The goddess, full of reverence, approached Narayana with a series of earnest questions, seeking to understand the mysteries of destiny and the rules that govern the fate of souls. She asked, “O Narayana, what kind of fate is remembered for various beings, and what rules apply here? What is the destiny of those devoted to performing your actions? What about those who bear a lamp upon their head? What state do those attain who are wholly absorbed in contemplation of you? What is the destiny of those who are wholly devoted to you in faith? And what of those who act according to the virtues of their own duty? Please tell me, O Lord, for I am asking you sincerely.” She continued, “O Lord, what is the state they reach, and what is declared to be the eternal one? What is the destiny of those, and what is also declared as eternal? Blessed one, what is the destiny of him who lies with his head pointing downward? O best of gods, tell me, what is the destiny of that accomplished one? O Madhava, by your favor, what is the coming and going of souls? Therefore, you alone must declare the final determination of Yoga and Sankhya. After placing the body in a heap of ashes, how does it enter the fire? Whether one is established in your sacred field or elsewhere, tell me this as I ask. After uttering ‘Salutations to Narayana,’ what destination do they attain? By the mere recitation of the Name, what kind of destination do they attain? Tell me this secret joined with righteousness, O Madhava. Reflecting on the welfare and purpose of the world, you ought to speak of that.” Hearing her heartfelt inquiries, Narayana responded with compassion and clarity. “Now I shall tell you, O goddess, of the origin of various duties—actions that bring the happiness of heaven. Listen carefully, O Vasundhara, to what you have asked. Know that not by a thousand gifts, nor even by a hundred sacrifices, am I truly attained. But one who knows me, O Madhavi, with a mind fixed in single-pointed concentration—such a one reaches me.” He continued, “What you ask me, O auspicious one, concerns actions that bring the happiness of heaven. Those people who always worship me, though their minds may be many, whose mind does not waver and is established in devotion to me—they alone truly see me, being devoted to me above all. Even by desire alone, O beautiful one, residence in heaven is attained. Whatever actions they perform, O Madhavi, they see me in them.” Narayana then described the sacred observance: “Those men who observe a fast on the twelfth day (dvādaśī), having observed the fast and taken up a handful of water, as many drops as fall from the handful of water—then, on the twelfth day, men who are devoted to righteousness should offer pale-colored and well-washed flowers, and incense with fragrance. After placing the flowers on the head, one should recite this mantra: ‘May the blessed Hari, pleased, accept these beautiful flowers and my pure mind.’ And also, ‘Salutations to Vishnu! O Lord, accept these fragrant and subtle scents, both manifest and unmanifest. Salutations to the blessed Vishnu! Having heard, having returned, O Lord of the Soma-pressing, having entered, may the blessed Acyuta accept this incense-offering of mine.’” He added, “And whoever, having heard these scriptures, causes them to be enacted for me—this, O goddess, I have told you, is my most excellent and beloved teaching. Śyāmāka, svastika, wheat, and also mung beans—these are offered as part of the sacred rites.” Thus, Narayana revealed to the goddess the secret and righteous path, the actions and devotion that lead to happiness in heaven, and the true means of attaining him—not through material offerings or rituals alone, but through unwavering devotion, contemplation, and sincere worship.