Listen now to the sacred account as revealed in the Varāha Purāṇa, where the consequences of transgressions and the means of expiation are set forth with compassion and clarity. Once, due to his own fault, a being underwent many difficult births: first as a fly for three years, then as a lapwing for eleven years. His journey continued as he was born an elephant for a hundred years and a donkey for thirty-two more. Through these painful existences, brought on by his own misdeeds, he eventually became devoted to action for the sake of the Lord. In time, upon hearing the words of Hari, this being—distressed by his fate—approached and questioned, seeking understanding. The Earth herself spoke, her words filled with anguish, “These words, so exceedingly dreadful, pierce my very core. Having fallen from proper conduct, he is now devoted to your actions.” Hearing these sorrowful words from the Earth, Janardana, the Lord of the worlds, listened with compassion. Then Śrī Varāha, the divine boar incarnation, spoke: “To atone, one should subsist on a single meal each day for fifteen days. After performing this rite, one should ingest pañcagavya, the sacred mixture. Thus have I told you, O Devi, the means of purification, including for those who have touched the dead. Whoever performs expiation by this procedure will be freed from the stain of sin.” So ends the chapter on expiation for touching the dead. Now begins the teaching on expiation for touching during worship, or when involved with urine or feces. The Lord explained, “When one touches me, O Earth, and wind passes from the body, the result is suffering: rebirth as a fly for five years, as a mouse for three. This, O Devi, is indeed a torment and bewilderment for me at present.” Hearing these words, Vasundharā, the Earth, replied to Hṛṣīkeśa, “Your devotee, though devoted to action, accrues sin beyond compare. O Deva, for his happiness, please declare the means of purification. Hear from me the full explanation. Having committed this offense, one should cross over it by a prescribed act. Once this act is performed, there is no longer any fault with me. Thus have I told you, O fortunate one, about this great offense of action.” The Lord then addressed Earth, “Listen attentively as I reveal the truth. For such offenses, one dwells in the Raurava hell for a thousand divine years. But I shall now declare the expiation by which one may be freed from sin. One should sleep upon a bed made of water, or lie in the open sky. Thus have I told you, O gentle one, the means of purification for those who have expelled excrement.” So ends the chapter on expiation for defecation and urination during worship. Next, the Lord continued regarding expiations for offenses committed during worship and related rites, except for those actions performed for his sake. “One becomes foolish, O fair-hipped one, even if devoted to my actions, if proper conduct is not observed. As expiation, one should lie in the open sky for fifteen days. This is the penance for abandoning the vow of silence; and those adorned in blue garments who approach me must also seek purification. I will now explain, O fair-hipped one, how to cleanse such offenses: by performing the Chandrayana vow with its prescribed rituals. Whoever approaches me improperly, without the proper method, whatever he offers—even if fragrant with sandal and adorned with garlands—will not be accepted.” Having heard these words of Nārāyaṇa, the Earth, steadfast in her vow, spoke again: “Having purified myself, you ought to reveal the secret practice. By what ritual, having become a devotee on earth, is one truly cleansed? This is my doubt, O Lord; I am greatly curious.” Śrī Varāha replied with gentle assurance, “I have explained to you, in its true essence, this supreme and profound secret. Whoever, having renounced all actions, approaches me—” Thus, the teachings were revealed, setting forth both the consequences of failing in proper conduct and the sacred means by which one may seek purification and return to the Lord’s grace.