With a heart full of longing, the mother of the gods approached the Lord of Śrī, imploring him, “Grant unblemished prosperity to my sons, the dwellers of heaven.” She gazed at him with devotion and asked, “O Lord, what is unknown to you? Why do you test me, O Master?” Her sorrow deepened as she revealed, “O Lord of the gods, I am childless and oppressed by the Daityas.” She pleaded further, “O Lord of the gods, after slaying them, grant prosperity to my sons.” The wise Lord, hearing her earnest prayers, spoke words that gladdened her heart and honored her devotion. With gentle respect, he explained, “O goddess, affection for sons is rare among those who are rivals. 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 as his pores.” Yet the goddess, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Lord, wondered aloud, “How can I, O Lord of lords, sustain you, O Master? How can I, O God, sustain you, the Supreme Person? How can that divine one be freed, O God, who is worthy of birth among mortals? Likewise, who indeed knows your actions, O Lord of the universe? I contemplate only you, O God; do as you wish.” Having granted her fearlessness, the mother of the gods spoke again, her words filled with assurance. She said, “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. Those attached to hearing my stories indeed always bear me. Even women, O goddess, who have abandoned pride, always bear me. Whoever acts for the welfare of others always bears me. Those who are always devoted to the welfare of the world always bear me. Those who are not lustful toward other women always bear me. Those who are devoted to protecting cows always bear me. Those who give food and water always bear me.” Then, with a promise, she declared, “Having obtained the status of your son, I shall fulfill your desire.” She gave the garland from around her neck and, granting fearlessness, disappeared from sight. Having bowed to the beloved of Lakshmi, she returned to her own abode. At the appointed time, the goddess gave birth to a son who was honored by all the worlds. He held a pot of nectar and rice and was called Vamana. Adorned with ornaments and dressed in yellow garments, he was Hari himself, radiant and divine. The goddess, reverent and filled with joy, bowed with folded hands and began to praise him. “Salutations, salutations to you, Lord of the immortals; salutations, salutations to you, destroyer of the Daityas. Salutations, salutations to you, destroyer of the wicked; salutations to that Lord of the universe. Salutations to him who bears the bow, discus, sword, and mace; salutations to that Supreme Person. Salutations to you whose radiance is limitless like the sun and others; salutations, salutations to you who are reached through holy stories. Salutations to you who shine with the limbs of sacrifice; salutations to you, beloved of the virtuous. Salutations to you, giver of divine happiness; salutations, salutations to you who dwell in the minds of devotees. Salutations to you, known as Yajna and Varaha; salutations to you, who tore apart Hiranyaksha. Salutations to you, crusher of Ravana; salutations to you, elder brother of Nanda’s son. To you who destroy the suffering of those who remember you in distress, again and again, salutations.” Thus, the goddess’s devotion and praise flowed unceasingly, celebrating the divine birth and the fulfillment of her prayers.