Within your womb, O noble lady, rests a universal monarch, destined to conquer enemies and bring glory to his lineage. Yet, at that time, weighed down by sorrow, a woman in her period, preparing to ascend the funeral pyre with the king’s son, was seized by anxious, troubled thoughts. There is no atonement, the scripture declares, for one who is a hypocrite, a reviler, or a destroyer of the unborn; nor, O virtuous one, is there expiation for a betrayer of trust. But take heart—for all this sorrow that has arisen will surely find its end and come to peace. Overwhelmed by intense grief, the queen wailed bitterly, embracing her husband’s feet in lamentation. Yet a compassionate voice consoled her: “Do not weep, O queen. Supreme prosperity awaits you. Therefore, abandon your grief and perform the actions that are right for this time. Death comes alike to the wicked and the virtuous; it is the same for all. Whether one dwells in the city or elsewhere, misery in this world is indeed great. I see fate alone as the cause of all that happens here; people are bound by its conditions. O lotus-faced one, all creatures must eventually pass under the sway of death. “The ignorant, knowing only the surface, spread rumors among beings, mistaking superficial causes for the truth. Be steadfast, and perform your husband’s duties with discernment. Know that what seems like happiness in this world is, in truth, bound by the fetter of karma and filled with much suffering.” Consoled and freed from sorrow by these wise words, the slender woman bowed humbly and addressed the great sage. She reflected, “The trees do not bear fruit on earth merely for enjoyment. That very Viṣṇu, ever established in purity, abides wherever righteousness is upheld. That same Hari, lord of the worlds, has now assumed the form of a man. The sages say he exists for the removal of all suffering. Where the sun shines, how can there be darkness?” Thus strengthened, she performed the sacred rites on the bank of that holy lake, just as the sage had instructed her. Having bowed with reverence to the noble sage Aurva, she attained the supreme abode, her soul finding peace. For those who are regarded by the great indeed reach the highest state; if a virtuous soul beholds such greatness, he too attains the supreme path. O Nārada, know that she, together with her co-wife, served the sage with devotion. Day after day, their service was offered with sincere hearts. Yet, over time, her mind became clouded with jealousy at her co-wife’s prosperity. Meanwhile, Gara did not display his own power, being intent upon serving the sages. His actions, shaped by the remnants of his worn-out merit, were performed at the proper time, free from faults, attentive and pure. Is there any lasting happiness for those who perform virtuous deeds among men? All such merit is swiftly surpassed by service to the great souls. Even a mere fraction of cold ashes, when accepted by Śambhu, brings blessing. Here and hereafter, O lord of obstacles, the virtuous are most worthy of reverence. When Gara, his merit exhausted, entered the womb, three months passed—an astonishing event. The birth rites were performed, and the child was named Sagara. The sage conducted the rituals of head-shaving and investiture with the sacred thread. Seeing Sagara’s capability, even as he still bore traces of childhood, the venerable sage Aurva instructed him properly, preparing him for the great destiny that awaited.