If someone is weighed down by the loss of children, family, or spouse, or has fallen into utter destitution—whether standing at the king’s gate, wandering the cremation grounds, lost in the vastness of the forest, or caught in the terror of battle; whether trapped in a house fire, surrounded by a forest blaze, or beset by a band of robbers; even if they are extremely poor or lacking wisdom—such a person, if they recite the sacred hymn to Durgā for a year, finds solace and protection. Thus concludes the sixty-sixth chapter, “The Hymn to Durgā,” from the section on Prakṛti in the great Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa, within the holy dialogue between Nārada and Nārāyaṇa. Eager to learn more, Nārada addressed Nārāyaṇa: “Tell me, O Lord, of the divine armor of Prakṛti, known as ‘The Enchantment of the Universe.’” Nārāyaṇa replied with compassion, “This secret was once graciously spoken by Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Brahmā himself. All that pertains to righteousness and purpose was revealed by Brahmā on the sacred banks of the Jāhnavī. “This is the very power by which Tripurāri destroyed the three cities of the demons, and by which the fierce Bhadrakālikā slew the demon Raktabīja. By this, even mighty Indra, king of the gods, attained the abode of Lakṣmī. The great sage Nandī, filled with joy, reached supreme wisdom through it, and Durvāsā, foremost among the wise, became equal to Śiva himself. “This six-syllabled mantra is a wish-fulfilling tree for devotees. Simply by receiving this mantra, one becomes as exalted as Viṣṇu. Recite: ‘Om Durge—may she always protect my throat. Om hrīṃ śrīṃ klīṃ—may she always guard my back on every side. Om śrīṃ hrīṃ klīṃ—may she protect my whole body, whether I sleep or wake.’ May Bhadrakālī shield me in the south; Maheśvarī in the southwest; Vaiṣṇavī in the north; and Śiva’s beloved in the northeast. “Thus, dear child, I have revealed this rare and potent armor. One should honor the guru with offerings of garments, ornaments, and sandalwood. Whether journeying to holy places or circumambulating the earth, by reciting this mantra five hundred thousand times, its power is realized. For one who perfects this protective mantra, there is no fear of death—not even fire or water can harm him. Such a devotee becomes equal to Viṣṇu. “Prakṛti, the root of all, is the mother whose son is the lord of the ganas. By his own portion, the blessed Kṛṣṇa became the lord of the ganas. After offering curd-rice as food, one should also give gold, and please the reciter with garments, ornaments, and jewels. The scripture itself should be worshipped with devotion and faith. By this grace, sons, grandsons, and fame increase, and one attains unwavering devotion and service to Kṛṣṇa.” Thus concludes the sixty-seventh chapter, “The Brahmāṇḍa-Mohana Kavaca,” in the story of Durgā. With reverence, salutations are offered to Śrī Gaṇeśa and to the revered Guru. Bowing to Nārāyaṇa and to the best among men, Nārada speaks: “O Lord, grant me knowledge of the most excellent and desired truths, for the increase of wisdom in the ignorant. I have now come to hear the section about Śrī Gaṇeśa. How was the best among the gods born from the auspicious womb of Pārvatī? Whose divine portion was he? How did he come into being? What was his Brahma-power and valor? How did he come to be worshipped first among all the worlds? His birth is described as a hidden mystery in the Purāṇas. Please reveal this to me.