I waste away, surviving on wretched food, simply passing the days in misery. Once, however, there was the observance of Śravaṇa-dvādaśī during the month of Bhādrapada. On the banks of the Irāvatī River, within a grove of reeds, Brahmins and Kṣatriyas led this sacred occasion. On Ekādaśī, the day of fasting, I kept a disciplined vow, remaining pure and steadfast. When the time came, a vessel brimming with goods—complete with an umbrella and sandals—was given to the foremost among the Brahmins, one who was pure and devoted to knowledge. But for seventy years, nothing else at all was given. Meanwhile, those here with me, who never offered anything, have nonetheless subsisted on my food. Yet, whatever is given in this manner comes to me, even at midday, every single day. Still, as soon as I have eaten and drunk, everything vanishes again, hidden away from sight. But when a pair of cakes was offered, a vehicle for me appeared in the world of the dead. Indeed, the merit of observing Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, as you have described, increases one’s virtue. Whatever I must do, father, I ask that you permit it. Then the guardian of the dead, intent on his own purpose, spoke words to accomplish it: “I shall explain to you fully what will benefit 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.” Pure of heart, he properly pronounced their names as was fitting. Then, in the pleasant land called Śūrasena, that merchant arrived. Performing the prescribed rites, he journeyed to the unsurpassed Gayāśīrṣa. There, he offered oblations for his ancestors and for his descendants yet to come. He made rice-ball offerings for the others of his lineage as well. Those twice-born ancestors, thus honored, were freed and ascended to the world of Brahma. Having observed the Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, he departed in accordance with the law of time. He attained human birth and shone forth in Śākala as Virāṭ. After meeting his destined end, he took refuge in the abode of the Guhyakas. Upon entering the world of mortals again, he was born as the son of a royal lineage. He reached the realm of Indra, where all the gods honored him greatly. Then, taking on a fearsome form, he mastered the meaning of all the scriptures. Yet, even though his wife was virtuous, the radiant woman despised him. Thereafter, filled with dispassion, he retreated to a great hermitage. There, he worshipped the Lord of the Universe through the form known as Nakṣatrapuruṣa. Owing to his previous practice, he became deeply devoted to Śravaṇa Dvādaśī. He became resplendent, resembling the very form of Anaṅga, and that king was Purūravas. “Tell me,” the question arose, “how did he worship with the one called Nakṣatrapuruṣa? O Nārada, which parts of the deity here are the nakṣatras?” In response, it was explained: the two knees are the Aśvinī nakṣatras, established as forms; the Kṛttikā nakṣatras are situated at the waist of Vāsudeva; Anurādhā is established at the chest, and Śraviṣṭhā at the back.