Having faithfully observed the sacred fast, the devotee takes up a handful of water. As the water trickles from his hand, each drop is counted—each one a mark of his sincerity and devotion. Then, on the auspicious twelfth day, those who are steadfast in righteousness gather to worship. With pure hearts, they offer flowers that are pale in color and thoroughly cleansed, along with incense rich in fragrance. These flowers are placed reverently upon the head, and a sacred mantra is recited: “May the blessed Hari, pleased, accept these beautiful flowers and my pure mind.” With further devotion, they address Viṣṇu: “Salutations to Viṣṇu! O Lord, accept these fragrant and subtle scents, both manifest and unmanifest. Salutations to the blessed Viṣṇu! Having heard, having returned, O Lord of the Soma-pressing, having entered, may the blessed Acyuta accept this incense-offering of mine.” Whoever listens to these scriptures and arranges for their observance with devotion—such a person, the goddess is told, receives the most excellent and beloved teaching of the Lord. The Lord then describes the grains that are pure and suitable for the rite: Śyāmāka, svastika, wheat, and mung beans. Whoever, devoted to these sacred practices, partakes of these grains is blessed. Turning to the duties of brāhmaṇas, the Lord addresses the Earth herself: “Now I shall declare to you, O Earth, the duties of a brāhmaṇa. Listen attentively. The brāhmaṇa engages in the six prescribed duties, free from pride, united with my ordained actions, and shuns all slander. Such is the true duty of a brāhmaṇa—single-minded, self-controlled.” He continues: “Now I shall speak of the duties of kṣatriyas, those who abide by my commands. They are charitable, courageous, skillful in action, adept in sacrifices, and pure. They speak little, discern virtues, and are ever devoted to the Bhāgavata. They are skilled in initiative, mindful of their tasks, and avoid slander. Whoever always worships me in this manner attains my world.” The Lord further explains, “Whatever actions are performed by one who is steadfast on the path of devotion to me—who approaches his wife at the proper time, whose mind is peaceful and free from delusion, who always honors the teacher, who is steadfast and affectionate toward devotees—I am never lost to him, nor is he lost to me.” He then turns to Mādhavī and declares, “Now I will speak of the duties of a Śūdra. Listen well. The actions which, when performed, keep a Śūdra devoted to me—such a person is a true devotee, steadfast in duty. With a pure mind, free from pride, hospitable and humble, always eager to offer salutations, his mind fixed on contemplation of me—such a one is dear to me.” The Lord proclaims, “Abandoning thousands of sages, I worship only the Śūdra who is thus devoted. Whosoever is established in devotion through these qualities of action—by this, union with me is attained. Hear this, O Vasundharā: He should not brood over cold or heat, nor over gain or loss. He who has no longing for what is bitter attains the highest perfection. Whoever, abandoning such distractions, is always engaged in my service, intent on that alone, diligent and averse to other tasks, compassionate to all beings, ready to rise in respect, greatly forgiving, and always active in righteous deeds at all times and in all directions—such a one, devoted to observance and with mind ever near to me, is truly blessed.” The Lord concludes: “He who is always devoted to my worship with flowers, fragrance, and incense, who at times subsists on milk, on barley gruel, or even on air—such a devotee is ever dear to me.