When the Manvantara had come to its close, the sacred avabhṛtha bath marking the completion of the great sacrifice was performed. The prescribed gifts were given: the brahma priest received his due, and the eastern gift was presented to the hotṛ. To the adhvaryu the western gift was offered, and to the udgātṛ, the northern gift. Brahmā, the creator, bestowed the entire expanse of the three worlds as their reward. The wise know that a hundred cows should be given to complete the sacrifice, along with forty-eight sacrificial animals. For those who serve in the second position, twenty-four are to be given, and to those in the third, sixteen auspicious cows. Twelve more should be offered to the āgnīdhra and others, along with villages, female attendants, and livestock. After bathing in the avabhṛtha rite, a thousand portions of food are to be distributed; indeed, the sacrificer is to give away all his possessions, as Svāyambhuva has declared. The officiating priests and assistants, too, should give gifts as they wish. Having invoked Viṣṇu, Brahmā, filled with joy, spoke these words: “O virtuous one, having pleased Sāvitrī, bring her here. When she sees you, O auspicious-faced one, she will not be angry. Your words are always gentle and persuasive, supported by sound reasoning; you speak sweetly, and your tongue drips with nectar. Whoever does not heed your words is not found in any of the three worlds. Go with the Gandharvas and bring my beloved. Appease her, for she is virtuous and will surely be satisfied. Do not delay, Mādhava—go without hesitation. Let your Lakṣmī go before you to the auspicious abode of Sāvitrī; follow her path and console my beloved. Sāvitrī never wishes to do anything displeasing to you in private; always she acts by observing your face. Speak many such sweet words to the goddess, so that she may soon be pleased.” Thus instructed by Brahmā, Viṣṇu promptly set out with Lakṣmī to the place where Sāvitrī was staying. Seeing Keśava approach from afar with his wife, Sāvitrī rose quickly and was greeted with respect by Viṣṇu. He offered salutations, saying, “O goddess of gods, wife of Brahmā, salutations to you. By bowing to you, all people 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, thinking of you. If you doubt my words, ask your dear friend Lakṣmī, the virtuous daughter of Bhṛgu.” Having spoken thus, Śauri bowed to Sāvitrī’s feet and, with folded hands, said, “Forgive me, O goddess, salutations to you.” Touching her feet, he honored her, calling her “mother of the world, worthy of worship by the universe.” The goddess, drawing back her feet, touched Hari’s hands with her own and said, “All is forgiven, O Acyuta. This Lakṣmī will always dwell in your heart, dear one. Without you, she will never find pleasure elsewhere. Born from the wife of Bhṛgu, this virtuous wife is yours. She was again produced from the ocean by the effort of gods and demons; here, O Blessed Lord, she is making her descent. Whether in a divine form among the gods or in a human form among mortals, she is ever your steadfast companion, faithful to the vow of marriage.” Then Sāvitrī asked, “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, and go there joyfully. Go and see your husband, surrounded by all the gods.” Lakṣmī added, “Noble lady, rise quickly and go where the Grandfather is.” Sāvitrī replied, “Without you, I will not go; I have touched your feet.” Then, raising her, Lakṣmī grasped Sāvitrī’s right hand with her own. Noticing Sāvitrī’s delay, Brahmā, the Grandfather, spoke to the great goddess nearby: “Go with Parvati, destroyer of demons. Let Gauri go before you, and you follow after, O Shankara. Awaken Sāvitrī and bring her quickly; do what is needed so she comes at once.” Thus instructed, Parvati and the Supreme Lord went as commanded and spoke to Brahmā’s beloved: “A great task awaits you, O devoted wife. Ask this noble Gauri, daughter of the mountain, or this wide-eyed Lakṣmī, or Indrāṇī, O auspicious-faced one. Ask whichever of them you trust, O goddess; I bow to you.” Sāvitrī then blessed the trident-bearing Lord, saying, “Gauri will always abide in half your body, O Shankara. With her, you shine, O god, beautiful in all three worlds. The whole world enjoys happiness because of you, O Lord, destroyer of enemies.” Thus speaking, Sāvitrī was gently led by Brahmā’s beloved. Gauri held her by the left hand, and Lakṣmī by the right. After bowing to her, Shankara spoke: “Come, O highly fortunate one, to where your husband stands. Go there, O beautiful one; for women, the husband is the highest goal. At this great invitation, O goddess, you should go with affection. Lakṣmī and Parvati stand before you, O goddess.” Thus, surrounded by the goddesses and honored by the gods, Sāvitrī was brought forth to fulfill her role in the sacred rite, her heart appeased and her presence a blessing to all.