Śrī Varāha spoke of an event that took place in the southern region, where there lived a merchant named Suśīla. He was a man wholly absorbed in the daily concerns of providing for his family, his days and years consumed by the affairs of buying and selling. So caught up was he in these worldly pursuits that he never paused to listen to teachings about dharma, and, intent on his own sustenance, he frequently committed sinful acts. Though he amassed wealth, he never cultivated the intention to give in charity, nor did he ever share his fortune with others. Time passed, and Suśīla’s attachment to his family remained undiminished. Eventually, the day came when he had to leave them behind—his soul departed from his body, and, because of his actions, he was reborn as a ghost. Now, as a preta, he wandered restlessly, tormented by hunger, and found himself in a barren desert region. One day, by the workings of fate, a caravan happened to pass through that desolate place. After the caravan had moved on, a weary traveler named Vibhu took shelter under a tree nearby. Vibhu was unaware of the presence of the ghost, who had become a terrifying creature: long-fanged, hideous, with short arms—a truly fearsome sight. By the will of destiny, the ghost spotted Vibhu from afar and was suddenly filled with great joy. “Today, you are to become my food,” he thought, “Where do you think you’re going?” As Vibhu tried to leave, the ghost seized him and declared, “I will eat your flesh and drink your blood.” Vibhu, frightened, pleaded, “I have come to this difficult forest only to support my family. If you devour me, my family will surely perish. But tell me—where do you come from? Speak the truth, O wise one.” Vibhu replied, “Among the two of us, the beautiful city of Mathura is renowned throughout the world. There, I lived in the house of my ancestors. But thieves took everything from me, and I became destitute. Now I have come before you. Do with me as you must.” The preta responded, “I will release you at the appointed time, but you must do as I say. After you complete your task, go to Mathura for my sake. Bathe properly in the well marked with four auspicious signs. Then, give the fruit of that bath to me, and you may go as you please.” Hearing this, Vibhu protested, “I will not go to Mathura at all, for I have no wealth left.” But the preta insisted, “There is sufficient wealth for you. Go, and do not delay.” Vibhu replied again, “The only thing left to me is my house; there is nothing else. I will not sell the ancestral honor of my forefathers.” The preta assured him, “There is indeed wealth in your house, as I have told you, O Vibhu. Return, go content, and bring joy to your friends.” At this point, Sūta, the narrator, asked, “How did knowledge arise in such a state?” And so, the tale turned to recount what had happened in ancient times. At dawn, in that auspicious temple of Vishnu, the story continued to unfold...