He departed from his loved ones, leaving them behind, and died, passing into the state of a ghost. Wandering restlessly, tormented by hunger, he found himself in a desolate desert region. One day, by the workings of fate, a caravan happened to arrive in that lonely place. After the caravan had moved on, a merchant who had traveled with it sought shelter beneath a tree. This ghost was a terrifying sight: long-fanged, hideous, with short arms, and truly fearsome. Much time passed, and then, by destiny’s design, the ghost spotted the merchant from afar and was filled with great joy. He thought to himself, “Today you shall become my food—where do you wish to go?” As the merchant was preparing to depart, the ghost seized him and spoke, “I will eat your flesh and drink your blood.” The merchant pleaded, “I have ventured into this difficult forest only to support my family. If you, demon, devour me, my family will surely perish.” He then asked, “From where have you come? Speak the truth, O wise one.” The ghost replied, “Among those two, the beautiful city of Mathura is renowned throughout the world. In that city, I lived in the ancestral house of my forefathers. But thieves took everything away from me, and I became destitute. Now, I have come before you; do for me what must be done.” The ghost then said, “I will release you at the appointed time, but do as I say. After completing my task, go to Mathura for my sake. Bathe properly in the well marked by four auspicious signs. Offer the fruit of the bath, and then you may go as you please.” Hearing these words, the merchant Vibhu replied, “I cannot go to Mathura at all, for I have no wealth.” The ghost assured him, “There is sufficient wealth; go, do not delay.” Vibhu protested, “The only wealth left to me is my house; nothing else remains there. The ancestral honor of my forefathers is not something I will sell.” But the ghost insisted, “There is indeed wealth, as I have told you, O Vibhu, within your house. Return home, go content, and bring joy to your friends.” Sūta then asked, “Having reached this state, how did knowledge arise?” The ghost began to recount what had happened in ancient times. At dawn, in the auspicious temple of Vishnu, the reciter would read the sacred Purāṇic stories. At that time, my friend led me to Vishnu’s temple with great reverence, repeatedly pleasing me. Together with my friend, I stayed there at his side. It is said that four oceans are gathered at that place. Then, all the great people bestowed gifts upon the reciter. Once more, my friend urged me, “Give as much as you are able.” After a long time, I reached the destruction brought by Vaivasvata. I attained the state of a departed soul, vast and difficult to cross. My ancestors were not satisfied, so I entered the condition of a departed soul. Now, go—you must face that place where the city of Mathura is.