From Kāmadeva, the god of love, arose the Kāmaśāstra—a treatise that delights the hearts of women. With loving care, Viśvakarmā, the divine artisan, assembled a garland of jewels, two fine garments, and all manner of beautiful ornaments. Placing these treasures within his house, he set out, driven by longing, to seek what his heart desired. It was then that Ghṛtācī, radiant and wise, heard the words of this passionate seeker. She smiled gently, understanding his yearning. “O love-stricken one,” she said, “I will speak words suited to the time. I am on my way to the abode of Kāmadeva, adorned for that very purpose. Today, I am the wife of Kāma—and also, now, the wife of your teacher.” She spoke with gravity: “Know that the giver of knowledge, the bestower of mantras—the guru—is honored a hundred thousand times more than even one’s own father. The scriptures further declare that the guru’s wife is to be revered a hundred times more than the guru himself. The sacred texts speak of the grave sin incurred by a son who unites with his mother, and likewise, a woman addressed as ‘mother’ is forever to be honored as such. Should a man disregard this, his very thread of life is severed. Union with one’s mother is said to bring a fault four times greater than other sins; such a one falls into the hell called Kumbhīpāka for as many ages as there are of Brahmā. “The torments there are fearful: round like a potter’s wheel, sharp-edged like a sword, infested with worms like a spear, molten and burning as fire. Such is the magnitude of sin for a man who unites with his teacher’s wife. Today, I go to the abode of Kāma, to the beloved of the god of love.” Upon hearing these words, Viśvakarmā’s heart filled with anger toward Ghṛtācī. Overwhelmed by her refusal and her reasoning, he uttered a terrible curse upon her. Yet, undeterred, Ghṛtācī, having spoken to the divine artisan, departed for the realm of Kāma. By the will of Kāmadeva and the cowherd, she was born in Bhārata, the land of mortals. Retaining memory of her past life, she became an ascetic, performing severe austerities, her body shining with the luster of heated gold. Through the power of Viśvakarmā, she gave birth to nine sons. Śaunaka, the sage, inquired, “Where did she give birth to these nine sons, and after how many days?” The Sūta replied: Overcome with grief, Viśvakarmā journeyed to the abode of Brahmā. Bowing before the Creator, he recounted the entire story. That very brāhmaṇa, reborn on earth, became an artisan once more. He crafted wondrous, varied, and delightful works for all people, everywhere and always. One day, at Prayāga, after he had made a marvelous creation for the king, he beheld Ghṛtācī—now young and ascetic, appearing in a new form. Upon seeing her, desire surged within him, leaving him bewildered and senseless. The brāhmaṇa spoke: “O slender-waisted one, do not think of me otherwise—I am Viśvakarmā himself. I will grant you release from the curse; seek me, O beautiful one.” Hearing these words from the twice-born artisan, Ghṛtācī, now a cowherdess in her new form, replied, “How could I unite with you here, on the banks of the sacred Gaṅgā in Bhārata? O Viśvakarmā, this Bhārata is a holy land of action. Birth here is gained only as the fruit of great asceticism by the righteous, for the sake of liberation. Only she whom the goddess Nārāyaṇī, sovereign of illusion, is pleased with—” Thus, the tale unfolds, revealing the power of dharma, the weight of actions, and the mysterious workings of fate and divine will.