With deep reverence, the devotee turned their heart and mind to the Lord whose very nature is auspiciousness and who showers affection upon true devotees. Bowing before that primeval Lord, the devotee sought His grace for the fulfillment of their purpose. They honored Him as the cause of the universe, the one who is both unified and wondrously magical in His workings. With hands folded, they saluted Him whose form encompasses the universe, who is its very cause, and who is revered by all beings. Remembering those who had attained supreme perfection, the devotee offered salutations to the lotus-navelled One. Again, they bowed to Him who is exceedingly close to the devoted, who delights in the company of His devotees. Yet, this Lord is also free from all association, forming connections by His own will, and so the devotee saluted Him who transcends attachment. With humility, they bowed to the giver of the fruits of sacrifice, the One who awakens all sacrificial acts. They offered reverence to Him, the supreme abode and witness of all worlds, who manifested at the dawn of creation. Thus, the devotee saluted Him as the leader of the world and the teacher of the entire universe. Acknowledging that few truly know His supreme nature, the devotee bowed again to the Lord of all. To Him, whose deepest reality is beyond the reach of proof, who is the witness of all knowledge, they offered their homage. In awe, the devotee recalled how from His thighs arose the Vaiśya, and from His feet the Śūdra was born; from His mouth came Agni and Indra, and from His breath, Vāyu emerged. Again and again, they saluted Him, the One endowed with six limbs. Recognizing His all-encompassing nature, they proclaimed: “You are Agni, Nirṛti, Varuṇa, and also the Sun. The mountains, Siddhas, Gandharvas, rivers, the earth, and the oceans—all are Your forms. O God, every form is Your form; therefore, let there be endless salutations to You.” With this prayer, the devotee—addressing Janārdana—implored, “Protect my sons, who are afflicted by the Daityas.” The mother of the gods spoke with palms joined, her breasts wet with tears of joy. “Grant unblemished prosperity to my sons, the dwellers of heaven. O Lord of Śrī, what is unknown to You? Why do You test me, O Master? O Lord of the gods, I am childless, oppressed by the Daityas. After slaying them, O Lord, grant prosperity to my sons.” The wise Lord, honoring the mother of the gods, spoke words that gladdened her heart. “O goddess,” He said, “affection for one’s sons is rare among those who are rivals. Yet, their supreme prosperity and children never diminish at any time. He does not experience grief for his children; this is the eternal law. He is the cause of all, the Lord of all, with countless universes in His very pores.” The goddess, overwhelmed, asked, “O Lord of lords, how can I sustain You, O Master? How can I, O God, support You, the Supreme Person? How can that divine one be freed, O God, who is worthy of birth among mortals? Who indeed knows Your actions, O Lord of the universe? I contemplate only You, O God; do as You wish.” Having bestowed fearlessness, the mother of the gods spoke these words. The Lord, ever gracious, replied, “Still, O auspicious one, listen—I will tell you a secret even more hidden. Those who are ever free from envy and deceit always bear me within their hearts. Those who are devoted to hearing my stories always bear me. Even women, O goddess, who have abandoned pride, always bear me. Whoever acts for the welfare of others always bears me.” Thus, the Lord revealed His mysterious presence in those whose hearts are pure, whose minds are fixed in devotion, and whose actions are selfless, assuring the goddess and all beings of His unfailing support and love.