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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 2: Chapter 9: Verses 12-22
Brahma beholds the divine Abode of the Lord and is taught by Him the text of the Bhagavata, consisting of four couplets only
Glittering all round with rows of brilliant and glorious aerial cars of exalted souls, which are further illumined with the splendour of most charming ladies, that divine realm shines like the sky with its line of clouds accompanied by flashes of lightning. Endowed with a most lovely form, Sri (the goddess of fortune) adores in that realm the feet of the Lord (who is widely sung) in many ways with her other manifestations (figuring as her female companions such as Bhudevi, Liladevi and so on). Nay, sitting in a swing, she sings the exploits of her beloved lord, while her own praises are sung by the bees (the attendants of Spring) at the time. Brahma beheld there the Protector of all His devotees, the Lord of Sri, the enjoyer of sacrifices, the omnipresent Ruler of the whole universe, being waited upon by the foremost of His personal attendants, Sunanda, Nanda, Prabala, Arhana and others. Ever disposed to shower His grace on His servants, He bears nectar in His look and wears a gracious smile on His countenance. He has reddish eyes, is adorned with a crown and ear-rings, is ever clad in yellow and can be easily distinguished by His four arms as also by a golden streak borne on His (right) breast as a symbol of (His beloved Consort) Goddess Laksmi. That universal Lord occupies an excellent and most valuable throne, is surrounded by His twenty-five Saktis or potencies (viz., the Spirit, Prakrti, the Mahat-tattva, the ego, the mind, the ten Indriyas, the five subtle elements and the five gross elements, all in a personal form); and endowed with His six eternal and divine attributes (viz., lordship, righteousness, renown, prosperity, wisdom and dispassion-all in their fullest measure), which are incidental in others, He (constantly) revels in His own blissful essence. Brahma's heart was flooded with rapture at the sight of the Lord: the hair stood erect on his person and tears rushed to his eyes due to excess of love. The Creator of the universe bowed to His lotus-feet, which are attained by pursuing the path of the Paramahamsas (those who have renounced the world). The Lord, who had evoked Brahma's love, was delighted at heart to see His beloved Brahma standing before Him in a suppliant mood, full of love and joy, and fit to receive His commands for the creation of living beings. He took Brahma by the hand and then addressed him in accents illumined with a gentle smile.
The Lord said : With the knowledge of all the Vedas stored up in your heart you have thoroughly pleased Me by your prolonged penance carried on with the intention of creating the universe. (You know) hypocritical Yogis can hardly please Me. Ask of Me, the Bestower of all blessings, your cherished boon and you will be blessed (with that). The pains that men take for the good of their soul, 0 Brahma, reach their fruition in My sight. You practised such supreme penance only on hearing My command in the lonely waters (without seeing Me). That is why you have been blessed with the sight of My divine Abode according to My wishes. I commanded you (to do penance) on that occasion only because you did not know how to proceed with the work of creation. Penance (you know) is My very heart (very dear to Me), O sinless one; while I am the very soul (essence) of penance.
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