By merely studying even a single chapter of this sacred narrative, as spoken by the self-born, one is liberated from calamities and attains the state they desire. This scripture, which recounts the ancient traditions, is thus called the Purāṇa. Whoever knows even the meaning of its name is freed from all sins. At this point, the assembled sages turned to Sūta and inquired with deep curiosity, “How did the venerable sage Pulastya, the mind-born son of Brahmā, come together with the illustrious Bhīṣma? The sight of such a sage is rare indeed for those tainted by sin—how astonishing it is that he should meet with a kṣatriya! O Sūta, by what great austerity did Bhīṣma propitiate the sage? What kind of discipline or observance did he undertake to win such favor? And when the brāhmaṇa sage was pleased, did he reveal a part, a half, or the entirety of the sacred festival? In what place and in what manner did Bhīṣma encounter the venerable Pulastya? Please tell us, O wise one, for we are eager to hear.” Sūta, full of reverence, replied: “Where the blessed Gaṅgā, benefactor of the virtuous, bursts forth from the mountain with irresistible force, purifying the worlds, there lies Gaṅgādvāra, the great pilgrimage site. At this holy place, Bhīṣma, devoted to his ancestors, remained for a long time, steadfast in the discipline of the great. For over a hundred years, with supreme concentration, he meditated on the Supreme Brahman and performed the threefold daily bath. With self-study and discipline, he satisfied both his ancestors and the gods. Pleased by Bhīṣma’s devotion, the god Pitāmaha—Brahmā himself—spoke to his son, the eminent sage Pulastya. 'Go to Bhīṣma, son of the Kuru line,' Brahmā instructed. 'He is devoted to vows and is a hero. Withdraw him from his austerities and declare to him the reason. This highly fortunate one is absorbed in meditation and deeply devoted to his ancestors. Whatever desire is in his mind, fulfill it promptly.' Heeding Brahmā’s command, Pulastya journeyed to Gaṅgādvāra and addressed Bhīṣma: 'Choose a boon, O blessed one—whatever is in your heart. The god Pitāmaha is pleased with your austerity. Sent by Brahmā, I am here to grant you the boons you desire.' Hearing these gracious words, Bhīṣma opened his eyes and saw Pulastya standing before him. With eightfold prostration, Bhīṣma bowed to the eminent sage, touching the earth with all his limbs in deep reverence. He spoke with humility and joy: 'Today my birth is fulfilled, and this day is most auspicious; I have seen your feet here, worthy of worship by the world. The fruit of my austerity is attained, for I have seen the venerable one; the bestower of boons has especially come to the riverbank.' Bhīṣma then offered hospitality to the sage, saying, 'This ladle has been prepared by me; let it be placed, as it brings comfort. In the vessel for offering, made of palāśa wood, are durvā grass, rice grains, flowers, and kuśa grass. With mustard seeds, curd, honey, barley, and milk together, this eightfold offering is prescribed, as established by the sages of old.' Hearing Bhīṣma’s words, whose energy was immeasurable, the divine sage Pulastya, son of Brahmā, sat down. With a seat, water for washing the feet, and the vessel for offering, Bhīṣma, filled with joy, served the sage with proper conduct, and Pulastya, pleased, accepted it. Pulastya then praised him: 'You are truthful, generous, steadfast in your word, O king; modest, friendly, patient, and valiant in subduing enemies. You know righteousness, are grateful and compassionate, speak kindly, honor the honorable, are wise, devoted to Brahmins, and cherish the virtuous. I am always pleased with you, child, who are devoted to reverence. Tell me, O fortunate one, what you wish to ask, and I shall speak.' Bhīṣma replied with respectful eagerness, 'O revered one, O blessed Brahma, at what time did the mighty one exist? Tell me how he first created the gods and others. Or how did the blessed Viṣṇu sustain, and how was Rudra created? How were the sages and gods brought forth by that great soul? How was the earth, how was the sky, and how were these oceans? How were the islands, mountains, villages, forests, and cities? And the sages, the progenitors, the eminent seven seers, the castes, the wind, the ancient places, the Gandharvas, Yakṣas, and Rākṣasas? The sacred places, rivers, and also the sun, planets, and stars—how did the blessed one create them? Tell me this as it happened.' Pulastya began to answer, 'The supreme among the supreme, the highest Self, the ancestor, is without form, color, or attributes, devoid of any distinguishing marks. He is free from decrease, destruction, transformation, growth, and birth; he is devoid of all qualities, and thus he alone shines. He is equal everywhere, dwelling in all, incomparable; contemplated in the form of Brahman, he is expounded by the wise. That secret, supreme, eternal, unborn, imperishable, and unchanging one is also established in the form of the person and of time. Having bowed to him, I shall speak of how he created the world, rising first from the lotus-seat, the Lord of the universe. At the time of creation, O king, the great one arose, composed of qualities and distinctions: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic, in threefold form. As the chief principle, it is equally enveloped by the seeds and so forth; the sattvic (vaikārika), rajasic (taijasa), and tamasic (bhūtādi) forms arise. This threefold ego (ahaṃkāra) was born from the great principle (mahat); along with the five elements, the five organs of action also emerged.' Thus, Pulastya began to reveal the profound mysteries of creation to the earnest Bhīṣma, as the sages listened with rapt attention.