O Madhusudana, in the world of men, you will be born ten times, and through separation from your wife, you will experience suffering—so spoke Bhrigu, his heart aflame with anger, casting this curse upon Vishnu. In response, Vishnu, the great soul, returned a curse: “O foremost of sages, you will not find joy in children.” Having uttered these words, Vishnu departed for the world of Brahma. Witnessing these events, Keshava approached the lotus-born Brahma and spoke: “O Lord, your son Bhrigu, greatly enraged, has cursed me without cause. He has decreed that I will be born ten times in human form, enduring many sufferings. The pain of separation from my wife will drain my strength and vigor. Therefore, I shall leave this world and rest in the great ocean. Whenever divine work is needed, you must call upon me again.” As Vishnu spoke, Brahma, the teacher of the worlds, sought to appease him with praise: “O Padma, sprung from your navel, you created this world. I was born there and am subject to you, O Keshava. You are the protector and creator of all worlds, O Lord. Please do not abandon the three worlds—this is my only request. For their welfare, you must act in human births for ten lifetimes, for no one can remove the effect of a curse. Who is this Bhrigu to curse Janardana? Always honor the sages, for the brahmanas are your own form.” Brahma continued, “Practice yogic sleep, O Lord, and rest in the ocean of milk. When the time comes for action, O Madhava, I will awaken you. Meanwhile, Indra, strengthened by your power, will accomplish all tasks, destroying enemies with your own portion. While protecting the three worlds, he will act according to your command.” Thus praised by Brahma, Vishnu replied, “I will do everything you instruct me, O Lord.” With these words, the god became invisible, leaving Brahma unable to recognize him. When Vishnu departed, Brahma, the grandsire of the worlds, resumed creation, being the origin and master of all beings. Narada, the foremost among speakers, observed and spoke: “The thousand-headed Purusha, with a thousand eyes and a thousand feet, all-pervading, stood ten fingers above the earth. Whatever has been and whatever will be, all comes from you, O father. This entire universe has arisen from you and will arise from you. From you come the sacrifice, all offerings, clarified butter, and the sacrificial animal in two forms. From you are born the Ṛg and Sāma hymns. From you arise the sacrifices, horses, elephants, cows, metals, and wild animals. From your mouth were born the brahmanas; from you arose the kṣatriyas; the vaiśyas came from your thighs, and the śūdras emerged from your feet. From your eyes came the sun, from your ears the moon, from your mind the wind, and from your mouth fire. From your navel came the sky, heaven arose from your head, directions from your ears, and the earth from your feet. All this has come into being from you.” Narada continued: “Just as the vast banyan tree is contained within a tiny seed, so you, the seed-source, created the entire universe. The banyan tree emerges from the sprout of its seed and expands; in the same way, the world spreads forth from your creation. Just as the banana tree is not seen apart from its bark and leaves, so, O Lord, this universe is not seen apart from you. That blissful power resides in you, united with you alone; mingled with joy and sorrow, it is in you, who are free from all qualities. Salutations to you, who are both distinct and one, the essence of all beings; you are manifest, primordial matter, the Purusha, the cosmic sovereign. You are present in all beings, you are everything, you bear the form of all; all arises from you—salutations to you, the soul of all. You are the soul of all, the lord of all, dwelling within every being; therefore, what need is there for me to speak? You know everything that resides in the heart. O Lord, my wish has been fulfilled by you; my austerity has been well-performed and fruitful, for I have seen you, O Lord of the world.” Brahma then spoke: “The fruit of your austerity, my son, is that you have now seen me; for, O Narada, my appearance is never without purpose. Therefore, choose a boon according to your desire; everything, dear one, is accomplished when I come within your sight.” Narada replied: “Lord, ruler of all beings, you dwell in the heart of everyone; what is unknown to you, master, that I might wish for in my mind? The creation you made has been seen by me as you intended, O mighty one; thus, curiosity has arisen in me upon seeing the gods, sages, and demons.” Pulastya narrated: Brahma, the lord of heaven, was pleased with Narada, his son, and granted him a boon, making him the foremost among sages. “By my grace, you will become fond of tales of play in the age of Kali; your movement will be unhindered in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld. With the sacred thread, the yoga sash, the umbrella, and the vina, these will be your adornments, O sinless one. Near Vishnu, Rudra, and Indra, O Narada, and among the kings on the islands, you will always receive affection. You will be the teacher of the classes, appointed by me; remain, my son, as you wish, honored by the gods in heaven.