After offering heartfelt praises, one should turn inward and meditate deeply within the heart upon the imperishable form of Brahman. Alternatively, whoever recites the root-mantra with devotion attains Hari himself. This practice is the supreme and most secret of mysteries, bestowing both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation. Whoever hears or recites it will surely reach the world of Viṣṇu. At this point, a request arises: “O bearer of the conch, discus, and mace, tell me about the worship of the five principles!” In response, the Lord addresses Śaṅkara, steadfast in vows, saying, “O Mahādeva, listen as I explain to you the pure worship of the five principles, which destroys the effects of the Kali age. “Know that Vāsudeva is eternal, pure, all-pervading, and stainless. Viṣṇu, who bestows grace upon the worlds, is the destroyer of all evil. In the same way, he abides in the forms of Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Hear now the mantras that designate these forms, O bearer of the bull! ‘Om, āṃ, salutations to Saṃkarṣaṇa; Om, salutations to Aniruddha.’ Five mantras have thus been declared, which are the divine designations for you. “Now, I shall explain the auspicious worship of these five principles. First, one should bathe, and after bathing, perform the twilight ritual. Then, after sipping water for purification, the wise should seat themselves in the posture of their choice, making their seat firm and suitable, and prepare the ritual vessel. “One should meditate upon Vāsudeva, the Lord of the universe, clad in yellow silk garments, within the lotus of one’s own heart. Then, contemplate Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and the glorious Nārāyaṇa. Afterward, perform the ritual placement for both hands. “With the mantras for the limbs, hear these, O Mahādeva: ‘Om īṃ, salutations to the head; Om aiṃ, salutations to the armor; Om aḥ, salutations to the weapon, phaṭ.’ And further: ‘Om, salutations to Acyuta with all his retinue; Om, salutations to the Creator; Om, salutations to the Tortoise; Om, salutations to the Earth; Om, salutations to Dharma; Om, salutations to Detachment; Om, salutations to Ignorance; Om, aṃ, salutations to the solar orb; Om, vaṃ, salutations to the fire orb; Om, salutations to Pāñcajanya; Om, salutations to the mace; Om, salutations to fortune; Om, salutations to nourishment; Om, salutations to power; Om, salutations to Indra; Om, salutations to Yama; Om, salutations to Varuṇa; Om, salutations to Soma; Om, salutations to Ananta; Om, salutations to Viṣvaksena.’ “These mantras, O Rudra, have been declared to you in summary. ‘Om, salutations to Padma.’ Having meditated on oneself as Vāsudeva and the Supreme Lord, one should then worship the seat, invoking it according to the proper method. “First, worship Garuḍa, O Śaṅkara, as the vehicle of Vāsudeva. Place Dharma, knowledge, detachment, and sovereignty in the eastern direction. In the center of the three circles, establish the seat as described. In the pericarp of the lotus, worship Vāsudeva, the Supreme Lord, and, O Śaṅkara, worship the energies of the Lord of gods, beginning from the east. Below, worship the serpent; above, the wise should worship Brahmā. “Having invoked the deity into the maṇḍala and performed his ritual placement there, one should offer bath, clothing, water for sipping, fragrance, flowers, and incense. O Śaṅkara, recite the root mantra and present it as well. Thereafter, recite the following hymn, meditating on Vāsudeva: ‘Salutations again and again to Pradyumna, the primordial god, and to Aniruddha. Salutations to the one worshipped by men, renowned, praised, and bestower of boons. Salutations to the creator and destroyer of the universe, the Lord of Brahmā. Salutations again and again to the remover of the sins of Kali and the Lord of the gods. Salutations to the one of many forms, the holy place, possessing the three qualities and also beyond qualities. Salutations again and again to the gateway to liberation, to righteousness, and to the creator. Rescue me, who am immersed in the dreadful ocean of worldly existence.’ Thus, the worshipper, following these sacred instructions, invokes and honors the Supreme Lord in all his forms, seeking liberation and divine grace.