Even the illustrious sage Śāṇḍilya, foremost among the wise and dwelling in the sacred groves of Citrakūṭa, would immerse himself in the bliss of Brahman by reciting this holy history. Such is the sanctity of this narration that to hear it even once is to be cleansed of the weight of countless sins. When recited during a śrāddha ceremony, it brings deep satisfaction to the ancestors; and for one who listens to it daily, liberation is assured, never to return to the cycles of birth and death. Now, the Kumāras spoke: “We shall explain the procedure for the seven-day recitation of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. It is remembered that this rite is best performed with companions and necessary resources.” Accordingly, one should invite an astrologer, carefully inquiring about the most auspicious time, and prepare all arrangements with the same care as for a wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Ūrja, and Mārgaśīrṣa are especially pure and favorable for beginning the narration, for these months are gateways to liberation for those who listen. The other months are to be avoided by the Brahmins and left aside entirely. In each region, diligent companions should be appointed, and word should be sent out with effort so that all householders may gather for the occasion. Some stories and praises of Hari, the infallible Acyuta, may be distant or hard to reach; therefore, ensure that women, Śūdras, and others are also instructed in these sacred tales. In every area, letters should be sent to the detached Vaiṣṇavas who are eager for kīrtana, inviting their presence and participation, as prescribed. For seven nights, a rare and virtuous assembly will take place, and the narration to be heard will have a unique and unprecedented flavor. All those who long to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should come quickly, hearts devoted with love. Even if there is not enough space for everyone, even for a single day, every effort should be made to ensure attendance, for even a moment in such a gathering is exceedingly rare. Arrangements for all should be made with humility, providing accommodations for every visitor. Whether in a sacred place, in the forest, or at home, listening to the Bhāgavata is held in the highest regard; wherever the earth is open and spacious, that is a suitable place for this sacred narration. Purification and cleansing of the ground should be performed, smearing and decorating with auspicious minerals; household items should be set aside in a corner. After five days, the coverings previously spread should be cleaned with care, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. This pavilion should be splendidly decorated with fruits, flowers, and leaves, with a canopy overhead; flags should be raised in all four directions, making the place radiant with abundance. Above the assembly, the seven worlds should be depicted in detail, and in those spaces, renounced Brahmins should be seated and awakened. 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 listeners face east; if the speaker faces east, then the listeners should face north. Alternatively, the east is to be known as the place between the worshipped and the worshipper, and the arrival of listeners should be arranged accordingly, as prescribed by those skilled in the knowledge of place and time. The speaker must be a detached, Vaiṣṇava Brahmin, pure through the Vedas, skilled in illustrating examples, steadfast, and utterly free from desire. Those who are confused by many doctrines, attached to women, or who hold heretical views, should be avoided as speakers of Śuka’s scripture, even if they are learned. Beside the main speaker, another such scholar should be placed to assist—one who can resolve doubts and is devoted to enlightening the assembly. Before the day begins, the speaker should shave, honoring the vow, and at sunrise, after completing this, he should perform purification and bathe. Each day, after briefly performing his own sandhyā and other daily rites with care, he should worship the remover of obstacles, ensuring the narration proceeds without hindrance. Having satisfied the ancestors for purification, he should perform atonement, then prepare a sacred maṇḍala and establish Hari there. With a mantra dedicated to Krishna, he should perform ritual worship in proper order; after circumambulation and prostration, he should recite hymns of praise at the end of the worship: “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 great care, following the prescribed method, with affection, incense, and lamps. After this, holding a coconut, salutations should be offered, and praises recited with a cheerful heart: “This scripture, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, is Krishna Himself, manifest before us. O Lord, I have accepted You for the purpose of liberation from the ocean of worldly existence. My cherished desire has been fulfilled entirely by You. Without any obstacles, may this be accomplished; I am Your servant, O Keśava.” Having spoken thus with humility, the speaker should be honored, adorned with garments and ornaments, and praised after the worship: “O boar-formed, awakened one, expert in all scriptures, by the revelation of this narrative, destroy my ignorance.” Following this, a vow should be undertaken joyfully for one’s own welfare, to be observed for seven nights according to one’s capacity. Five Brahmins should be selected to ensure the narration is uninterrupted, and they should recite the twelve-syllable mantra of Hari. After bowing to and honoring Brahmins, Vaiṣṇavas, and those who perform kīrtana, and after giving them instructions, one should then take one’s own seat. Casting aside all concerns for wealth, possessions, home, and children, with a mind absorbed in the narrative and pure in intent, one attains the highest result. The narration should begin at sunrise and continue for three and a half watches of the day, recited properly in a steady voice by a wise person.