With utmost humility and devotion, the inquirer approached the Lord, seeking to understand the sacred practices and their profound consequences. He asked, “In what measure, O Lord, should the madhuparka—properly prepared and offered with reverence—be given? Is it fitting to perform this act, accompanied by the prescribed scriptural injunctions, even in common places such as marketplaces? By what ritual formula should the madhuparka be offered to you, so that it is pleasing and correct? And once a devotee has partaken of your food, what actions should one perform thereafter to honor the sacredness of the moment?” The questions continued, each one filled with earnest longing for understanding: “Who among us is truly worthy to partake of that supreme, all-purifying offering? What is the destiny of those who walk your path, O Lord? What becomes of those who, after performing austerities and penances, approach Mādhava with devotion? What is the destination of those who are devoted to your actions and steadfast in their worship of you, O Krishna? What is the fate of those who follow your prescribed actions, or of those who observe vows with discipline and faith? What of those who live by alms, or those who die in your sacred places—what worlds do they attain?” The seeker’s heart was filled with further inquiries: “What happens to those who die under the open sky, or those who choose to sleep on beds of thorns as an act of penance? What is the destiny of those who are wholly devoted to you in faith, who remain steadfast on the path of your devotion? What of those who live out their allotted lifespan—what fate is remembered for them, and what rule applies? What is the destiny of those who perform your actions, or who bear a lamp upon their head as an offering? What state do those attain who are wholly absorbed in contemplation of you, O Lord? And what is the fate of those who act according to the virtues of their own duty?” His questions grew deeper, seeking the very heart of spiritual truth: “O Lord, tell me, what is the state that they reach, and what is declared to be eternal? What of those who lie with their head pointing downward—what is their destiny? What becomes of the accomplished one, O best of gods? By your favor, O Madhava, what is the cycle of coming and going for souls? Therefore, you alone must declare the final determination of Yoga and Sankhya—the highest wisdom. After the body is placed in a heap of ashes, how does it enter the fire? Whether one is established in your sacred field or elsewhere, please tell me, for I seek this knowledge.” He then asked about the power of devotion and remembrance: “After uttering ‘Salutations to Nārāyaṇa,’ what destination does one attain? By the mere recitation of your Name, what kind of destination is reached? Tell me this secret, joined with righteousness, O Mādhava. Reflecting on the welfare and purpose of the world, you ought to reveal this wisdom.” Having thus asked with sincerity and reverence, the inquirer waited as the Lord, moved by compassion, prepared to reply. The Lord said, “Now, O goddess, I shall tell you of the origin of various duties—actions that bring about the happiness of heaven. Listen carefully, for these teachings are the key to the world’s welfare and the fulfillment of righteousness.