Among the gods themselves, there is no power to rival the supreme—not even mighty Indra, Brahmā the creator, or Rudra the destroyer possess such authority. In the order of the world, it is the husband who acts, who receives, who rules, who nourishes, and who protects. A maiden born into a noble family, when devoted and obedient to her husband, fulfills her highest dharma. Yet, the lowest among women is she who forsakes her husband and serves another man. With a clear heart, Mālāvatī declared, “I am the wife of Upabarhaṇa, and the daughter of Citraratha. You, revered sage, are learned in the Veda and able to measure the expanse of all time.” As Mālāvatī, best among those skilled in the Vedas, spoke these words, a wondrous vision unfolded before the virtuous Mālatī. She beheld the maiden of death: a radiant, compassionate being, serene and smiling, with six arms and a presence marked by great chastity. Before her also stood Time itself, a portion of Nārāyaṇa, manifest in a formidable form—six faces, sixteen arms, and twenty-four eyes. Mālatī saw the god of gods, terrifying and awe-inspiring, the destroyer of all worlds, yet with a face gently smiling and gracious, holding a rosary and ever ready to grant boons. Before the chaste woman appeared hosts of diseases, difficult to overcome, and another figure with large feet, dark in color, righteous, the son of the sun—Yama, the judge of righteousness and unrighteousness, the very embodiment of supreme dharma. Unafraid, Mālatī addressed Yama first. She asked, “O Lord, how do you take my husband before his time?” Yama replied, “O virtuous one, without the command of the Supreme Lord, I do not disturb the life of anyone. I am Time, the maiden of death, and these diseases—all are difficult to overcome. The daughter of Death, skilled in discernment, approaches each being from the moment of conception.” Mālavatī pleaded, “O dear one, how do you take my beloved from me while I am still alive?” The daughter of Death answered, “Even with great austerities, it is not possible to abandon him. Among all virtuous women, there is one who is radiant and exceptional, and when she is present, all calamities are pacified. But driven by Time, I and my sons, as well as diseases, must act as ordained. Ask Time, the great soul, the knower of dharma, in the assembly of dharma.” Turning to Time, Mālavatī bowed reverently and said, “O Lord, portion of Nārāyaṇa, I offer my salutations to you and to the Supreme. How do you take my beloved from me while I am still alive, O master?” Time, the Personification of the cosmic order, replied, “We wander ceaselessly, upholding the commands of the Supreme Lord, from whom are born Nature, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, and all others. Wise yogis meditate upon His lotus feet. Out of fear of Him, the wind blows; out of fear of Him, the sun shines. Śaṅkara, the destroyer of all worlds, acts only by His command. By His will, the planets revolve in their orbits, trees bear flowers and fruits, streams flow, and the earth supports all beings. “Suddenly, the world is deluded by the constant power of His māyā. His end is unknown even to the Vedas or to those who comprehend the deepest truths. His name is served by Brahmā and Viṣṇu, the greatest and most expansive of beings.” Thus, the supreme order and mystery of the cosmos was revealed to Mālavatī, who stood steadfast and devoted amid the powers of death and time.