When Viṣṇu, the best among beings, had heard Brahmā’s words, he respectfully departed from his presence. After Sāvitrī, too, had gone, Gāyatrī, radiant and gracious, addressed the assembled sages in the presence of her husband. She spoke with a voice full of blessing, declaring that she was pleased and ready to grant a boon. “Hear my words,” Gāyatrī said, “O noble sages. Those men who are devoted and who worship Brahmā with faith will be blessed with garments, wealth, grain, wives, happiness, and riches. They will enjoy uninterrupted happiness in their homes, surrounded by sons and grandsons. After enjoying these blessings for a long time, they will ultimately attain liberation.” Then Pulastya spoke, instructing the king and the gathered assembly. “Having established the worship of Brahmā with all devotion and according to the prescribed rules, listen with focused mind to the merit that arises from this act. The merit gained from all sacrifices, austerities, gifts, pilgrimages to holy places, and study of the Vedas is multiplied a crore-fold by the establishment of Brahmā in this way. “O king, whoever observes the fast of the full moon with devotion and worships Brahmā according to this method will, on the very first day, attain Brahmā’s own abode. Along with the priests, he will worship Brahmā and Vāsudeva. In the auspicious month of Kārtika, the festival of the deity’s chariot is proclaimed. Those who perform this festival with devotion, even as mortals, ascend to the world of Brahmā. “In the month of Kārtika, on the full moon day, the four-faced Brahmā, together with Sāvitrī, proceeds along the sacred path. The deity should be taken throughout the city, accompanied by the music of many instruments. After leading the procession, the deity is to be bathed, together with all the people of the city. Brahmins should be fed and honored first, especially the descendant of Śāṇḍilya, and then the deity is to be placed on the chariot amid auspicious sounds. “The son of Śāṇḍilya should be worshipped at the front of the chariot according to tradition, and Brahmins should be invited to perform the sacred rites. After installing the deity on the chariot, the devotee should keep vigil through the night, with performances and abundant recitations of Brahma hymns. In the morning, Brahmins should again be fed generously with many kinds of food and delicacies. “The people should be honored with proper mantras, and offerings of ghee, milk, and rice pudding should be made. After inviting the Brahmins with auspicious rites and proclaiming sacred words, the chariot should be led through the city. The chariot of Brahmā should be drawn by Brahmins who are learned in all four Vedas—Rig, Yajur, Sāma, and Atharva. The chariot of the god of gods is to be taken in a clockwise circuit through the city, following the proper path. “The chariot must not be drawn by one who seeks the favor of Rudra, nor should any wise person ascend it, except for a single attendant. On Brahmā’s right, the image of Gāyatrī is to be placed; on the left, the attendant, and in front, a lotus. With the sounds of music and conch blasts, the chariot is to be led in a clockwise circuit through the city. “After the procession, the deity is to be returned to its proper place, and the ceremonial waving of lights performed. Whoever carries out this procession, or even witnesses it with devotion, attains great merit. Whoever draws the chariot attains Brahmā’s abode. On the new moon of Kārtika, whoever kindles lamps, and whoever worships himself in the hall of Brahmā with fragrant flowers, new garments, and offerings, attains the supreme abode. “On that first day, the devotee reaches the abode of Brahmā. This is a great and auspicious guest day, established by King Bali. This day, called Bāleyī, is especially dear to Brahmā. Whoever worships Brahmā and himself on this day is praised. “He attains the supreme place of Viṣṇu, of immeasurable brilliance. In the month of Caitra, the first day is also most auspicious. On that day, O best of men, whoever touches a Śvapaca (one of low caste) and then bathes, will be free from sin, distress, and disease. “Therefore, O king, one should bathe, for the divine ritual of waving lights destroys all diseases. Whatever is obtained from cows, buffaloes, and the like should be collected, and with those cloths and other items, a garland should be placed at the entrance. Food should also be prepared for the Brahmins. These three guest days were declared in ancient times. “In the months of Kārtika, Āśvayuja, and Caitra, bathing and giving gifts are a hundred times more fruitful on the Kārtika day. The day of King Bali brings auspiciousness and benefits to animals as well. Gāyatrī said: What was spoken by Sāvitrī to you, O lotus-born, is true. Those Brahmins who do not perform worship will not receive the fruit, but those who hear my words and perform the ritual, after enjoying pleasures in this world, will attain liberation hereafter. Knowing this highest vision, the satisfied one grants a boon.” Then Indra spoke, “I will grant you a boon in battle for the defeat of your enemies; and after you go to the enemy’s abode, Brahmā will free you. You will regain your lost city after destroying the enemy and will enjoy supreme joy, ruling a great kingdom in the three worlds, free from obstacles. “When you incarnate as Viṣṇu in the mortal world, together with your brother, you will suffer greatly due to the abduction of your wife. After slaying the enemy, you will regain your wife in the presence of the gods. Taking her, you will again rule and then ascend to heaven.” Thus, the merits of worship, the greatness of the sacred days, and the blessings of the gods were revealed to the assembly, shining forth the path of devotion, ritual, and ultimate liberation.