The sage, in his wisdom, spoke of those actions that bring impurity to the twice-born: accepting gifts from Śūdras, or performing rituals on their behalf; a Brāhmaṇa partaking of food not given by a hero or not offered by a woman in her season; one who sells a maiden or the very name of Hari; and a twice-born who eats twice at sunrise or consumes fish. Having outlined these prohibitions, the foremost sage then described, in detail, the entire procedure of sacred worship. When his teachings were complete, the sage entrusted everything to the king and, his task fulfilled, departed to his own abode. At this, Nārada, ever eager for knowledge, inquired, “What hymn and mantra did Parāśara impart before his departure? By what method did the king worship the mother of the Vedas?” Nārāyaṇa replied: “On the fourteenth day, the devotee should perform the vow with deep devotion. Observing this vow on the fourteenth day of the month bestows twice seven rewards. The offerings—clothing, sacred thread, and food—are all to be presented according to prescribed rites, with due honor to Ganesha, the Sun, Fire, Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati. “Hear now the meditation on Savitri, as it is to be performed at midday. One should contemplate her as radiant as molten gold, blazing with the energy of Brahma, her face gentle and smiling, adorned with jeweled ornaments. She is the bestower of happiness and liberation, peaceful and beautiful, the very creator of worlds, and the goddess who presides over the Vedas, embodying the essence of all Vedic scriptures. “Having meditated in this way, the devotee should place a flower upon their own head. Then, the sixteen forms of worship are to be offered, each preceded by Vedic mantras: a seat, water for washing the feet, water for offering, bathing water, and ointment; clothing, ornaments, garland, fragrance, and water for sipping—all made of sandalwood or crafted from gold and other precious materials. Sacred water and water for the feet bring great merit and delight. Pure offering water, accompanied by durva grass, flowers, and rice grains, is to be presented. Fragrant amla oil, especially that which comes from the Malaya mountains, is used to enhance bodily beauty, increasing the radiance and imparting a divine fragrance. “This oil, originating from auspicious and pleasing substances, is worthy to be seen by all, for its very sight brings brilliance. It offers satisfaction, nourishment, delight, and removes hunger. The betel leaf, excellent and fragrant with camphor and other scents, is cool, perfumed, and quenches thirst. It enhances the beauty of the body and the splendor of the assembly, bound with gold and other materials, always bestowing prosperity. “The offerings are adorned with various flowers and creepers, resplendent in many colors, embodying all auspiciousness and granting it to the worshiper. Pure and bestowing purity, these gifts are greatly pleasing to the pure. Made from precious gems, combined with flowers and sandalwood, and produced from various trees in many forms, they are fitting for the goddess. Vermilion, excellent and beautiful, is applied to increase the beauty of the forehead, joined with purified knots and made from sacred threads.” Thus, through these acts of devotion and the prescribed offerings, the king worshiped the mother of the Vedas, following the sage’s instructions with reverence and faith.