While Brahma created the universe, the planets, the stars, and life on earth, he gave it order and harmony. Now it was upon Vishnu to maintain the balance and order. Vishnu approached Saraswati to use her knowledge to maintain the order of creation and harmony between animals and man. But he realised that to maintain harmony, there has to be growth and prosperity and Laxmi's help. Now the question arose who was greater, Laxmi or Saraswati, wealth or knowledge. Laxmi and Saraswati argued between themselves as to who was greater. Seeing their argument, Vishnu intervened. He explained that with knowledge he can read and write, but without wealth he cannot buy the tools like books and pan to gain that knowledge.