O descendant of Śaṃtanu, the ancient sages who meditate upon the Vedas have described a fourth group of four, making a total of sixteen officiants essential to the great sacrifices. In the beginning, the self-born Lord created three hundred and sixty types of sacrifices, and in all of these, the twice-born priests would always recite the names of these officiants. Some among the sacrificers desired the presence of the sadasya, trisāmā, and adhvaryu. Nārada was appointed as the brahma, while Gautama was made the brāhmaṇācchaṃsi. Devagarbha took the role of potṛ, Agnīdhra became the devala, Aṅgiras was the udgātṛ, and Pulaha the pratyudgātṛ. Nārāyaṇa himself was the pratihartṛ, and Subrahmaṇya was called the utṛ. In that same sacrifice, Bhṛgu served as the hotṛ, and Vasiṣṭha as the maitra. Kratu was named the acchāvāka, Cyavana was the grāvastut, Pulastya was the adhvaryu, and Śibi took the role of pratiṣṭhātṛ. Bṛhaspati was the neṣṭṛ, Śāṃśapāyana the unnetṛ, and Dharma was the sadasya, accompanied by his sons, grandsons, and companions. Among others present were Bharadvāja, Śamīka, Purukutsa, Yugandhara, Enaka, Tīrṇaka, Keśa, and Kutapa. Garga and Vedaśiras were made trisāmā and adhvaryu, and so too were Kaṇva, Mārkaṇḍa, and Gaṇḍi, along with many others. All these sages, joined by their sons, grandsons, disciples, and relatives, performed the rituals without fatigue, day and night. When the Manvantara came to an end, the concluding avabhṛtha rite of the sacrifice was performed. The brahma received his due gift, the hotṛ received the eastern gift, the adhvaryu the western, and the udgātṛ the northern. Brahmā, the creator, gave the entire three worlds as their reward. It is said that a wise sacrificer should give a hundred cows for the completion of the sacrifice, along with forty-eight sacrificial animals. For those in the second position, twenty-four animals are to be given, and to those in the third, sixteen auspicious cows. Twelve are to be given to the āgnīdhra and others, along with villages, female servants, and livestock. After bathing in the avabhṛtha rite, a thousand portions of food should be distributed, and the sacrificer is enjoined by Svāyambhuva to give away all his possessions. The officiating priests and assistants may give gifts as they wish. Having invoked Viṣṇu, Brahmā spoke joyfully, “O virtuous one, having pleased Sāvitrī, bring her here. When she sees you, O auspicious-faced one, she will not be angry. You always speak sweetly, with gentle and persuasive words supported by reason—your tongue is truly like nectar. In all the three worlds, none disregard your words. Go with the Gandharvas and bring my beloved Sāvitrī. “When you have soothed her, that virtuous lady will be satisfied. Do not delay, Mādhava—go without hesitation. Let your Lakṣmī go before you to Sāvitrī’s auspicious abode; follow her and console my beloved. Sāvitrī never wishes to do anything displeasing to you in private; always, O beautiful one, she acts by observing your face. Speak such sweet and many words to the goddess, so that she may soon be pleased.” Thus instructed by Brahmā, Viṣṇu, the preserver, went swiftly to where Sāvitrī was staying. Seeing Keśava approaching from afar with his wife, Sāvitrī rose quickly, and Viṣṇu greeted her with respect: “Salutations to you, O goddess of gods, wife of Brahmā; by bowing to you, all are freed from sin. You are devoted to your husband, greatly fortunate, and dwell in Brahmā’s heart. Day and night, all seek your favor.” “If you do not trust my words, ask Lakṣmī, the virtuous daughter of Bhṛgu, your dear friend.” Having spoken thus, Śauri bowed to Sāvitrī’s feet and said with folded hands, “Forgive me, O goddess, salutations to you.” Touching her feet, he honored her, saying, “O mother of the world, worthy of worship by the universe.” The goddess withdrew her feet and touched Hari’s hands with her own. Taking his hands, she said, “All is forgiven, O Acyuta. Lakṣmī will always dwell in your heart, dear one. Without you, she will never find joy elsewhere. Born from Bhṛgu’s wife, this virtuous lady is yours. She was again brought forth from the ocean by the effort of gods and demons. Here she is, making her descent, O Blessed Lord. “Whether in a divine body among the gods or in a human form among men, she is always your companion, steadfast in her vow of marriage for ages. Tell me, O Lord, what must I do here? Instruct me.” Viṣṇu replied, “The sacrifice is completed; I have been sent here to you. Quickly bring Sāvitrī, so that she may bathe with me. Come swiftly, O goddess, go there joyfully. Go and see your husband, surrounded by all the gods.” Lakṣmī added, “Noble lady, rise quickly and go to the Grandfather.” Sāvitrī replied, “Without you, I will not go; I have touched your feet.” Raising her up, Lakṣmī grasped Sāvitrī’s right hand with her own. Meanwhile, knowing that Sāvitrī was delayed, Brahmā, the Grandfather of the gods, spoke to the great goddess who was near him.