Listen, O noble one, to the wondrous merit that arises from gifting even a little land. Such an act leads the giver to union with Vishnu Himself. By giving, one attains the same reward as bathing in the sacred Ganges for three nights. Now hear what fruit is gained by gifting a plot of land no larger than a simple trough: the abundant blessings that result from performing great rituals are obtained through this gift. Let me declare its merit—attend carefully to my words. When land is given on the banks of the Jahnavi, the giver surely attains that exalted fruit. This offering washes away all sins and bestows the ultimate reward of liberation. Even those who merely hear of this act with faith gain the merit of gifting land. There once lived a poor man, deprived of livelihood, named Bhadramati. Though he suffered, he was mighty in spirit and had heard all the Purāṇas and treatises on dharma. His wives were named Kāminī, Mālinī, and Śobhā. Yet, O best of Asuras, all his sons were always hungry. Witnessing their suffering and tormented by hunger himself, his senses distressed, Bhadramati lamented bitterly. He cried, “Fie upon a life without righteousness! Fie upon a life lacking reputation! What use are virtues, gentleness, learning, and noble birth if they bring no relief? Beloved sons, grandsons, relatives, and brothers—all suffer. Whether an outcaste or a twice-born, only the fortunate are honored. Indeed, those with wealth are respected, regardless of their nature. If one possesses both prosperity and virtue, he is certainly honored—there is no doubt. Men overwhelmed by desire endure endless suffering. For those whose mistress is desire, the world becomes their master. When pride is destroyed by the enemy called desire, poverty arises. Who can rescue those seized by the great crocodile of utter destitution? Among all the woes, having many sons and wives brings the greatest misery.” In his anguish, Bhadramati contemplated another act of righteousness that might bestow prosperity. He realized that one who consents to a gift through giving is indeed the one who performed such acts in the past. Among all gifts, the gift of land is proclaimed as the highest. Resolving thus, the wise and virtuous Bhadramati, strong in purpose, approached Sughoṣa, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, who was endowed with all prosperity. Sughoṣa, devoted to righteousness, saw Bhadramati and joyfully proclaimed, “O Bhadramati, my purpose is fulfilled; my birth has become fruitful.” Having spoken thus and duly honored him, Sughoṣa, intent on righteousness, recited the mantra: “The earth is sacred, belonging to Viṣṇu; the earth is protected by Viṣṇu.” With these words, Sughoṣa gave land to that excellent Brāhmaṇa. Bhadramati, wise and grateful, requested the earth from him. Through this gift, Sughoṣa was joined by a lineage of millions. And Bhadramati, O Bali, obtained the prosperity he had long desired. In the same way, Bhadramati dwelled in the abode of Brahmā for tens of millions of ages. Afterwards, he attained the earth and was endowed with all prosperity. Finally, O Daitya, Bhadramati became free from desire and devoted himself to Viṣṇu.