Krabhuvana was renowned as the king of the gods, and alongside him, deities such as Harinābha and others held their own distinguished places. Among these divine beings, Divaspati, endowed with immense might, was declared to be Indra, the lord of the heavens. Thus, the lineages of Manus, the Indras, and the various gods have been faithfully described, each exercising their authority during the course of a single day of Brahmā. The wise know that there have been many creators throughout the ages, yet their true number is beyond easy reckoning. Even I, though learned, cannot enumerate them all today, O best of the twice-born. Four Manus have already passed, and the expanse of my own glory is vast indeed. After recounting these, I shall proceed to speak of the realm of action; listen carefully. The act of speaking and listening to these sacred accounts is itself a destroyer of all sins. Consider, for example, one who dwells in a part of the earth, consuming impure meat. If such a person, having been struck down by a hunter’s weapon in the evening, falls within the courtyard of Viṣṇu’s temple, and is seized by the hunter’s curved hand while others and their dogs rush about, something wondrous can occur. That hunter, performing respectful circumambulation, enters the temple of Viṣṇu, O Lord. To both the fallen one and even to the dog, the supreme abode is granted. Having attained such a state, O foremost of the gods, what more could be gained by proper worship? The soul attains joy and becomes devoted to the worship of Hari. Such devotees are constantly worshipped by Brahmā and the hosts of deities. How, then, can the bondage of fierce worldly existence affect those who are destined for liberation through their attachment to the Lord? Freed from all sins by every means, they proceed joyfully to the most auspicious abode of Viṣṇu. Through meditation, their minds are cleansed of sin, and they do not return to the cycle of birth, never again drinking the essence of their mother’s milk. Such pure souls sanctify the worlds by mere touch or conversation, and for this reason, Hari alone is to be worshipped. In his presence, all auspiciousness gathers, just as water naturally flows into a low place, O twice-born one. Hari alone is worthy of worship, for he is the very cause of consciousness. For those who worship him, O best of sages, the highest welfare is assured. Viṣṇu, pleased at heart, grants all their desires. Such a devotee attains the fruit of the great Ashvamedha sacrifice, O foremost among sages. What more can I tell you, whether briefly or in detail? Now, you have asked to hear about the characteristics and duration of the ages. I shall explain the duties of each age, which benefit all the worlds. When the time of destruction approaches, only dharma remains on earth. O noble one, know that a year consists of twelve divine months. These measures of time have been declared by those who perceive the truth. Following this, the Dvāpara age is spoken of, and then, in due order, the Kali age is known as the last. O brāhmaṇa, in the Kṛta age, all beings were regarded as equal to the gods themselves. There was no division of the Vedas in that age known as Kṛta. The people were ever devoted to Nārāyaṇa, intent on austerities and meditation. Their minds were steadfast in righteousness, free from envy and deceit. They were accomplished in the study of the Vedas and discerning in all the scriptures. United with the fruit of desirelessness, they attained the supreme state. Now, I shall declare to you the dharmas of the Tretā age. Listen attentively.