She stood there, trembling and anxious, preparing herself to drink, her mind filled with fear and careful deliberation. At that very moment, I arrived in Goloka and found it utterly parched and desolate. As the indwelling soul of all beings, I was fully aware of everything—of their intentions and the situation at hand. To restore balance, I bestowed upon her the Rādhikā mantra and replenished Goloka with its original vitality. Then, in accordance with the sacred Gandharva rite, I urged, “O ruler of the gods, accept this goddess as your own.” Among the gods, he was the most illustrious jewel among men, and she, among women, was the finest and most virtuous jewel. I declared, “He who, out of pride, refuses to accept the maiden who stands before him, even if he is learned, cannot go against his own nature. But you, O Lord, are alone—beginningless, without attributes, and beyond the bonds of nature itself. Rādhikā, the supreme goddess, was once born from the left side of Kṛṣṇa himself. Therefore, she chooses you, for she is born from your very body.” Having spoken thus, the creator offered her to him and departed. A bed was then prepared for their union, adorned with fragrant flowers and sandalwood. The creator, having completed his duty, returned to his own abode. Yet, at the very moment of this new union, the goddess fell into a swoon. Seeing her in this state, Vani—free from all jealousy—was deeply distressed. Thus, with Ganga, there were three wives of the Lord of Lakshmi. At this point, Narada asked, “Where was Tulasi born? Who was she in her previous birth? In which family did this ascetic maiden appear, and whose daughter was she? She is unchanging, free from desire, the very embodiment of the witness of all things, worthy of worship by all, Lord of all, all-knowing, the cause of everything. How did such a goddess come to assume the form of a tree? My mind is restless with doubt, O destroyer of all doubts—please dispel these questions that trouble me so deeply.” Narayana replied, “He was renowned and celebrated, born from a portion of Vishnu. His son was Dharmasavarni, righteous, devoted to Vishnu, and pure of heart. Dharmasavarni’s son was Devasavarni, steadfast in the vows of Vishnu. Devasavarni’s son was Vrishadhvaja, who was wholly devoted to Vrishadhvaja. The king and Shiva both cherished him more than a son. Out of this devotion, he set aside the worship of all other gods. In the month of Magha, he even ceased the worship of Sarasvati. No god cursed the king because of Shiva’s protection. But then, Shankara himself, taking up his trident, restrained the Sun. In anger, Shiva, still holding his trident, journeyed to Brahmā’s world and confronted the Sun there as well. Out of fear, all those present sought refuge in Narayana, Lord of all. They came before Hari and explained the cause of their fear. Moved by compassion, Narayana granted them freedom from fear, saying, ‘Wherever those afflicted by danger remember me, I am their protector. I am always and forever the creator of the worlds. I am Shiva, I am you, I am also the Sun, I am the one whose nature is the three gunas.