The great sage was asked, “O revered one, by what cause does a soul become a preta—a restless spirit? And if a Brahmin departs this life after eating food given by a Shudra, what is his fate?” The sage replied, “Indeed, if such food remains in the belly at death, that very food causes the soul to become a preta. Even the mere touch of such food may bring about this state, and even more so if it is consumed. “One may also become a preta by dwelling in heretical ashrams, by drunkenness, or by violating another’s wife. Taking what belongs to the gods, to Brahmins, or to one’s teacher leads to the same result. Harming one’s mother, father, brother, sister, wife, or son brings about this fate as well. Neglecting to perform the prescribed sacrifices, or failing to honor those who are to be worshipped, has the same consequence. So too does killing a Brahmin, showing ingratitude, slaying a cow, or committing any of the five great sins. “Even one who always seeks the welfare of the teacher who imparts the law, or who accepts gifts from the wicked—especially from atheists—may fall into this condition.” Then the pretas themselves asked, “Tell us, what is the fate of those sinners who act against what is right?” The Brahmin answered, “There is but one path for them: at the sacred confluence at Mathura. Especially at the conjunction of the Śravaṇa star and the twelfth day of the lunar fortnight, in the month of Bhādrapada, when offerings of gold, food, and cloth are made—along with an umbrella and shoes—those who are honored along this path will no longer remain pretas. “There, at that holy place, a man who bathes with delight and nourishment, as instructed, and who, even as a preta, hears of the greatness of that very sacred place, is uplifted.” The pretas asked again, “By what act does one become freed from the state of being a preta?” The Brahmin replied, “Long ago, this Purāṇa was recounted to King Māndhātṛ when he inquired about these matters. The sage Vasiṣṭha narrated it then, and now, O most fortunate ones, I shall tell you as well. “In the month of Bhādrapada, on the pure twelfth day when the Śravaṇa star is joined, one must bathe again at the confluence and worship Vāmana. Then, one should give a hundred tawny cows adorned with golden vessels. By observing the vow of Śravaṇa-Dvādaśī, one does not attain a demonic birth. “If a Brahmin, fallen from heaven yet learned in the Vedas, practices this with a mind absorbed in meditation, he is liberated and does not return to rebirth. According to one’s means, a golden image of Vāmana is to be made. “Then, with devotion, one should invoke: ‘Come, O endless giver of boons, Lord of Śrī, by my favor.’ “(Invocation:) You, who in the form of the constellation Śravaṇa, remain in the sky on the twelfth day, I salute you, lotus-naveled, abode of lotuses, Keśava. Salutations to you, all-pervading, source of the universe, the imperishable one composed of all. “This incense, O Lord of gods, bearer of conch, discus, and mace, is offered to you. By your radiance, may all the worlds be revealed and remain imperishable. “You, having assumed the embryo of Aditi and the form of Vairocaniśa, are honored. (Offering of food:) You are approved by the gods and are the supreme goal of yogis. (Offering of water:) You are the enjoyer of offerings, the maker of offerings, the priest, and the offering itself. “O Lord, you are gold, you are food, you are made of water and garments. Rain, Varuṇa, the Sun, water, Keśava, and Śiva—all are present in you. Food is Prajāpati, Viṣṇu, Rudra, the Moon, Indra, and the Sun. Vāmana is the giver of wisdom, and Vāmana himself abides in the liquid form.” Thus, by these acts and this devotion, the preta is freed and attains peace.