At the sacred crossroads, as the sun rises in the sky, the devotee prepares for an auspicious ritual. With reverence, he recites the mantras “Kūṣmāṇḍa,” “Rājaputra,” and others of similar power, each concluded with the sacred utterance “svāhā.” Facing the sun, he spreads darbha grass in all directions, sanctifying the ground for the offerings to come. He brings forth both cooked and uncooked fish, as well as meat, laying them out with care. In the same manner, he offers radishes, fried cakes, sweet cakes, and garlands woven from tender shoots. All these offerings are respectfully placed upon the earth, and with humility, he bows his head. Next, he pours a full handful of water, mingled with durva grass, mustard seeds, and fragrant flowers, as an offering. With deep longing, he prays: “Grant me sons, grant me wealth, grant me all my desires.” Incense fills the air, lamps are lit, and more offerings of food, garlands, and ointments are presented to the deities. After these rites, he feeds the Brahmins and presents a pair of garments to his teacher, honoring them as tradition commands. Whether his heart seeks prosperity, peace, strength, growth, long life, or vigor, he knows these blessings may be attained through this devotion. He then establishes the images of Rahu, Ketu, and all the nine planets in their proper order, for these celestial beings hold sway over existence and non-existence in the world and are most worthy of worship. For their propitiation, he uses objects made of gold, silver, and other metals—even lead—seeking auspiciousness. He offers garments and flowers of colors appropriate to each planet, and for each, he performs oblations accompanied by the proper mantras. He presents the prescribed offerings: udbudha, svāti, yadarya, and rice that has overflowed in cooking. Śanna, the goddess, is also honored, and from the stalk he makes a banner, raising it high. For the ritual fire, he uses fuel sticks of uduṃbara, śamī, dūrvā, and kuśa grass, each in its proper sequence. His offerings include honey and clarified butter, or, as available, curd or milk. He brings curd-rice, powdered offerings, meat, and many kinds of food, always giving according to his means and in accordance with the sacred rules, with respect and devotion. The prescribed gifts for the ritual are black iron, gold, and a goat. “O Brahmin,” the text declares, “the best among these has been given; those who are to be worshipped, you should worship.” The planets, being the arbiters of fate, are especially worthy of reverence. By worshipping Mahāgaṇapati with devotion, the devotee attains success and purity. His actions bear fruit, and unsurpassed prosperity follows. But if such worship is neglected, the Mothers become displeased and create obstacles along his path. Therefore, those who seek auspiciousness at ceremonies for good fortune must also worship Gaurī and the other Mothers. Devasenā, Svadhā, Svāhā, the Mothers, Vaidhṛti, and Dhṛti—all these divine beings are especially honored by Gaṇeśa, and when their worship is increased, they should be venerated together. The devotee offers unbroken grains, flowers, incense, lamps, and fruits. He performs arati and presents gifts in the prescribed order, ensuring the satisfaction of the deities. The times most suitable for these rites are the new moon, aṣṭakā, periods of increase, and the two dark fortnights. Special occasions such as Vyatipāta, the elephant’s shadow, and eclipses of the moon and sun are also observed. Foremost among all, according to the Vedas, is the learned youth versed in Brahman. The devotee honors his sister’s son, the officiating priest, his son-in-law, his father-in-law, and his maternal uncle. He also respects those devoted to ritual, to austerity, the five-fire sacrificers, and celibates. However, those who are ill, who have deficient or excessive limbs, who are one-eyed, or who have remarried are not chosen for the ritual honors. Nor are the hired teacher, the impotent, the one who defiles a maiden, or the one who is cursed. One who abandons mother, father, or teacher; one who eats from a pit; and the son of a śūdra are also excluded. Finally, the devotee invites the Brāhmaṇas a day in advance, approaching them with self-control and purity, thus ensuring that the ritual is complete, auspicious, and in accordance with the ancient tradition.