketakī, flourishing with a variety of trees and vines. The air was alive with the auspicious calls of many birds, filling the place with joy. Everywhere the ground was easy to walk, blossoming with flowers in all seasons, a source of happiness and virtue for all who entered. This sacred field had been revered since ancient times, served by great sages like Bhṛgu, as well as siddhas, gandharvas, kinnaras, yakṣas, and many others who sought liberation. There, Kaṇḍu saw Hari, the Supreme Lord, adorned by all the gods and served with devotion by Brahmins, people of every caste, and the inhabitants of hermitages. Upon seeing this holy field and the Lord himself, the sage felt his life’s purpose had been fulfilled. With a mind unwavering and deeply focused, Kaṇḍu began to worship Hari. He stood with arms raised in profound concentration, chanting the supreme Brahman-chant with single-pointed devotion, embodying the highest yogic discipline. Hearing this, the listeners—the sages—expressed their desire to hear about this supreme and auspicious Brahman-chant by which Kaṇḍu worshipped Keśava. The narrative continued, describing Viṣṇu as the Supreme, beyond all that is beyond, limitless and transcendent over all. He is the supreme self, the ultimate Brahman, the highest among the highest, and even beyond what is considered beyond. Viṣṇu is the cause, even as he abides in the cause of causes; he is the reason behind all, the ultimate source of everything. Though he is the effect, he manifests in countless forms, performing all actions. He is Brahman, the Lord, the essence of all beings, the imperishable master of creatures, eternal and unborn, unattached to all that decays. Just as he is imperishable, unborn, and eternal—the supreme person—so too, Kaṇḍu prayed, may all passions and faults be calmed within himself. Hearing the sage’s recitation of this supreme Brahman-chant and recognizing his unwavering devotion, the Supreme Person, with boundless affection for his devotee, approached Kaṇḍu. The Lord, fond of those who worship him, arrived, his voice deep as thunder and resounding in all directions, mounted upon Garuḍa, the mighty son of Vinatā. The Lord spoke: “O sage, speak your highest wish, whatever lies in your heart. I have come as the granter of boons—choose your boon, O steadfast one.” Hearing these words from the Lord of gods, the wielder of the discus, Kaṇḍu opened his eyes and beheld Hari standing before him. He saw the Lord, radiant as the flax flower, with eyes wide as lotus petals, holding the conch, discus, and mace, adorned with crown and armlets. With four arms and noble limbs, clad in yellow garments, marked with the auspicious Śrīvatsa, and garlanded with forest flowers, the Lord shone resplendent. His divine form was endowed with all auspicious marks, decorated with every jewel, anointed with celestial sandalwood, and wreathed in heavenly garlands. Overwhelmed with wonder, Kaṇḍu’s hair stood on end. He prostrated himself fully upon the ground, offering his deepest respects. In great joy, he declared, “Today my birth is fulfilled, today my austerity is fruitful!” and began to praise the Lord with heartfelt devotion: “O Nārāyaṇa, O Hari, O Krishna, bearer of the Śrīvatsa mark, Lord of the universe, seed of the universe, abode and witness of the universe—salutations to you! Unmanifest, victorious, source of all, supreme among Purushas, lotus-eyed, Govinda, lord of the worlds, I bow to you. Hiranyagarbha, lord of fortune, lord of the lotus, eternal one, earth’s womb, steadfast ruler, master of the senses, I bow to you. Without beginning or end, immortal, unconquered, victorious, best among the victorious, undefeated, indivisible, Shri Krishna, abode of fortune, I bow to you. Creator of rain and righteousness, difficult to cross, firmly established, destroyer of suffering and distress, Hari who lies upon the waters, I bow to you. Lord of beings, unmanifest, master of beings, undisturbed by the elements, dwelling within beings, soul and womb of beings, I bow to you. Sacrifice, sacrificer, supporter of sacrifice, giver of fearlessness, womb of sacrifice, golden-limbed, born of Prishni, I bow to you. Knower of the field, sustainer, indweller, destroyer, and creator of the field, sovereign, soul of the field, beyond the field, I bow to you. Abode of qualities, dwelling, refuge, bringer, enjoyer, delighter, and renouncer of qualities, I bow to you. You are Vishnu, you are Hari, wielder of the discus, the victorious one, Janardana, the elements, the Vaṣaṭ call, the future, the lord of becoming. You are the creator, the unmanifest, Bhava, supporter and originator of beings; the gods call you the unborn, the lord. You are infinite, knower of deeds, nature itself, Vrishakapi, Rudra, hard to overcome, unfailing, you are the lord. You are the maker of the universe, the victorious one, Shambhu of bull form, Shankara, Ushanas, truth, austerity, and the people. You are the conqueror of the universe, the refuge, the protector, the imperishable, Shambhu, self-born, eldest, and the supreme goal. You are the sun, you are Om, you are the life-breath, the dispeller of darkness, the rain-giver, renowned, the creator, and lord of the gods.” Thus, with profound reverence, did Kaṇḍu praise the Supreme Lord, his heart overflowing with devotion and joy at the divine vision bestowed upon him.