In the ancient tradition, it is said that the son of a son is called 'grandfather'—this is the established custom among descendants and does not apply otherwise. At a certain moment, this relationship emerges, and one must also recognize one's father. Even after acting according to these customs, a figure became deeply absorbed in thought, pondering what was to be done next. As he contemplated, a paternal weapon appeared before him. Driven by anger, he used this weapon to churn the essence nearby. The moment he churned it, he beheld a head—difficult to grasp—with four faces, shaped like a coconut. This head was enveloped by the chief principle, covered tenfold. He took a four-edged weapon and cut it, just as one might split a sesame pod. When the sesame-like parts were thoroughly severed, nothing remained at the root. Yet, a being appeared, declaring, "I am I," and he cut that as well. Upon doing so, he saw another small being, who spoke from nearby, "I am the fivefold origin of beings." He cut this, too, and then witnessed emptiness within the five elements. Having made space, all these elements began to speak from nearby. He cut that, too, with a detached weapon, again like a sesame pod, and when it was cut, he saw another being, smaller by a tenth part. Cutting this person with a form-cutting weapon, he saw yet another. In the same manner, he fashioned that one—small, white, and gentle. Having completed these actions, the lord saw again, within the sky, his own body as his father. With a form as small as a speck of dust, imperceptible among all beings, he saw it as equal to himself. Both were filled with supreme joy, and all their suffering vanished. This person is named Svara, of great austerity. His form is called 'manifest,' and his great head is known as 'unmanifest.' From this very account, O best of kings, manifestation arose; but from dissolution, only this remains. This is the very first legend of the entire world. Whoever truly knows this becomes devoted to action. After hearing this, Bhadrāśva asked, "O twice-born, for one desiring the rise of knowledge, who should be worshipped? And how should he be worshipped? Please tell me, O twice-born." Agastya replied, "Only Vishnu, the lord, is always to be worshipped—even by all the gods. I shall tell you the means by which he becomes the bestower of boons. The supreme secret of all the gods, sages, and men is Narayana, the highest god; one who bows to him does not fall." He continued, "It is heard, O King, that in ancient times, the great-souled Narada narrated a vow pleasing to Vishnu, as well as to the Apsaras. Once, in a previous cycle, Narada went to the lake Manasa for bathing, and there he saw the entire host of Apsaras. These playful women saw him—his hair matted in a crown, his body reduced to bones and skin, holding a staff, umbrella, and skull. Desiring to see the son of Brahma, devoted to austerity, who delights in quarrels and is sought by gods, demons, and humans, these excellent women questioned him. The Apsaras said, 'O revered one, son of Brahma, we are desirous of husbands, O twice-born. Tell us how Narayana may become our husband.' Narada replied, 'A question preceded by reverent greeting is always auspicious everywhere; but you did not do so, out of pride and youthful arrogance. Nevertheless, whatever name of the god of gods, Vishnu, is spoken by you, so let him be your husband. Hari is thus made so. By uttering his name alone, all is accomplished, without doubt.' He then said, 'I shall quickly tell you the vow by which Hari himself grants boons and bestows the status of husband. In spring, on the auspicious twelfth day of the bright fortnight, after fasting according to the prescribed manner, one should worship Hari at night. Prepare a bed adorned with various designs and place upon it a silver image of Hari together with Lakshmi. Then, above it, construct a pavilion with flowers, and arrange a vigil there with dance and musical instruments. Mark "for the mind-born" on the head, "for Ananga" on the waist, "for Kama" at the base of the arms, and "for the good scriptures" on the abdomen; "for Manmatha" on the feet, "for Hari" everywhere; worship the lord of gods with flowers, especially jasmine. Afterward, take four beautiful sugarcane stalks and place them in the four directions around the deity, bowing. In the morning, give them to a Brahmin learned in the Vedas and Vedangas, whose limbs are complete and who is wise. Honor the Brahmins and complete this vow; by doing so, Vishnu will certainly become your husband. But, without offering me a respectful greeting, you asked out of pride, O beautiful ones; as a result of this disrespect, you will reap its consequence. In this very lake, the great sage Ashtavakra, after being mocked by you, O beautiful ones, will curse you. By this vow, having obtained the Lord of the gods as husband, out of pride, there will be disrespect and abduction by cowherds. Previously, the god who was the thief of maidens will become their husband.' Agastya said, 'Having spoken thus, the divine sage Narada departed at once. Those women performed this vow, and Hari himself was pleased with them.' Agastya continued, 'Listen, O fortunate king, to the supreme vow among vows, by which Vishnu is attained through auspiciousness—there is no doubt. Then, in the month of Margashirsha, one should begin from the first day, taking one meal during the bright fortnight until the tenth lunar day arrives.' Thus, the legends and rituals were revealed, teaching the ways of devotion, the mysteries of creation, and the path to attaining the grace of Vishnu.