With reverence in his heart, Viṣṇu approached the goddess, gently touching her feet and honoring her as “Mother of the world, worthy of worship by the universe.” The goddess, drawing back her feet, reached out and touched Hari’s hands with her own, a gesture of affection and forgiveness. Taking Viṣṇu’s hands, she spoke kindly to him: “All is forgiven, O Acyuta. This Lakṣmī will always dwell in your heart, dear one. Without you, she will find no pleasure anywhere else. Born from the wife of Bhṛgu, this virtuous wife belongs to you.” She explained that Lakṣmī had been produced again from the ocean through the combined efforts of gods and demons, and now, the Blessed Lord, she was making her descent once more. Whether Lakṣmī appeared in a divine form among the gods or in human form among mortals, she would always be Viṣṇu’s steadfast companion, firmly bound to him by the vow of marriage. The goddess then asked, “Tell me, O Lord, what must I do here? Instruct me.” Viṣṇu replied, “The sacrifice is complete; I have been sent here to you. Quickly bring Savitri so she may bathe with me. Come swiftly, O goddess, go there joyfully. Go and see your husband, surrounded by all the gods.” Lakṣmī urged Savitri, “Noble lady, rise quickly and go where the Grandfather is.” Savitri, however, replied, “Without you, I will not go; I have touched your feet.” With care, Lakṣmī raised Savitri and took her right hand in her own. Meanwhile, knowing Savitri was delayed, Brahma—the Grandfather—spoke to the great goddess near him. He instructed, “Go with Parvati, destroyer of demons. Let Gauri go before you, and you follow after, O Shankara. Awaken her and bring her quickly; do what is needed so she comes at once.” Thus instructed, Parvati and the Supreme Lord went as commanded and addressed Brahma’s beloved: “A great task must be performed by you, O devoted wife. Ask this noble Gauri, daughter of the mountain, or this wide-eyed Lakṣmī, or Indrani, O auspicious-faced one. Ask whichever of them you trust, O goddess. I bow to you.” Savitri bestowed a blessing upon Shankara, the trident-bearing Lord: “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.” With these words, Savitri was taken by Brahma’s beloved. Gauri held Savitri by the left hand, and Lakṣmī by the right. After bowing to her, Shankara addressed Savitri: “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. By the words of these two and of us, O auspicious-faced one, no disrespect to you is intended, beloved of Brahma. Requested by us, O goddess, go there joyfully.” Gauri added, “I am always your dear one, O goddess, as you yourself say. Lakṣmī is placed in your hand, and I have held her in your right. Come, O greatly fortunate one, to where your husband is waiting.” Led by Gauri and Lakṣmī, Savitri was positioned in the center, with Viṣṇu and Rudra at the front, and Indra and the other gods as well. The Gandharvas, Apsaras, and all beings of the three worlds—both moving and unmoving—gathered there, and the goddess Savitri, beloved of Brahma, arrived. Seeing Savitri, whose face was radiant, Brahma—the grandfather of all worlds—together with Gayatri, addressed her: “This goddess is a performer of deeds; I am now under your control. Command me, O beautiful one, whatever work you wish me to do here.” The goddess, her face lowered in modesty, remained silent. Prompted by Brahma, Gayatri fell at Savitri’s feet and pleaded, “I have committed an offense against you; forgive me, O goddess, I bow to you.” Savitri, embracing Gayatri affectionately around the neck, comforted her, saying, “He is my honored husband. The husband’s word must be obeyed; he is the lord of life for women. This was declared by the blessed Virinchi at the time of creation. There is no separate sacrifice, vow, or fasting for women; whatever the husband says, she should do without disdain. A woman who reviles her husband, or likewise her sister, or indulges in slander or idle talk, goes to hell. If a woman undertakes fasting or vows while her husband is alive, she diminishes his lifespan; if he dies, she desires hell. Knowing this, you must not do anything displeasing to your husband, O virtuous one; nor should you ever serve his right side.” Savitri continued, “In all matters, I myself have taken the right side of him; you, O virtuous one, should approach the left side, along with Narada and Pushkara. Other seats of Brahma and sacred places are established; you will obtain beauty here as long as creation continues. Both you and I must remain, without doubt, at the side of Brahma in Pushkara; you should take the left side. By this instruction, remain happily with me.” Gayatri replied, “I will do exactly as you direct. Your command must be followed by me; you are my friend equal to my life. I am your younger, O goddess; you should always protect me.” Thus, with mutual respect and affection, Savitri and Gayatri stood united, fulfilling their roles beside Brahma as creation continued, surrounded by the blessings and guidance of the gods and goddesses.