O best of kings, let me recount the sacred observance known as the Earth Vow, as described in the ancient Purāṇa. To begin this rite, one must adorn four vessels, each representing the mighty oceans. In each vessel, place garlands around the necks, drape them in pure white cloth, and fill them with sesame seeds and gold, all set within copper vessels. These four vessels symbolize the four oceans that encircle the world. At the center of these vessels, following the prescribed method, one should install a golden image of Hari, the Lord of Yogis, in yogic slumber, clothed in radiant yellow garments. After establishing the image, worship must be offered to Hari with utmost devotion, keeping vigil through the night and performing a Vaiṣṇava sacrifice, honoring the Lord of Yogis. This rite, celebrated by many kings upon the wheel of sixteen spokes, should be completed with care. At dawn, the entire arrangement must be given in charity to a worthy brāhmaṇa. The four oceans are to be presented to four individuals, and the golden image of the Lord of Yogis is to be offered with purity and reverence. If the offerings are given equally to one learned in the Vedas, the merit is doubled. Should they be given to a teacher of the Pañcarātra, the merit increases a thousandfold. But if one imparts the full secret of this rite, along with its mantras, the merit multiplies by millions upon millions. However, one must be careful: if, while the teacher is present, someone of little understanding turns to another and worships him instead, that person gains nothing from his gift and meets a bad end. One should make offerings first to the teacher, and only then to others. Whether learned or not, the teacher is to be seen as Janārdana Himself, and, regardless of his path, the teacher is the supreme goal. If, out of delusion, one who has accepted a teacher turns away from him, he is tormented in hell for millions of births. When the rite is completed and Viṣṇu is worshipped on the twelfth day, brāhmaṇas should be fed with the best gifts one can offer. In ancient times, Prajāpati himself performed this Dharaṇī vow and attained lordship over creatures, liberation, and the eternal Brahman. Likewise, King Yuvanāśva obtained his son Māndhātṛ and the supreme Brahman through this rite. King Kṛtavīrya of the Haihayas gained his son Kārttavīrya and the eternal Brahman by this means. Śakuntalā, through austerity, obtained her son, the universal emperor Śākuntala, son of Duṣyanta. Many other kings and universal emperors, as mentioned in the Vedas, achieved supreme sovereignty through this very rite. This observance is called the supreme Earth Vow because, when the earth once sank into the underworld, this rite was performed. After its completion, Hari, in the form of a boar, lifted the goddess Earth and set her upon the waters, as one would set a boat afloat. Thus, O sage, I have described to you the Earth Vow. Whoever listens to this with devotion, or performs it, is freed from all sin and attains union with Viṣṇu. Now, listen further. Śrī Varāha said: Having heard Durvāsas speak of the supreme Earth Vow, Satyatapas at once journeyed to the sacred slopes of the Himalaya. There, where the river Puṣpabhadrā flows among stones and wondrous rocks, and where a great banyan tree stands, his hermitage shone in splendor—a place destined for a great event. The Earth herself spoke, saying: For thousands of great ages I have performed this ancient vow and austerity, yet, O Lord, I had forgotten it. Now, by your grace, my memory of past lives has returned, and I am freed from sorrow, O Supreme Lord. If curiosity still stirs in your heart, O highest god, tell me, O mountain, what Agastya did when he returned to the abode of Bhadrāśva, and what that king accomplished. Śrī Varāha replied: When the sage returned, Bhadrāśva, whose banner is white, saw him seated on a noble seat. After performing special worship for the sage, Bhadrāśva asked him about the dharma of liberation. Bhadrāśva inquired: O blessed one, by what action can the cycle of worldly existence be cut off? What should one do to be free from grief, whether in the body or beyond? Agastya replied: Listen, O king, to a divine story, both distant and near, arising from the distinction between the seen and unseen. Attend with a focused mind. There was a time when neither day nor night existed, no directions or intermediate directions, no heaven or gods, no sun—only emptiness. In that age, a king named Paśupāla tended many herds. Once, while tending them, he longed to see the eastern ocean and hastened there. On the shore of the boundless ocean stood a forest inhabited by serpents. Within that forest were eight wish-fulfilling trees and a river; above, birds soared, and there were others as well. Five principal men were present, carrying a radiant woman. She held upon her breast a vast form, shining like a thousand suns. Beneath her were three modifications and three colors. The king wandered among them. Suddenly, all became silent, as if lifeless, and the king entered the forest. As he did, all the others entered as well, and, out of fear, they became united in an instant. Surrounded by unruly serpents and bandits, the king pondered, “How will these things turn out? How did these beings become entangled?” As the king reflected, a supreme man appeared before him, bearing three colors—white, red, and black. This man made a sign and asked, “Where will you go?” As he spoke, a great name arose. The king was surrounded by him, who then said, “Awaken!” At this command, the woman restrained the king. To the king, enveloped by illusion, another man said, “Do not fear.” Then a heroic man, the Lord of all lords, stood firm, surrounding the king. Five other men approached and surrounded the king, restraining him. With the king thus held, all the bandits united, took up weapons, and hid from one another out of fear. With those men hidden, the king’s palace shone with supreme beauty, and there was a crore and more of other wicked ones, O king. Thus is the sacred account of the Earth Vow and the mysterious vision of King Paśupāla, as revealed by the ancient sages.