Listen now to the sacred instructions on the worship of the five divine principles, as revealed through five mantras—each a holy designation of the gods. These mantras, O seeker, are your gateway to the auspicious adoration of the divine. To begin this worship, one must first purify oneself with a bath. Upon emerging cleansed, the twilight ritual should be performed, marking the transition between day and night. Afterward, sip water in accordance with tradition, and seat yourself in a posture that is both steady and comfortable, making sure your seat is firm and suitable for the sacred act ahead. Then, prepare the ritual vessel, the essential instrument for your worship. With body and mind composed, meditate upon Vāsudeva, the Lord of the universe, who is adorned in radiant yellow silk garments. Visualize Him enthroned within the lotus of your own heart, resplendent and serene. Alongside Him, let your mind contemplate Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and the illustrious Nārāyaṇa, the shining forms of divinity. Next, perform the ritual placements (nyāsa) for both hands, invoking the protective mantras for the limbs: “Om īṃ, salutations to the head; Om aiṃ, salutations to the armor; Om aḥ, salutations to the weapon, phaṭ.” Recite these with devotion, O Mahādeva. Now, offer salutations through the sacred mantras: “Om, salutations to Acyuta and 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.” Continue with reverence: “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 now been imparted to you in summary. Meditate upon yourself as Vāsudeva, the Supreme Lord, and offer salutations to Padma. Having done so, invoke and worship the seat according to the prescribed method. First, honor Garuḍa, the great carrier, for the sake of Vāsudeva. In the eastern direction, establish the presences of Dharma, knowledge, detachment, and sovereignty, for these virtues form the foundation of the sacred circle. At the center of three concentric circles, establish the seat, and in the very heart—the pericarp—worship Vāsudeva, the Supreme Lord. Beginning from the east, adore the divine energies of the Lord of gods. Below, offer worship to the serpent; above, honor Brahmā, as the wise ones have taught. Having invoked the deity into the sacred maṇḍala and performed his ritual placements there, offer the customary gifts: a bath, fine clothing, water for sipping, fragrant substances, flowers, and incense. As you do so, recite the root mantra with devotion and present it to the Lord. Now, with a heart full of reverence, recite this hymn while meditating on Vāsudeva: “Salutations again and again to Pradyumna, the primordial god, and to Aniruddha. Salutations to the one worshipped by men, renowned and praised, the 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, the Lord of the gods. Salutations to the one of many forms, the holy place, possessing the three qualities and also beyond all 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. I have sought refuge in you alone, O all-pervading Viṣṇu.” Thus should one praise the Lord of gods, the destroyer of all afflictions. Let your heart dwell on Viṣṇu, who embodies the five elements. Know, O Śaṅkara, that the worship of Vāsudeva is supreme and fulfills all desires. Whoever faithfully recites this Rudra five-element worship, O noble one, is truly blessed. Then, O bearer of conch and mace, teach me the worship of Sudarshana. Hari responded: “First, purify yourself with a bath, and then worship Hari. Using the root mantra, perform the ritual placements—listen now to that powerful mantra. It is proclaimed to destroy all evils and to break harmful influences. Visualize Him as gentle, crowned, and holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus.” Thus, the worship of the five principles and the manner of adoring Sudarshana are revealed, bringing the devotee ever closer to the Supreme through devotion, ritual, and the power of sacred sound.