Therefore, it is declared that the nine-day sacrifice dedicated to the Goddess yields greater rewards than any other virtuous act; it brings immense merit and surpasses all other good deeds in its fruits. Even those whose hearts are darkened by wickedness, who are devoted to sinful ways, deluded, betrayers of friends, revilers of the Vedas, addicted to violence, and followers of atheism—these, in the age of Kali, are purified by the observance of the nine-day sacrifice. Men who covet the wives and wealth of others, those burdened with sin, and those who lack devotion to cows, deities, and Brahmins—all such people are likewise cleansed by this sacred observance. The fruits obtained by the most intense austerities, vows, pilgrimages, acts of charity, disciplines, sacrifices, offerings, and recitations are all attained by performing the nine-day sacrifice. Neither the holy waters of Gaṅgā, nor the sacred grounds of Gayā, Kāśī, Naimiṣa, Mathurā, Puṣkara, nor even the forest of Badarī can purify as swiftly as this sacrifice to the Goddess, O Brahmins. For this reason, the Bhāgavata Purāṇa of the Goddess is regarded as the highest and supreme path for the attainment of righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation. When the Sun enters the sign of Virgo, during the bright fortnight of the month of Āśvina, the devotee should worship the Goddess, seated upon her lion-throne, especially on the great eighth day. With devotion and for the pleasure of the Goddess, one should offer the Śrī Bhāgavata book to a worthy brāhmaṇa; by this act, one attains the path that leads to the Goddess herself. Whoever, with devotion, recites even a single verse—or half a verse—of the Devī Bhāgavata daily becomes dear to the Goddess. Merely by hearing it, one is freed from terrible calamities, deadly epidemics, and all manner of disasters. The fears caused by balagrahas, spirits, or ghosts are dispelled simply by listening to the Devī Bhāgavata. Whoever, with sincere devotion, recites or listens to the Bhāgavata of the Goddess, attains the four aims of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kāma (desire), and mokṣa (liberation). It is said that by hearing it, Vasudeva—who had gone searching for Prasena—was able to find his beloved son Kṛṣṇa, who had long been lost, and was filled with joy. Indeed, whoever listens with devotion to this sacred tale of the Bhāgavatī, or recites it with a pure heart, attains both enjoyment and liberation. The childless gain children, the poor become wealthy, and the sick are freed from their ailments by hearing the nectar-like Bhāgavata. Even a woman who is barren, or has only daughters, or whose child has died, by hearing the Devī Bhāgavata, obtains a long-lived son. The house in which the Śrī Bhāgavata book is daily worshipped becomes a holy place, destroying the sins of its inhabitants. Whoever, filled with devotion, recites or listens to it on the eighth, fourteenth, or ninth day, attains the highest perfection. A brāhmaṇa who recites it becomes foremost among the knowers of the Veda; a kṣatriya is born as a ruler; a vaiśya gains abundant wealth; even a śūdra, by listening, becomes excellent in his own deeds. Now begins the second chapter. The sages inquired, “How did the illustrious Vasudeva obtain his son? Where did Prasena wander with Kṛṣṇa, and how was he sought? By what means, and for what reason, did Vasudeva hear the Devī Bhāgavata? O wise Sūta, tell us this story.” Sūta replied: Satrājit, of the Bhoja lineage, dwelt happily in Dvāravatī. He was devoted to the worship of the Sun and was a supreme devotee and friend. In time, the Sun, pleased with Satrājit’s devotion and affection, revealed his own celestial world to him. The Lord, gratified, bestowed upon Satrājit the Syamantaka jewel. Wearing this radiant jewel around his neck, Satrājit returned to Dvārakā. Upon seeing him, the people of the city, dazzled by his brilliance, mistook him for the Sun himself and approached Kṛṣṇa, who was seated in the Sudharmā hall. They said, “Here comes the Sun, wishing to see you, O Lord of the world.” Hearing their words, Kṛṣṇa smiled and addressed the assembly, “O children, this is not the Sun shining, but Satrājit, radiant with the Syamantaka jewel given by the luminous Bhāsvat.” Satrājit then summoned the Brahmins with auspicious recitations, respectfully welcomed them, and brought the jewel into his own house. Wherever that jewel resides, there is neither disease nor famine nor any fear of calamity; it constantly produces eight measures of gold. One day, Satrājit’s brother, Prasena, tied the jewel around his neck, mounted his Sindhu horse, and set out immediately. He went into the forest for hunting. There, the king of beasts saw him, killed both Prasena and his horse, and seized the jewel. Then Jāmbavān, the king of bears, seeing the lion bearing the jewel, slew the lion at the entrance of a cave and, being mighty, took the jewel for himself. He gave the jewel to his own son to play with, and the child, delighted, began to play with the radiant gem. When Prasena did not return, Satrājit grew greatly troubled. He thought, “I do not know who killed Prasena, desiring the jewel.” A rumor then spread among the people of the city: “Prasena was surely killed by Krishna, who coveted the jewel.” Krishna heard this slander and, his reputation stained, resolved to clear his name. He set out with the citizens to trace Prasena’s path. Entering the forest, Krishna saw Prasena slain by a lion. Following the trail marked with drops of blood, he searched for the king of beasts. He found the lion dead at the entrance of a cave. Out of compassion, Krishna addressed the citizens: “Remain here until I return; I will enter this cave to recover the jewel from its thief.” The citizens of Dvārakā agreed and stayed outside as Krishna entered the cave, which was the dwelling of Jāmbavān. Inside, Krishna saw the son of the king of bears holding the jewel. Krishna wished to take it, but the nurse, frightened, cried out. Hearing her cry, Jāmbavān, the mighty king of bears, immediately rushed in and, not recognizing Krishna, fought with him fiercely, day and night, without rest.