Citragupta, the divine scribe, described to the king the righteousness that arose from the creation of a sacred pond. On the gentle slope beyond the sandy mountain, O king, a remarkable event unfolded. After some time, a boar—mighty and purposeful—appeared in that region. At another time, that very same boar fashioned a pair of ponds, their waters a blessing in the wilderness. Thirsty and tormented, the small creatures of the forest came and drank from these ponds, their suffering eased. In time, a pit, three hand-lengths deep, was dug there, and more water was brought forth. Yet, when you arrived, O king, the water had dried up. By the wise counsel of your minister, you took action: trees were planted in that place, bringing benefit and shade to all people. For these righteous deeds, you mounted a celestial chariot, ascending to the heavens on that virtuous vehicle. The sixth king, too, shared in this merit and joined you on the divine chariot. Hearing this sacred account, one is freed from sin, from the endless cycle of birth and death, and attains all the merit arising from the creation of the pond. Now, O king, listen further to the merit gained by one who does such works for the sake of Śiva or Hari. For three aeons, he surely abides at the feet of Viṣṇu—of this there is no doubt. The measure of his merit is vast; hear it from me in detail. After remaining at the feet of Viṣṇu for three cycles of creation, he attains the city of Brahma. Thereafter, he is born in the family of yogis, endowed with great compassion. Whoever constructs such works with wood receives a reward twice as great; with crystal or stone, the result is ten times greater still. One who protects a temple, a pond, or a village, or who serves a temple by plastering, sprinkling, and decorating—whether for wages or out of virtue—earns great merit. The reward for making a reservoir is half that of creating a lake, while a well yields a hundred times the merit of a canal. Yet, the result of both is declared equal by the lotus-born Brahma, and the knowers of the Vedas affirm that the earthly reward for both is the same. If a poor man constructs a well, his merit is proclaimed to be equal to that of the wealthy. He attains the realm of Brahma, accompanied by three generations of his family. Even standing in the shade of such a well for half a moment leads one to heaven. Those who create ponds or villages are honored together with Hari himself. Listen further, O king, to the merit of those who perform such works for the sake of the gods: they delight in heaven for as many years as there are tens of millions in their lineage, and they reach the abode of Brahma, the single lord of the ages. O king, I declare to you: one who performs these acts dwells for a full hundred ages in the abode of Nārāyaṇa. Hear now the merit obtained by offering the nectar-like water of the Gaṅgā. One whose deeds are celebrated rejoices, intoxicated with the bliss of Viṣṇu’s delight.