Listen, O blessed one, to the sacred path by which the devotee attains health, wisdom, and liberation through the power of mantra and sacred observances. Whoever, with faith, recites one hundred thousand mantras in the morning and offers one hundred and eight oblations, finds that all they consume—even if it be poison—becomes as nectar. By daily reverence to the sun, and by touching a beautiful pot filled with river water, perfect health is attained. If, after reciting the mantra ten thousand times, one bathes, it becomes a remedy for diseases; and by reciting it twenty-eight times, a pure soul may partake of food each day, sanctified and blessed. When one offers as many palāśa sticks into the sacred fire, health is secured. Before a lunar or solar eclipse, the pure-hearted should undertake a fast, as prescribed. During the eclipse, one should remain focused, reciting mantras while standing in the river, and when the eclipse passes, continue the recitation in a river that flows to the ocean. If a Brahmin recites the mantra one thousand and eight times and drinks the juice of Brahmi, he gains worldly intelligence and mastery over all auspicious scriptures. The goddess Sarasvatī then bestows eloquence among men. In times of affliction caused by planets and stars, reciting ten thousand mantras with devotion dispels their influence; and by offering eight thousand oblations, these planetary afflictions are removed. After a troubling dream, one should bathe and recite the mantra ten thousand times; and by offering one hundred and eight oblations with ghee, peace is attained at once. During eclipses, let one worship the linga with proper reverence. Whatever one desires, O Devi, let it be pursued by reciting ten thousand mantras in the presence of the deity, with purity and a controlled mind. All desired objects will surely be attained—there is no doubt—whether among elephants, horses, or cattle breeds. When disease arises, the pure-hearted should offer oblations with firewood, and, after a month of worship as prescribed, recite the mantra ten thousand times with devotion. Prosperity and peace will come without fail. In times of calamity or trouble from enemies, let the pure offer ten thousand oblations, using palāśa wood as fuel, for peace will be obtained. In the case of harm from sorcery, this rite should also be performed, for the power of the ritual turns back upon the enemy, causing him distress. For the purpose of creating enmity, one should offer eight pieces of vaibhīta wood; and by reversing the letters of the mantra, using moist blood or poison, or anointing with both, enmity is sown among men. Now, O Devi, hear the expiation for purification from all sins, and how a man, intent on proper observance, becomes purified. For purification from sin is the cause of true knowledge; without it, all actions are fruitless. Therefore, one must perform purification, for the sake of pure knowledge and prosperity, meditating on me with joined palms. With water sanctified by eleven recitations of Śiva’s name, one should sprinkle oneself all around; or, by bathing one hundred and eight times, one is purified from all sin. Such acts yield the fruit of all sacred waters and remove all sins. If the worship at twilight is interrupted, the mantra should be recited eight hundred times. One must not eat food touched by outcastes, dog-eaters, wicked people, or even cocks; but if it is eaten, recite the mantra eight hundred times for purification. For the sin of killing a Brahmin, the mantra must be recited one hundred thousand times; for other grave sins, half this number suffices. For secondary sins, half again is prescribed; and for all other remaining sins, five thousand recitations are required. The supreme secret, the knowledge of Śiva and self-realization, is revealed to one who recites the mantra five hundred thousand times, without agitation—such a one becomes Śiva. Happiness and victory over the five vital airs are granted to him who, with controlled senses and purity, recites the mantra five hundred thousand times. With focused meditation and without agitation, such a one also conquers the five senses. By reciting the mantra four hundred thousand times with devotion, one attains mastery over the five sense objects and the fourth state. With effort and a restrained mind, reciting the mantra four hundred thousand times brings victory over the five elements. O lotus-faced one, by reciting the mantra two million five hundred thousand times, complete victory over the organs of action is attained. By reciting ten thousand times at midnight, in stillness, with devotion, one masters the twenty-five principles. By this vow, realization of Brahman is achieved; one should recite a hundred thousand times, without laziness, in stillness and silence. At midnight, one surely beholds Śiva and Pārvatī—there is no doubt—just as darkness is dispelled and the lamp shines forth. Whether within the heart or outside, this vision will certainly occur. For all prosperity and abundance, the self-controlled should recite the mantra ten thousand times. With purity, let one recite the mantra with its seed and enclosure a hundred thousand times; the devoted one attains union with me—what could be greater than this? Thus, the entire procedure of the five-syllabled mantra has been explained; whoever recites or hears it attains the highest state. And whoever teaches the pure twice-born the procedure of the five-syllabled mantra is honored in the world of Śiva, whether in divine or ancestral rites. Freed from sin, the Brahmins declare recitation to be the best of all practices; but for those who are detached and awakened, meditation-sacrifice is most excellent. Therefore, O Sūta and others, speak in full detail of the meditation-sacrifice, with all effort, for the great souls who are detached. Hearing these words from the sages, long devoted to sacrifice, he spoke what was revealed by Rudra, having reached the cave of the great souls.