In the sacred tradition, the fragrance of devotion fills the air: camphor, sandalwood, and saffron are gathered, their scents mingling with musk and Malaya sandalwood—each substance chosen to fulfill every desire of the worshipper. Nutmeg is blended with camphor and sandalwood, along with three cooling substances, each in hues of yellow, white, and pure white, as prescribed for the ritual, O Bhargava. The colors deepen: black and red are added to the palette, making five in all, and lotuses—both padma and other varieties—along with three cooling substances, are offered in the worship of Hari. Saffron and red lotuses, three reds, and more red lotuses are arranged, and as incense and lamps are lit for Vishnu, peace descends upon the people. On a quadrangular altar, Brahmins assemble in groups of eight or sixteen, performing homa with sesame, ghee, barley, and grains in vast numbers—lakhs and crores—each offering made with reverence. Puṣkara speaks, guiding the king in his duties: each year, on his birth star, the king should worship this rite; and every month, as the sun transitions, he should honor the deities beginning with the Sun and Moon. When Agastya rises, the king is to worship Agastya and Hari for four months, observing the festival of rising and resting for five days. In the bright fortnight of Proṣṭhapada, starting from the first day, a dwelling for Indra is constructed in the eastern direction from the main tent. Indra’s banner is established, and Śacī and Indra are worshipped; on the eighth day, accompanied by the sound of instruments, the thread staff is brought in. On the eleventh day, fasting is observed, and on the twelfth, the banner is raised. Indra, lord of gods, and Śacī are worshipped, adorned with cloth and placed in a pot. With prayers, Indra is invoked: “Grow, O Indra, conqueror of foes, slayer of Vṛtra, lord of the oven; O great and blessed god, you have come to dwell on earth. You are the eternal lord, devoted to the welfare of all beings; possessing infinite brilliance, you are the king who increases fame and victory.” The gods who increase Indra’s radiance are honored: Indra, bringer of good rains; Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, Karttikeya, and Vinayaka. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyas, Bhrigus, the directions, the hosts of Maruts, the guardians of the worlds, planets, Yakshas, and rivers are all included. The oceans, Shri, the earth, Gauri, Chandika, and Sarasvati are invoked to set Indra’s radiance in motion: “Victory to you, Indra, lord of Shachi. By your victory, may auspiciousness always come to me; be gracious to the kings, Brahmins, and all the people. By your favor, may the earth always be abundant with crops; may auspiciousness come without obstacles, and may all afflictions be calmed.” By worshipping Indra with the mantra, one who has conquered the earth attains heaven. For victory in the Ashvini time, Bhadrakali is painted on cloth and worshipped. On the eighth day of the bright fortnight, weapons, a bow, a banner, an umbrella, royal insignia, and other arms are worshipped with flowers and offerings. The night is spent in vigil, and offerings are given. On the second day, the sacrifice is performed again, addressing Bhadrakali, Mahakali, and Durga, destroyer of difficulties. “O Chandi, victorious in the three worlds, grant me peace and victory,” the prayer goes. The rite of waving lights is explained: one should proceed to the northeastern temple, which has three gateways, and worship the gods in the house. When the moon leaves Chitra and enters Swati, the sun is attained. From this time, as long as the sun remains in Swati, worship is performed for Brahma, Vishnu, Shambhu, Indra, Agni, and Vayu. Vinayaka, Kumara, Varuna, Kubera, Yama, all the gods, Vaishravana, and the eight elephants are also worshipped. These elephants—Kumuda, Airavata, Padma, Pushpadanta, Vamana, Supratika, Anjana, and Nila—are honored in the house and elsewhere. The priest offers ghee into the fire, with kindling, sesame, and cooked rice. Eight pots are to be worshipped, and the best horses and elephants are bathed. Horses are bathed and given offerings first, then the elephants. They are led out through the gateways, avoiding the main gate and similar structures. Afterward, all march forth, and the royal insignia are worshipped in the house. In the Varuna quarter, Varuna is worshipped, and at night, a bali is offered to the spirits. When the sun enters Vishakha, the king resides in the hermitage, and on this day, he decorates the vehicles with special care. The royal insignia—elephant, horse, umbrella, sword, bow, and five drums—are carried by men. One who knows righteousness and the proper time raises the banner and flag. All are summoned, and those who are mounted on elephants and chariots are arranged. The two chief priests for the year are placed upon the elephant, and after mounting those who have been consecrated, the king departs through the gateway. Having gone out, he mounts the elephant and distributes offerings according to the proper rite. With a focused mind, the king circumambulates three times those who are mute, the assembly, and the indicated directions. Accompanied by the fourfold army, resounding with all his forces, he returns home, having offered water in farewell. Puṣkara then declares the mantras for the umbrella and the like, by which victory and blessings are invoked, with the truthful words of Brahmā, Soma, and Varuṇa. “By the radiance of the Sun, may you increase, O wise one, shining with a white hue like snow, jasmine, and the full moon. Just as a cloud covers the earth for her welfare, so may you cover the king for his victory, health, and growth. Born of the lineage of the Gandharvas, may you not bring disgrace to your family; by the truthful words of Brahmā, Soma, and Varuṇa. By the power of Agni, may you increase, O horse, and by the radiance of the Sun, and also by the austerity of the sages.” Thus, the rites and prayers are woven together, sanctifying the king, his people, and all the realms with auspiciousness, victory, and peace.