Vyasa spoke, recounting the wondrous events that had unfolded. “I shall come there, accompanied by the hosts of Apsarases,” promised the mighty Indra, king of the gods. “When a mass of clouds arises, I shall cause rain there, blessing the land.” With deep reverence, Indra bowed to the Sun, the Lord worshipped by Brahma and all the gods, and then, in a gesture of great honor, he presented two radiant images to Partha, Arjuna. Meanwhile, in Dvaraka, the sage Narada, intent on inviting Krishna, inspired the chief of Brahmins to call out, “Come, Krishna, to Kusasthali.” Thus, the divine invitation was extended, drawing the Lord towards the sacred city. And again, O Pandava, Indra bestowed these sacred images upon you as well, descending from the sky to embrace you warmly, his affection and pride evident. “My birth has become fruitful; joy has arisen in me, O Arjuna,” he declared, his heart filled with happiness. Having spoken thus, Vyasa continued, those two—Arjuna and Vyasa—set out for Kusasthali. Vyasa instructed Arjuna, “Go, Arjuna, to the eastern direction and install one image.” As for himself, Vyasa said, “I too shall go north, O sage, to establish the other image at the river.” Arjuna journeyed eastward and soon beheld an auspicious place, radiant and serene. There, Vyasa declared, “I shall install the Sun god, while you, Pandava, meditate upon him.” As preparations were made, Vyasa narrated to Arjuna the nature of the Sun’s unbearable brilliance—a radiance so intense that even the mighty Pandava found it difficult to bear. Overwhelmed, Arjuna spoke to the god, “O protector of cows, be gentle in form and beautiful to behold for the people. Let the mortals on earth be purified by your sight.” The Sun, compassionate, raised his right hand in the gesture of protection, granting fearlessness to all, and by his radiant presence, revealed his own divine brilliance. When the auspicious moment arrived, Hari filled the great conch, signifying the sanctity of the occasion. It is said that even one whose body is afflicted by abundant impurities and faults becomes free from sin merely by reciting the Sun’s name. “Who among poets,” reflected Vyasa, “would dare to praise the Sun, who is already lauded by Brahma and the sages? What remains uncreated by those skilled in scripture and its myriad applications?” Yet, with humility and devotion, Vyasa resolved, “Even so, I shall praise the pair of feet of the Sun, revered by the Guru of the three worlds.” So long as the Sun’s presence is awaited, the world remains unmoving, actions do not succeed, and the peaks of trees do not shine; the clusters of flowers in the blooming forests do not close their eyes. But when the Sun rises in the sky, all beings—gods, siddhas, Brahma, demons, sages, kinnaras, men, nāgas, and yakṣas—are awakened and enlivened. When the Sun sets, the world falls asleep; when he shines again, all awaken. For those endowed with enthusiasm, strength, guidance, and valor, whose service and creative actions are devoted to the Sun, he is the source of all success. In battles with chariots, elephants, spears, javelins, arrows, wheels, shafts, and terrifying swords; even when dwelling in difficult forests or fortresses, among bears, lions, or thorny thieves—the Sun is the repository of brilliance, the refuge for all afflicted. In the entire world, there is none as compassionate as he. Who is not touched by his grace? Whether struck by leprosy, beset by enemies, afflicted by diseases, lame, blind, dull, withered in feet, or whose actions have failed—all find hope in him. Righteousness, when served, endures in the next world; in due time, the wise become grantors of boons. The Sun is adorned with eyes like those of a restless, beloved deer, with lovely hair, jeweled earrings, and girdles. O Lord of the worlds, even if you are worshipped just once by people, or remembered in any way—especially at the time of death—you grant liberation. But those whose minds are clouded by false reasoning, who do not bow to you with devotion, whose bodies do not thrill with piety, miss your grace. As you proceed, O best of gods, with eyes restless as the waves of the ocean, shining with the rays of jeweled hoods, the serpents lick your path, and the lotuses of the rivers of the gods, stirred by the wind, follow you in devotion. Thus, in reverence and awe, the images of the Sun were installed, and the world was blessed by his radiant presence.