There are those whose actions bring them great harm: one who sells girls or the sacred knowledge of the Vedas, who takes the lives of men, or who acts with violence. Among such are also those who, though they have a mother, father, wife, the wife of their teacher, their teacher himself, or even a son, out of miserliness refuse to support them, always hoarding their wealth instead of caring for their family. Such a person neglects even the simplest forms of cleanliness—their teeth, clothing, and hair remain dirty and unkempt. After relieving themselves, they gaze upon what should be left behind, dull-minded and heedless. They lie down to sleep with unwashed feet, sleep uncovered, or surrender to excessive slumber. After anointing their head with oil, they touch other parts of their body before washing, or worse, proceed to relieve themselves before bathing. There are those who cut grass or scratch the earth with their nails, showing disrespect for the world around them. Some take back gifts they themselves have given, or seize what was offered to the Brahmins or the gods, acting out of greed. Others perform rituals or duties without offering the prescribed gifts, their actions empty and deceitful. Among these are those who make their living solely by reciting mantras or by knowledge, the village priest, or the physician. Some, in a fit of anger, destroy a marriage or disrupt a righteous act. Having spoken of all these, Mahalakshmi, the great goddess, vanished from sight. At her departure, all the gods and sages, filled with joy and reverence, bowed before her. In the heavens, drums resounded and showers of flowers fell, celebrating her words. Thus, dear one, the excellent story of Lakshmi has been told. Then, Narada spoke: "By your grace, I have heard the auspicious story of Ganesha. O child of the king of elephants, whose face bears two tusks—where did his other tusk go? You are worthy to tell this tale." The Suta replied: "He began to narrate the story of Ekadanta." Narayana himself said, "The story of Ekadanta is the most auspicious of all." Once, Kartavirya, the mighty king, went hunting in the forest. When the night had passed, the king remained there. In the morning, he bathed in a lake, emerging pure and adorned. A sage beheld the king, noticing that his throat, lips, and palate were parched with thirst. With respect, the king bowed to the sage, who shone with the radiance of the sun. The king told the sage of his hunger and fasting, relating his plight. Having heard him, the best of sages, filled with joy, returned to his own abode. There, a divine lady spoke to the frightened sage: "Why do you fear, when I am present?" She assured him that whatever goods he could offer, suitable for a royal feast, would be provided. She gave gold and silver vessels, and various containers filled with sweet foods to the sage—jackfruit, mangoes, bilva fruits, coconuts, and more. There were delicacies made from barley and wheat flour, rivers of milk, ghee, and curds, mountains of fine, well-cooked rice flakes, and beautiful garments and ornaments fit for a king. With great delight, she playfully fed the king and his entire army. The king was amazed at the abundance and beauty of the vessels and asked, "Behold, things unattainable for me have suddenly appeared—where did they come from?