Once, the radiant goddess of Fortune, Śrī, had taken refuge upon the chest of Lord Viṣṇu. Yet, she did not assume a liquid form until she descended to the earth. When this divine essence reached the earthly realm, the wise Dakṣa, son of Brahmā, lifted it up from the sky and drank it. This act became the source of his remarkable beauty and charm, setting him apart among all beings. From the great strength and brilliance that arose from Dakṣa, the supreme lord, a portion fell to the earth and manifested as Śeṣa, the cosmic serpent. From this manifestation, eight auspicious forms came into being. Among these, seven sacred plants emerged: the sweet sugarcane, the king of trees, the nourishing niṣpava, the precious śāli rice, and the wholesome dhānya grain. Along with these, other auspicious substances appeared as transformations: cow’s milk, the vibrant kusumbha flower, and other fragrant blossoms, as well as salt, making eight in total. These are revered as the Eight Auspicious Things. That very essence, which Dakṣa—wise in yoga and knowledge—had consumed, later became his daughter. Thus, she is known as Satī. Surpassing all the worlds in grace and beauty, she was also called Lalitā. The mighty Śiva, the wielder of the bow, was captivated by her radiance and took this goddess, the most beautiful in the three worlds, as his consort. Lalitā embodies the fortune of the three worlds, bestowing both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation. It is said that whoever worships her with devotion, whether man or woman, attains their heartfelt desires. Hearing this, Bhīṣma humbly asked the sage: “O revered one, tell me how to worship the goddess Lalitā, and by what method peace is brought to the world.” Pulastya replied: “When the month of spring arrives, on the third day of the bright fortnight—a day beloved by all—one should bathe in the forenoon with sesame seeds. It was on this very day that the goddess Satī, radiant in complexion, was wedded to the soul of the universe, Śiva, with sacred marriage mantras. On this auspicious third day, worship the Lord of the Universe together with his consort, offering various fruits, lamps, incense, and food. Bathe their images with the five sacred products of the cow and with fragrant water. Then, worship Gaurī, adorned with the crescent moon. Bow reverently to Pāṭalā, and to the feet of the goddess and Śiva, reciting ‘To Śivā,’ and to Jayā at both ankles. Recite ‘To Tryambaka’ for Rudra and ‘To Bhavānī’ for both shanks; ‘To Rudreśvara’ for the head, and ‘To Vijayā’ for the knees. For the thighs, recite ‘To Harikeśa,’ and offer obeisance to the bestower of boons. For the waist, ‘To Īśā,’ and for Śaṃkara, ‘To Rati’ and ‘To Śaṃkara.’ For both sides of the abdomen, honor Koṭavī, the wielder of the trident, and Maṅgalā, saying ‘Obeisance to you’ for the belly. To Sarvātmā, offer obeisance; to Rudra, and to Īśānī for both breasts; to Śiva, the soul of the Vedas, and to Rudrāṇī, worship the throat. To the slayer of Tripura and the Lord of the Universe, to Anantā for both hands; recite ‘To the three-eyed one’ for Hara, and to the beloved of the fire of time for the arms. For the ornaments, worship the abode of fortune. To Svāhā and Svadhā for the mouth, and to Īśvara for the wielder of the trident. To her who dwells in the Ashoka grove, offer worship to her lips, which bestow prosperity; likewise, to Sthanu and Hara, worship the face, beloved of the moon-faced goddess. Bow to the lord of women and to Hara for the nose, the dark-limbed one; bow to Ugra, lord of the world, and again to Lalitā for the brows. Bow to Sharva, the destroyer of cities, and to Vasudevi for the hair; bow to Shri Kanthanatha and then worship Shiva’s locks. To the terribly fierce one, of terrible form, bow to the head; to the all-pervading one, bow. Having worshipped Hara according to the rite, recite the Eight Auspicious Verses before them. Prepare and offer the Eight Auspicious Substances: tender niṣpāva beans, kusumbha, kṣīra (milk), jīraka (cumin), taru, rājakṣava, lavaṇa (salt), kustumburu, and matha as the eighth. These eight are known as the Eight Auspicious Substances and should be presented, for they bring good fortune. Having offered all these before Śiva and his consort— In the month of Chaitra, after eating śṛṅgāṭaka, sleep on the ground, O lotus-born. In the morning, after bathing and reciting sacred texts in purity, worship a pair of brahmin spouses with garlands, garments, and ornaments. Along with the Eight Auspicious Substances, offer two golden images. Pray, ‘May Lalitā be pleased with me,’ as you offer to the brahmin. In this way, every year on the third day, O king, this sacred observance is to be performed. There are special rules for eating and giving each month. In Chaitra, water from a cow’s horn is prescribed; in Vaiśākha, cow dung. In Jyeṣṭha, mandara flowers and bilva leaves are considered pure; in Śrāvaṇa, curd is to be eaten; in Bhādrapada, water with kusa grass. In Āśvina, milk is prescribed; in Kārtika, clarified butter from curds; in Mārgaśīrṣa, cow’s urine; in Pauṣa, ghee is to be consumed. In Māgha, black sesame seeds; in Phālguna, the five products of the cow. At the time of giving, recite the names of the goddess: Lalitā, Vijaya, Bhadra, Bhavānī, Kumuda, Śiva, Vasudevi, Gaurī, Maṅgalā, Kamalā, Satī, and Umā, praying, ‘May she be pleased.’ In the twelfth month, on the twelfth day, worship Krishna; there too, worship Lakṣmī together with her consort. On the full moon, the wise one who desires to be free from fear should worship the Grandsire, Brahmā, along with his consort. The Eight Auspicious Substances should also be given by one who desires prosperity. Jasmine, ashoka, lotus, kadamba, utpala, and champaka; kubjaka, karavīra, baṇa, fresh lotus, and sinduvāra—these flowers are suitable in all months. Hibiscus, safflower, jasmine, and lotus flowers are always commendable as available, as well as oleander. Thus, for a full year, whether man, woman, or maiden, one should observe the fast according to the prescribed method, worshipping Śiva with devotion at night. In this way, the blessings of the goddess Lalitā are surely attained, and peace descends upon the world.