Afterwards, the gracious Gaurī offered a vessel filled with sweet modakas. Drawn by the irresistible fragrance of this food, a mouse emerged from its hole. Now, listen attentively to the merit that arises from this event. Whatever sins one may have committed in childhood, youth, or old age—if, during the bright half of the month of Māgha, on the fourth day, one fasts and stands before a great altar filled with pure water, then, after bathing with devotion, beholds Vināyaka—such a person gains great merit. By reciting the mantra of the Gaṇas and circumambulating the altar three times, one attains further blessings. Therefore, with all effort, one should seek the sight of Vināyaka. Even a householder who remembers Vināyaka with devotion at the beginning of any task, or one who rises in the morning and recalls the god’s name—at weddings, during quarrels, in battles, at the start of journeys, or in agricultural work—whatever he desires, all is accomplished by Vināyaka’s grace. Whoever concentrates and performs the great pacification rite of Vināyaka gains immense benefit. “But what are the mantras and the proper procedure?” the king asked, eager to know more. The answer was given: Gaṇeśa’s pacification should be performed during the most auspicious phase of the moon. One must choose a place situated equally to the east and north, constructing there an altar and a pavilion. The guardians of the worlds, beginning with Indra, should be honored in all directions. Offerings of fragrant flowers and gifts, as prescribed, should be arranged, and the oblation prepared properly. In the eastern part of that place, with gold and fruits in hand, Vināyaka is to be invoked before a fire-pit made by hand. Offerings of honey, dūrvā grass, and unbroken rice should be made after the oblation to the planets. This rite must be performed by Brāhmaṇas facing north, dressed in yellow garments and adorned with golden rings, seated upon deer skins. The prescribed mantras should be recited with utmost care and correctness, invoking the holy rivers—Gaṅgā, Yamunā, the five sacred rivers, and all auspicious lakes. When this is done properly, all obstacles are destroyed: afflictions, diseases, fierce ailments, fevers, and the like are dispelled. All this, as you have asked, has now been explained. Whoever recites this on the fourth day with focused mind, and worships with concentration whatever desire he holds—his wish is fulfilled. Beholding Vināyaka in this way, a person is freed from all sins. Now, hear of Pārthā, the virtuous and faithful wife of Devala, the sage. She was once childless, yet steadfast and illustrious. Sustained only by air, without food, with an even mind, she sat in deep meditation. Suddenly, piercing the surface of the earth, a liṅga arose before her. This supremely blessed, most pure Shiva-liṅga should be worshipped with devotion. Whatever desire a person holds in mind while worshipping it, that wish is fulfilled. This liṅga became known as Partheshvara and gained renown throughout the world. Filled with wonder, Pārthā worshipped it at that very moment, and from then on, the liṅga became famous upon the earth. Whoever bathes there properly and beholds the liṅga with devotion attains great merit and blessings.