When the pair of cakes was offered as part of the ritual, a remarkable thing happened—a vehicle appeared for me in the world of the dead, granting passage and relief. It was clear that the merit gained from observing Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, just as you have described, greatly increases virtue and brings spiritual benefit. With humility, I asked my father, “Whatever must be done, please permit me.” At that moment, the guardian of the dead spoke words intended to further his own purpose. He promised, “I will 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 journey to the world where all the generous reside.” He explained that the combination of Budha and Śravaṇa is remembered as supremely auspicious. Following the proper rites, I declared their names with purity and reverence, as was fitting. Then, in the pleasant land called Śūrasena, the merchant arrived, intent on fulfilling his obligations. He performed the sacred rites and traveled to the unsurpassed Gayāśīrṣa, where he offered oblations for his ancestors and his heirs. He also made rice-ball offerings for others in his lineage. Through these acts, the twice-born departed ones were freed and ascended to the world of Brahma. After faithfully observing Śravaṇa Dvādaśī, the merchant departed in accordance with the law of time. He attained human birth and shone forth in Śākala as Virāṭ. When his destined end came, 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 then reached the realm of Indra, where he was greatly honored by all the gods. With a terrifying form, he mastered the meaning of all scriptures. Yet, even though her husband was virtuous, the radiant woman despised him. Filled with dispassion, he left and went to a great hermitage, where he worshipped the Lord of the Universe with the Nakṣatrapuruṣa. Because of his previous practice, he became devoted to Śravaṇa Dvādaśī. He took on a form resembling Anaṅga, and that king was Purūravas. Curious, I asked, “Tell me how he worshipped with the one called Nakṣatrapuruṣa. Which parts of the deity here are the nakṣatras, O Nārada?” Nārada explained: “The two knees are the Aśvinī nakṣatras, established as forms. The Kṛttikā nakṣatras are situated at the waist of Vāsudeva. Anurādhā is at the chest, and Śraviṣṭhā at the back. The fingers are Punarvasu, and the nails are said to be Sārpa. Puṣya is at the mouth, and Svāti is named as the teeth. In the form-bearing one, Mṛgaśīrṣa is established in the eyes. The moist lunar mansion is found in the hair on Hari’s head.” “When Hari is worshipped, he grants desires as wished. At the conjunction of the lunar mansion, one should offer food to the foremost Brāhmaṇa. At the time of longing, sacrificial food should be given and, as before, the twice-born should be fed. Cool water is prescribed at the time of longing. At the time of burning, cow’s milk should be given, along with food for the twice-born. When longing for Viṣṇu, fragrant flowers and water should be offered.” Thus, the ritual, the worship, and the observance of Śravaṇa Dvādaśī are revealed, bringing liberation and fulfillment to both ancestors and descendants, and guiding the devotee through worlds and lifetimes, ever closer to the divine.