The earth, vast and magnificent, is supported upon the mighty head of Shesha, the cosmic serpent. To uphold her expanse, all the mountains—broad and immense—were fashioned as steadfast supports. Just as iron pegs are fixed firmly into wood, so too were these mountains established, their purpose to anchor the earth. Among them, the greatest is known as Mahīdhara, a name revered by the wise and spoken by the people. At the heart of this creation stands Mount Meru, a mountain of dazzling gold, stretching across many yojanas. Its peaks are adorned with gleaming gems, wondrous to behold, radiating splendor in every direction. Upon this sacred stage, the divine drama of creation unfolded. From Brahma, the Creator, were born his illustrious sons: Marichi, Narada, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Daksha, and Vasishta—each a sage of great renown. Through Marichi came Kashyapa, and from the thirteen daughters of Daksha arose a multitude of beings—gods and demons, each with their own destinies. From Kashyapa’s lineage emerged a vast and varied creation: humans, animals, serpents, and countless other species, each finding their place in the world. Then, from the very body of Brahma, Manu—called Svayambhuva—was born, and from Brahma’s left side came Shatarupa, a woman of exquisite grace. To Manu and Shatarupa were born two sons, Priyavrata and Uttanapada, and three daughters, all of unsurpassed beauty. Having thus brought forth creation, Brahma, the blessed one born from the lotus, fashioned the delightful realm of Brahma-loka atop the summit of Meru. Vishnu, the Preserver, then created Vaikuntha, the supreme abode of bliss for Lakshmi, a place of incomparable beauty and joy, situated above all other worlds. Shiva, too, established his own supreme abode, Kailasa, and, surrounded by hosts of spirits, dwelled there in perfect contentment. Heaven itself, known as Triviṣṭapa, was created upon the peak of Mount Meru—a realm adorned with countless jewels and ruled by the king of the gods, Indra. In the course of time, the ocean was churned, and from its depths arose wondrous treasures: the celestial Pārijāta tree, the four-tusked elephant, the mighty serpent, and Kāmadhenu, the wish-granting cow. Alongside them appeared Uccaiḥśravā, the divine horse, and the enchanting apsarases like Rambhā, all of whom were claimed by Indra as ornaments of heaven. Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and the radiant Moon also emerged from the ocean, each shining resplendently in the celestial realms, attended by many. Thus, O best of kings, the threefold creation was established—gods, animals, humans, and countless others, each manifesting in myriad forms. All beings, endowed with karma, came into existence in four ways: some from eggs, some from sweat, some from sprouts, and others from wombs. With creation thus set in motion, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara each enjoyed the delights of their own abodes. As the worlds flourished, the unchanging Lord Vishnu sported in his own realm, Vaikuntha, together with Mahalakshmi. Once, in ancient times, Vishnu, residing in Vaikuntha, remembered the jewel-studded island set amidst the ocean of nectar. There, upon seeing Mahāmāyā and receiving a sacred mantra, he recalled that supreme power and was transformed into a feminine form. Desiring to perform a sacrifice to Ambikā, the Lord of Lakshmi left his celestial abode and summoned Maheshvara. He invited Brahma, Varuna, Indra, Kubera, Agni, Yama, Vasishta, Kashyapa, Daksha, Vamadeva, and Brihaspati, gathering them all for this great rite. Vishnu arranged for abundant and splendid materials for the sacrifice, all pure and sattvic, pleasing to the mind. He had a spacious pavilion constructed by skilled artisans and chose twenty-seven priests of excellent vows. The altar and broad sacrificial platforms were built, and the Brahmanas recited the mantras of the Goddess, each syllable imbued with her divine power. As prescribed, they offered oblations into the well-prepared fire, their hearts full of devotion. When the sacrifice was complete and the fire established, a bodiless voice resounded, addressing Vishnu in sweet and melodious tones: “O Vishnu, always be the foremost among the gods, O Hari. You will be honored, worshipped, and capable even among the gods; all, including Brahma and Indra, will revere you. Through devotion, humans everywhere on earth will gain strength, and you will be the grantor of boons to all mankind. “You will fulfill the desires of all the gods, being the supreme Lord; in every sacrifice, you will be chief and worshipped by all sacrificers. People will worship you, and you will become the bestower of boons; the gods, afflicted by demons, will seek refuge in you. You will be the refuge of all, O supreme person, in all the Puranas and the extended Vedas as well. “You will be the most worshipped, and your fame will spread; whenever there is a decline of righteousness on earth, then, descending through your portion, you must swiftly protect righteousness. Your incarnations will be renowned on earth, each as a part of you. On earth, they will be honored by the great souls; in all incarnations, in various forms, O Madhava. “You will be celebrated in all worlds, O Madhusudana; in every incarnation, your power will accompany you. She will act through my portion, accomplishing all tasks—as Varahi, Narasimhi, and in many diverse forms, bearing many weapons and auspicious shapes, adorned with all ornaments. United with them, O Vishnu, you will always fulfill divine tasks, O Madhava. “You will accomplish all this through the boons I have granted you; never disregard them at any time, even in the slightest.” Thus, the divine order was set, and the gods rejoiced, knowing that Vishnu would be their protector and the upholder of righteousness throughout the ages.