By the power of hearing the divine narration for seven days, one attains the grace of Lord Hari even in this very world. Therefore, this alone is proclaimed as the supreme means for removing faults. Those who do not listen to these sacred stories, their lives are as fleeting as bubbles upon water or insects among creatures—born only to die, without purpose or fulfillment. To split the knot in the heart by hearing these narrations is far more wondrous than splitting the dry joint of a bamboo. For when the seven-day hearing is performed, the knot of the heart is broken, all doubts are severed, and the chain of past actions is exhausted. When the mind is established at the sacred ford of narration—so powerful in washing away the filth of worldly mire—then, say the wise, liberation alone is assured. As these teachings were being spoken, a remarkable event occurred. At that very moment, a radiant celestial chariot arrived, surrounded by the shining residents of Vaikuṇṭha. All present beheld this wonder: the son of Dhundhulī ascended the chariot before their eyes. Observing the Vaiṣṇavas seated within, Gokarṇa addressed them, saying, “Here, indeed, are many pure listeners of mine. Why have celestial chariots not come for all of them at the same time? All here have heard equally; why then has there arisen a difference in result? Let the devotees of Hari explain.” The servants of Hari replied, “O respectful one, the difference in result is due to the difference in hearing. Though all have listened, not all have reflected as deeply. Therefore, even in worship, differences in result arise. The soul who departed performed hearing while fasting for seven nights, engaging in deep reflection and unwavering concentration of mind. Knowledge without firmness is lost; hearing is ruined by negligence; a mantra is lost if doubted; and recitation is spoiled by a distracted mind. A place not devoted to Viṣṇu is ruined, a śrāddha for the unworthy is ruined, charity given to the unlearned is ruined, and a family is ruined by misconduct.” They continued, “Faith in the words of the guru, humility within, conquering the faults of the mind, and unwavering attention to the narration—when these and similar qualities are accomplished, then indeed the fruit of hearing is attained. At the end of the narration, residence in Vaikuṇṭha is certain for all. O Gokarṇa, Govinda himself will grant you Goloka.” Having spoken thus, the devotees of Hari departed to Vaikuṇṭha. In the following month, Gokarṇa again recited the sacred narration. Once more, the listeners gathered and performed the seven-day hearing. O Nārada, listen to what transpired at the conclusion of that narration. Hari himself appeared there, accompanied by his devotees and celestial chariots. The air resounded with cries of victory and salutations. Out of joy, Hari sounded the Pāñcajanya conch and, embracing Gokarṇa, made him like himself in form and radiance. Instantly, Hari transformed the other listeners as well, making them dark-hued like rain clouds, clothed in yellow silk, crowned, and adorned with earrings. Even those born among horse-keepers and outcastes in that village were placed in celestial chariots by the grace of Gokarṇa. Those souls were sent to the realm of Hari, the abode sought by yogis. The cowherd, together with Gokarṇa, reached Goloka, the beloved abode of the cowherds. Pleased by their hearing of his stories, the Lord, cherishing his devotees, departed. Just as the residents of Ayodhya were united with Rama in ages past, so too were these devotees led by Krishna to Goloka—a realm difficult for even yogis to attain. To that world, where neither sun nor moon nor perfected beings ever reach, they went, all by the power of hearing the glorious Bhāgavata. What radiant fruit is gathered by seven-day sacrifices in stories! For those who have drunk the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those in the womb are not born again. Not by consuming wind, water, or leaves, nor by austerities that dry the body, nor by fierce penances accumulated over long ages, nor by yogic practices does one attain that state which is reached simply by hearing the seven-day narration. Even the sage Śāṇḍilya, lord among sages, residing in Citrakūṭa, recites this sacred history, immersed in the bliss of Brahman. This narration is supremely pure; hearing it even once destroys the mass of sins. If used in a śrāddha, it brings satisfaction to the ancestors; by daily recitation, one attains liberation and does not return to birth. Now, the Kumāras spoke: “We shall explain the procedure for the seven-day hearing of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. This rite is generally accomplished with companions and with all necessary wealth. One should summon an astrologer, carefully inquire about the most auspicious time, and arrange the resources as one would for a wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Ūrja, and Mārgashīrsha are pure and auspicious for beginning the narration, and these months are said to indicate liberation for the listeners. The other months should be avoided by the Brahmins and set aside entirely. Other companions, diligent and devoted, should be appointed. In each region, word should be sent out with effort: ‘The narration will take place here; let all householders come.’ Some stories and praises of Hari may be far away; women, Śūdras, and others—be sure that their instruction is ensured. In every region, those detached Vaiṣṇavas who are eager for kīrtan should be invited by letter, as prescribed. For seven nights, the gathering of the virtuous will take place—a rare and precious event. The narration will be of a unique and unprecedented flavor. All who are eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should quickly come, filled with devotion and love. If there is no space, even for a single day, still, in every way, attendance should be ensured; even a moment here is most rare. Thus, arrangements should be made for all, with humility; accommodations for every visitor should be thoughtfully provided.