As Brahmā, the Lord of Creatures, pondered deeply, a thought arose within him: “I shall go to the earth.” With this resolve, Brahmā set forth, following the eastern path until he arrived at a splendid forest. This forest was a wonder—adorned with countless trees and creepers, its beauty enhanced by a profusion of flowers of every kind. The air was alive with the songs of many birds and the presence of diverse animals. The sweet fragrance of blossoming trees filled the forest, delighting both gods and demons who passed through. The ground itself seemed thoughtfully arranged, covered with flowers of many hues and fruits—some ripe, some unripe—each bearing its own fragrance and taste, reflecting the bounty of all six seasons. Golden fruits, pleasing to the senses, were scattered among fallen leaves, grass, dry wood, and other fruits. The wind, as if favoring the forest, swept away debris from outside, carrying the scent of flower clusters as it wandered gently through the trees. A cool, refreshing breeze touched sky, earth, and all directions, moving through lush, green groves free from blemish and insects. Everywhere, the forest was adorned with trees of many names, their lofty branches healthy and pleasing to behold. Some shone brightly, their forms well-shaped and radiant. The forest glittered like the household of brahmins filled with priests, the trees covered in shoots resembling precious minerals, adding to their splendor. Within this forest, noble men, flawless and adorned with virtue, seemed to mirror the trees, whose tops swayed in the wind and touched one another. The nāga trees, with flower-laden branches, appeared to inhale each other’s fragrance, while elsewhere, other trees bore blossoms and the bright yellow filaments of the vānīra. Karṇikāra trees, heavy with blossoms, shone in certain spots, their swaying dark buds like eyes with moving black pupils. In pairs and groups, like couples, rows of trees at the river’s gate sparkled, adorned with splendid blooms. Forest deities seemed to appear, embodied among the trees, and vines gleamed here and there, decorated with floral ornaments. In every direction, trees stood tall like young moons. Blossoming sarja and arjuna trees brightened the forest regions. Draped in washed silk garments, as if they were men, the trees were covered with blooming atimukta creepers. Embraced by these creepers, they shone like beloveds with their own women; sal and asoka trees, with their leaves, entwined not with each other but with their companions. With branches touching as if old friends reunited, jackfruit, sal, and arjuna trees bent under the weight of fruits and flowers. They stood together, honoring one another with flowers and fruits, their branches intertwined by the wind’s force. Arranged for beauty, as if rising to greet those who approached, the trees were enclosed by a profusion of blossoms. In spring, the trees rivaled men, their peaks adorned and swaying in the wind, heavy with the splendor of flowers. Crowned with garlands and tossed by the breeze at their summits, the trees seemed to dance joyfully, much like men adorned with wreaths. With vines, they danced as men do with their beloveds, and in some places, trees were covered by their own flowering creepers. The forest sparkled with clusters of stars, like the autumn sky, and at the tops of the trees, blossoming jasmine vines glowed. Thoughtfully arranged, they shone like crowns; green trees with golden hues bore fruit and flowers. The golden pollen of flowers spread in all directions, as if displaying friendship among the virtuous. Bees, intoxicated by nectar, flew here and there, as if proclaiming the victory of the kadamba flower. In the groves, male cuckoos were with their mates, while pairs of parrots, resembling the sirisha flower, could be seen. United with their companions, peacocks with splendid tails sang varied songs, much like honored brahmins reciting praises. Even at the forest’s edge, flocks of birds resounded with diverse calls, dancing and shining as if they were performers. Their presence made the beautiful forest even more delightful, always filled with groups of animals and joyful birds. This forest, equal to the celestial Nandana, increased delight in the mind. The blessed Lotus-born, Brahmā, beheld this supreme form of the forest. He gazed gently, as if drinking in the sight, and saw all the rows of trees, which themselves perceived the arrival of the divine one. With devotion, the trees announced Brahmā’s presence and released their abundance of flowers. Brahmā graciously accepted the offering of flowers from the trees. He then spoke: “Choose a boon, may you be blessed, O trees.” Thus addressed by the Blessed One, the trees, without hesitation, spoke with joined palms, bowing to Virinchin: “If you grant a boon, O Lord, lover of those who seek refuge, may you always dwell here, O Blessed One, in this forest; this is our highest wish. Grandfather, we bow to you. If you reside here, O Lord of gods, creator of the universe, grant the highest boon to all those who seek refuge, according to their wishes. Let no other boon, even among millions, be given to us; by your presence, may this place become the greatest of holy sites.” Brahmā replied, “This will be the supreme and most sacred of all places; always endowed with flowers and fruits, ever firm in youthful vigor.