When all effects arise in the universe, I enter into them and perform every action, establishing the cause behind their existence. In every element, I manifest as their essential quality: in water, I am coolness; in fire, I am heat; in the sun, I am light; and in the moon, I am the chill. Wherever there is desire or necessity, I reveal myself accordingly. Without me, O Creator, nothing can stir or act; all living beings in the world depend entirely on this truth, which I declare to you. Even Shankara is unable to destroy demons without my presence; the world regards a man without power as exceedingly weak. People do not speak of one as being without Rudra or Vishnu, but all call a powerless man base among men. One who is fallen, stumbling, fearful, or subdued by enemies is called powerless in this world; but no one is ever called 'non-Rudra.' Know that power is the true cause. As you desire to create, when joined with power, the agent can accomplish everything. In the same way, Hari, Shambhu, Indra, Agni, the moon, the sun, Yama, Tvaṣṭā, Varuṇa, and Vāyu—all are able to act only when endowed with my power. The earth itself remains firm only when supported by power; otherwise, it cannot even bear an atom. Likewise, Śeṣa, Kūrma, and all the guardians of the directions accomplish their tasks only when united with me. I am the one who drinks up all water, consumes fire, and stills the wind. Today, as I wish, so I act. And, O lotus-born, never should doubt arise in you about the reality of all principles, nor should their existence ever be questioned. Sometimes there is prior non-existence or destruction, just as a pot does not exist in a lump of clay or in shards. If someone asks, “Where is the earth now?” know that its atoms have arisen and are present. The principle of existence is described in seven ways: as eternal, momentary, void, both permanent and impermanent, with agent, with ego, and as the foremost. Now, O Creator, receive the great principle and its offspring, the ego, and then create all beings as before. Let them go to their own abodes, having been fashioned, and dwell there; let them perform their own tasks, inspired by divinity. Receive, O Creator, this power—beautiful, lovely-faced, named Mahāsarasvatī, endowed with the quality of passion and most excellent. Clad in white garments, adorned with divine ornaments, and seated upon a splendid seat, she shall be your companion in your creative play. This noble lady will always be by your side; do not disregard her power, for she is most worthy of worship and very dear to me. Go now with her at once to the world of truth, and from the fourfold seed, bring forth all beings at this very moment. The subtle bodies, together with living beings and their actions, remain established in time; cause them to exist as before. By the causes known as time, action, and inherent nature, the entire universe—moving and unmoving—should exist, endowed with its own qualities as before. You must always honor and worship Viṣṇu, for he is ever superior due to the predominance of the quality of sattva. Whenever a difficult task arises for you, Hari will descend upon the earth and accomplish it. Taking birth among animals, in other forms, or as a human, Janārdana will destroy the daityas. Bhava, too, will be your powerful ally; after creating all the gods, enjoy yourself as you wish. Brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, and vaiśyas, intent and attentive, will worship you all with various sacrifices and proper offerings. By the utterance of my name in all sacrifices, you gods will always be satisfied and content. Śiva, who is beyond all qualities, must also be honored by you in every way, and diligently worshipped in all sacrificial rites. Whenever fear arises for the gods from the daityas, then my powers, manifesting in splendid forms, will destroy them. Vārāhī, Vaiṣṇavī, Gaurī, Nārasiṃhī, Sadāśivā, and others—O lotus-born, you must accomplish their tasks. Always recite this nine-syllabled mantra, together with its seed and meditation; O lotus-born, accomplish all tasks by it. Know, O wise one, that this is the supreme of mantras; it should always be held in your heart for the attainment of all desires and purposes. Having spoken thus, the Mother of the Universe, smiling beautifully, said to Hari: “Viṣṇu, go and accept this enchanting Mahālakṣmī. She will always reside upon your chest—of this there is no doubt. For your delight, I have given you this auspicious power, bestower of all things. You must never disregard this; she is always to be honored. This union, known as Lakshmi-Narayana, has indeed been established by me. Sacrifices have been performed by me for the sake of life and for the gods in every way. One must always act in harmony and without opposition with these three. You, the Creator, Shiva, and these gods are all born from my qualities. All will certainly be respected and worshipped by everyone, without doubt. But those humans of deluded mind who create division among you will go to hell because of that division; there is no doubt about this.