When the prince respectfully asked how he might attain the highest state, the illustrious sage, smiling with gentle assurance, replied, “O prince, listen well: you shall indeed reach that supreme abode. Worship Keśava, the Lord of all worlds and destroyer of afflictions, who manifested from the right side of Mahādeva. The wise must always recite the mantra that destroys all sins, fulfills desires, and is supremely pure, holy, and spotless.” He continued, “With your senses restrained, always utter this divine mantra, united with the sacred praṇava: ‘Let there be homage to Vāsudeva!’ Meditate upon the eternal Viṣṇu, be devoted to recitation and sacrifice, and thus you shall progress.” Receiving these blessed instructions, the illustrious prince bowed reverently to Viśvāmitra. He then faced east, disciplined and joyful of heart, living only on roots, fruits, and vegetables. Day and night, for a whole year, he tirelessly recited the mantra, never ceasing in his devotion. As he chanted, terrifying spirits, demons, and fierce beasts like lions approached, seeking to disturb his mind. Yet, as he recited “Vāsudeva,” he remained steadfast, unmoved by their presence. Even his mother, Sunīti, appeared before him in the guise of a piśāci, overwhelmed with grief and weeping, “You are my only son—why do you suffer so? Why have you abandoned your helpless mother to undertake such austerity?” But the great ascetic, filled with joy, did not even glance at her; he continued reciting the name of Hari, undistracted. With this unwavering devotion, all obstacles vanished from that place. Then Viṣṇu Himself, radiant as a rain-laden cloud, descended, riding upon Garuḍa, surrounded by all the gods and praised by the great sages. The blessed Viṣṇu, destroyer of foes, approached Dhruva. Seeing this wondrous being draw near, Dhruva gazed in awe, wondering, “Who is this?” As if drinking in the vision with his eyes, he beheld Hṛṣīkeśa, Lord of the world. Still reciting “Vāsudeva,” Dhruva stood resplendent. Govinda gently touched Dhruva’s face with the edge of His conch, and in that moment, Dhruva attained supreme knowledge and realization of the highest Person. With joined palms, he praised Hari, Lord of all worlds: “Be gracious, Lord of gods, bearer of conch, discus, and mace, soul of the world, knower of the Vedas’ secrets—I take refuge in you, Keśava. Even the great sages like Sanaka do not know you, O great soul; how then can I know you? Salutations to you, Lord of the world.” Viṣṇu, smiling kindly, said, “Come, child Dhruva. Having attained the fixed place, become the foremost among the stars. There, together with your mother, attain the place of the stars—this supreme, eternal, and beautiful abode of mine. Long ago, by austerity and worship of the Lord of gods, this boon was obtained from Śaṅkara: whoever always recites ‘Vāsudeva’ with the praṇava, with reverence, joined with the word ‘Bhagavat,’ and with salutation, such a wise one attains the fixed place of Dhruva.” Then all the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, supreme sages, and their mothers established themselves in that celestial region. Having received Viṣṇu’s command, the radiant Dhruva ascended to his position among the luminaries through the power of the twelve-syllable mantra. Thus he achieved great perfection. Therefore, whoever bows to Vāsudeva attains the realm of Dhruva; his steadfastness becomes like that of Dhruva. This, I have told you. Now, O Sūta, tell in proper order the excellent origin of the gods, demons, Gandharvas, serpents, and Rākṣasas. It is said that the earliest creation arose from intention, vision, and touch; but after Dakṣa, son of Pracetas, creation proceeded through sexual union. When Dakṣa was creating gods, sages, and serpents, the worlds did not flourish; only with the union of male and female did growth occur. Dakṣa first produced five thousand sons. Seeing them, and wishing to create further beings, he was most fortunate. Nārada then spoke to these sons, the Haryaśvas: “Having understood the measure of the earth, both above and below, create the world in detail.” Hearing this, they departed in all directions and, like rivers flowing to the ocean, never returned. When the Haryaśvas were lost, Dakṣa again produced by birth another thousand sons, called the Śabalās, gathered together for the work of creation. Nārada spoke once more to these radiant Śabalās: “Having understood the measure of the earth, consider your brothers carefully. When you return, you will create the world in detail.” They too followed the path of their brothers and did not return. When these too were lost, Prajāpati Dakṣa, son of Pracetas, begot sixty daughters in Vairiṇī. He gave ten to Dharma, thirteen to Kaśyapa, twenty-seven to Soma, and four to Ariṣṭanemi. Two he gave to the son of Bhṛgu, two to the wise Kṛśāśva, and likewise two to Aṅgiras. Thus are their names described in detail. Now hear, from the beginning, the expansion of the progeny of these divine mothers: Marutvatī, Vasū, Yāmi, Lambā, Bhānu, and Arundhatī.