Mudgala, reflecting on his life, confessed with humility, “I have not performed much good in the mortal world by any means.” He had witnessed countless others falling from the path, and so, with clarity and honesty, he explained, “All this, the origin of virtue and fault, has now been told to you.” Turning to the divine messenger before him, Mudgala declared, “Therefore, O messenger, I have no desire whatsoever for heaven. You must clearly speak these words to the king of the gods on my behalf.” Resolute, Mudgala continued, “I will perform that act by which we will have no fear of falling; I will accomplish those worlds so that they are always free from downfall.” Pulastya, the sage, narrated: Having spoken thus, O best of kings, Mudgala remained unattached to the allure of heaven. The messenger of Śakra (Indra), having heard Mudgala’s words in detail, prepared to return. Meanwhile, the celestial vehicle, crafted for the divine messenger, was made ready by the gods. Śakra then commanded, “Go there quickly and forcibly bring that sage.” Hearing Śakra’s words, the divine messenger became fearful. Yet again, Mudgala saw the messenger, standing in the celestial vehicle, and was stunned by his words, as if those words had been etched upon his very being. Śakra, lord of the gods, realized that the messenger had been delayed for a long time. He saw the messenger, struck dumb by Mudgala’s resolve. At that very moment, terrible omens appeared in that place. Seeing these signs, Mudgala was filled with wonder and began to reflect deeply. Then, in the sky, Mudgala beheld Hari—Vishnu—holding the thunderbolt raised in his hand. There, Śakra’s enthusiasm was broken, and he offered praise to Mudgala, saying, “Whether in heaven or on earth, dwell wherever you wish, O twice-born one. Choose a boon—may it be well with you; whatever is always in your mind, let it be granted.” Mudgala replied reverently, “O thousand-eyed one, even in dreams, the sight of you is exceedingly rare. If you must indeed grant me a boon, O slayer of Vṛtra, do not doubt, for I have sent a messenger to the lake.” Śakra assured him, “Here, the ancestors attain supreme satisfaction from the offering of rice-balls. There is no doubt that, by my grace, this is the highest, O best of Brahmins. Those who, with focused mind, are present here on the full moon of the month of Phalguna—by offering rice-balls, will obtain the supreme fruit, equal to that of Gaya.” Thereafter, Mudgala, ever contemplating the supreme Brahman, absorbed himself in pure meditation and attained imperishable liberation. Pulastya added, “Here, a verse was formerly sung by the great soul Narada: A man, having bathed in the Māmū lake and seen that lord Mudgala—for this reason, O king, it is known as Māmū lake. That sacred place, renowned in the world, is the foremost among all holy sites. Whoever especially desires liberation, who wishes for the supreme state—” The king then inquired, “At what time does that fruit arise, and what result comes to men who see it? Hearing which, a man is completely freed from all sins?” Pulastya replied, “Long ago, in the age of the gods, O king, there was a demon named Mahisha. By him, Indra and the other gods were defeated in battle by the thousands. Having brought the three worlds under his control, he himself became Indra. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Ashvins, and the hosts of Maruts—even Agni, seized by fear, abandoned the hosts of gods.” Thus, the story unfolded, revealing the humility of Mudgala, the power of steadfast meditation, and the sacredness of the Māmū lake, where offerings for the ancestors yield supreme merit and liberation.