O Nārada, listen now to what transpired at the conclusion of the sacred narration. As the recitation drew to its close, Lord Hari himself appeared amidst the assembly, accompanied by his devotees and celestial chariots. In that divine moment, cries of victory and salutations resounded everywhere, filling the atmosphere with joy and reverence. Out of boundless delight, Hari sounded his famous Pāñcajanya conch, its notes echoing through the heavens. He embraced Gokarṇa lovingly, and by his touch, made Gokarṇa like unto himself—radiant and divine. Then, in an instant, Hari transformed the other listeners as well: their complexions became dark as rain-laden clouds, they were adorned in yellow silk, crowned and decorated with shining earrings, appearing just like the Lord. Even those who lived in that village—people born among horse-keepers and outcastes—were, by Gokarṇa’s grace, placed in celestial chariots at that very moment. All who had gathered to hear the holy stories were sent to Hari’s own realm, the abode sought by yogis. The cowherd and Gokarṇa together reached Goloka, the beloved land of the cowherds. Pleased by their devotion in hearing these stories, the Lord, ever affectionate to his devotees, departed. Just as, in ancient times, the people of Ayodhya were united with Rāma, 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 the perfected beings ever reach, they went by the power of hearing the glorious Bhāgavata. Let it be declared: what radiant fruit is gained by seven-day sacrifices compared to the nectar found in these stories? For those who have drunk the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those yet in the womb are not born again. By consuming mere wind, water, and leaves, by severe austerities that dry the body, by fierce penances accumulated over long years, and by yogic practices, one does not attain that supreme state which is reached simply by hearing the seven-day narration. Even the sage Śāṇḍilya, lord among sages, residing in Citrakūṭa, regularly 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 at a śrāddha, it brings satisfaction to one’s ancestors; by daily recitation, one attains liberation and does not return to this world. Now begins the sixth chapter: The Glory of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata and the Procedure for Seven-Day Recitation. The Kumāras said: We shall now explain the proper procedure for hearing the Bhāgavata over seven days. It is remembered that this rite is generally accomplished with companions and suitable wealth. One should call upon an astrologer, carefully inquire about an auspicious time, and arrange the necessary resources as one would for a wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Ūrja, and Mārgashīrsha are especially pure and auspicious for beginning the narration; these months indicate liberation for the listeners. The other months should be avoided by Brahmins; let them be set aside completely. Instead, diligent companions should be appointed for the occasion. In each region, word should be sent out with care: the narration will take place here, and all householders should come. Some stories of Hari and praises of Acyuta may be far away, but instruction should be ensured for women, Śūdras, and others as well. In every region, those detached Vaiṣṇavas who are eager for kīrtana should be invited by letter, as prescribed. The gathering of the virtuous will occur for seven nights—a rare and precious event. The narration here will be of unique and unprecedented flavor. All who are eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should come quickly, filled with devotion and love. Even if there is no space, even for a single day, still, in every way, attendance should be ensured; for even a moment in such a gathering is exceedingly 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 highly esteemed; wherever the earth is spacious, that is a suitable place for narrating these stories. Purification and cleansing of the ground should be performed, smearing and decorating with minerals; household items are to be removed and placed in a corner of the house. After five days, with effort, the previously spread coverings should be cleaned, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. The pavilion should be beautifully decorated with fruits, flowers, and leaves, and a canopy; flags should be raised in all four directions, making it 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 proper 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. Alternatively, the east direction is to be known as the place between the worshipped and the worshipper; for the listeners’ arrival, this is prescribed by those skilled in place and time. The speaker should be a detached, Vaiṣṇava Brahmin, purified by Vedic scriptures, skilled in examples, steadfast, and utterly free from desire. Those who are confused by many doctrines, attached to women, or proponents of heretical views, should be avoided in the recitation of Śuka’s scripture, even if they are learned. Beside the speaker, for assistance, another such scholar should be present—one who can resolve doubts and is devoted to enlightening the people. The speaker should shave before the day begins, for the sake of the vow; at sunrise, having completed this, he should perform purification and bathe. Daily, after briefly performing his own sandhyā and other rites with care, he should worship the lord of obstacles to remove hindrances to the narration. Having satisfied the ancestors for purification, he should perform atonement; a mandala should be made, and Hari should be established there. With a mantra dedicated to Krishna, he should perform the ritual of worship in proper order; after circumambulation and prostration, he should recite praise at the end of the worship, praying: “O ocean of compassion, lift me, who am submerged in the sea of worldly existence—wretched and bound by the delusion of karma—from the ocean of becoming.” Then, the worship of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam itself should be performed with care, according to the prescribed method, with affection, accompanied by incense and lamps, thus beginning the sacred recitation.