Then spoke the deathless Brahma, "Mother Earth is overburdened with the sins of mortals. She prays for relief. Irreligion and lawlessness pervade the earth. Unless law and religion are established among mortals, Mother Earth will remain ever devoid of peace."

"So be it," replied the benignant God. "On your way you will find a rich but sinful man Padmavarna. Teach him Dharma-he will spread law on earth." So saying, the great God disappeared.

Mother Earth went to her abode. Brahmana Narada floated in the aerial sky. They neared a palace from which were heard screams of agony. Terror reigned in the region. It was the house of Padmavarna.

Brahma and Narada assumed the form of rich merchants and approached him for hospitality. Padmavarna, was happy to welcome them but he had wicked plans behind his good looks. He intended to kill them and take their wealth.

The noble guests were first offered water to wash their weary feet, then they were conducted to the richly decorated hall. They rested and talked of merchandise. Padmavarna cleverly found out the amount of wealth these guests carried. It was verily a king’s treasure!