O beautiful one, this sacred item, once received, must be kept close to the counting beads. Among these beads, the most excellent consists of one hundred and eight; the middling strand contains fifty-four, and the lowest is thirty-two beads. The highest kind is crafted from rudrākṣa seeds, while the middle sort is made from putrajīva seeds. Such knowledge, O dear one, is not known even in hundreds of lifetimes. There are further rules: one who is impure should not touch these beads, nor should they be placed in the hands of women. Moreover, they are not to be shown to anyone; instead, one should reflect inwardly and worship with devotion. In this way, according to the prescribed rule, the counting beads are to be preserved. Having heard these words spoken by Viṣṇu, the steadfast Earth, firm in her vow, addressed Him: “How should the mirror be given, O Mādhava? Please tell me.” Hearing her question, Varāha replied once more. He instructed, “Having uttered, ‘Salutations to Nārāyaṇa,’ one should 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.’ Whoever, by this procedure, is devoted to my rite, should make the offering in this manner, O Earth, using this mantra.” Thus concludes the chapter named ‘Kaṅkatāñjana Mirror’ in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the discourse on the initiation of the four castes. Having been adorned and decorated, one who is devoted to my rite—Earth, with folded hands placed upon her head, spoke again: “Lord, you ought to reveal this supreme secret to your devoted followers. Speak to me of the pure, blessed Bhāgavatī, whose actions are guided by you.” Then the Lord, in the form of Varāha, replied: “O Mādhavi, since you question me sincerely, I shall answer as the virtuous kings have known. The noble Bhāgavatas should faithfully perform the supreme twilight worship as established. Having assumed a meditative posture, one should recite this mantra. Among mantras, it 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, hear another instruction. 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 tell you yet another act that brings happiness to the world.” The Earth then asked, “By which mantra should the tilaka be applied to my forehead?” The Lord 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, the painted tilaka should be applied to my forehead. Then, offer flowers with this mantra: ‘These flowers are offered for auspiciousness, O Lord; make all things auspicious. By you, these have been created and accepted for well-being. Svāhā.’ After offering the flowers in this way, incense should also be presented. Having uttered, ‘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.’ Then, placing it upon the knee, recite: ‘Obeisance to the blessed, radiant Lord Viṣṇu; all the gods are established in fire.’ And then, ‘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. Hearing these words of Nārāyaṇa, Vasundharā was filled with wonder. She spoke: “I have heard, O Lord, that your followers are devoted to your rites. In what vessels should your prescribed acts be performed?” Then, hearing the words of the Earth, the Lord of the world replied: “I will tell you those things you previously asked me about. Of all vessels, copper is most pleasing to me.” The Earth then spoke sweet words to Janārdana, the Lord of the worlds. Hearing her, the beginningless and unconquered one said, “Hear from me, O sinless one, as I truly explain it to you. In the beginning, O Mādhavī, there were seven thousand yugas…” Thus, the sacred dialogue continued, revealing the profound mysteries of worship and devotion as established by the Lord Himself.