“Rest comfortably, O blessed one; do not distress us, your sons,” pleaded the Daityas, seeking to comfort Aditi in her sorrow. They spoke of the world’s many places and blessings, saying, “Whether there are cows or other animals, wherever there are cows or trees, even if one is poor, afflicted by disease, or has gone to a foreign land, whether it is in food, or in water, or in wealth, or among loved ones—a virtuous woman whose life is bound to her husband must accompany him to the forest.” They reminded her, “A house deprived of children is just as a mortal deprived of his mother.” Yet, despite the Daityas’ words, Aditi remained unmoved. She was absorbed in deep meditation, her mind unwavering and fixed upon the divine. Seeing her steadfastness, anger swelled within the Daityas. In their fury, they resolved in their hearts to kill her. With their fangs, they conjured fire, and in an instant, flames swept through the forest. But by that very fire, the Daityas who had come to violate her were themselves consumed and burned. Aditi, however, was unharmed, protected by Vishnu’s Sudarshana, the divine discus—destroyer of Daityas and compassionate guardian of his devotees. How was it that the fire left Aditi untouched, yet destroyed those who meant her harm? For noble sages are ever devoted to guiding others, and truly, who can harm the virtuous who are absorbed in meditation on Hari? The gods, the Siddhas, and the great sages always remain among the excellent, and what then of those whose minds are wholly devoted to the name of Hari? Wherever such a devotee abides, there too are Lakshmi and all the deities. In such a place, there are neither kings nor thieves nor diseases; witches and demons cannot trouble the worshipper of the infallible one. Wherever he dwells, all sacred places and deities are present. There, all auspicious things reside; that is the true sacred place, the hermitage of austerity. Whether through hymns or offerings—what need even is there to speak of the power of meditation? Thus, Aditi was neither burned nor destroyed, shielded by Vishnu’s discus. At that moment, the Lord himself, bearing the conch, discus, and mace, appeared before her. He touched her gently with his holy hand and spoke to the beloved of Kashyapa, “You have been weary for a long time; blessings to you—without doubt, you will prosper. Do not fear, O blessed one; surely auspiciousness will come to you.” Aditi, filled with devotion, bowed low and praised the one who brings happiness to all worlds. She honored him, saying, “By the distinction of qualities such as sattva, you are the cause of all activity in the worlds. To you, whose form is singular, without qualities, yet whose very essence is all qualities; to you, who are affectionate to true devotees, whose nature is pure auspiciousness—I bow. You are the primeval Lord, the cause of the universe, both united and the master of illusion. I salute you, whose form is the universe, who is its cause, revered by all. Those who worship you attain supreme perfection; I bow to the lotus-navelled one. I salute you, who are exceedingly close to devotees, who delights in their company. Though you are free from attachment, you form association with the devoted. I bow to the giver of the fruits of sacrifice, the awakener of sacrificial acts, the supreme abode, the witness of all worlds, who appeared at the beginning of creation. Thus, I salute you, the leader of the world, the teacher of the universe.” In this way, Aditi’s devotion and steadfastness were rewarded, and the Lord himself assured her of blessings and protection.