She who appeared as a cluster of blue garments, the fourth among them, was mounted upon a bull. The Brahmins and others recognized this white-formed one as Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. The Kshatriyas, in turn, honored the red-hued one as Jayashri, the bringer of victory and glory. The Vaishyas always revered her who was adorned in yellow garments and whose body shone with a golden radiance. The Shudras, with deep devotion, praised her whose form was blue in color. Thus, the god who bears the discus—Vishnu—distinguished these women by their forms and attributes. All the histories, ancient tales, the Vedas with their many branches, and the prescribed instructions; pearls, gold, silver, chariots, horses, elephants, and ornaments; cows, buffaloes, donkeys, camels, lands of gold, and garments—all these treasures and sources of knowledge, among the various classes, have but one origin. These arise among the noble ones, and now, listen to their story. In the forest of gifts, people who seek the great lotus are found. Those devoted to the lotus are known as universally contented souls. Those associated with both just and unjust expenditures are those who turn to the great blue lotus. People who engage in theft and false speech are those who resort to the conch. Thus, the distinctions regarding their gifts have been explained. Then, addressing Bali, the lord of the Dānavas, the speaker continued: “O lord of the forest of gifts, I hold a vow approved by the virtuous. In the three worlds, there is none equal to you or superior in strength. By your valor in battle, you have conquered the king of the gods. Seeing your supreme courage, surpassing all strength, O best of the Dānavas, it is no wonder, for you are born in the lineage of Hiraṇyakaśipu. O king, you have even surpassed the great ancestor of the Daityas.” Having spoken thus to Bali, the lord of the Dānavas, when she entered there, the women became as if widowed. Radiance, intelligence, effort, prosperity, knowledge, conduct, and compassion—all these qualities, taking refuge in Bali, found rest as they wished. He was a performer of sacrifices, an ascetic, gentle, truthful in speech, generous, a supporter, and a protector of his people. Ever illustrious, devoted to righteousness, self-controlled, though a human, he was also an enjoyer of desires. Meanwhile, the lord of Śacī, Indra, together with the gods, went to the abode of Brahmā. There, he saw his father Kaśyapa seated with the sages, and also beheld Brahmā himself, Kaśyapa, and all those ascetics rich in austerity. Indra addressed Brahmā, saying, “Grandfather, my kingdom has been taken by Bali, the mighty one.” Śakra (Indra) then asked, “O lord, tell me, what wrong have I done?” Brahmā replied, “From Diti’s womb, by your doing, the embryo was forcefully cut into many parts. The embryo was divided because she was impure at that time. Afterward, even the servant was slain by the thunderbolt, O lord.” Indra asked, “Tell me, O mighty one, the expiation for my sin and destruction. What is beneficial for all the world, and especially for me?” Brahmā advised him, “Take refuge in him; he will bestow welfare upon you.” The gods then said, “Among mortals, in a short time, there is great prosperity.” Thus, the tale unfolds, revealing the origins of prosperity and virtue, the actions of the great, and the interplay of fate among gods and men.