Homage was offered to the One who is beyond both ends, the supreme imitator, the highest among the supreme, and the ultimate deliverer. Though He possesses many forms, He remains untouched; to that supreme Lord, ever worthy of praise, worship was given. The incomparable One, source of all devotion, was honored—He who is compassionate to His devotees, Lord of all, and the original object of all praise. Freed from delusion, the devotee bowed to that supremely pure One, the remover of worldly existence. He is served by the world, the very abode of the universe, the supreme Lord—an ocean of compassion. Then, the bearer of the conch, discus, and mace attained supreme satisfaction and spoke with utmost affection: “Choose a boon, O steadfast one. Choose whatever your mind desires, O steadfast one. Because the vision of you is rare, even for the unworthy, it is remembered. Even those who are righteous, initiated, free from passion and envy—by this alone I am fulfilled, O Janārdana, bearer of the world.” “To that supreme state, O Acyuta, which is attained by seeing you—my vision will never be fruitless at any time.” The Lord replied, “That indeed I shall uphold; my people do not speak falsehood. Endowed with all virtues, long-lived, and possessing his true form—O best of sages, when I am pleased, what is impossible in the three worlds?” With this, Mṛkaṇḍu disappeared, withdrawing from his austerities. Now, what did Hari, the descendant of Bhṛgu, do then? He beheld the Vaiṣṇava illusion at the flood of the long-lived one. Endowed with devotion to Viṣṇu, it was directed toward the sage Mārkaṇḍeya. Entering household life, he lived resolute, peaceful, self-controlled, and fulfilled. His wife, with mind, speech, and body, was devoted to her husband. At the end of ten months, she gave birth to a son of supreme brilliance. The birth rites were performed, auspicious and according to the prescribed rules. Then, in his fifth year, the boy was initiated, filled with joy. He was taught: “O son, the twice-born must always be respectfully greeted, as prescribed. Vedic duties must be performed, preceded by study of the Vedas. What is forbidden must be avoided, such as improper speech and the like. One must not bear hatred toward anyone; one should act for the good of all.” Thus instructed by his father, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya grew—greatly fortunate, compassionate, and devoted to righteousness. Self-controlled, peaceful, greatly wise, and knowing the meaning of all principles, the Lord of the universe was worshipped by the wise Markandeya. Therefore, that sage Markandeya is remembered as Narayana. When the world became a single ocean, Janardana manifested his own power. The intelligent son of Mrikandu, endowed with devotion to Vishnu, remained there as long as Hari himself lay at rest. It is said that this period consisted of ten and five twinklings of the eye; thirty such moments are to be known as one ghatika of time. A month consists of thirty days, joined in two fortnights.