Having thus offered reverence to the sacred Mount Meru, one should also honor Mandara, for, O mountain, it is by the presence of Chaitraratha and Bhadrashva that you shine so brilliantly. Mandara, radiant and resplendent, may you swiftly become a source of satisfaction. And you, Gandhamadana, crowned with the crest-jewel upon Jambudvipa, you are adorned by the splendor of the Gandharva hosts—may my fame be steadfast because of you. Ketumala, with your luminous Vaibhraja forest, you are adorned with golden rocks; may my prosperity be unwavering through your grace. And you, Supārśva, who reigns eternally with the noble northern Kurus and the Savitra forest, ever sovereign, may my fortune never diminish. Having addressed all these mountains with reverence, when the pure dawn arrives, one should bathe and then offer the best among the middle mountains to one’s teacher. The Viṣkambha mountains, in proper order, should be given to the priests, O king. As for the offerings, twenty-four cows should be given—or ten, according to one’s capacity; if unable, seven or eight, or even five will suffice. Even a single cow, whether tawny or yielding milk, may be given to the teacher, for this is the rule for all the mountains. The fire offerings upon all these mountains should be performed with one’s own sacred mantras, and one should observe fasting—if this is not possible, then night-meals are permitted. Now, O king, listen to the procedure for all these mountains in order: the mantras to be used in the offerings, and the fruits gained from giving upon the mountains. Food is verily declared to be Brahman; food is life itself. From food all beings arise, and by food is the world sustained. In food is found fortune, and Janardana is indeed food; therefore, O best of mountains, protect us in the form of a mountain of grain. Whoever gives a mountain of grain according to this sacred rule is honored in the world of the gods for a full hundred Manvantaras. Adorned by hosts of Apsaras and Gandharvas, he ascends to the heights of heaven in a celestial chariot, O best of kings. When the fruits of his deeds are exhausted, he returns to earth and obtains royal sovereignty—of this, there is no doubt. Now, hear of the excellent Salt Mountain, by the gift of which a man attains the world united with Shiva. The best Salt Mountain is to be made with sixteen droṇas; the middle with half that amount; with four, it is considered inferior. One without wealth should make it as much above a single droṇa as possible. The Viṣkambha mountains should be made separately with a fourth part, and the procedure should always be performed as before, for Brahma and the others. In the same manner, a golden abode should be arranged for all the guardians of the worlds, along with lakes, forest trees, and other such features. One should also keep vigil, and recite the donation mantra: "As taste is joined with water and salt, so, by your very nature, protect me who am afflicted, O best of mountains; for all other flavors are not excellent without salt. And as you are always dear to Shiva and Parvati, therefore be a giver of peace; since you arose from Vishnu’s body, you increase health. Therefore, in the form of a mountain, save me from the ocean of worldly existence; whoever gives a mountain of salt according to this rite dwells in Uma’s realm for an age, and then attains the highest state." Now, hear of the excellent mountain of jaggery. By giving this, a man attains heaven, honored by the gods. The best is made with ten loads; the middle with five; with three, it is the least, and with half of that, it is for one of little wealth. Likewise, the invocation, worship, golden trees, and honoring of the gods, as well as the supporting mountains, lakes, forest deities, the fire offering, the vigil, and the installation of the guardians of the worlds—all should be performed as with the mountain of grain. The mantra to be recited is: "As among the gods, Janardana is the supreme soul; as the Sama Veda is foremost among the Vedas, Mahadeva among yogis, the syllable Om among all mantras, and Parvati among women, so, among all flavors, sugarcane juice is always considered the best; therefore, may the mountain of jaggery grant me supreme fortune. Because you are the abode of the giver of good fortune, O mountain of jaggery, and you were created by Parvati, therefore always protect me." Whoever gives a mountain made of jaggery according to this rite is honored by the Gandharvas and is exalted in Gauri’s realm. Again, at the end of a hundred ages, he becomes lord of the seven islands, endowed with long life, health, and unconquered by enemies. Now, listen as I declare the excellent golden mountain, destroyer of sins, by giving which men attain the abode of Brahma. The best is with a thousand palas, the middle with five hundred, and with half of that, the lowest; even a man of little wealth should give as he is able, without envy. He should give at least one pala or more, according to his capacity and free from jealousy; and, O best of kings, he should arrange everything as with the mountain of grain. Likewise, he should give the Viṣkambha mountains to the officiating priests. Salutations to the one who is the seed of all, and to the one who holds the womb of Brahma—indeed, salutations! Because you bear endless fruits, protect this mountain peak; because you are the offspring of Agni and the son of the Lord of the world, and as you are in the form of a golden mountain, therefore protect, O best of mountains. Whoever gives a golden mountain according to this procedure attains the supreme Brahma-world, which brings joy. There he remains for a hundred aeons, and then he attains the highest state.