In the beginning, dharma—the very foundation of righteous living—was proclaimed by the Veda and the Smṛti, with sacrifice at its heart. Therefore, for those who yearn for liberation, it is essential to turn to my form, which is the Veda itself, for the sake of dharma. At the dawn of creation, the Veda emerged, manifesting as the Ṛg, Yajur, and Sāma Vedas, guiding the world with its wisdom. Then, the Creator brought forth the Brāhmaṇas and others, assigning each group their own sacred duties, establishing order and structure. Beneath these realms, he placed the hells, such as Tāmisra, as destinations for those who stray from the path. Those who delight in pursuits contrary to the Veda are not to be engaged with by the twice-born; their intentions, being opposed to the Veda and Smṛti, are steeped in darkness. There exist other misleading paths and doctrines, created for the purpose of delusion. The scriptures I have fashioned, too, serve to bewilder certain beings in other existences, keeping them from the true path. For this reason, those devoted to me dedicate themselves earnestly to the pursuit of dharma as revealed in the Vedas. In ancient times, Svāyambhuva Manu imparted the codes of conduct to the sages. These sages, inspired by him, composed the treatises on dharma to uphold righteousness. By the command of Brahmā, these codes are maintained in every age, ensuring that righteousness prevails. The knowers of the dharma-śāstra are the agents who safeguard these principles through all ages. The sciences of light, logic, and Mīmāṃsā, together with the four Vedas, are declared as supports of dharma; it is not found elsewhere. By my directive, these are upheld until the dissolution of creation. When another era ends, those who have perfected themselves through this path attain the supreme state. It is knowledge, united with righteousness, that reveals the supreme Brahman. Those who are ever devoted, filled with faith, and established in yogic mastery, worship with humility and wisdom. Whether they are ascetics of firm vows, renunciants, householders, forest-dwellers, or celibates, I swiftly dispel all darkness from their hearts with the radiant lamp of knowledge. Ever-blissful in the world, these souls are freed from the cycle of repeated birth. Therefore, worship me everywhere, together with Menā. Take refuge in my entire form, which is the very origin of time and all things. Be steadfast and devoted, intent on worshipping this supreme reality. It is infinite, immortal, and free from all limiting attributes. Those who perceive knowledge itself enter into me alone. When the impurities of the heart are destroyed by knowledge, one attains a state from which there is no return. O king, this state cannot be reached by any other means—therefore, take refuge in me. By worshipping me, you shall surely attain that supreme state. This truth is not known by any other way; thus, take refuge in me. Worship with effort, and you will cast off all bondage. Worship with devotion, and you will reach the highest goal. I am the beginningless, infinite, supreme Lord—unborn, auspicious, and the source of eternal bliss. I am without form, without qualities, and beyond all darkness. This reality is self-experienced, unknowable by ordinary means, and established in the supreme space. In the vast and terrifying ocean of worldly existence, beings are born again and again. But those who take refuge in me, who worship with unwavering devotion and knowledge, cross beyond this ocean and find eternal peace.