In ancient times, the sacred scriptures were established in fourfold form, each with its own division. These four holy Samhitas, revered collections, were bestowed to guide humanity toward righteousness, fulfillment of desires, and liberation. Within these scriptures, there are six thousand verses, each illuminating the greatness of Brahman, the Supreme Lord. The texts recount not only the grandeur of Brahman but also the stories of divine lineages and holy events that have transpired. Now, I shall relate what was once narrated by the sage Vyasa. Long ago, the gods undertook a mighty endeavor: they used the mountain Mandara as a churning rod and churned the ocean of milk. The divine being himself bore Mandara, seeking the welfare of the gods. Vishnu, imperishable and eternal, assumed the form of a tortoise and served as the foundation for this churning, bearing witness to the event. The blessed Vishnu, the Supreme Person, took hold of Mandara, aiding the gods in their quest. During this wondrous episode, the gods, together with Shakra, were bewildered and approached Shri, the goddess. They asked her, “Who is this goddess with wide eyes? Tell us truly, as we ask.” Having gazed upon her, Narada and other sinless sages spoke, recognizing her divine presence. The goddess replied, “My beloved, I am the endless Maya, by whom this world is deluded. I delude, O best of the twice-born; I devour and I create. Those who know and discern the self can cross over this vast delusion. Brahma, Ishana, and all the other gods—their powers belong to me. Even before, in the auspicious age, Padmavāsinī, the goddess of fortune, arose from me. She, Mohini, shines with the brilliance of millions of suns and bewilders all embodied beings.” She continued, “This Maya must be overcome, as must all embodied beings on earth. Who can cross this Maya, so difficult to conquer and fashioned by the gods?” There is a distinguished twice-born sage, renowned as Indradyumna. He received the divine Samhita directly from my mouth and led the foremost sages. Recognizing those sages as established in my power, Indradyumna sought refuge in me alone. He is known as Indradyumna; you remember your previous birth. Having attained that knowledge belonging to me, you will enter into me at the end. When the interval of Vaivasvata has passed, you will enter me for the sake of your task. Following the law of time, you will be with me on Śvetadvīpa. By my command, O best of sages, you were born again in a family of Brāhmaṇas. That which is known as Brahman, supreme, is concealed in the forms of knowledge and ignorance. Through vows, fasting, discipline, gold, and offerings to Brāhmaṇas, Indradyumna worshipped Mahādeva, who dwells in the hearts of yogis. Mahādeva revealed his own divine form, which had arisen from Viṣṇu. Indradyumna praised him with various hymns, his palms joined in reverence, and spoke: “Now, tell me the truth of the matter as it really is.” Smiling and recalling Viṣṇu, the goddess spoke to the beloved brāhmaṇa: “I am the one supreme Māyā, whose essence is Nārāyaṇa. Through me, I am the supreme Brahman; that Viṣṇu is the highest Lord. By knowledge or by the yoga of action, I am not attained by them. By worshiping the Infinite with knowledge, you will then attain liberation.” Thus, the story reveals the profound mysteries of Maya, the greatness of Brahman, and the path to liberation, as told by Vyasa and passed down through the sacred Samhitas.