Released from all sins, possessing consciousness and freed from the fever of worldly afflictions, one who approaches me after eating jālapāda must undergo a particular journey. Such a soul, for ten years, takes birth as a crocodile and then, for five years, as a boar. After performing this difficult act of atonement, that individual is reborn into a noble family. Transcending all actions, he ultimately attains my world—a realm by which humans cross the dreadful ocean of transmigration. For those seeking atonement, one should eat only fruit for three days, then sesame for three days, and continue this discipline for fifteen days. With a purified and disciplined mind, whoever desires an auspicious path should follow this practice. Thus concludes the one hundred thirty-fifth chapter in the glorious Varaha Purana, named ‘Atonement for the offense of eating jālapāda.’ Now, O Devi, listen as I reveal the sutra of atonement actions. Whoever, after touching a lamp, performs my rites—even in the house of a cāṇḍāla—such is the rule; there is no doubt. Yet, my devotee is born in a pure, bhāgavata household. By these actions, humans cross the hardships of birth in cāṇḍāla wombs. For this atonement, one should eat only once every four days and sleep on a bed beneath the open sky. Having become pure and acting according to proper rule, he should remain steadfast on the path of my prescribed actions. Whatever purifies worldly existence, by doing that, one attains auspiciousness. Now hear truly the result of my fault and offense: one becomes a vulture, lord of the sky-dwellers, for seven years, and thereafter is born as a piśāca, a flesh-eating spirit, for fifteen years. Having heard this from Nārāyaṇa, the Earth herself spoke: “O God, I am greatly curious; you should tell me everything. What is the threefold nature here, O God, in the pure and auspicious speech?” The god then took up a radiant skull of great energy. “O lotus-eyed one, at night in the cremation ground, dear to Rudra—listen truly, O goddess, to this excellent account of mine. Even today, those of firm vows do not know this.” He continued, “Having slain children, elders, and women in the form of the triple city, the yogin lost his mind’s sovereignty, and his magical power was destroyed. There, on that spot, Shiva stood, surrounded by all the hosts. Then, meditated upon by me, O goddess, Shankara will return again. Rudra, whose magical power is lost, the great lord of all beings—his awareness lost, his knowledge destroyed, his yogic power gone, he is powerless.” “Why do you stand here, Rudra, shrouded in confusion? You are the separation of Vaiśākha, you are the origin, you are the ultimate refuge. Why do you not recognize yourself, though surrounded by your attendants? Therefore, tell me truly that which I have asked you. And for the sake of your beloved, it is for this reason that I have come here.” With eyes scorched by sin, Rudra spoke sweet words. The one god Nārāyaṇa, the great lord of all worlds, declared, “I have attained union and knowledge, and I am now free from distress.