Skanda continued his narration, saying: After the sage had spoken, he swiftly restored the Puṣya constellation to its rightful place along the path of the moon, using the power of his own austerities, O Ghaṭodbhava. Then, when the constellation Revati was ascendant, the sage arranged the marriage of his daughter Revati to the noble King Durdama, performing all the proper rites. Having fulfilled his duty as a father, the sage addressed the king: “O hero, tell me what you desire; I will grant it to you.” The king replied with humility, “O revered sage, I am born in the lineage of Svāyambhuva Manu. By your grace, I wish for a son who will become the lord of a Manvantara.” The sage answered, “If this is your wish, then worship the Goddess. Surely you will obtain a son—a Manu—lord of a Manvantara. If you listen five times to the fifth Purāṇa, known as the Devī Bhāgavata, your desire for such a son will be fulfilled. Revati, the daughter of Revata, will bear you a son named Raivata, the fifth Manu. He will be learned in the Vedas and scriptures, a knower of truth, righteous, and unconquered.” Thereafter, the wise King Durdama ruled the kingdom inherited from his forefathers with righteousness, protecting his subjects as if they were his own children. One day, a great sage named Lomaśa arrived. The king greeted him with deep reverence, worshipped him, and with joined palms, spoke: “O venerable one, by your grace, I wish to hear the Purāṇa called the Devī Bhāgavata, desiring a son.” Hearing this, Sage Lomaśa was pleased and said, “Blessed are you, O king! Devotion to the Mother of the Three Worlds has arisen in your heart. She is the supreme Mother, worshipped by gods, demons, and humans alike. If such devotion has awakened in you, your aim will surely be accomplished. Therefore, I will recite to you the glorious Bhāgavata. By merely hearing it, nothing is unattainable.” On an auspicious day, Lomaśa began the sacred narration. The king and his queen listened attentively to the Purāṇa, hearing it five times in the proper way. When the recitation was complete, the righteous king, filled with joy, worshipped both the Purāṇa and the sage. He offered oblations with the sacred Navārṇa mantra, fed maidens and married couples, and generously gave gifts to satisfy all present. In due course, by the grace of the Goddess, the queen conceived a child destined for the welfare of the world. At the most auspicious time, with the planets in favorable positions and all signs of good fortune manifest, Revati gave birth to a son. Overjoyed at his son’s birth, the king bathed and performed the birth rites with water sanctified by gold. He gave gifts and pleased the Brahmins, and after the initiation ceremony, he ensured his son was taught the complete Vedas. This son, Raivata, was born as a repository of all knowledge—righteous, foremost among masters of weapons, a speaker and doer of dharma, and powerful. In time, Brahma himself appointed Raivata to the position of Manu. Thus, Raivata became the illustrious ruler of the Manvantara, governing righteously. Thus has the power of the Goddess been described in brief, for truly, who is capable of narrating the full greatness of this Purāṇa? Suta then said: Having heard the greatness and procedure of the Bhagavata from the womb-born one, and after worshipping Kumara, he returned to his own hermitage. O Brahmins, I have spoken to you of the greatness of the Bhagavata. Whoever listens to or recites it here with devotion will enjoy all pleasures in this world and attain liberation at the end. The sages then addressed Suta, saying, “O most fortunate one, we have heard of its supreme greatness. Now, we wish to know the proper procedure for listening to the Purāṇa.” Suta replied, “Listen, O sages, to the procedure for hearing the Purāṇa, by which all desires are fulfilled for those who listen. First, summon an astrologer to determine an auspicious time. Begin in a pure month, and let the recitation continue for six months, ensuring auspiciousness. Under the stars Hasta, Ashwini, Mula, Pushya, Brahma, Maitra, Indu, and Vaishnava, on auspicious days and times, the hearing of the Purāṇa brings great merit. By the qualities of Guru, Bhadra, Veda, Abja, Sharanga, and Abhidhiguṇa, in sequence, one attains dharma, prosperity, success in the narrative, and supreme happiness. Relief from suffering, protection from the fear of rulers, attainment of knowledge, and other fruits are gained in turn. The circle of listeners should be purified as spoken by Shiva. Alternatively, for the pleasure of the Goddess, one may listen during any month, especially during the four Navaratri festivals, after purifying the date, day, and star. All necessary arrangements should be made, as for weddings and other ceremonies; in this sacrifice, the wise should perform all required acts with care. Many companions should be engaged—free from deceit and greed, clever, generous, and devoted to the Goddess. Messengers should spread the word diligently in every region and among all people, for the narrative of the Goddess will take place. Followers of Surya, Ganapati, Shiva, Shakti, and Vishnu—all should participate, for the gods and their powers are worshipped together here. Those who are eager for the nectar-like essence of the glorious Devi Bhagavata, especially those devoted to the love of the narrative, should come. Brahmins and other castes, women, and those in various stages of life—whether desiring or free from desire—should drink the nectar of the narrative. At no time should there be any mention of eating; they should arrive at the proper time for the sacrifice, and their stay should be only for a meritorious moment. All matters concerning the gathering should be conducted with humility, and suitable lodging should be arranged for those who have come, as appropriate.” Thus, Suta described the greatness and the proper procedure for hearing the Devi Bhagavata Purāṇa, ensuring that all who participate are blessed and fulfilled.