Nārāyaṇa spoke, recounting how Hari, deeply tormented by separation, turned his heart in worship and praise toward Tulasī. The Blessed Lord declared that the wise know Vṛndā as most dear to him, and thus he himself worships her. In ancient times, she was the revered goddess dwelling first in the sacred forest of Vṛndāvana. Across countless universes, she has been ceaselessly worshipped, and by her presence, innumerable worlds are made pure. Without Tulasī, even the gods are not satisfied, though they may offer heaps of flowers. Yet, by attaining her with devotion, joy arises in all the worlds. There is truly no equal to this goddess anywhere. She is the very life of Kṛṣṇa, eternally his most beloved and chaste. Having offered such heartfelt praise, the Lord of Lakṣmī stood before her. He beheld Tulasī, proud and honored, yet weeping with self-respect. Having received Bhāratī’s command, Hari returned to his own abode. Then Viṣṇu granted Tulasī a boon: “You shall be worshipped by the whole universe.” With this blessing, the goddess was completely satisfied. Lakṣmī and Gaṅgā, smiling with affection, embraced her, O Nārada. Thus Vṛndā, the goddess of Vṛndāvana, purifier of the worlds and worshipped by all, was honored. This hymn, with its eightfold name, is imbued with the meaning of her names. On the auspicious full moon of Kārtika, the birth of Tulasī is celebrated. Whoever worships her with devotion on that day, the purifier of the world, and whoever offers Tulasī leaves to Viṣṇu during Kārtika, receives blessings: the childless gain children, those deprived of beloved ones are reunited, the sick are freed from illness, and the bound are released from their bonds. Thus, the hymn has been described. Now, listen to the method of meditation and worship. What I shall declare, one should worship Tulasī with devotion, even without formal invocation. Tulasī is the very essence of flowers, chaste, worthy of worship, and enchanting. Among all flowers and goddesses, she has no equal, O sage. She is to be worn upon the head by all, as she is the purifier of the world and fulfiller of desires. Having meditated upon her, worshipped, and praised her, the wise should bow down. Then Nārada spoke, saying, “You ought to explain to me the story of Sāvitrī—how she arose in ancient times and was heard, the origin of the Vedas.” Nārāyaṇa replied, “In the second age, she was worshipped by the hosts of gods and, later, by groups of the learned. In earlier times, King Aśvapati worshipped her in Bhārata.” Nārada continued, “Sāvitrī, who is worthy of all worship—please explain this to me.” Nārāyaṇa answered, “She takes away the strength of enemies and destroys the suffering of friends. King Aśvapati had a chief queen, a righteous consort devoted to dharma. This queen, a woman of great virtue, followed the instructions of Vasiṣṭha. Yet, she received no command, nor did she see Sāvitrī. The king, seeing his queen distressed, consoled her with wise counsel. There, practicing self-restraint, he performed austerities for a hundred years. At last, the king heard a bodiless voice from the sky.