Kāminī, Mālinī, and Śobhā were the names of the women spoken of in that time. O best of Asuras, all the sons born to them were constantly afflicted by hunger, their needs never satisfied. Witnessing this himself, the father, tormented by hunger and his senses distressed, was plunged into deep lamentation. He cried out in anguish, “Fie upon a life without righteousness! Fie upon a life that lacks reputation! What use are virtues, gentleness, learning, and being born into a noble family, if all these cannot save one from misery? Beloved sons, grandsons, relatives, and brothers—none of these bring happiness if fortune does not favor us. Whether an outcaste or a twice-born, it is only the fortunate who are honored in this world. Indeed, it is wealth that commands respect, regardless of whether its possessor is gentle or harsh. If one possesses both prosperity and virtue, there is no doubt that he will be honored.” He reflected further, “Men who are overpowered by desire experience endless suffering. For those who are enslaved by desire, the world itself becomes their master. When pride is destroyed by the enemy called desire, poverty inevitably arises. Who can rescue those who have been seized by the great crocodile of utter destitution? In such circumstances, even the abundance of sons and wives becomes the greatest source of misery.” With these thoughts, he began to consider in his heart another righteous act that could bring prosperity. He remembered, “He who consents to a gift by giving is truly the one who performed it in the past. Among all gifts, the gift of land is declared to be the highest.” Thus resolved, the wise and virtuous Bhadramati, steadfast in purpose, approached Sughoṣa, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, who was blessed with every prosperity. Sughoṣa, devoted to righteousness, saw Bhadramati, the householder, and greeted him warmly, saying, “O Bhadramati, my purpose is fulfilled; my birth has become fruitful.” Having spoken thus and honoring Bhadramati as was proper, Sughoṣa, intent on righteousness, declared, “The earth is sacred; it belongs to Viṣṇu. The earth is protected by Viṣṇu.” With this mantra, O lord of the Daityas, Sughoṣa gave that excellent Brāhmaṇa—Bhadramati—the gift he sought. Bhadramati, wise and humble, requested the earth from him. By this act of giving land, Sughoṣa was blessed with a lineage numbering in the millions, and Bhadramati, O Bali, obtained the prosperity he had long desired. In this way, dwelling in the abode of Brahmā for tens of millions of ages, Bhadramati enjoyed the fruits of his virtue. Afterwards, when he returned to earth, he was endowed with all prosperity. Then Bhadramati, O Daitya, became free from desire and wholly devoted to Viṣṇu. To him, Viṣṇu, with a gracious heart, granted the highest and truest prosperity. Therefore, O lord of the Daityas, listen as I, devoted to all righteousness, recount these events. At that moment, Vairocani saw a jar filled with water. Viṣṇu, who pervades all, recognized that this jar was an obstacle to the flow of water. At the tip of the sacred darbha grass, there appeared a great weapon, radiant as ten million suns. Viṣṇu approached, seen by Bhargava, the gods, the asuras, and many others, all watching with their eyes wide in wonder. Then Bali gave to the great Viṣṇu the earth, measured by three steps. Hari, whose very form is the universe, measured the earth with just two strides. With the tip of his big toe, he split open the cosmic egg into two, and the water that was washed by Viṣṇu’s foot became pure, sanctifying and cleansing all the worlds.