The Rishis said:—O lord, do thou cast off this sleep begotten of thy own self as a garland, already enjoyed, is left off. All the gods, along with Brahmā, are waiting to see thee (38). O Hrishikesha, all these self-controlled Rishis, well-versed in the knowledge of Brahman, and in singing His glories, are welcoming thee (39). O Vishnu, hear the auspicious words of these Rishis who are identical with the five elements, namely, the earth, ether, fire, air and water (40). O gods, the seven Rishis, along with all these saints, are chanting with celestial and becoming hymns thy glories (41). Rise up, O thou of great effulgence, O thou having a navel of a lotus of a hundred petals, some important work of the gods requires thee (42). Vaishampāyana said:—Having lessened the quantity of water and dispelled darkness Hrishikesha rose up shining in his great beauty (43). He saw there all the gods assembled along with the Grand-Father, greatly aggrieved for the world and desirous of speaking something to him (44). The Lord Nārāyana, with eyes relieved of exhaustion by sleep, addressed to them words fraught with sound reasoning and far-sightedness (45). Vishnu said:—"Where have you got your quarrel, O gods? From whom does your fear proceed? Who feels a necessity and for what? And haw can I help you (46)? Has any calamity befallen the world through the Dānavas? Have men met with any misfortune on account of their weakness? I wish to know all this without any delay (47). Having renounced my most excellent bed I stand amongst the Brahmavādins for encompassing your well-being. What can I do for you (48)?" ¹⁷¹ This is an allegorical account of Vishnu’s Samadhi or devout meditation. ¹⁷² Thus engaged in Samadhi. ¹⁷³ The meaning is that the creation of the universe is carried on by Brahmā. All the changes, that are manifest in the world, are his works. And this creation is the outcome of his desire. He first cherishes the desire and then engages in the work of creation.