In the midst of those primordial waters, there appeared an infant, radiant with a brilliance surpassing ten million suns. This wondrous child had been abandoned by both father and mother, left without any support, floating alone amidst the vast expanse. He was the most immense among all beings, known by the name Mahāvirāṭ, the Great Virāṭ. This Mahāvirāṭ was but a sixteenth portion of the radiance of Krishna, the Supreme Self. In every single pore of his skin, the entirety of all worlds existed. So numerous were these worlds, born of rajas, that their true count could never be known. And within each universe, there were Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, and countless other divine beings. Above all these universes lay Vaikuṇṭha, the divine realm that exists outside the cosmic egg. Beyond even Vaikuṇṭha, there is a vast sphere, measuring fifty crore yojanas across. The earth itself is composed of seven continents, each joined with seven oceans. Above the earth rise the seven heavenly realms, culminating in Brahmaloka. Ascending further, there is Bhurloka, and above that, Bhuvarloka. Higher still is Tapoloka, and at the summit, Satyaloka. All of these, both within and without, are artifices—creations that are ultimately impermanent. Like bubbles that rise and burst in water, so too are all the assemblies of the universe fleeting. In every single hair pore of Virāṭ, there exists a cosmic egg, and within each of these eggs reside Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities. There, too, are the guardians of the directions, the protectors of the quarters, as well as stars, planets, and all celestial beings. In time, that great Virāṭ, gazing upward again and again, became lost in thought. Afflicted by hunger, he began to weep repeatedly. Then, in that very place, Brahma beheld the eternal, effulgent light—Krishna himself—smiling gently, holding a flute, bestower of grace upon all devotees. Pleased with the devotion and plight of Virāṭ, the Lord of boons granted him a blessing suited to the moment: “O child, become the abode of countless universes until the time of dissolution. Remain free from disease, death, old age, sorrow, and all afflictions.” Having thus spoken, Krishna whispered the great six-syllabled mantra into Virāṭ’s right ear—a mantra beginning with Om and ending with the two syllables “Krishna” in the fourth grammatical case. After bestowing this sacred mantra, the Lord arranged for the offering of food, instructing that a Vaiṣṇava should present food as naivedya in each of the universes. Whether an offering is made to the attributeless Self—who is also the fullness of darkness—or to any deity, whatever naivedya a person gives, it is ultimately received by the Supreme. Having given this excellent mantra, the Lord addressed Virāṭ once more. Hearing Krishna’s words, the great Virāṭ replied with deep humility: “For as long as my life endures, whether it be but a moment or an age, whoever in the world is endowed with devotion to you is always liberated, even while living. Of what use are recitation, austerity, sacrifice, or ritual worship for one who lacks devotion to Krishna? Such a life is in vain. As long as the self abides in the body, so long does it possess power. And you, O greatly fortunate one, are the Self of all, transcending nature.” Having spoken thus, the boy Nārada, who was present there, fell silent. Then Śrī Krishna declared, “Even at the dissolution of countless Brahmās, your fall will never occur.” So unfolds the wondrous story of Mahāvirāṭ, the universes within him, and the grace of the Supreme Lord Krishna.