With a heart full of reverence, one should first utter, “Salutations to Nārāyaṇa,” and then recite the sacred mantra. The mantra proclaims: “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, with devotion, performs my rite in this manner, should make the offering accompanied by this mantra, O Earth. Thus concludes the chapter called ‘Kaṅkatāñjana Mirror’ in the illustrious Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the account of the initiation of the four castes. After being adorned and decorated, one who is devoted to my rite approaches with folded hands resting upon her head. Then, the Earth herself, with humility, addresses the Lord: “This supreme secret, O Lord, should be revealed to your devoted followers. Speak of the pure and blessed Bhāgavatī, whose actions are determined solely by you.” Hearing this sincere request, the Lord, assuming the radiant form of Varāha, replies to the Earth, “O Mādhavi, because you question me with truthfulness, I shall answer as known by the pious kings. The virtuous Bhāgavatas should duly perform the supreme twilight worship as established. Seated in meditation for a moment, one should recite this mantra, which is the highest among mantras, the greatest among austerities, and the most excellent of secrets. It must never be given to the uninitiated or to one without the sacred thread. Now, O goddess, listen as I tell you another sacred act. Having performed my rites and taking a radiant 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.” Then, the Earth asks, “By which mantra should the tilaka be applied to my forehead?” The Lord reveals: “Recite this: ‘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. Then, to offer 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.’ 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 the offering upon the knee, 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.” Hearing these divine instructions from Nārāyaṇa, Earth—Vasundharā—was filled with wonder. She said, “I have heard, O Lord, that your followers are devoted to your rites. But in what vessels should your prescribed acts be performed?” Hearing this, the Lord of the world replied, “I will tell you those things which you previously asked me about. Of all the vessels, copper alone is pleasing to me.” At these words, the Earth spoke sweetly to Janārdana, the Lord of worlds. The Lord, who is beginningless and unconquered, responded, “Hear from me, O sinless one, as I truly explain it to you, O Earth. In the beginning, O Mādhavī, there were seven thousand yugas. Long ago, O lotus-eyed one, there was the great asura Guḍākeśa. He worshipped me with intense austerity for fourteen years. By his unwavering resolve, I was pleased. O great goddess, seeing his hermitage and hearing his few auspicious words, I appeared before him with four arms, devoted to my duties. Seeing him, my heart was gladdened, and I spoke: ‘O Guḍākeśa, highly fortunate one, tell me—what shall I do for you? Whatever you have contemplated, gentle one, in deed, thought, or word—ask for it.’ Hearing my words, Guḍākeśa replied: ‘If you are truly pleased with me, O Lord, with your entire inner being, then I desire to be slain by you, Keśava, with your discus.