In that sacred place, O best of gods, the assembled deities were urged to worship the radiant Lord Viṣṇu. Having heard these assured words spoken by Brahmā himself, the gods made their way to the holy site. There, they purified themselves through bathing and acts of charity, performing all the prescribed rites to cleanse body and mind. With reverence, all of them approached Brahmā, eager to learn the proper procedures for worship. “O best knower of Brahman,” they said, “we wish to hear from you all that should be done. Please instruct us fully.” Brahmā then described the form and nature of the Lord to be meditated upon: “He is the god clad in white garments, moon-colored, and four-armed. One should meditate on Him with a serene face, for by doing so, all obstacles are removed. Those in whose hearts Janārdana, dark as a blue lotus, abides are truly blessed. To Him—the remover of all obstacles, the lord of hosts—I offer homage.” He continued, “One who is devoted to meditation on Viṣṇu becomes incapable of harming any living being. Such a person becomes the lord of all accomplishments, self-controlled, long-lived, and master of the senses.” As Brahmā spoke, the assembled gods, their eyes blossoming with joy, greeted one another respectfully. Seated comfortably and at ease, the best of the gods inquired after each other’s supreme well-being. One among them asked, “O Lord, by what means may my subjects remain free from affliction?” Brahmā replied, “There is a means which destroys all sin, is supremely meritorious, and bestows every happiness. This is the great Brāhmī knowledge, but it is not to be given to just anyone. It must never be imparted to one who is envious, harsh, or driven by desire. This is the most secret teaching, the destroyer of all sins: the thousand names of Viṣṇu, which are supremely auspicious and foster devotion to Viṣṇu.” He continued, “Om. In this hymn of a thousand names of Śrī Viṣṇu, the seer is Mārkaṇḍeya, the deity is Viṣṇu, the meter is Anuṣṭubh, and its recitation fulfills all desires. Meditate on Him who is dark as a rain-laden cloud, noble in character, holding a mountain in His hand, and delighting in the music of the flute.” And thus began the recitation of Viṣṇu’s thousand names: “Om. Viśva, Viṣṇu, Hṛṣīkeśa, soul of all, creator of all beings. The god without beginning or end, all-knowing, the origin of all. The seed, creator, lord, and master of the universe. Janārdana, who bears all forms, of all universal shapes—He who is of many forms and yet one, the bearer of all forms, Hara. The great ocean, the great cloud, the source of water bubbles. Ananta, Vāsuki, Śeṣa, Varāha, the supporter of the earth. Hayagrīva, wide-eyed, horse-eared, horse-formed. Sleepless, yet sleeping; Nandī, Sunanda, beloved of Nandana. Devoted to Prajāpati, Dakṣa, creator of creation, maker of beings. Vāmana, of the left path, performer of left-handed deeds, vast in form. Remover and performer of sacrifice, lord and enjoyer of sacrifice, all-pervading. Of fierce radiance, of little radiance, witness of deeds, Manu, Yama. Friend of Agni and Vāyu, fire, Varuṇa, lord of aquatic beings. Kubera, wealthy, swift, protector of riches, creator of delights. Master of all herbs, glorious, moon and sun. Blue-throated, bull, Rudra, moon on the forehead, husband of Umā. Worm and insect, hunter and killer of beasts, marked by the deer. Dweller in cremation grounds, eater of flesh, destroyer of the wicked, maker of boons. Commander and giver of armies, Skanda, great time, leader of the hosts. Giver of prosperity and success, tusked, moon on the forehead, elephant-faced.” Thus, Brahmā revealed the glory and manifold forms of Viṣṇu, guiding the gods in the supreme worship that removes all afflictions and bestows every blessing.