The king was filled with immense joy and eagerly wished to undertake the task himself. At his command, Buddhisāgara too acted with great delight, and together they created a lake, making it fifty bows in length and breadth on all sides. Once the lake was completed, Buddhisāgara reported everything to the king. This lake became a blessing for thirsty travelers, who found pure water there to quench their thirst. Through this meritorious act, Buddhisāgara wiped away his sins and ascended to the world of the Lord of the World, whom the narrator reverently calls his master. Citragupta, the divine recorder, faithfully reported all these deeds to the narrator. Thus, Buddhisāgara was deemed worthy to ascend the chariot of righteousness. He mounted the celestial vehicle named Righteousness, and after departing from his earthly life, he joyfully arrived at the abode of the narrator, offering his respectful salutations. Citragupta then described the dharma that had arisen from the creation of the pond. On the slope beyond the sandy mountain, O king, after some time, a boar again played a role. At another time, that very boar created a pair of ponds in that place. These ponds provided water for small forest-dwelling creatures who suffered from thirst. A pit, three hand-lengths deep, was dug there and more water was made available. You, O king, arrived at that location after the water had dried up. Then, following the advice of your minister, you took action. Trees were planted there, bringing benefit to all people. Mounted upon a righteous celestial chariot, you ascended that vehicle, sharing in the merit with the sixth king, who also mounted the celestial chariot. Hearing this sacred account frees one from sin and from the cycle of birth and death. Whoever listens to this story too attains all the merit that arises from the creation of the pond. Now, hear about the merit gained by one who creates such a reservoir for Śiva or Hari. For three aeons, such a person surely abides at the feet of Viṣṇu—there is no doubt. The merit gained is immense, and I will describe it to you in detail. For three cycles of creation, one remains at Viṣṇu’s feet, and then attains the city of Brahma. Afterwards, one is born in the family of yogis, endowed with compassion. If someone constructs with wood, his reward is said to be twice as great. If the work is done with crystal or stone, the result is understood to be ten times greater. Whoever protects a temple, pond, or village—by serving the temple through plastering, sprinkling, and decorating—whether employed for wages or prompted by virtuous deeds, earns great reward. O King, the reward for creating a reservoir is declared to be half that of making a lake. The reward for constructing a well is said to be a hundred times that for a canal, O ruler. Yet, the result of both is equal, so declares the lotus-born. Those who know the Vedas affirm that the earthly reward for both is the same. And if a poor man constructs a well, the merit gained is proclaimed to be equal. Such is the story, radiant with the merit that arises from acts of generosity, compassion, and service, as revealed in these sacred verses.