When Sughoṣa, intent on righteousness, had honored the wise Brāhmaṇa Bhadramati, he spoke with deep satisfaction, “O Bhadramati, my purpose is fulfilled; my birth has become fruitful.” Recognizing the sacredness of the earth as belonging to Viṣṇu and protected by Him, Sughoṣa, with reverence, recited the mantra, “The earth is sacred, belonging to Viṣṇu; the earth is protected by Viṣṇu,” and bestowed that excellent land upon Bhadramati. Bhadramati, the wise Brāhmaṇa, requested the earth from Sughoṣa, and through this generous gift, Sughoṣa was blessed with a lineage of millions. Bhadramati, in turn, attained the prosperity he had long desired. Dwelling for tens of millions of ages in the abode of Brahmā, he later returned to the earth, endowed with all prosperity. Free from desire and devoted to Viṣṇu, Bhadramati was graced by Viṣṇu Himself, who, with a gracious heart, granted him supreme and true prosperity. Therefore, O lord of the Daityas, I too am devoted to all righteousness. At this time, Vairocani beheld a jar brimming with water. Viṣṇu, the all-pervading Lord, recognized this as an obstacle to the flow of water. At the tip of darbha grass, there manifested a great weapon, radiant like ten million suns. Approaching, Viṣṇu was seen by Bhargava, the gods, the asuras, and many others. Bali, the king, offered the earth, measured by three steps, to the great Viṣṇu. Hari, whose form is the universe itself, measured the earth with two steps. With the tip of His big toe, He split the cosmic egg in two, and the water washed by Viṣṇu’s sacred foot became pure, sanctifying all the worlds. This most excellent and pure water purified even the gods, beginning with Brahmā. Attended by true sages, it fell upon the summit of Mount Meru, where the sages and Manus, overcome with joy, praised Viṣṇu: “Homage to You, whose soul is Brahman, whose mind delights in Brahman, whose actions are unimpeded. Homage to You, the soul of all, the form of the universe, beyond all measure. Homage to You, whose head is everywhere, whose movement is everywhere.” Having granted fearlessness, the eternal Lord of gods rejoiced. He gave that boon to the gatekeeper and became subject to the devotion of His devotee. Yet, a question arose: “What food shall we prepare in this place, filled with the dreadful fear of serpents?” For whatever is given to the unworthy becomes a terrible means of enjoyment, and all that is enjoyed there yields the fruit of falling to the lower worlds. Having granted safety to all the gods, Viṣṇu restored them to heaven. Praised in song by the Gandharvas, He again assumed His dwarf form. With smiling faces, all bowed to the Supreme Person. Deluding the entire world, He went to the forest for austerity. By merely remembering her, one is freed from all sins. At a temple or riverbank, one attains the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Now, brother, tell me the characteristics of a proper recipient for gifts. Gifts should be given to one who desires the endless fruit of giving. A Kṣatriya or a merchant, however, should never accept gifts.