Clad in a single garment, her hair loose and disheveled, eyes bloodshot and unwavering, Varuni emerged and boldly declared, “I am the goddess who grants strength; let the Dānavas take me.” The gods, regarding her as impure, refused her, but the Daityas gladly accepted her, and so she became associated with them. From the churning of the ocean then arose the Parijata, the divine and auspicious tree, radiant with beauty and noble qualities. Following this, the celestial hosts of Apsaras appeared—sixty million in number—who belonged equally to both gods and Dānavas, for they had been previously created and were shared by both groups through their accumulated merits. Next, the moon emerged from the ocean, pleasing to the gods. Shiva, the great lord adorned with matted locks, requested the moon for himself, saying, “There is no doubt—I have taken the moon.” Brahma approved, and the moon became an ornament for Hara. Suddenly, a dreadful poison called Kālakūṭa arose, terrifying all. Gods and Dānavas alike were afflicted by its presence. Mahādeva, the great lord, willingly drank the poison to save the worlds, and from this act, he became known as Nīlakaṇṭha, the blue-throated one. What remained of the poison was consumed by the Nāgas, the serpent-beings, and then from the ocean appeared Dhanvantari, the king of physicians, clad in white garments, emerging of his own accord. Dhanvantari held a water-pot filled with nectar, and at the sight of this divine physician, the minds of all present were calmed. Afterward, a splendid horse arose, followed by the magnificent elephant Airāvata. Then, radiant and blossoming, a being stood in the lotus. From the ocean of milk, the goddess Śrī—Lakṣmī herself—emerged, holding a lotus in her hand. The great sages, overwhelmed with joy, praised her with the Śrī Sūkta. Gandharvas, led by Viśvāvasu and Mukhā, sang before her, while the Apsaras, headed by Ghṛtācī, danced in her honor. The rivers, beginning with the sacred Gaṅgā, approached with their waters to bathe the goddess. The elephants of the directions brought pure water in golden vessels and bathed her, the sovereign of all worlds. The ocean of milk itself offered her a garland of unfading lotuses. Viśvakarman, the divine architect, adorned her with ornaments for her limbs, as well as celestial garlands and garments, bathing and decorating her with jewels. Indra and the other gods, along with their attendants, Vidyādharas, great serpents, Dānavas, mighty Daityas, Rākṣasas, and Guhyakas, all desired the maiden Lakṣmī. Then Brahmā spoke: “Vāsudeva, you alone should accept her, whom I have given. The gods and the Dānavas have been forbidden by me here; I am pleased with you for your restraint in this act.” Addressed by Brahmā, Śrī said, “O goddess, go to Keśava; having received the husband given by me, rejoice for endless ages.” Before all the gods, she approached Hari and took her place upon his chest. There, she spoke to Viṣṇu: “I am never to be abandoned, O god, always obedient to your command; I will dwell on your chest, beloved of all the world.” The gods, beholding Lakṣmī upon Viṣṇu’s chest, were filled with supreme joy. The Daityas, however, turned away from Viṣṇu and were overcome with distress; Lakṣmī had left the Dānavas, led by Vipracitti. Then, the demons seized the nectar from Dhanvantari’s hand, filled with wickedness and greed. At this, Viṣṇu, through illusion, assumed the enchanting form of a woman and approached them, saying, “Give me the pitcher. Having become subject to you, I will remain in your house.” Captivated by her beauty—surpassing all in the three worlds—the demons, their minds clouded by desire, handed the nectar to her and watched her intently. Taking the nectar from the demons, the goddess handed it to the gods, who, led by Indra, drank the divine elixir. Realizing the deception, the demons, weapons raised, rushed at her, but the gods, now immortal, defeated their mighty army. Slain, the demons scattered in all directions and entered the underworld. The gods, filled with joy, worshipped Viṣṇu, the bearer of conch, discus, and mace, bowing to him and returning to heaven. From that time onward, O Bhīṣma, the demons became infatuated with women, and, cursed by Krishna, they dwelt in the netherworld. Then the sun shone brightly along its path, and the blessed fire blazed forth with great brilliance. In all beings, the mind turned toward righteousness. The three worlds, now prosperous, were protected by Viṣṇu. Brahmā, the sustainer of the worlds, addressed the gods, saying, “For your protection, I have appointed Viṣṇu; and the lord of the gods, the husband of Uma, will ensure your welfare. Because they are always worshipped and bring you safety, these two will always be auspicious and bestow boons.” Having thus spoken, Brahmā departed on his own path. When the lord of all worlds became invisible, Indra returned to the world of the gods, and Hari and Śaṅkara returned to their own realms, including Kailāsa. Thus, the king of the gods protected the three worlds, and so the greatly fortunate Lakṣmī was born from the ocean of milk.