With deep reverence and care, the worship of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is to be performed according to the prescribed method, accompanied by incense and lamps, and infused with affection. Once the ritual begins, the devotee takes a coconut in hand and offers salutations, reciting praises with a cheerful mind. At this sacred moment, the devotee acknowledges that the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is none other than Krishna Himself, manifest before them. Addressing the Lord, they declare, “I have accepted You to liberate myself from the ocean of worldly existence.” With heartfelt gratitude, they confess that their cherished desire has been fulfilled entirely by the Lord, and that, without obstacles, their service must continue, for they are His servant, O Keśava. Having spoken these words in a humble voice, the devotee then honors the speaker of the Bhāgavatam, adorning him with garments and ornaments, and after the worship, offers praise. Turning to the boar-formed, awakened one—expert in all scriptures—they beseech, “By the revelation of this narrative, destroy my ignorance.” After these rites, a joyful vow is undertaken for one’s own welfare, to be observed for seven nights according to one’s capacity. Five Brahmins are selected to ensure the narration continues uninterrupted, and they recite the twelve-syllable mantra of Hari. With respect, the devotee bows to and honors Brahmins, Vaiṣṇavas, and others who perform kīrtana, giving them instructions before taking their own seat. Setting aside all concerns for wealth, possessions, home, and children, the devotee absorbs their mind in the narrative with pure intent, thus attaining the highest result. The narration begins at sunrise and is recited properly for three and a half watches of the day, with a steady voice by a wise person. At midday, a pause is made for two ghaṭikās, during which the Vaiṣṇavas perform kīrtana. To maintain mastery over bodily functions, a light meal that brings comfort is taken; the seeker of the narrative eats havis food only once. If able, one may fast for seven nights and then listen; or, after drinking ghee or milk, one may listen comfortably. Alternatively, one may subsist on fruit or eat only once—whatever is easily accomplished should be done for the purpose of listening. Yet, eating is considered preferable for listeners; fasting is not recommended if it causes interruption to the narration. O Nārada, hear the rules for those undertaking the seven-day vow: only those initiated into Viṣṇu are eligible to listen to the narrative. The vow requires celibacy, sleeping on the ground, eating from leaves, and partaking of food only after the day’s narration is completed—these practices are to be observed daily. One observing the vow must avoid split pulses, honey, oil, heavy foods, and anything impure or stale. They must keep far away desire, anger, intoxication, pride, envy, greed, hypocrisy, delusion, and hatred. Speaking ill of Vedic scholars, Vaiṣṇavas, brāhmaṇas, teachers, cows, those observing vows, women, kings, and great souls is to be avoided. Conversation with women in their period, outcastes, foreigners, the fallen, those outside the Vedic fold, haters of the twice-born, or those opposed to the Vedas is also forbidden. Truthfulness, purity, compassion, silence, simplicity, humility, and generosity of mind are to be practiced. The poor, the wasting, the sick, the unfortunate, those engaged in sinful acts, the childless, and those desiring liberation should listen to this story. Women who do not conceive, whose children die, who are barren, who have lost a child, or who suffer miscarriage should carefully hear this story. When this story is heard according to the prescribed method by such persons, it yields inexhaustible merit; this divine, most excellent story bestows the fruit of millions of sacrifices. After performing the vow, its conclusion should be completed, just as those desiring results perform the Janmāṣṭamī vow. For those who are destitute but devoted, there is generally no insistence on the concluding rite, for they are purified simply by hearing, being desireless Vaiṣṇavas. When the sacrifice of narrating the story is completed, the book and the speaker should be worshipped with great devotion by the listeners. Garlands of sacred basil are given to the listeners, and melodious kīrtana with mṛdaṅga and cymbals is performed. Shouts of victory, words of reverence, and the sound of conch shells fill the air; wealth and food are given to brāhmaṇas and beggars. If the listener is detached, singing and instrumental music are performed the next day; if a householder, a fire sacrifice is performed for the purification of actions. For each verse, one should offer, according to the proper method, sweet rice, honey, ghee, and sesame mixed with other ingredients, especially for the Tenth Canto. Alternatively, the fire offering may be performed with the Gāyatrī mantra, with full concentration, for the Purāṇa is of the same essence as the Supreme. If unable to perform the fire offering, a wise person should give the materials for it to others for the attainment of its result, to remove various obstacles and deficiencies or excesses. To pacify faults, one should recite the thousand names of the Lord; by this, everything becomes fruitful, for there is nothing greater than this. Afterwards, twelve brāhmaṇas are fed with sweet rice and honey, and gold and a cow are given to complete the vow. If able, one should fashion a lion of gold weighing three palas, and there place the book, written in beautiful script. The self-controlled and worthy teacher is honored with proper offerings, beginning with invitation and including all attendant rites, due gifts, clothing, ornaments, fragrances, and the like. If a wise person gives this to the teacher, he becomes freed from the bonds of worldly existence; in this way, by performing the prescribed rite, all sins are removed.