At the assembly of the gods and goddesses, Nārada, the sage revered in all the worlds, turned to Sarasvati and spoke with gentle authority, “Go, O Sarasvati, to the place of Shiva, to the place of Brahma, and to the Ganga.” He then proclaimed, “A man whose wife is gentle, virtuous, and devoted brings happiness, purity, and liberation into his life. Such a wife, steadfast in her dharma, is the source of true contentment for her husband.” Having thus spoken, Nārada, the Lord’s own messenger, fell silent. The assembly sat in thoughtful stillness, and then, after careful reflection, each in turn addressed the Lord, seeking guidance and clarity. Sarasvati, her voice touched with sorrow, asked, “If a virtuous wife is abandoned by her husband, where shall such a woman find refuge?” With resolve, she declared, “I will surely give up my body through yoga in the land of Bhārata.” Ganga, too, spoke with deep feeling, “I will relinquish my body; let death come even to one who is faultless, if she is cast away. Whoever abandons a faultless and loving woman in this world commits a grave wrong.” Lakshmi, ever gracious, entreated the Lord, “Grant us Your favor and forgiveness, O Lord. If, by the curse of Bhāratī, I must go to Bhārata in a portion of myself, then let the sinners of that land give their sins to me as they bathe and immerse themselves in my waters. By a portion of myself, I shall become Tulasī, the virtuous daughter of Dharmadhvaja, and take the form of a sacred tree, presiding as its deity.” The goddesses pondered further: “If, by the curse of Sarasvati, Ganga must descend to Bhārata, and if, by the curse of Ganga, Sarasvati must also go to Bhārata, then let Sarasvati dwell in the abode of Brahma, and let Ganga flow to the temple of Shiva.” Having spoken thus, Lakshmi, with humility and love, bowed at the feet of her beloved, Padmanabha. The Lord drew her radiance to his own chest, and, in his infinite compassion, Nārāyaṇa addressed her, “I will bring about harmony for all. Listen now to the unfolding of destiny. Let Bhāratī go in a portion of herself, and become a river in Bhārata. Ganga, brought down by Bhagiratha’s penance, will also flow to Bhārata, where she shall attain the rare crown of the moon-crested Lord Shiva. And you, O lotus-born one, will send a portion of your energy to Bhārata as well.” Nārāyaṇa continued, “After five thousand years of Kali Yuga have passed, liberation shall be granted. Calamity, which paradoxically brings prosperity, will come upon all embodied beings. Yet, for those devoted to worship with my mantra, by bathing and immersion, blessings will abound. O beautiful one, the holy places on earth are beyond counting. Those who worship Me with mantra and devotion will wander throughout Bhārata while it endures. Wherever My devotees reside and wash their feet, there too, sanctity will be found.” He then described the fate of various transgressors: “A killer of women, a killer of cows, an ungrateful person, a killer of Brahmins, or one who violates the teacher’s bed; one who neglects the Ekadashi vow, omits twilight worship, or even an atheist; one who lives by the sword, by pen and ink, a runner, or a Shudra who performs sacrifices; a betrayer of trust, a destroyer of friendship, a false witness; one overwhelmed by debt, a usurer, an adulterer, or the husband of a promiscuous woman; a cook for Shudras, a temple priest, and a village priest for sacrifices; one who destroys the sacred fig tree, or reviles My devotees; one who does not support his mother, father, wife, brother, son, or daughter, nor his mother-in-law or father-in-law, O Nārada; and one who steals offerings meant for the gods or for Brahmins—” Thus, the Lord spoke, outlining the consequences and the path of redemption for all, weaving the destinies of the goddesses and the people of Bhārata into a tapestry of justice, compassion, and sacred duty.