O King, a wondrous being appeared before Gaurī, threefold in depth, four-armed, and his form shone with sevenfold redness. When Gaurī beheld him, she saw his body was threefold wide, and she was greatly astonished by his extraordinary appearance. At that very moment, the goddess infused life into him, and he immediately arose, animated and full of vitality. Seeing this marvelous form, Gaurī was overwhelmed with affection and called him 'son' again and again. She then spoke to her newly born son, saying, “This one is born from the ointment of my own body.” She explained that the head, which Skanda had attached, is regarded as great by all, and because of this, leadership was established within his body. Thus, O daughter of the mountain, he was granted lordship over all the Gaṇas. Gaurī declared that mortals who honor this Lord of the Gaṇas before beginning any action will be blessed. Then Skanda presented him with a small axe for his amusement, and Gaurī gave him a vessel filled with sweet modaka. The fragrance of this delicious food attracted a mouse, which emerged from its hole, drawn toward the offering. O King, listen attentively to the merit that arises from this event. Whatever sins are committed in childhood, youth, or old age, can be cleansed through devotion. In the month of Māgha, on the bright half, on the fourth day, one should fast and approach a great altar filled with pure water. There, after bathing with devotion, whoever beholds Vināyaka, recites the mantra of the Gaṇas, and circumambulates him three times, attains great merit. Therefore, with all effort, one should behold Vināyaka. Even householders, who remember him with devotion when undertaking any task, are blessed. Whoever rises in the morning and remembers Vināyaka, or invokes him at weddings, quarrels, battles, departures, or agricultural work—whatever he desires, all is accomplished by the grace of this god. Whoever, with focused mind, performs the great pacification of Vināyaka, wonders what mantras and procedures must be followed. The pacification of Gaṇeśa should be performed during the best lunar strength. In a place equally situated to the east and north, an altar and pavilion should be constructed. The guardians of the worlds, beginning with Indra, are honored in all directions, O King. With offerings of fragrant flowers and prescribed gifts, and with proper arrangements for oblation, in the eastern direction, gold and fruits are placed. Vināyaka is invoked in front of a fire-pit made by hand. Offerings of honey, dūrvā grass, and unbroken rice are made, after oblations to the planets. This ritual must be performed by Brāhmaṇas facing north, wearing yellow garments and adorned with golden rings, seated upon deer skins, chanting the proper mantras according to the prescribed procedure. The rivers—Gaṅgā, Yamunā, the five rivers, and auspicious lakes—are invoked to hear this rite. When pronounced correctly, the destruction of obstacles is attained. Afflictions, diseases, fierce ailments, fevers, and the like are removed. All this, O King, has been explained as you asked. Whoever recites this properly on the fourth day, with focused mind, and worships with concentration, attains whatever desire he contemplates. By seeing Vināyaka, a person is completely freed from all sins.