On a level bed, in the midst of water, upon a boat, or during illness, a good attendant is a true blessing. Likewise, a friend in a foreign land, shade in the heat, and a fire that burns smokeless in the cold—all these bring comfort. Above all, there is one who grants countless desires of the mind, fulfilling wishes for all. As these truths were spoken, O Vyasa, the listeners were soothed by sweet words. Yet, they could not tell where the speaker was, nor who uttered these teachings—it was Keshava, the supreme Lord, whose presence was hidden from them. Among all gifts, there is one always praised as equal to a wish-fulfilling gem, a gift proper at all times. Pay careful attention to this truth: the one who brings forth an excellent lamp, by whose light darkness is dispelled—such a lamp, unwavering, pure, pleasing, steady, and radiant like the sun—brings peace, as it did for Gokarna. In that light, even the great serpents led by Shesha did not stir, not even in groups. On mountains, in oceans, in forests, and groves, they enjoyed the five divine roots mixed with milk, food made from rice blessed by the moon, and betel prepared in seven ways. Reclining on splendid beds and in delightful forest retreats, all rejoiced together, embracing one another. Freed from the burning of the sun and the chill of moonbeams, they no longer suffered from heat or cold. Inspired, they fashioned golden lamps and offered them again to the twice-born. There, they lived joyfully, experiencing pleasures eight times greater than those of heaven. This secret, O Vyasa, is revealed to you out of compassion: without the fire of a lamp, darkness can never be dispelled. Delighted, all those present questioned mighty Damodara once more, saying, “We are sunk in dreadful darkness and do not know fire.” Hearing this, the gods devoted to Shiva kindled the lamp. When the lamp was offered, the delighted Maheshvara appeared before the gods, and with Indra at their head, they rejoiced in heavenly happiness. Even the Daityas, seeing the fruits of giving lamps, were filled with amazement. Having worshipped Mahadeva with pure flowers and water, all beings remained in their proper places, and the offering of lamps brought beauty everywhere. But then, O Vyasa, the ghosts became destitute, without food or shelter. The outcastes, however, brought fire and, devoted to Shiva, offered lamps; the reward of giving lamps was theirs, along with the company of sons and wives. Yet, those ghosts ate food that was licked, tasteless, rotten, and stale. Still, in their impure abodes, they ate with delight and found enjoyment. Learning of the merit in giving lamps, they too offered lamps before Shiva, and in those places, they became joyful and happy. Nevertheless, a terrible state always prevailed in the realm of the departed. Witnessing this, all the excellent gods spoke to Damodara, Lord of the Universe. The Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Vidyadharas, and serpents also addressed him, saying, “Here, in these places, we are always happy and enjoy ourselves. But, O Lord of the Universe, those who dwell in that other realm remain in extreme misery.