After that, the God Great Vishnu, having returned to this world, placed a lotus seed in the water. Having placed it there, in seven days the lotus seed sprouted.
Then the God Vishnu again went to the dwelling-place of Rāhu. Having gone there, he spoke to Rāhu, the Asura Chief: “The lotus plant has now sprouted.”
Afterwards Rāhu arose, and came with the God Vishnu to this world. Having made ready to descend into the water, he asked Great Vishnu, “What thing am I to bring up from the bottom of the water?”
Then Great Vishnu said, “I do not want any [special] thing; bring a handful of sand.”
Rāhu, having said “Hā” (Yes), descending along that lotus stalk proceeded until he met with the earth. Having descended to the earth in seven days, taking a handful of sand he returned to the surface again in seven days more. Having come there, he gave the handful of sand into the hand of the God Great Vishnu.
After it was given, taking it and squeezing it in his hand, the God Great Vishnu placed it on the water. Having placed it there the God Great Vishnu made the resolution: “This water having dried up, may the Earth be created.”
Afterwards, that small quantity of sand not going to the bottom, but turning and turning round on the surface of the water, the water began to diminish. Thus, in that manner, in three months and three-quarters of the moon, the water having diminished, the earth was made.
After it was formed, this world was there in darkness for a long time. [After the light had appeared], the God Great Vishnu thought: “We must make men.”
Having gone to the God Saman he said, “What is the use of being the owner of this world when it is in this state? We must make men.”
The God Saman said, “Let us two make them.”