In the realm of knowledge, she is known as Sarasvatī, the embodiment of wisdom. She is present in water, sanctifying its very essence. Those fortunate souls who have attained her presence on earth are truly blessed. Even those in Bhārata who have committed sins find purification simply by playfully bathing in her waters. On the fourteenth day, on the full moon, or on the imperishable day at the end of the month—whenever one bathes in her sacred stream, whether carelessly, indifferently, or with deep faith, the act itself brings purification. If one recites the Sarasvatī mantra for a month, or daily bathes in her waters and shaves his head in devotion, the merit gained is immense. Thus, a small part of the praise of Bhārata’s virtues has been revealed. At this point, Sauti continued the tale, telling Śaunaka that once again, a question arose to dispel lingering doubts. Nārada, ever curious, asked, “By what portion and by what quarrel did this river, the bestower of merit, come to be? The more I hear the essence of these sacred stories, the more my curiosity grows. How did Ganga come to curse Sarasvatī, even as Sarasvatī was being worshipped? The cause of the dispute between these two radiant goddesses is indeed delightful to hear.” In response, Nārāyaṇa spoke: “By merely remembering Sarasvatī, one is freed from all sins. Know that Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, and Gaṅgā are all wives of Hari, the Supreme Lord. Once, Gaṅgā gazed upon the face of Viṣṇu, and the Lord, seeing her, smiled joyfully for a moment. Padma, whose nature is purity itself, was gently instructed by him with a soft smile. With lips and eyes tinged red, Sarasvatī, the mistress of speech, spoke to Gaṅgā, her husband at her side. ‘Among the righteous, the eminent, and even the wicked, O Gadādhara, I have come to understand that Gaṅgā possesses greater fortune. The affection between Gaṅgā and Padma is highly esteemed. What is the use of living here now, being so unfortunate? The wise declare you, O Lord of all, to be of pure nature.’ Hearing these words and seeing Sarasvatī filled with anger, Nārāyaṇa departed. In his absence, Gaṅgā, unafraid and wrathful, spoke out: ‘O shameless one, filled with desire, why do you boast of your husband? Today, I will bring about your humiliation in the presence of Hari.’ With those words, she raised her hand, intent on seizing Sarasvatī’s hair. Vāṇī, overcome with great anger, cursed Padma, declaring, ‘Since you have acted wrongly, you should not speak anything further.’ Yet, upon hearing the curse, the goddess Padma neither responded with a curse nor did she become angry. Witnessing Sarasvatī’s agitation and trembling face, Gaṅgā said, ‘This goddess, the mistress of speech, is harsh in her words and fond of quarrel. Whatever her capacity or power may be, let it be measured against my own strength. Let her descend to the mortal world, where sinners dwell.’ Hearing these words, Sarasvatī, too, pronounced a curse upon Gaṅgā. At that very moment, the Blessed Lord appeared and, taking Sarasvatī by the hand, seated her upon his chest. Having arrived, he listened to the secret of their curses and the cause of their quarrel.