Whoever performs expiation in the manner described attains purification from the taint of touching the dead. Thus concluded the one hundred and thirty-second chapter of the Varaha Purana, which dealt with the expiation for touching the dead. Now, the matter of expiation for touching during worship, ritual, or in circumstances involving urine or feces is addressed. The Lord declared: “When one touches me, O Earth, a current of wind departs from the body.” This act brings consequences: for five years, one is reborn as a fly; for three years, as a mouse. “This, O Devi, is indeed a source of torment and confusion for me at present,” he confessed. Upon hearing these words, Vasundhara, the Earth herself, replied to Hrishikesha: “Your devotee, O Lord, who acts without heed, incurs incomparable sin. For his well-being, you should declare the means of purification. Listen fully as I explain, O sinless one. Having committed such an offense, one must cross over it through a prescribed act of expiation. By performing this act, he is no longer at fault with me. Thus, O fortunate one, I have told you about this great offense of action.” The Lord then continued, “Listen carefully, O Earth, as I reveal the truth. One who commits such a transgression dwells in the Raurava hell for a thousand divine years. But I will declare the expiation by which one may be freed from that sin: one must sleep on a bed made of water, or lie in the open sky. This, gentle one, is the expiation for those who expel excrement in a sacred context.” Thus ended the one hundred and thirty-third chapter, on expiation for defecation and urination during worship. Now, the Lord spoke further on expiations for offenses committed during worship and related rites, except for his own actions. “O devotee of my deeds,” he said, “one who is devoted to my actions, but acts carelessly, becomes foolish, O fair-hipped one. As expiation, he must lie in the open sky for fifteen days. This is the prescribed atonement for abandoning silence; and for one who, adorned in blue garments, approaches me improperly, I will explain the cleansing of his offenses.” He continued, “By performing the Chandrayana vow with the proper ritual, one is purified. Whoever approaches me without the prescribed method, whatever fragrant offerings he brings—sandal, garlands, and the like—they are not acceptable.” Upon hearing these words of Narayana, the goddess 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, may I be cleansed? This is my doubt, O Lord; I am greatly curious.” Sri Varaha replied: “I have explained to you, in its true essence, this supreme and profound secret. Whoever, having renounced all actions, seeks to approach me—there, facing east, he should first wash his feet with water, then immediately wash his hands. In the same way, he should touch each foot separately, uttering ‘pañca pañca’ after each. Next, he should drink three mouthfuls of water, which purifies all sins. Then, performing pranayama, he should become wholly absorbed in contemplation of me. He should touch his head three times, where Brahman is established. One who abides in non-duality should touch himself wherever he resides. This is the procedure to be followed when seeking to approach me. For one who acts in this way, my prescribed order of actions is maintained.” Thus, having heard the words of Narayana, the goddess Earth listened with devotion, receiving the sacred teachings on expiation and the secret path to purification.