The long-performed austerities had finally borne fruit, and in this moment of fulfillment, the devotee addressed the Lord with deep reverence. “O Lord,” he said, “the penances I undertook in the past have reached their culmination today. Therefore, to you I bow, to you I bow, to you I bow—again and again, my salutations to you.” With his heart brimming with enthusiasm, he implored, “Command me, O Lord. Grant me a place where I may stand in penance—a space equal to three steps of land.” The Lord, in his wisdom, responded, “What is it that you seek from a village, a city, or wealth? What have you truly gained with these? For one whose kingdom is on the verge of loss, renunciation arises as naturally as hunger. For those who have cast off all attachments, what purpose do such things serve? All that you seek is already within me, O Daitya. Tell me, what is accomplished by seeking from others? What can wealth achieve for those whose nature is eternal bliss? For the one whose self is undivided from all, who then is the giver, and what is the gift?” He continued, “All who abide in that divine command attain supreme happiness. Yet, land must be given to Brahmins with utmost effort. The giver of land attains the highest liberation—there is no doubt of this. Such a one reaches the world of Brahma, a realm from which return is exceedingly rare. Know that this is the highest gift, the destroyer of all sins. By gifting land measuring just ten hands, one is freed from all sins. In all the worlds, there is nothing equal to the gift of land. Even if I spoke for a hundred years, I could not describe its full merit. Whoever gives even a little land is verily Vishnu himself—there is no doubt. He who gives the earth is Vishnu; this too is certain. By giving even a small portion of land, one attains union with Vishnu. The fruit of such giving is equal to bathing in the sacred Ganges for three nights.” The Lord then invited all to listen: “Hear what fruit is obtained by giving a plot of land the size of a trough. Whatever reward is gained by performing great acts is obtained in abundance through this gift. I will declare its merit—listen to my words. By giving on the banks of the Jahnavi, one surely attains that fruit. It removes all sins and bestows the fruit of liberation. Whoever hears this with faith attains the merit of gifting land.” To illustrate, the Lord recounted the story of a poor man named Bhadramati, who, despite being deprived of livelihood, had heard all the Purāṇas and treatises on dharma. His wives—Kāminī, Mālinī, and Śobhā—were known by name, and all his sons were perpetually hungry. Witnessing their suffering, tormented by hunger and with his senses distressed, Bhadramati lamented, “Fie upon a life without righteousness! Fie upon a life lacking reputation! Alas for virtues, gentleness, learning, and noble birth! Beloved sons, grandsons, relatives, and brothers—all these matter little.” He reflected further, “Whether an outcaste or a twice-born, only the fortunate are honored in this world. Indeed, wealth brings respect, whether one is harsh or gentle. If a man possesses both prosperity and virtues, he is certainly honored—there is no doubt. Yet, men overpowered by desire experience endless suffering.” Thus, through these words and this tale, the greatness of giving, the futility of mere possessions, and the true path to liberation were revealed.