O noble descendant of the Sun, listen as the auspicious stars beginning with Rohiṇī are recalled, along with Lakṣmī, Marutvatī, Sādhyā, and the blessed Viśveśā, all considered most excellent among celestial beings. In ancient times, the goddess Sarasvatī herself was created by Brahmā, and these five—Rohiṇī, Lakṣmī, Marutvatī, Sādhyā, and Viśveśā—are esteemed as the finest for the gods. Brahmā, who perceives all actions and is ever wise, bestowed a beautiful wife, endowed with auspiciousness and righteousness, capable of assuming any form at will. This gracious one, named Surabhi, approached Brahmā with favor, and Brahmā, honored by all the worlds, united with her. Understanding the purpose of creation and for the sake of cows, Surabhi gave birth to sons, vast and smoky in appearance. These beings, dark as night and twilight clouds, blazed with intense energy. They cried out, ran about, and reproached their Grandfather, Brahmā. Because of their weeping and running, they came to be known as Rudras. Among them, Nirṛti, Śambhu, and Aparājita were the third; others included Mṛgavyādha, Kapardī, Dahana, Īśvara, Ahirbudhnya, the venerable Kapālī, and Piṅgala. These brilliant commanders are known as the eleven Rudras. From Surabhi also came the cows and the lords of sacrifice, as well as excellent powers, imperishable cattle, goats, swans, and even the supreme nectar. From the noble Surasā arose the foremost herbs; from Dharma, Lakṣmī and Kāma were born, and from Sādhyā came the Sādhyas. Among these Sādhyas were Bhava, Prabhava, Īśa—the destroyer of Asuras—Aruṇa, Āruṇi, Viśvāvasu, Bala, and Dhruva. Others included Haviṣya, Vitāna, Vidhāna, Śamita, Vatsara, Bhūti, and the destroyer of all Asuras. Suparvāṇa and Bṛhatkānti were among those honored by the worlds. The goddess, following Vāsava, gave birth to the gods. The first was Vara, the second the imperishable Dhruva, the third Viśvāvasu, and the fourth Soma, the lord. In accordance with her power, Yama was born next; the seventh was Vāyu, the eighth Nirṛti, and the Vasus. This offspring of Dharma was born from Sudevī; and the Viśvedevas were born from Viśvā by Dharma. Dakṣa, the mighty-armed, Puṣkarasvana, Manu of the Cākṣuṣa epoch, Madhu, and the great serpent were also born. Viśrāntaka, youthful and restful, Viṣkambha of great fame, and Garuḍa of supreme strength and energy, shining like the sun, came forth as well. The Mother of the Viśvedevas gave birth to the Viśvedevas, and Marutvatī gave birth to the sons of Marutvat, the gods. Among them were Agni, the eye, the sun, the light, Sāvitra, Mitra, the immortal, the shower of arrows, Sukarṣa, and the mighty-armed. Virāja, speech, Viśvāvasu, Mati, Aśvamitra, Citraraśmi, and Niṣadhana were also born. Hūyanta, Vāḍava, Cāritra, Mandapannaga, Bṛhanta, Bṛhadrūpa, and Pūtanānuga likewise. Marutvatī gave birth to these groups of Maruts in earlier times. Aditi gave birth to twelve Ādityas from Kaśyapa: Indra, Viṣṇu, Bhaga, Tvaṣṭṛ, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Ravi, Pūṣā, Mitra, Dhanada, Dhātṛ, and Parjanya. These twelve Ādityas are the foremost among the dwellers of heaven. Two excellent sons of Āditya were born from Sarasvatī, excelling in austerity and virtue, honored even in heaven. Danu gave birth to the Dānavas, and Diti to the Daityas. Kālā gave birth to the Kālakeyas, the Asuras. Surasā gave birth to sons of immense strength, diseases with short lives. Simhikā is the mother of planets, Muni is the progenitor of Gandharvas, Tāmrā is the mother of virtuous Apsarases. From Krodhā came all beings and Piśācas, Yakṣa groups and Rākṣasas. Four-footed creatures and cows of fragrant breed, Suparṇas and birds were born from Vinatā. The goddess Kadrū gave birth to all mountains and serpents. Thus, all worlds attained growth. Then, O king, the manifestation of Pauṣkara, the great-souled one, occurred. This manifestation of Pauṣkara has been declared to you by me, Dvaipāyana. The ancient person, Viṣṇu, Hari, the lord, has been narrated to you in sequence, praised by the supreme sages. Whoever listens to this foremost Purāṇa with reverence at sacred times attains the worlds, free from passion, and enjoys heavenly rewards hereafter. He who pleases Kṛṣṇa with the fourfold means—by sight, mind, speech, and action—finds Kṛṣṇa pleased with him. The king attains sovereignty, the poor gains excellent wealth, one of diminished lifespan obtains longevity, and one desiring sons gets a son. Sacrifices, Vedas, desires, and various austerities are attained; the devotee of Viṣṇu obtains various merits and wealth. Whatever one desires may be obtained from the Lord of the world by reciting this Pauṣkaraka of Hari, abandoning all else. O best of kings, for him there is no misfortune. This manifestation called Pauṣkaraka of the great-souled one has been proclaimed to you, O most fortunate, as heard from Vyāsa.