Assuming the wondrous illusion of Varuṇa, I safeguard the vast, unfathomable ocean. When I take on the illusion of Kubera, I am the guardian of all wealth. Through the power of Śākra’s illusion, I once slew the mighty Vṛtra. By my own illusion, I fashioned the great Meru and, in that form, I bear the sun upon my shoulders. When I assume the form of the submarine fire, I drink up the waters of the ocean. If people wonder, “Where does that water go?”—know that, by my illusion, it remains hidden in the world as medicinal plants within the forests. Through royal illusion, I protect the earth itself. Entering all things, O Earth, I weave illusion throughout the world. With a radiant and illusory form, I fill the entire universe; and when I take up the illusion of dissolution, I fill all things once more. With endless illusion, I both sustain creation and withdraw into sleep. Wherever the gods themselves seek refuge, that is the realm of my illusion. O beautiful-hipped one, you have been upheld for seventeen floods by the power of this same illusion, by which I abide in the waters. Even the gods, deluded by my Māyā, cannot truly know it. Indeed, I take up illusions even woven from the ancestors themselves. Once, a sage, following the path of illusion, entered the womb of a woman. With joined hands, he spoke words of reverence. Again, he obtained womanhood and was placed in a woman’s womb. Whatever sinful act was committed in that state by the foremost of Brahmins—he answered the Earth with sweet words. O wide-eyed Rohiṇī, my Māyā is wondrous and awe-inspiring, taking on countless forms and paths—some excellent, some middling, some low. Just as, through the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, the origin of women was established, so too does Māyā operate. That Brāhmaṇa was steadfast in his devotion to me and diligent in performing my deeds. O beautiful one, over a long time, I became pleased with his devotion. Then, O goddess, I granted him a supreme vision and said, “Choose a boon, auspicious one, whatever abides in your heart. Or, if you wish, even that heaven where happiness and lovely women dwell, where all the celestial nymphs possess divine forms—speak your desire.” Having heard my words, that eminent Brāhmaṇa replied, “O god, if you are not angered, I will ask for a boon. I do not desire gold, nor cows, nor women, nor even a kingdom. Not even the heavens among thousands appeal to me.” Hearing his words, I spoke in agreement; for even the gods, deluded by Viṣṇu’s Māyā, cannot perceive its true nature. Prompted by Māyā, he spoke sweetly, “By your grace, O god, may this boon be granted to me.” I instructed him, “Go to Kubjāmra, bathe in the sacred Gaṅgā, and you will attain Māyā.” O goddess, at Kubjāmra, the Brāhmaṇa desired my Māyā. Having properly established the holy place, he worshipped as was fitting.