On this day, the lord of spirits spoke with warmth, “Today, this guest must be honored—for he is ever my own kinsman.” With the arrival of this guest, an incomparable joy blossomed within him and among the assembled spirits. The guest had come as he wished, bearing a vessel brimming with curd-rice. Along with this, a water jar was brought and set before the spirits. The guest then addressed the merchant’s son, saying, “Rise, O merchant’s son, and perform your daily rites.” Thus, both the merchant and the lord of spirits performed their daily rituals together. Afterward, the guest distributed portions to all the spirits gathered there, ensuring each received their share. When this was done, the lord of spirits himself partook of the excellent food. But then, O Brahmin, before everyone’s eyes, the merchant’s son suddenly vanished from sight. Filled with curiosity, Vaśī turned to the guardian of the dead and began to question him. “From where has this vessel, filled to the brim with such excellent water, come? And you yourself are radiant now, with a nourished and auspicious form. Tell me everything—who are you, and who is this Śamī who is here with you?” The guardian of the dead recounted everything from the very beginning, as it had happened in ancient times. “He is known as Somaśarman, born from Bahulā’s womb. Yet his true name was Somaśravā, a renowned devotee of Viṣṇu, illustrious among men. In my life, I failed to give to the twice-born or partake of the finest food. Because of this, at night, terrifying men torment my body. Not a single relative remains near me here, and so, as a great sinner, I dwell in this pitiful state. I waste away, sustaining myself on vile food, merely passing the time. “There was, however, an observance called Śravaṇa-dvādaśī in the month of Bhādrapada. On the banks of the Irāvatī, in a grove of reeds, Brahmins and Kṣatriyas led the rites. Having observed a fast with purity and discipline on Ekādaśī, a vessel filled with goods, along with an umbrella and sandals, was offered to the foremost of Brahmins—pure and devoted to knowledge. But for seventy years, nothing else at all was given. And these others here, who gave nothing, have subsisted on my food. “That which is given in this way comes to me even at midday, every single day. Yet once I have eaten and drunk, everything is hidden away again. When a pair of cakes was given, a vehicle appeared for me in the world of the dead. The merit of Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, as you have said, increases virtue greatly. “Whatever must be done, father, I am ready—only let your permission be given.” Then the guardian of the dead spoke words that would fulfill his own purpose: “I shall tell you fully what will bring benefit to both you and me. Offer the rice-ball oblation, naming me. Once I am released, I shall go to the world of all the generous. “That which is joined with Budha and Śravaṇa is remembered as supremely auspicious.” In purity, he then properly declared their names as was fitting. After this, in the pleasant land called Śūrasena, the merchant arrived.