Yama, the lord of death, spoke to the great sage, inviting him to listen to what he had witnessed. He described the brahmins who wandered the earth, living devotedly by gleaning, welcoming guests with delight, and practicing constant self-control. These brahmins, Yama explained, never approached him, nor did they fall under his power. Their bodies were anointed with divine fragrances, adorned with garlands and fine garments. Yama mused, “O Death, for whose sake do you stand here? Who is death, and how does it arise?” He reflected that death always claims those attached to greed, the most sinful, devoid of righteousness, but he himself could neither punish nor favor the great-souled. As Yama spoke, a radiant being arrived in a celestial chariot, her presence accompanied by the resounding of magnificent instruments. This auspicious woman, pleasing to behold, stood in her chariot and spoke, her limbs beautiful and her demeanor graceful. The devoted wife addressed Yama, cautioning him not to harbor jealousy toward brahmins engaged in austerity. She declared that brahmins who have mastered the Vedas are beyond comprehension for all beings. “Brahmins are always to be revered,” she said, “for they are all the deities. By you, good and bad deeds are always offered to the wise.” With these words, she departed, vanishing in the sky like a flash of lightning. At that moment, Nārada spoke to Dharmarāja, who had arrived. Nārada, full of curiosity, inquired, “O King, she whom you worshipped, who spoke what was beneficial and then departed—I wish to know about her; I am extremely curious.” Yama replied, “My dear, even though I worshipped her fully—let me tell you of ancient times, during the Kṛta Yuga. There was a king named Nimi, renowned for his great fame. His son was named Mithi, and Janaka was born from his wife. She was devoted to her husband, steadfast in virtuous deeds, and faithful. That king too was greatly fortunate, always engaged in the welfare of all beings. He protected the entire earth according to righteousness. The gods constantly sent rain in the realm of that illustrious king. No mortal was seen there who was sick, afflicted, or even unhappy. The queen, O best of Brāhmaṇas, spoke humble and respectful words to the king. She said, ‘Whatever wealth exists on earth or in your house—all of it has been distributed, and you have been present. There is no such regulation for us, nor do we have even the price of a flower. Nor is there any annual income or even a vessel. O king of men, tell me what I should do.’ The king replied, ‘O queen, I do not see anything for you or for the people. Therefore, I will speak according to my ability, if you agree, dear one. Indeed, dearest, we prepare the field with a wooden spade.’ Thus addressed, the queen then spoke these words to the king: ‘Of horses and elephants, and likewise of camels, of camels, buffaloes, and also donkeys, O greatly renowned one—’ The king answered, ‘All tasks are performed by my servants, O lovely-faced one.