Gokarṇa, observing the assembly before him, spoke with wonder: “Here, indeed, are so many pure-hearted listeners gathered for my narration. Why, then, have the celestial chariots not descended for all at the same time?” He pondered further, “All have listened equally—why, then, is there a difference in the results? Let the devotees of Hari explain this mystery.” The servants of Hari replied, “O respectful one, the difference in result arises from the difference in the manner of hearing. Though all have listened, not everyone has reflected upon the teachings to the same extent. Thus, even in worship, differences in attention and devotion bring about different outcomes.” They continued, “The soul who departed earlier had performed his listening while fasting for seven nights, engaging deeply in reflection and steady concentration of mind. Know that knowledge not firmly established is easily lost; hearing is ruined by negligence, a mantra is rendered ineffective by doubt, and recitation is spoiled by a wandering mind. Likewise, a place not devoted to Viṣṇu is ruined, a śrāddha for the unworthy is wasted, charity to one ignorant of scripture is fruitless, and misconduct brings a family to ruin.” The devotees explained further, “Faith in the guru’s words, humility within oneself, conquering the faults of the mind, and unwavering attention during the narration—if these qualities are present, then the true fruit of hearing is attained. At the end of such a narration, residence in Vaikuṇṭha is assured for all.” Turning to Gokarṇa, they declared, “O Gokarṇa, Govinda himself will grant you Goloka.” Having spoken thus, all the devotees of Hari ascended to Vaikuṇṭha. In the following month, Gokarṇa once again recited the sacred narration. The listeners assembled once more, and for seven nights, they listened with devotion. O Nārada, listen now to what transpired at the conclusion of this narration. Hari himself appeared there, surrounded by his devotees and celestial chariots. The air resounded with cries of victory and salutations. Out of joy, Hari sounded his conch, the Pāñcajanya. Embracing Gokarṇa, he made him like himself—radiant and divine. Instantly, Hari transformed the other listeners as well, making them dark-hued like rain clouds, dressed in yellow silk, crowned and adorned with earrings. Even those living in the village—born among horse-keepers and outcastes—were, by the grace of Gokarṇa, placed in celestial chariots. All these souls, sent to Hari’s realm where yogis strive to reach, journeyed together with Gokarṇa to Goloka, the beloved abode of the cowherds. Pleased by their hearing of his stories, the Lord who cherishes his devotees departed. Just as the residents of Ayodhya were united with Rama in ancient times, so too did Krishna lead these listeners to Goloka—a realm difficult even for yogis to attain. To that world, where neither sun nor moon nor perfected beings can reach, they arrived by virtue of hearing the glorious Bhāgavata. It is declared: what radiant fruit is gathered by seven-day sacrifices and stories! For those who have drunk the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those yet in the womb are freed from rebirth. By subsisting on mere wind, water, and leaves, by severe austerities and penances, or by yogic practices, one does not attain that supreme state which is reached 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. When used in a śrāddha, it satisfies the ancestors; by daily recitation, liberation is attained and there is no return to this world. Now begins the account of the procedure for the seven-day recitation of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. The Kumāras spoke: “We shall now explain the proper way to hear the Bhāgavata over seven days. This rite is to be performed with companions and with the resources one would gather for a wedding. An astrologer should be summoned to determine an auspicious time, and all arrangements should be made with care. “The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Urja, and Mārgashīrsha are pure and auspicious for beginning the narration, and these months signify liberation for the listeners. The other months should be avoided by Brahmins; they are to be left aside completely. Diligent companions should be appointed for the occasion. “In each region, word should be sent out with effort: the narration will take place here, and householders should come. Some stories of Hari and praises of Acyuta may be distant—ensure that women, Śūdras, and others are also instructed. In every region, those detached Vaiṣṇavas who are eager for kīrtan should be invited by letter, as prescribed. “A gathering of the virtuous will occur for seven nights, which is very rare, and the narration will possess a unique and unprecedented flavor. Those eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should quickly come, devoted in love. “If at any time there is not enough space, even for a single day, still, attendance should be ensured in every way, for even a moment of presence here is very rare. Arrangements should be made for all with humility, providing accommodations 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. Purification, cleansing of the ground, smearing, and decorating with minerals should be done; household items are to be removed and placed in a corner of the house. “After five days, with effort, the coverings spread earlier should be cleaned, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. Let it be splendidly decorated with fruits, flowers, and leaves, with a canopy above. Raise flags in all four directions, making the space radiant with abundant wealth. “Above, the seven worlds should be depicted in detail, and in those, renounced Brahmins should be seated and awakened. First, their seats should be arranged in order, and for the speaker, a special divine seat should be prepared. “The speaker should face north, while the listener faces east; if the speaker faces east, then the listener should face north.” In this way, the tradition of the seven-day Bhāgavata narration is preserved, leading all who participate with devotion to the highest realms, by the grace of Hari and the power of sacred hearing.