Having recounted the origins of that noble lineage—preserved by the sage Vyāsa, who understood the righteous law among brothers and was free from all stain—Nārada now spoke. With deep reverence, he addressed Nārāyaṇa, the upholder of the earth and source of all protection, saying, “O Lord, the deeds of the Goddess you have narrated are truly purifiers of sin.” Nārada’s curiosity and devotion grew deeper. “In every age of Manu,” he said, “that great Goddess, in her own form, manifests in whatever shape she desires. Please tell us, O Lord, of all her manifestations—how she was worshipped and praised here, and by whom. She, who is ever devoted to her devotees and fulfills the wishes of the faithful, is the source of supreme welfare. Describe to us, ocean of compassion, the deeds by which one attains great happiness.” Śrī Nārāyaṇa, the compassionate one, replied, “Listen, O great sage, to the deeds of the Goddess that destroy all sin. She is the origin of devotion in devotees, the source of prosperity, the very womb of the universe, and the supreme radiance. From her arose Brahma, the grandfather of all worlds.” He continued, “Brahma appeared from the lotus that sprang from the navel of the Lord of gods—the wielder of the discus. Possessing four faces, he manifested in the world. Through his mind, Brahma produced Manu, named Svayambhuva, his own mind-born son. He also generated Śatarūpā, his wife, who embodied righteousness. On the pure shore of the ocean of milk, Manu, the lord of the earth, worshipped the Goddess who grants great fortune.” Manu, with devotion, fashioned a clay image of the Goddess and performed sacred rites, reciting the secret Vagbhava mantra. He fasted, practiced breath control, and became emaciated through strict observances and vows. Standing on one foot, steadfast day and night, he practiced austerities for a hundred years, conquering desire and anger. His mind fixed unwaveringly on the Goddess’s feet, he attained perfect steadiness. Pleased by his deep penance, the Goddess—embodiment of the universe—appeared before him. She spoke in a divine voice, “Choose a boon, O king.” Overjoyed, Manu replied, “Victory to you, O wide-eyed Goddess, who dwell within all. O venerable, worshipful, nourisher of the world, most auspicious of all, by your glance the lotus-born Brahma creates the universe. Vaikuntha protects, Hara destroys in an instant, and the lord of Śacī rules the three worlds by your command. The lord of the departed disciplines beings, the lord of aquatic creatures protects, even Kubera, lord of treasures, acts by your energy, as do Nairṛta, Vāyu, Īśāna, and Śeṣa—all are born from your portion, empowered by your strength.” He continued, “If you are pleased to grant a boon, O auspicious one, let all obstacles in my work of creation be removed. May those who worship the Vagbhava mantra swiftly achieve success in their endeavors. May those who recite or listen to this dialogue attain enjoyment and liberation with ease; let them gain remembrance of past births, eloquence, and excellence. Grant them knowledge, success in action, and abundance of sons and grandsons—let all these come to pass as I have spoken.” The Blessed Goddess, pleased, 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; your recitation of the Vagbhava mantra and your austerity have surely brought this about. May your kingdom be free from obstacles, may your sons continue your lineage, and, dear one, with steadfast devotion to me, at the end of life you shall attain the highest state.” Having thus blessed Manu, the great-souled one, the Goddess departed for Mount Vindhya, while Manu looked on. Now begins the account of Vindhya. At that time, the Vindhya mountain, which had been restrained by the sage born from the water-pot, began to rise, aspiring to touch the sky and block the path of the sun. The Goddess, who dwells in Vindhya and bestows boons, sister of Vishnu, became worthy of worship by all the worlds. The sages, hearing this, asked Suta, “Who is this Vindhya mountain? Why did he rise to touch the sky? And why did he seek to block the sun’s path? How did the son of Mitra and Varuna make that lofty mountain remain in its place? Tell us everything in detail, for we are never satisfied, drinking the nectar of your stories. Our thirst for hearing the forms and deeds of the Goddess only grows.” Suta replied, “There was a mountain named Vindhya, honored among all that bear the earth, rich with vast forests and mighty trees. It was adorned with flowering creepers and bushes, and abounded with deer, wild boar, buffalo, tigers, and leopards. Monkeys, hares, bears, and jackals roamed everywhere, joyful, well-nourished, and energetic. Rivers and streams flowed through it, and it was frequented by gods, gandharvas, kinnaras, apsaras, kimpurushas, and trees that grant every desire.” “One day, as he wandered the earth, the divine sage, greatly delighted, came of his own will to that splendid Vindhya mountain. Seeing the sage, the mountain quickly rose up in haste and, with reverence, offered water for washing the feet, an arghya, and then a splendid seat.