Those who were devoted to the sacred Agnihotra fire rituals, steadfast in their worship of Janārdana, and who honored Brahmā and the radiant sun, were blessed indeed. For such people, whose minds were firmly established in equanimity, no misfortune could befall them. After these words were spoken, a reverent silence fell. Having received a boon, graciously granted by the great lord of the gods, the assembled devotees journeyed together to the abode of the divine Grandfather, Brahmā. There, standing before Virinchi, they united their voices in hymns and prayers, seeking to please him. Pleased by their devotion, Brahmā addressed them, saying, “Choose a boon from me.” Hearing these words, all the foremost twice-born—those Brahmins—were overjoyed. They wondered among themselves, “What boon should we request, O Brahmins, now that the Grandfather is pleased with us?” With one voice they asked, “May the fire rituals, the Vedas, the various sacred scriptures, and the worlds of progeny—may all these be granted to us through your boon.” But as the Brahmins spoke thus, a spirit of anger and rivalry arose among them. They began to question each other: “Who are you? Who is the best among us? We are the foremost, and so are others.” Disagreement spread, with each group declaring, “Not so, not so!” The assembly of twice-born was filled with discord. Observing their anger, Brahmā addressed them. He said, “Because you stood outside the assembly in three separate groups, therefore, O twice-born ones, let there be among you a rootless bush—one without a foundation. Those who stood indifferent shall remain indifferent; those who came armed and girded with swords, ready for battle, will retain that nature. Let the third group of Brahmins be called the Kauśiki. This entire place, divided in three ways, shall belong to you all.” Brahmā continued, “Those who are called ‘people’ by the world—outsiders—this place is not for them to know. Vishnu will surely protect it. What I have bestowed will be lasting and unbroken.” Having spoken thus, Brahmā looked upon the completion of his decree. Though the Brahmins were united, anger and resentment still lingered among them. Yet, they continued to honor guests and remained devoted to the study of the Vedas. This supreme field, called Puṣkara, was named after Brahmā himself. The peaceful twice-born who dwelled there became known as the residents of the field. For these Brahmins, nothing was difficult to attain in the world of Brahmā, whether at Kokāmukha, Kurukṣetra, or the gathering of sages at Naimisha. At Vārāṇasī, Prabhāsa, Badarikāśrama, the gateway of the Ganges, Prayāga, and the confluence of the Ganges and the ocean—at all these sacred places, the merit that would normally take twelve years to accomplish could be gained in just six months, O best of kings. But at Puṣkara, if one’s mind was set on celibacy, there was no doubt that the results would be even greater. Of all sacred places, Puṣkara was declared the supreme; of all fields, it was the highest. Always worshipped by the worthy with devotion, it was especially dear to the Grandfather, Brahmā. Now, the narrative turned to another episode: the great and playful debate between Savitri and Brahmā, as it was experienced. When Savitri departed, all the divine women assembled. Among them was the illustrious wife of Vishnu, Lakshmi, born from the fame of Bhrigu. Lakshmi, ever-invited, arrived swiftly, accompanied by Madira, the greatly fortunate, and Yoganidra, bestower of prosperity. Sri, the goddess dwelling in lotuses, Bhuti, Kirti, Shraddha the wise, Pushti and Tushti—the bestowers of nourishment—all gathered together. Sati, daughter of Daksha, known as Uma and Parvati, the auspicious one famed for her beauty in all three worlds and giver of good fortune to women, was there as well. Jaya and Vijaya, Madhuchhanda, Amaravati, Supriya, Janakanta—all these noble women entered the auspicious mansion of Savitri. Along with Gauri, resplendent and adorned, Puloma’s daughter and Shakra’s wife arrived, accompanied by the celestial Apsaras. Svaha and Svadha came, as did Dhumorna, the beautiful-faced, Yakshi and Rakshasi, and Gauri, possessor of great wealth. Manojava, wife of Vayu, Riddhi beloved of Kubera, the daughters of the gods, and the wives and beloveds of the Danavas were present as well. The great wives of the seven sages, the noble women of the rishis, their sisters and daughters, and groups of Vidyadhari maidens also joined the gathering. Rakshasi women, daughters of the Pitris, and other mothers of the worlds, together with brides and daughters-in-law, all wished to accompany Savitri. All the Adityas and Daksha’s daughters assembled too. Surrounded by these divine women, the virtuous Brahmani, dwelling in lotuses, set forth. Each brought offerings: one carried sweetmeats, another a winnowing basket, a beautiful-faced one bore a vessel filled with fruit, and together they proceeded toward Brahmā. Some brought containers with roasted grains, others pomegranates and splendid citrons. Still others carried karira fruits and lotuses, kusumbhaka, cumin, and dates. Some brought the finest coconuts, vessels filled with grapes, and the srngataka fruit. There were those who brought fragrant camphor, auspicious rose-apples, walnuts, amalaki fruits, and lemons. Some brought ripe bilva fruits and cipiṭa, while others carried cotton tufts and garments of kusumbhaka cloth. In this way, performing various acts with winnowing baskets and other offerings, all the noble-faced women, together with Savitri, suddenly arrived, their appearance auspicious and radiant. When Indra saw Savitri arrive, he became fearful. Brahmā himself stood with his head lowered, silently wondering, “What will she say to me?