Once, a remarkable incident unfolded among the divine consorts of Lord Hari—Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, and Gaṅgā. All three, radiant and revered, are counted among the wives of Viṣṇu. The cause of a dispute between Sarasvatī and Gaṅgā was delightful to hear, for it revealed the intricacies of their celestial relationships. It began when Gaṅgā, in a moment of reverence and affection, gazed upon the face of Viṣṇu. The Lord, noticing her gaze, smiled joyfully for a moment, his expression filled with warmth. Padma, whose very nature is purity, was gently instructed by him with a soft smile. With lips and eyes flushed red, Sarasvatī spoke to Gaṅgā, her husband, voicing her thoughts. Sarasvatī declared, "Among the righteous, the eminent, and even the contrary and wicked, I have understood that Gaṅgā possesses greater fortune, O Gadādhara. 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." But Sarasvatī's words were tinged with anger. When Nārāyaṇa departed, Gaṅgā, emboldened and wrathful, spoke fearlessly: "O shameless one, full of desire, why do you display pride in your husband? Today, I will bring about your humiliation in the presence of Hari." Having spoken thus, Sarasvatī raised her hand to seize Gaṅgā's hair. Vāṇī, filled with great anger, cursed Padma, saying, "Since you have acted wrongly, you should not speak anything further." Yet, upon hearing the curse, the goddess neither retaliated nor became angry. Gaṅgā, seeing Sarasvatī excessively agitated and her face trembling with rage, responded, "This goddess, the mistress of speech, is harsh in words and fond of quarrel. Whatever her capacity, whatever her power may be, let him declare what strength of his matches my own strength." Then Gaṅgā pronounced, "Let her go down to the mortal world, where indeed the sinners dwell." Hearing these words, Sarasvatī returned the curse. At that very moment, the Blessed Lord arrived, witnessing the turmoil. Taking Sarasvatī by the hand, he seated her upon his chest, offering comfort and resolution. Having heard the secret of their curse and quarrel, the Blessed Lord spoke: "On earth, you will be born as a daughter, not from a womb. There, by the fault of fate, you will also obtain the state of a tree. Afterwards, you will become my wife—of this there is no doubt. By a portion of yourself, become a river and swiftly go, O beautiful-faced one. By a portion, you will go as Ganga, and afterwards you will purify the world, brought down by the austerity of Bhagiratha, which was most difficult. By my command, become the wife of the ocean, who is a portion of my intoxication. By the curse of Ganga, go to Bharata as a portion, O Bharati. And yourself, go to Brahma's abode and become Brahma's beloved. Peaceful, free from anger, devoted to me, and of my own form." Thus, the Lord resolved the quarrel between Sarasvatī and Gaṅgā, blessing them with roles that would purify and uplift the world, establishing harmony among his beloved consorts.