Among all the lunar days, it is Dvādaśī that shines supreme, surpassing the rest in its power to bestow the fruits of sacrifice. On this sacred day, a single act of devotion is said to yield the merit of all sacrifices combined. Such is the greatness of Dvādaśī—a remover of obstacles, whose potency arises from the deep union of yoga. On this auspicious day, one should take a fragrant leaf in hand and recite the prescribed mantra, offering the leaf with reverence. The words spoken are simple, yet profound: “Accept these fragrant leaves and let righteousness increase.” Then, turning to the offering of flowers, the devotee is instructed to say, “Om, obeisance to Vāsudeva,” and recite the sacred mantra for flowers: “O Lord, permit me to offer these good flowers; make my mind auspicious; accept, O God, this flower with fragrance; obeisance to you.” Whoever, devoted and sincere, performs this act of worship as described, attains the promised result: such a soul dwells in the worlds of the Lord for a divine thousand years. Thus, the fragrance and offering of flowers, as inquired about before, are revealed to be of great virtue and reward. So ends the chapter on the greatness of fragrant flowers in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the teaching on the seasonal ritual. On the Dvādaśī of the bright fortnight in the month of Phālguna, the devotee should gather white, pale, fragrant, beautiful, and abundant flowers. With purity of heart, the worshipper follows the prescribed rites, completing all acts for the Lord with care and devotion. At this time, actions are performed in accordance with the sacred injunctions. The devotee, having said, “Salutations to Narayana,” recites this mantra: “Salutations to you, Lord of the worlds, O mighty one, salutations to you.” In the spring, when the trees are in full bloom and the wind carries their fragrance, whoever performs the rite in the month of Phālguna according to this method is especially blessed. And as for the excellent month of Vaishakha, it too is praised for its auspiciousness. Having completed the fresh and auspicious rites, the sages extol the Lord with mantras from the Vedas. The dwellers of the heavenly worlds also praise the ancient, supreme person—the god of beings, the lord of all worlds, the imperishable one at the end of the ages, Keshava, the master of all, the great lord who is the essence of the beginning of time. Sages such as Narada, Parvata, Asita, and Devala, along with many others like Mitrāvasu and Parāvasu, hear the resounding echo of the gods’ mighty praise. They wonder, “What is this sound that is heard, accompanied by the chanting of Brahman?” Then, O lotus-eyed one, the Lord—endowed with all forms and qualities—is desired by the gods in the form of Varahi. At that moment, Narayana speaks to the Earth, saying, “O Earth, you have been upheld for a divine thousand years. I am coming here—may good befall you—for the heavenly beings wish to see you.” Hearing these words of Mādhava, the Earth listens intently and addresses the divine Person in the form of a Boar. She says, “I have sought refuge in you; I am devoted to you; you are my path and my Lord. O God, by what means are you pleased, and by what act are you worshipped? I have no distress at all in your constant actions. All the worlds of gods and demons, along with Indra and the Grandfather, exist by your grace.” Thus, the greatness of fragrant flowers, the sacredness of Dvādaśī, and the glory of worship are revealed, as are the loving exchanges between the Earth and the Lord who sustains all.