Listen, as the sacred tale unfolds of the installation of Nara-Āditya. In ancient times, the divine sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa descended to earth, their presence gracing the world with beauty and leading them to the highest spiritual growth. During their time on earth, they vanquished all the demons, beginning with the mighty Kaṃsa, triumphing over them in fierce battles. Arjuna, having received celestial weapons as gifts from the heroic king of the gods, undertook a formidable vow: to slay the fierce Nivātakavacas, those evil-hearted beings who dwelled in Hiraṇyapura. True to his word, Arjuna destroyed them and accomplished a most difficult deed. Pleased with his achievement, Indra, the king of the gods, addressed Arjuna with gracious words, “O Pārtha, choose the highest boon that your heart desires.” In another age, when Dakṣa was granted a boon by the affectionate Brahmā, and a great conflict arose between the gods and the asuras, Indra performed severe austerities, standing steadfastly on one foot. Witnessing Indra’s dedication, Bṛhaspati, his wise preceptor, spoke to him, “Dwelling alone in the forest, you will not be able to overcome your enemies.” At that time, the divine Pārijāta tree, which had arisen for the sake of worship, was bestowed by Brahmā. Bṛhaspati counseled Indra, “By worshipping those two—Nara and Nārāyaṇa—the destruction of your enemies will surely come through their grace.” Thus, Indra hastened to the place where Dakṣa, the lord of creatures, was being worshipped in effigy by Śakra for a hundred years, O Vyāsa. With deep devotion, Indra pleased the deities profoundly. Knowing this, O Vāsava, Indra’s mind was satisfied, and he chose his boon, saying, “Let all my enemies meet their destruction—this is the boon I desire.” The deities replied, “So be it,” and departed for heaven from the effigy. These effigies, O Pārtha, were also worshipped by the great-souled Śaṃkara. For an entire day of Brahmā, he worshipped them with intensely red, hundred-petaled lotuses. For thousands of years, blue lotuses, fragrant and lovely, were offered in their honor. He continued his worship with lotuses and auspicious red water-lilies. It is said that if heaven were deprived of these two, it would become as lifeless as death itself. When offered a boon, the Lord replied, “O Lord, I have no desire for this boon.” Yet, he was told, “Take these, O hero, and establish them at Kuśasthalī. Wherever they are installed, all sins will be destroyed, and pilgrimages during Āṣāḍhī and Kaumudī will be most auspicious. I shall come there, accompanied by the hosts of Apsarases. When the clouds gather, I will cause rain to fall there. Having bowed to the Sun, the Lord worshipped by Brahmā and the others, thus, Vyāsa, Vasava gave the two images to Pārtha.” Meanwhile, in Dvārakā, the sage Nārada, wishing to invite Krishna, approached the chief of Brahmins and said, “Come, Krishna, to Kuśasthalī.” Then, O Pāṇḍava, Indra gave these sacred images to you as well. He descended from the heavens and joyfully embraced the Pāṇḍava, saying, “My birth has become fruitful; joy has arisen in me, O Arjuna.” Having spoken thus, O Vyāsa, those two then journeyed to Kuśasthalī, ready to install the sacred presence of Nara and Nārāyaṇa for the welfare of the world.