O Brahmin, listen as I recount this wondrous tale. Once, as many grains of dust as could be swept together were gathered in a certain place. There, for the purpose of enjoyment, a lamp was placed—radiant and auspicious. All this unfolded within the house of Vishnu. But while this was happening, the city guards arrived. They killed us both, and, having done so, departed from that place. Yet those very city protectors, adorned with shining crowns and earrings, and garlanded with fragrant forest flowers, ascended into a divine aerial chariot filled with every delight. There, in that celestial vehicle, they remained for a full hundred ages of Brahma, their joy unbroken. Then, by the arrangement of the gods and the turning of time, I was born again on earth. By the very merit of that act—placing the lamp amidst the dust—I gained prosperity and a kingdom free from trouble, O Achyuta. The merit of those who perform such acts with devotion is beyond measure; I cannot fathom its limit. Remembering my previous births, I resolved to strive with supreme devotion. Freed from all sins, one attains the highest state. What, then, of those who worship properly, together with peaceful devotees? Absorbed in the worship of Hari, such a person attains endless satisfaction. Whether one worships knowingly or unknowingly, liberation is granted to the worshipper. Death is always near, so one should practice the essence of righteousness. When even the body is so fragile and subject to imminent danger, what can one say of wealth and other possessions? Let one’s devotion be pure for Janardana, the God of gods. All sacrifices may be easy to perform, but devotion to Vishnu is very difficult to obtain. Compassion for all beings may be found in many, but association with the virtuous, service to the sacred tulasi, and devotion to Hari are rare indeed. Therefore, one should worship Jagannatha—this, O best of the twice-born, is the very essence of life. Devotion to Hari alone is the true elixir. The city of Death is ever near, so if you desire enjoyment, O foremost of Brahmins, worship sincerely. Those great souls who have surrendered themselves are without doubt fulfilled. Those who worship Maha-Vishnu, the destroyer of distress for the bowed and humble, not only attain liberation themselves, but twenty-one generations of their family are also elevated to the abode of Hari. Whether one offers water or even a simple fruit, such a devotee is dear to the Blessed Lord. They reach the world of Vishnu and remain there until the dissolution of creation itself. By the dust of their own feet, they purify the entire world. There, all the gods dwell, and the glorious Hari himself is present. All auspiciousness increases day by day in that realm, O twice-born one. There, planets, spirits, and other forces cause no affliction, for the Blessed Madhusudana abides there. Know that any house, though gained by auspicious means, is like a cremation ground, O twice-born, if it lacks the ancient law, inquiry, and treatises on dharma. All the Vedas, with their branches, are declared to be the very form of Vishnu. Such devotees attain the supreme state, where all actions cease. By hearing or reciting this account, the destruction of sin occurs immediately. A very great dialogue took place; hear it now, for I shall tell it to you—listen with attention.