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XCVIII
1. When Vishnu had finished his speech[1], the goddess of the earth inclined her knees and her head before him and said:
2. 'O Bhagavat! Four (out of the five) grosser elements[1] are receiving their support from thee, and are constantly about thee: the ether, in the form of the shell; the air, in the form of the discus; the fire, in the form of the mace; and the water, in the form of the lotus. Now I also desire to attend upon thee, in my own shape, as the ground which Bhagavat's feet tread upon.'
[21. 1 The 'field' has been discussed in XCVI, 43-97, 'knowledge' in XCVI, 43-97, 'knowledge' in XCVII, 1, and 'what should be known' in XCVII, 2-20. (Nand.)
XCVII. 1. 1 Vishnu's speech is contained in Chapters II-XCVII. (Nand.)
2. 1 The fifth grosser element is the earth. See XCVII, 1, note.]
3. Having been addressed thus by the goddess of the earth, Bhagavat answered, 'So be it.'
4. And the goddess of the earth, her desire having been gratified, did as she had said.
5. And she praised the god of the gods (as follows):
6. 'Om. Adoration be to thee.
7. 'Thou art the god of the gods.
8. 'Thou art Vāsudeva.
9. 'Thou art the creator.
10. 'Thou art the god (who, creates, preserves, and destroys) at will.
[10. 'Or Kāmadeva means the god (or brilliant one) who is sought by those striving for religious merit, gain, love, or final liberation,' (Nand.) The same interpretation is given by Sankara in his Commentary on the Vishnu-sahasranāma. The ordinary meaning of Kāmadeva is 'the god of love.']
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