O mighty-armed one, know that entering into me is itself an obstacle to discernment. The results destined by fate will surely never be lost; they will come to pass in their own time. Therefore, in the coming and going of fortune, the wise should not fall into despair. O king of demons, it is proper for a man to endure both happiness and sorrow with equanimity. Even when vast prosperity is attained, one should remain steady and not be shaken. Those who are steadfast are always supreme among men in their actions. You ought to act, for the learned do not succumb to despair. Having heard these words from you and from others, act as is right. He will be your protector from this fear, O lord of the demons. Truly, for those who have fallen into the pit of worldly existence, there is no support; just as men afflicted by fever find no comfort on earth. But Janārdana will provide you with the highest good. Freed from sin, I will then go to the abode where Acyuta, the lord of the worlds, Nṛsiṃha, resides. After addressing all the leaders of the demon hosts, he set forth to undertake a pilgrimage to the sacred fords. “You ought to recount to me in full the pilgrimage of Prahlāda,” came the request, “for the pilgrimage of Prahlāda, which bestows pure merit, is yours to tell. It is renowned on earth as auspicious—the Mānasa, where the Lord of the gods took form as a fish.” Thus, having worshipped the Lord of the universe, Acyuta, accompanied by the Vedas, Prahlāda journeyed to see the Kacchapa, the Tortoise incarnation, at Kauśikī, the destroyer of sins. After fasting and purifying himself, he gave gifts to the Brāhmaṇas. There, after bathing in the divine lake and offering oblations to the ancestors and the gods, he beheld the Lord of the universe, Govinda, wielder of the discus. He saw the Lord of gods, the Lord of the worlds, as Trivikrama. It is this Lord, master of the worlds, who would bind Bali. “Tell me,” came the question, “whom did Viṣṇu bind, and for what reason? At what time did this occur, and whom did he deceive?” The answer followed: Born from the womb of a demoness, he was mighty and powerful. He sought invulnerability from the gods, including Indra, O Nārada. Pleased with his devotion, that mighty one departed for heaven. Dhundhu attained the station of Indra even while Hiraṇyakaśipu was still alive. He dwelt on Mount Mandara, taking refuge with the demon Dhundhu. Even in the world of Brahma, the gods remained, afflicted by suffering. “Let us go, O Daityas, to our elder brother’s assembly, to conquer the gods along with Indra,” they declared. “But by which path shall we reach the ancient seat of the Grandfather? This way is extremely difficult, and the path beyond is hard to traverse. By the mere glance and direction of those whose sight is powerful, the Daityas are burned, together with their allies. “O lord of great Asuras, among us are the cow-mothers, whose very dust brings destruction here. Where the foremost Sādhyas stand, O Asura, their breath and wind are unbearable for us. He whose abode is truthfully named, O blessed one, who grants boons—he indeed is your dwelling. Those Asuras who are your equals in nature become diminished. The realm of Virāj, called Dhundhu, is always difficult for men to ascend. Desiring to reach the abode of Brahmā, he wished to conquer the lords.” Thus unfolds the tale, woven with the destinies of gods and demons, the steadfastness of the wise, and the sacred journey of Prahlāda, ever seeking the presence of the Supreme Lord.