Vishnu

Nandikeśvara said: “With both of them swollen with excessive pride—each thinking, ‘I alone am the Lord’—a dispute arose between Virañci (Brahmā) and (Viṣṇu), born of delusion.”

One should bathe (here) in the month of Mārgaśīrṣa; then rebirth in the womb does not arise. Even at other times, a man who bathes (here) goes to Viṣṇu’s world.

He became a guardian of the śyāmāka-groves, filled with devotion to Puruṣottama. Cooking grains of śyāmāka and then moistening them with honey,

Bhīṣma said: O best of the twice-born, what wondrous event occurred in that sacrifice? And how was Rudra situated there, and also Viṣṇu—the foremost among the gods?

O tiger among sages, recount in full everything that was done there by the Blessed Lord Viṣṇu and by Śaṅkara (Śiva), who were present at that place.

He who is directly the Lord of the universe—this very one is Nārāyaṇa, Hari: the Supreme Self, Hṛṣīkeśa, intimately present within all living beings.

Sanaka said: Listen, O Nārada, to the greatness of those whose very selves are absorbed in devotion to Hari. Who is capable of afflicting the holy ones who are devoted to meditation on Hari?

Sanaka said: All forms of dharma are rooted in faith (śraddhā) and grant the fruits one aspires for. By faith everything is accomplished, and by faith Hari is pleased.

Nārada said: O Brahmin, how did that Blessed Lord come to be born as the son of Mṛkaṇḍu? And what did Hari, the descendant of the Bhṛgu lineage, do? Tell me that.

Viṣṇu said: “O revered sage Dadhīci, O best of brāhmaṇas—ever steadfast and unwavering in the worship of Bhava (Lord Śiva)—I ask of you one boon. May you be pleased to grant it to me.”

Viṣṇu said: Salutations to You—Mahādeva, the Divine Lord, the Supreme Self. Salutations to You as Nārāyaṇa; to You as Rudra; and to You as Brahmā—You who assume the very form of Brahman.

Viṣṇu said: Understand— I shall tell you the purpose for which you have been brought forth. O offspring of my own being, greatly wise one, you are of my form indeed—of this there is no doubt.