Above all, there exist the seven heavenly realms, culminating in Brahmaloka, the highest of them. Just beyond the earth lies Bhurloka, and further still is Bhuvarloka. Ascending higher, one reaches Tapoloka, and at the very summit is Satyaloka. Yet, all these realms—both their outer forms and their inner realities—are ultimately artificial, fleeting in nature. Like bubbles that form and vanish in water, so too are all the assemblies and worlds of the universe impermanent. In every single pore of hair, there exists a cosmic egg, and within each cosmic egg reside Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other divine beings. There, too, are the guardians of the directions, the protectors of the quarters, the stars, the planets, and all else that populates the cosmos. In the course of time, the great Virat, the Cosmic Being, gazed upward again and again. Beset by hunger and deep thought, Virat wept repeatedly. Then, in that very place, Brahma beheld the eternal light—a vision of the Lord, smiling, holding a flute, the very giver of grace to devotees. Pleased and full of compassion, the Lord of boons granted Brahma a blessing suited to the moment: “O child, become the abode of countless universes until their dissolution. Remain free from disease, death, old age, sorrow, and all afflictions.” Having spoken these words, the Lord whispered the great six-syllabled mantra into Brahma’s right ear—a mantra beginning with Om and ending with the two syllables, “Krishna.” After bestowing this sacred mantra, the Lord arranged for the offering of food, instructing that a Vaiṣṇava should present naivedya, a food offering, in every universe. This offering is made to the attributeless Self, who is also the all-encompassing darkness. Whatever naivedya a person offers, to whichever deity, it ultimately reaches the Supreme. Having given the excellent mantra, the Lord spoke again. Hearing Krishna’s words, the great Virat replied, “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 if one lacks devotion to Krishna? Such a life is in vain. As long as the self remains in the body, it is endowed with power. And you, O greatly fortunate one, are the Self of all, beyond nature itself.” Having thus spoken, the boy Nārada, present there, fell silent. Then Sri Krishna said, “Even when countless Brahmās come to dissolution, your fall will not occur. By a portion of yourself, become Virat, O child, in each separate universe. Upon the forehead of Brahma, and also in the eleven Rudras, you will be present. Among them, Kālāgnirudra is the one who brings about the destruction of the universe. By my boon, you will always be endowed with devotion to me. My beautiful mother rests upon my chest.” After this, the Lord ascended to heaven and spoke with Brahma and Shankara. Sri Krishna said, “Listen—within the pore of the great Virat, and within the pore of the small creator, go, child. O Mahadeva, become born from the forehead of Brahma.” Having thus spoken, the Lord of the worlds, the son of the creator, became silent. And so, within the pore of the great Virat, within the cosmic egg, in the sphere of water, all these events took place.