From whence comes this vessel, filled to the brim with excellent water? And you—your radiance is striking, your form nourished and auspicious. Tell me, I pray: who are you, and who is this Śamī who stands beside you? In response, the man recounted everything from the very beginning, as it had unfolded in ancient times. He revealed that he was known as Somaśarman, born from the womb of Bahulā. Yet, his true name was Somaśravā, a renowned and illustrious devotee of Viṣṇu. He confessed with sorrow, “I did not give to the twice-born, nor did I partake of the finest food myself. For this failing, at night my body is beaten by terrifying men. No relative remains near me in that place. Thus, as a great sinner, I dwell here, exceedingly pitiless. I waste away, sustaining myself on vile food, merely passing the time.” He continued, “Once, there was an observance called Śravaṇa-dvādaśī during the month of Bhādrapada. It took place on the banks of the Irāvatī, in a reed grove, with Brahmins and Kṣatriyas leading the rites. On Ekādaśī day, I observed a fast, maintaining purity and discipline in my vow. On that day, a vessel filled with goods, complete with an umbrella and sandals, was given to the foremost of Brahmins, pure and devoted to knowledge. But for seventy years after, I gave nothing else at all. These here, who gave nothing, have subsisted on my food. Yet, that which was given in charity comes to me, even at midday, every single day. But when I have eaten and drunk, all becomes hidden away again.” He recalled, “When a pair of cakes was given as offering, a vehicle appeared for me in the world of the dead. The merit of observing Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, as you have said, truly increases one’s virtue. Whatever must be done, father, I await your permission.” Then, the guardian of the dead spoke words that would accomplish his own purpose: “I shall tell you fully what brings benefit to both you and me. Offer the rice-ball oblation, naming me. Once released, I shall go to the world of all the generous. That which is joined with Budha and Śravaṇa is remembered as supremely auspicious.” Following these instructions, the son, pure in intent, properly declared their names as was fitting. Then, in the pleasant land called Śūrasena, that merchant arrived. He performed the prescribed rites and journeyed to the unsurpassed Gayāśīrṣa, where he made the oblations for his ancestors and for those who would come after. He offered rice-balls for the others of his lineage as well. Thus, those twice-born departed ones were freed and went to the world of Brahma. Having observed Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, the merchant departed this life in due course. Attaining human birth again, he shone forth in Śākala as Virāṭ. After meeting his destined end, he found refuge in the abode of the Guhyakas. Upon entering the world of mortals once more, he became the son of a royal lineage. He reached the realm of Indra and was greatly honored by all the gods. Finally, assuming a terrifying form, he mastered the meaning of all scriptures.