The venerable sage spoke, reflecting deeply, “It is fate alone that governs all events; people are bound by its conditions, unable to escape its grasp. O lotus-faced one, all creatures must ultimately yield to the power of death. The ignorant, relying only on superficial causes, spread rumors among beings, failing to see the deeper truth. You, therefore, should fulfill your husband’s duties with discernment and remain steadfast in your resolve. Bound by the fetters of karma, what appears to be happiness in this world is but a semblance, mingled with much suffering. Freed at last from sorrow, the slender woman bowed respectfully and spoke to the great sage. She observed, ‘Trees do not bear fruit on earth merely for enjoyment; there is a greater purpose.’ She continued, ‘That very Viṣṇu, established in purity, abides wherever righteousness is upheld. Hari, the lord of the worlds, has assumed the form of a man. The sages declare that he exists for the removal of all suffering. Where the sun shines, how can there be darkness?’ Following the sage’s instructions, she performed the sacred rites on the bank of the lake. Having bowed to the noble sage Aurva, she attained the supreme abode. Indeed, those regarded by the great attain the highest state. If a virtuous soul beholds it, he attains the supreme path. O Nārada, she served the sage alongside her co-wife, and together they rendered daily service with devotion. Yet, her mind became tainted by envy regarding her co-wife’s prosperity. Gara, meanwhile, did not display his own power, remaining engaged in service to the sages. His actions were shaped by worn-out merit, but he served at the proper time, free from faults, attentive and pure. Is there any great happiness for those who perform virtuous deeds among men? All such happiness is swiftly destroyed by service to the great souls. Even a fraction of cold ashes, when accepted by Śambhu, brings blessing. Here and hereafter, O lord of obstacles, the virtuous are most worthy of reverence. Gara, worn out by his efforts, entered the womb; three months passed—an astonishing thing. He performed the birth rites, and the child was named Sagara. The sage then performed the rituals of shaving and investiture with the sacred thread. Seeing Sagara capable, though still showing traces of childhood, the venerable sage Aurva instructed him properly. Sagara, each day, brought darbha grass, flowers, and other offerings with humility. With joined palms, he spoke, ‘Tell me all of this, for I am eager to hear.’ He reflected, ‘Those deprived of their father in this world, though living, are like the dead. One who has neither mother nor father knows no happiness. The birth of a sonless man is in vain, as is that of one burdened by debt. Just as a woman without a husband, so is a child without a father. Just as a merchant without cattle, so is a child deprived of his father. Just as austerity is without compassion, so is a child without his father. Just as a horse is without a bridle, so is a child without his father.’ Thus, the story unfolds, revealing the interplay of fate, karma, and devotion, and the importance of guidance, virtue, and reverence in the journey of life.