Listen, O seeker, to the sacred instructions revealed by Lord Varāha to the devoted Earth, Vasundharā. The Lord began by explaining the procedures particularly concerned with water, and said, "Hear from me, O Vasundharā, how these offerings should be given, accompanied by the proper mantras." He described how one should quickly prepare the collyrium and the comb. Taking the comb in hand, the devotee is to recite the prescribed mantra: "Having taken this comb placed in the hands, be gracious, Nārāyaṇa; adorn the head." The worshipper should then remember, "O great one, O lord of the universe, with your own eyes you see the three worlds." With this reverence, the devotee proceeds to the bathing rite of the virtuous deity, reciting, "O god of gods, this bathing rite prepared by me, accept the golden vessel; be gracious. This handful of water has been arranged by me; bathe, bathe." After uttering, "Salutations to Nārāyaṇa," the devotee continues with the appropriate mantras. Varāha then declared, "He who, according to this procedure, is initiated into my rite—this should not be given to an unworthy disciple, nor to a slanderer or a deceitful person." The sacred object, once received, is to be kept near the counting beads, or mālā. The best mālā consists of one hundred and eight beads, the middle of fifty-four, and the lowest of thirty-two. The finest is made of rudrākṣa beads, the middle of putrajīva seeds. "Know, O Earth, that this knowledge is rare—even in hundreds of lifetimes, few attain it. One who is impure should not touch the mālā, nor should it be placed in the hands of women. It must not be shown to anyone; rather, after thoughtful reflection, one should worship it. Thus, according to the prescribed rule, one should preserve the counting beads." Having imparted these instructions, Lord Viṣṇu paused. The Earth, steadfast in her vow, then spoke: "How should the mirror be given? Tell me that, O Mādhava." Hearing her words, Varāha replied: "After uttering 'Salutations to Nārāyaṇa,' recite this mantra: 'The supreme Bhāgavata scripture is the ear; Agni and the twice-born are your mouth; the Aśvins are the nostrils; the moon and sun are the eyes; the face is like the moon; the limbs are the principal elements of the world. Behold this mirror, behold the form.'" He explained that one who, by this procedure, is devoted to the rite, should make the offering with this mantra. Thus concludes the chapter named 'Kaṅkatāñjana Mirror' in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. In the next teaching, Lord Varāha described the initiation of the four castes. After adorning and decorating oneself, the devotee, devoted to the rite, should approach with folded hands. The Earth, with humility, again addressed the Lord: "This supreme secret, you ought to reveal to your devoted followers. Speak of the pure, blessed Bhāgavatī, whose actions are determined by you." The Lord, in the form of Varāha, replied, "O Mādhavi, as you question me in truth, I shall answer as known by the pious kings. The virtuous Bhāgavatas should duly perform the supreme twilight worship, as is established. Having assumed a meditative posture, even for a moment, one should recite this mantra. Among mantras, this is the highest; among austerities, the greatest; among secrets, the most supreme and excellent. It must not be given to the uninitiated, nor to one without the sacred thread, under any circumstance. Now, O goddess, listen as I tell you another act. Having performed my rites, and taking an excellent lamp, recite this mantra: 'Om, obeisance to the blessed Lord of grace and power, Viṣṇu. All the gods are established in fire; thus, O fire, you shall shine by your own radiance. By the power of this mantra, may I swiftly be uplifted for the sake of liberation. O god, accept this lamp, the embodied mantra, and let this act not be fruitless. By this, ancestors and grandfathers are delivered and become free from residue.' I shall further tell you another act that brings happiness to the world." The Earth then asked, "By which mantra should the tilaka be applied to my forehead?" Varāha replied: "Recite this mantra: 'Contemplate the adornment of the face, O Vāsudeva, which has been offered by you and accepted by me.' With this mantra, O Earth, one should apply the painted tilaka to my forehead." He continued, "For the offering of flowers, recite: 'These flowers are offered for auspiciousness, O Lord; make all things auspicious. By you, these have been created and accepted for well-being. Svāhā.' Having offered the flowers in this way, present incense as well. After uttering 'Obeisance to Nārāyaṇa,' recite this mantra: 'By this incense, O sinless one, your offerings have been sanctified. Accept this incense of mine, which grants liberation from all worldly existence. As it is offered, I accept it, bringing happiness to my devotees.'" He then instructed, "Place the lamp upon the knee and recite: 'Obeisance to the blessed, radiant Lord Viṣṇu; all the gods are established in fire.' And also, 'O Lord, accept this shining lamp to release from worldly existence.' Whoever offers the lamp in the proper manner, let him make me as is fitting." Thus, Lord Varāha lovingly revealed these sacred rites and mantras to the Earth, guiding her—and through her, all devotees—in the pure and blessed worship of the Supreme.