Among the illustrious women celebrated in the world, there are those whose names shine with virtue and devotion: Kuntī, the steadfast mother; Damayantī, renowned for her faithfulness; Yaśodā, who lovingly raised Kṛṣṇa; and the noble Devakī, his birth mother. There is also Kalāvatī, the virtuous mother of Rādhā and beloved of Vṛṣabhānu. The stories of Revatī, Satyabhāmā, Kālindī, and Lakṣmaṇā are also remembered, as are those of Rukmiṇī and Sītā, who herself is famed as the very embodiment of Lakṣmī. From the great families came the daughter of Bāṇa, and Uṣā, along with her devoted companion Citralekhā. Reverence is given to Reṇukā, the mother of Bhṛgu, as well as Halimātā and Rohiṇī, each bearing their own glory. In Bhārata, the land of India, there are countless forms and powers of Prakṛti—the Divine Mother—manifesting in many ways. Women throughout the worlds are born from her portions and fragments, each reflecting her essence. Among them is the Brāhmaṇī, revered and chaste, who maintains the sacred bonds of wifehood and motherhood. The eight-year-old maiden, adorned with fine garments, ornaments, and fragrant sandal paste, is also an aspect of Prakṛti. All women, whether superior, middling, or inferior, arise from her, the great source. Those considered middling are said to be portions of Rajas and are fit for enjoyment in the world. The inferior are born from Tamas, often from unknown families. Some, wanton on earth or among the celestial Apsarases in heaven, are also her expressions. Thus, the fivefold division of Prakṛti has been described in full. Durgā, the destroyer of distress, was first worshipped by the king Suratha. Thereafter, she was honored as the mother of all worlds in the three realms. At one time, she gave up her body, moved by her husband’s reproach during a sacrifice. The divine children—Gaṇeśa, Kṛṣṇa himself, Skanda, and another born from a portion of Viṣṇu—arose from her grace. Lakṣmī, goddess of fortune, was first worshipped by the king Maṅgala-bhūpa. Savitrī, too, was worshipped with great devotion. In the very beginning, Brahmā himself worshipped Sarasvatī, the goddess of wisdom. Rādhā was first adored in Goloka, within the sacred circle of the rasa dance, by the gopīs, cowherds, girls, and boys. Later, Brahmā and other gods, sages, and Manus also worshipped her with flowers, incense, and deep devotion. On earth, Suyajña was the first to worship the goddess, and thereafter, by the command of the Supreme Soul, she was worshipped throughout the three worlds. All these manifestations of the Divine Mother were revered in Bhārata, and thus the auspicious deeds of Prakṛti have been recounted. Then, Nārada spoke, seeking understanding: “You should share the knowledge received from Vyāsa. How did the first creation arise at the very beginning? Which beings came into existence through her, through her threefold power? Tell the story of their births, their meditations, and the supreme methods of worship.” Śrī Nārāyaṇa replied: “For all, Gokula is eternal, as is Goloka. Vaikuṇṭha is a part and extension of these, and it too is eternal. Just as burning is inherent in fire, coolness in the moon, beauty in the lotus, and radiance in the sun, so too is Prakṛti essential to creation. Without gold, a goldsmith cannot craft an earring; in the same way, Brahmā cannot create the world without her. “The word ‘aiśvarya’ means lordship, and ‘śakti’ is her might. ‘Bhaga’ refers to abundance, wisdom, prosperity, and fame. Thus, all creation and all glory arise from her, the eternal power behind all that exists.