There once was a king who, with unwavering devotion, always listened to his teachers and followed the prescribed rules of dharma. The land under his rule flourished, protected by righteousness and justice. One day, this noble king ventured into a vast forest for a hunt. However, by the workings of fate, he found no game that day, and as he wandered deeper into the woods, exhaustion overtook him. As he searched for relief, the king came upon a dried-up lake. Standing at its edge, he pondered deeply: “How might there be water here, by which I, the king, could survive?” Driven by necessity and hope, he dug a small pit with his own hands. To his joy, water sprang forth, and he was able to quench his thirst. Among the king’s ministers was a wise and capable man named Bhūmiśa, also called Buddhisāgara. Buddhisāgara approached the king and said, “O King, this lotus-pond was once filled with rainwater. O sinless one, may you be pleased, lord, and give me your command.” The king was delighted by this suggestion and was eager to restore the pond himself. By the king’s order, Buddhisāgara joyfully undertook the task. He expanded the pond, making it fifty bows in length and breadth on all sides. When the work was completed, Buddhisāgara reported everything to the king. Now, thirsty travelers who passed that way found pure water to drink at the pond. Through this act of compassion, Buddhisāgara washed away his sins and, upon his death, ascended to the world of the Lord of the World. Citragupta, the divine recorder of deeds, reported all these actions, declaring that Buddhisāgara was worthy to ascend the chariot of righteousness. Thus, Buddhisāgara mounted the radiant chariot named Righteousness. Having reached the abode of Yama, he joyfully offered his respects. Citragupta then spoke of the dharma that arose from the creation of the pond. He described how, on the slope beyond the sandy mountain, some time before, a boar had dug a pit in that very place. At another time, the same boar had created a pair of ponds there, which provided water to small forest creatures tormented by thirst. A pit three hand-lengths deep was dug, yielding even more water. Yet, by the time the king arrived, the water had dried up. By the wise instruction of his minister, the king restored the pond, and trees were planted there, bringing benefit to all people. For these righteous deeds, the king, too, ascended a celestial chariot of virtue, sharing in the merit with the sixth king before him. Hearing this sacred story frees one from sin and from the cycles of birth and death. Whoever hears or participates in the creation of such a pond attains all the merit that arises from it. Now, listen further to the merit gained by one who creates such a pond for the sake of Śiva or Hari. For three aeons, such a person abides at the feet of Viṣṇu—of this, there is no doubt. The merit gained is immeasurable, and after dwelling at the feet of Viṣṇu for three cycles of creation, one attains the city of Brahma. Thereafter, one is born in the family of yogis, endowed with compassion, to continue walking the path of righteousness.