By the will of destiny, it was ordained that, in a certain age, all women would, in part and measure, be righteous and devoted to their husbands. In that time, there would be three wives, three brothers-in-law, three servants, and their relatives dwelling together. Yet, in households where women would hold sway over men, and husbands would come under the control of their wives, disharmony would arise. Where a wife’s words were harsh, her conduct impure, and her nature fond of quarrels, such places would seem as though they belonged to an ancient, ill-fated time, and only misfortune would dwell there. It was said that it would be better to remain in fire or among dangerous creatures, for even in such company, happiness could be found, rather than in such a home. O beautiful-faced one, for a man, the flames of disease or even poison would be preferable to living conquered by a woman, for such a life would be fruitless and devoid of merit. Such a man would suffer scorn in this world and, in the next, be consigned to hell. Furthermore, it was not considered good for many co-wives to dwell together in one place, as discord would prevail. Therefore, it was advised, “Go, O Sarasvati, to the abode of Shiva, to the seat of Brahma, or to the sacred Ganga.” But blessed indeed was he whose wife was gentle, virtuous, and devoted to her husband; such a man would attain purity, happiness, and liberation. Having spoken thus, the Lord of the worlds, the sage Nārada, became silent. Then, after considering his words, all those present spoke in turn to the Lord. Sarasvati, with humility, asked, “If a virtuous woman is abandoned by her husband, where should she reside?” She declared, “I shall give up my body through yoga in Bhārata.” Ganga, too, spoke: “I will relinquish my body; let death come to one who is faultless.” She continued, “Whoever abandons a loving and blameless wife in this world commits a great wrong.” Lakshmi then entreated, “Grant us your favor and forgiveness from the Lord.” She added, “If, by the curse of Bhāratī, I must go to Bhārata in a portion of myself, then let sinners give their sins to me through bathing and immersion.” Lakshmi further declared, “By a part of myself, I will become Tulasī, the virtuous daughter of Dharmadhvaja, and take the form of a sacred tree, becoming its presiding deity.” It was also said, “If, by the curse of Sarasvati, Ganga must go to Bhārata, or by the curse of Ganga, Sarasvati must go there, then let Sarasvati go to the abode of Brahma, and Ganga to the temple of Shiva.” Having thus spoken, Lakshmi, holding the feet of her beloved, bowed low in reverence. Padmanabha, drawing her radiance to his own chest, addressed her tenderly. Nārāyaṇa said, “I shall bring about equality; listen now to the unfolding of events. Let Bhāratī, in a portion of herself, flow as a river to Bhārata. Ganga, brought by the penance of Bhagiratha, shall also go to Bhārata, where she will attain the rare crown of the moon-crested Lord Shiva. And you, O lotus-born one, shall also go to Bhārata with a portion of your energy.” He continued, “When five thousand years of Kali Yuga have passed, liberation will be granted. Calamity, which often brings prosperity in its wake, will befall all embodied beings. For those devoted to worship with my mantra, and who bathe and immerse themselves with faith, the holy places on earth are innumerable. Those who worship Me with mantra and devotion will wander throughout Bharata as long as it endures. And wherever My devotees reside and wash their feet, there sanctity shall abide.