Honored by Bhīṣma and treated with deep respect by Satyavatī, the great and radiant sage Vyāsa stood in the royal palace, his presence glowing like a smokeless fire. Satyavatī, his mother, approached him with a solemn request: “Now, my son, beget a child—beautiful and born of your energy—in the line of Vicitravīrya.” Vyāsa listened to his mother’s words and, having considered her command, replied with a sacred “Om.” He stood in reflection, waiting for the proper moment. When the time was right, Ambikā, having bathed and at the proper season, united with the sage. From this union, she bore a mighty son, but he was blind from birth. The sight of her son’s blindness caused even Satyavatī distress, and so she turned to the second bride, urging her, “Quickly, you too must beget a son.” When Ambālikā’s season arrived, she likewise united with Vyāsa at night and conceived. From her was born Pāṇḍu, a son fit for kingship, though he was not accepted as such. Still desiring a son for the family’s sake, Satyavatī sent the bride again at the end of the year, earnestly summoning Vyāsa and requesting him to bless the lineage once more. She sent the bride at night to the finest bedchamber, but the bride, fearful, did not go herself. Instead, she sent a maidservant in her place. From this maid, Vidura was born—righteous and virtuous. Thus, Vyāsa begot three sons—Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Pāṇḍu, and Vidura—each a hero, destined to protect the royal lineage. In this way, the origin and preservation of the dynasty was ensured by Vyāsa, who understood the law of brothers and remained sinless. Having recounted the origins of that noble line, the narrative turns to the next divine episode. The sage Nārada addressed Nārāyaṇa, the sustainer of the earth and source of all protection, praising the deeds of the Goddess, which destroy all sin. “In every age of Manu,” Nārada said, “the Goddess manifests in her own form, appearing in whatever shape she chooses. Tell us, O Lord, of all her glories—how and by whom she was worshipped and praised. She, who is ever devoted to her devotees, fulfills the wishes of the faithful. For our welfare, recount to us the supreme deeds of the Goddess, by which one attains great happiness.” Śrī Nārāyaṇa replied, “Listen, O great sage, to the deeds that destroy sin. The source of devotion, the wellspring of prosperity, the womb of the universe, the supreme radiance—this is Brahma, the grandfather of the worlds. He appeared from the lotus that arose from the navel of the Lord of gods, the wielder of the discus. With four faces, Brahma manifested and, by his mind, produced Manu, named Svayambhuva, his son. He also generated Śatarūpā, Manu’s wife, who embodied righteousness. On the pure shore of the ocean of milk, Manu worshipped the Goddess, who grants great fortune. Fashioning her image from clay, the lord of the earth performed sacred rites.” “Manu worshipped the Goddess in secret, reciting the Vagbhava mantra, fasting, controlling his breath, and undertaking austere vows. Standing on one foot, firm day and night, he observed penance for a hundred years, conquering desire and anger. In his heart, he meditated steadfastly on the feet of the Goddess, and by his austerity, the universal Goddess appeared before him.” She spoke divine words: “Choose a boon, O king.” Hearing her speech, which brought him joy, Manu chose the boons that resided deep within his heart—blessings rare even for the immortals. He said, “Victory to you, O Goddess, wide-eyed, who dwell within all! O venerable, worshipful nourisher of the world, most auspicious among the auspicious! By your glance, the lotus-born creates the universe; Vaikuntha protects, Hara destroys, and the lord of Śacī rules the three worlds by your command. The lord of the departed instructs living beings, the lord of the aquatic beings protects, and Kubera, Vāyu, Nairṛta, Īśāna, and Śeṣa all act by your energy. They are born from your portion, empowered by you. If a boon is to be granted to me, O Goddess, let all obstacles in my work of creation be destroyed. Grant success to those who worship the Vagbhava mantra. For those who recite or listen to this dialogue, may enjoyment and liberation become easily attainable. Grant them remembrance of past births, eloquence, excellence, knowledge, success in action, and abundance of sons and grandsons—may all this come to pass as I have spoken.” The Blessed Goddess replied, “O king, mighty-armed ruler of the earth, all that you have asked for shall indeed come to be. I grant you what you have desired. I am pleased, O destroyer of demons, whose power is unfailing; by your recitation of the Vagbhava mantra and your austerity, it is certain. May your kingdom be free from obstacles, may your sons continue your lineage, and, dear one, with firm devotion to me, at the end of life you shall attain the highest state.” Having thus granted these boons to the great-souled Manu, the Goddess departed for Mount Vindhya, even as Manu gazed upon her. At that time, the Vindhya mountain, which had been restrained by the sage born from the water-pot, began to rise up, seeking to touch the sky and block the path of the sun. Thus began the next account—the tale of Vindhya.