Brahma, the Creator, spoke with solemnity, declaring that the third group of Brahmins would be known as the Kauśiki. He granted them this entire place, dividing it three ways, and assured them that it belonged to them all. He further explained that those called 'people' by the world—outsiders—were not to know of this sacred place, for Vishnu himself would surely protect it. Brahma promised that what he had given would endure, lasting and unbroken. Having spoken these words, he gazed upon the completion of his work. The Brahmins, united in purpose, though filled with anger and resentment, continued to honor their guests and remained devoted to the study of the Vedas. This supreme field, known as Puṣkara, was named after Brahma himself. The peaceful twice-born who dwelt there were its residents. For them, nothing was difficult to obtain in the world of Brahma, whether at Kokāmukha, Kurukṣetra, or among the sages gathered in Naimisha, or at Vārāṇasī, Prabhāsa, Badarikāśrama, the gateway of the Ganges, Prayāga, or the confluence of the Ganges and the ocean. At Rudrakoṭi, Virūpākṣa, and in the forest of Mitra—at all these sacred places, the accomplishment that would take twelve years elsewhere could be attained in just six months by men, provided their minds were set on celibacy. But at Puṣkara, there was no doubt: it was the supreme of all sacred places, the highest of all fields, always worshipped with devotion by the worthy and by the grandfather himself. Brahma then prepared to reveal further, sharing the debate between Savitri and himself—a great exchange, playful in spirit, as it had been experienced. When Savitri departed, all the divine women gathered. Among them was Lakshmi, the renowned wife of Vishnu, born from the fame of Bhrigu. Lakshmi was ever-invited and arrived swiftly. Madira, greatly fortunate, and Yoganidra, the bestower of prosperity, also came. Sri, the lotus-dweller; Bhuti; Kirti; Shraddha the wise; Pushti and Tushti, who bestow nourishment—all these goddesses assembled. Sati, daughter of Daksha, known as Uma and Parvati, the auspicious one famed for beauty in the three worlds and giver of good fortune to women, was present. Jaya and Vijaya, Madhuchhanda, Amaravati, Supriya, Janakanta—all entered the auspicious mansion of Savitri. Alongside Gauri, splendidly adorned, came Puloma's daughter and Shakra's wife, accompanied by the Apsaras. Svaha and Svadha arrived, as did Dhumorna the beautiful-faced, Yakshi and Rakshasi, and Gauri, possessor of great wealth. Manojava, wife of Vayu, Riddhi beloved of Kubera, and the daughters of the gods came, as did the wives of the Danavas and their beloveds. The great wives of the seven sages, noble women of the rishis, sisters and daughters, and groups of Vidyadhari maidens gathered as well. Rakshasi women, daughters of the Pitris, and other mothers of the worlds, brides and daughters-in-law—all wished to accompany Savitri. All the Adityas and Daksha's daughters assembled, and Brahmani, virtuous and lotus-dwelling, proceeded surrounded by them. Each goddess brought offerings: one carried sweetmeats, another a winnowing basket, a beautiful-faced one brought a vessel filled with fruit. They walked toward Brahma. Some carried containers with roasted grains, others brought pomegranates and splendid citrons. Still others brought karira fruits, lotuses, kusumbhaka, cumin, and dates. Some brought the finest coconuts, vessels filled with grapes, and the srngataka fruit. Fragrant camphor, auspicious rose-apples, walnuts, amalaki fruits, and lemons were also brought. Some offered ripe bilva fruits and cipiṭa; beautiful-faced ones carried cotton tufts and garments of kusumbhaka cloth. In this way, having performed various acts with winnowing baskets, all the noble-faced women, together with Savitri, suddenly arrived, auspicious in appearance. Seeing Savitri arrive, Indra became fearful. Brahma stood with his head lowered, wondering what she would say to him. Vishnu and Rudra, filled with embarrassment, as well as all the other twice-born, the assembly members, and the gods, were likewise afraid. Sons, grandsons, nephews, maternal uncles, brothers, and the Ṛbhus—those gods who are themselves deities among the gods—all stood in discomfort, pondering what Savitri might say. Savitri stood by Brahma's side, but she was, in truth, a cowherd maiden. She became silent, listening to the words of all who spoke; though summoned by the Adhvaryu, the woman of excellent complexion did not come. Another, brought by Shakra from the Ābhīras, was given to Vishnu himself; approved by Rudra, she was also given by her own father. As the assembly wondered how she would participate in the sacrifice, or how it would reach completion, the Lotus-born Brahma entered. Surrounded by assembly members, officiating priests, and gods, fires were being offered by Brahmins learned in the Vedas. The cowherd woman stood in the wives' pavilion, adorned with a girdle of sheep's wool and clothed in linen garments, meditating on the supreme state. Devoted to her husband, her very life centered on him, foremost among women, endowed with beauty, wide-eyed, and radiant like the sun. She illuminated the assembly like the sun's brilliance, and the officiating priests approached the blazing fire, ready to continue the sacred rites.