As the assembly watched with awe, the son of Dhundhulī, having completed the sacred recitation, ascended a celestial chariot that had appeared before their eyes. Gokarṇa, beholding the Vaiṣṇavas already seated within the chariot, turned to them and spoke with wonder and concern: “Here, indeed, are so many pure-hearted listeners who have faithfully attended my recitation. Why, then, have these celestial chariots not come for all of them at the same time?” He continued, his voice tinged with curiosity and compassion, “All those present have listened with equal attention—so why has there arisen a difference in the results? Let the devotees of Hari explain this mystery.” In response, the servants of Hari replied gently, “O respectful one, the difference in result arises from the difference in the manner of hearing. Though all have listened, not all have reflected upon what they heard with the same depth. Even in worship, such distinctions arise—each person’s attention and contemplation yield different fruits.” They explained further, “The soul who has now departed performed his listening while fasting for seven nights, deeply reflecting and concentrating his mind on the sacred teachings. Knowledge that is not firmly rooted is easily destroyed; hearing is spoiled by negligence; a mantra is lost if doubted; and recitation is ruined if the mind wanders.” They continued, “A place not devoted to Viṣṇu becomes wasted; a śrāddha for the unworthy is in vain; charity to one unlearned in scripture bears no fruit; and a family is ruined by misconduct. But faith in the words of the guru, humility within oneself, mastery over the faults of the mind, and unwavering attention to the narration—if these are present, then the true fruit of hearing is attained. At the end of such a narration, residence in Vaikuṇṭha is certain for all.” Then they addressed Gokarṇa directly, “O Gokarṇa, Govinda himself will grant you Goloka.” Having thus spoken, all the devotees of Hari ascended to Vaikuṇṭha. In the following month, Gokarṇa again undertook the sacred recitation. Once more, the assembly gathered, and for seven nights they listened intently to the holy narration. O Nārada, now listen to what transpired at the conclusion of this second recitation. At the end of the seven days, Hari himself appeared amidst the gathering, surrounded by his devotees and accompanied by celestial chariots. The air was filled with jubilant cries of victory and reverent salutations. Out of sheer joy, Hari sounded his conch, the Pāñcajanya, and embracing Gokarṇa, made him radiant and divine, like himself. In that instant, Hari transformed the other listeners as well, making them dark-hued like rain clouds, dressed in yellow silk, crowned, and adorned with shining earrings. Even those who lived in the village—those born among horse-keepers and outcastes—were lifted into celestial chariots by the grace of Gokarṇa. Those souls, destined for the realm of Hari where yogis aspire to go, were taken along with Gokarṇa to Goloka, the beloved realm of the cowherds. Pleased by their devoted hearing of his stories, the Lord, who cherishes his devotees, departed with them. Just as the residents of Ayodhya were once united with Rāma, so too did Krishna now lead these devotees to Goloka—a place difficult even for yogis to attain. To that world, where neither the sun, nor the moon, nor even the perfected beings ever reach, they journeyed, all by the power of hearing the glorious Bhāgavata. Let it be declared: what radiant fruit is gathered by seven-day sacrifices and storytelling! For those who have drunk in the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those yet unborn are freed from the cycle of birth. Neither by consuming only wind, water, and leaves, nor by the harshest austerities and penances, nor by long-practiced yoga, does one attain that state which is reached by hearing the seven-day narration of the Bhāgavata. Even the sage Śāṇḍilya, lord among sages, residing in Citrakūṭa, daily recites this sacred history, immersed in the bliss of Brahman. This narration is supremely pure; hearing it even once destroys the mass of sins. When recited during a śrāddha, it brings satisfaction to the ancestors, and by daily recitation, one attains liberation and does not return to this world. Now begins the next teaching—the glory of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata and the procedure for its seven-day recitation. The Kumāras spoke: “Now we shall explain the procedure for the seven-day hearing. It is remembered that this rite is best accomplished with companions and with wealth.” “One should summon an astrologer and carefully inquire about the most auspicious time, arranging all resources as one would for a wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Ūrja, and Mārgashīrsha are pure and auspicious for beginning the narration; these months assure liberation for the listeners. The other months are to be avoided by the Brahmins and set aside entirely. Diligent companions should be appointed for the task.” “In every region, the message should be sent out with effort: the narration will take place here, and all householders should come. Some Hari stories and praises of Acyuta may be far away; women, Shudras, and others should also be invited and instructed. In each region, the detached Vaishnavas who are eager for kirtan should be invited by letter, as is prescribed.” “The gathering of the virtuous will occur for seven nights—a very rare event—and the narration will have a unique and unprecedented flavor. All who are eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should quickly come, devoted in love.” “If at any time there is no space, even for a single day, still, in every way, attendance should be ensured, for even a moment here is exceedingly rare. Arrangements should be made for all, with humility, and accommodations provided for every visitor.” “Whether at a sacred place, in the forest, or at home, listening is esteemed. Wherever the earth is spacious, that is a suitable place for narrating these stories. The ground should be purified, cleansed, and decorated with minerals; household items removed and placed in a corner.” “After five days, with effort, the previously spread coverings should be cleaned. A lofty pavilion should be constructed, adorned with banana trunks, splendidly decorated with fruits, flowers, leaves, and a canopy. Flags should be raised in all four directions, making the place radiant with abundant wealth.” “Above, the seven worlds should be depicted in detail, and in those, renounced Brahmins should be seated and awakened. Their seats should be arranged in order, and for the speaker, a special divine seat should be prepared.” Thus, the tradition and procedure for the sacred seven-day recitation of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata is established, ensuring that all who participate may receive its supreme blessings.