O best of kings, know that the offering of a cow attains its highest merit when given during a lunar or solar eclipse. After such auspicious acts, one should proceed to the great Vināyaka, the revered Lord of Beginnings. Yayāti, eager to learn, asked, “How did Vināyaka attain such greatness here in ancient times?” In response, Pulastya narrated a wondrous tale. In times long past, for her own amusement, the goddess Parvatī created a delicate child. Yet, because there was no ointment applied, the child was born headless, though his body and limbs were perfect in every other way. Parvatī then called out, “Skanda, bring ointment quickly for the sake of the head; may this be auspicious for you!” Obeying the goddess’s wish, Skanda obtained the ointment by Gaurī’s command. The ointment was applied to the place where the head should be, but as this was done, Parvatī repeatedly cautioned, “Do not touch me.” Because of this careful process, leadership and special power arose from the very limbs of the child. The child thus formed was remarkable—threefold deep, four-armed, and sevenfold red in hue. When Gaurī beheld him, threefold wide and of such extraordinary form, she was filled with astonishment. The goddess then infused life into the child, and he arose at that very moment, vibrant and alive. Seeing his wondrous form, Parvatī joyfully called him “son” again and again. She declared, “This one is born from the ointment of my own body. This head, which Skanda has joined, is proclaimed by you all to be great. For this reason, leadership is established within his very being.” Thus, O daughter of the mountain, Vināyaka was granted lordship over all the Gaṇas, the celestial hosts. Parvatī proclaimed that any mortal who honors this Lord of the Gaṇas before beginning any task will be blessed. Skanda, pleased, gave him a small axe for play, and Gaurī gifted him a vessel brimming with sweet modaka. Drawn by the delicious fragrance, a mouse emerged from its hole—an event of great significance. Listen well to the merit that arises from this: whatever sins one may have committed in childhood, youth, or old age, there is a way to be absolved. During the bright half of the month of Māgha, on the fourth day, one should fast and approach a great altar filled with pure water. After bathing with devotion, whoever beholds Vināyaka there, recites the mantra of the Gaṇas, and circumambulates three times, attains great merit. Therefore, O king, with all effort, one should seek to behold Vināyaka. Even a householder, if he remembers Vināyaka with devotion before beginning any task, or simply rising in the morning, will find his endeavors fulfilled. At weddings, during quarrels or battles, before departures, or in agricultural work—whatever one desires is accomplished by the grace of Vināyaka. Whoever, with focused mind, performs the great pacification ritual for Vināyaka, attains peace and success. Yayāti, still eager, asked, “What are the mantras, what is the proper procedure? I am truly most curious.” Pulastya explained: One should perform Gaṇeśa’s pacification when the lunar strength is at its best. In a place equally situated to the east and north, construct an altar and a pavilion. The guardians of the worlds, beginning with Indra, should be honored in all directions. Offer fragrant flowers and prescribed gifts, making proper arrangements for oblations. In the eastern part of that place, with offerings of gold and fruits, invoke Vināyaka before a fire-pit shaped by hand. Offer honey, dūrvā grass, and unbroken rice, after completing the oblations to the planets. In this way, with devotion and the proper rites, the worship of the great Vināyaka is fulfilled, and all endeavors are blessed by his grace.