The pretas, souls lingering in unrest, approached the Brahmin and asked with concern, “Tell us, what is the fate of those sinners who act against what is right?” The Brahmin replied with compassion, “There is one path for them—at the sacred confluence in Mathura.” He continued, “At the conjunction of the star Shravan and the twelfth lunar day, and also during the month of Bhadrapada, if offerings of gold, food, cloth, along with an umbrella and shoes are made, those pretas will not remain in their state. For the one who is thus honored along the path, liberation is assured.” The Brahmin described further, “There, at that holy place, if a person bathes as instructed—delighted and nourished—and, even as a preta, hears the greatness of that very holy place, transformation is possible.” The pretas, eager for release, asked again, “By what act does one become freed from the state of being a preta?” The Brahmin answered, “Long ago, this Purāṇa was recounted to King Māndhātṛ when he inquired in ancient times. The sage Vasiṣṭha narrated it, and now, O most fortunate ones, listen as I tell it to you. In the month of Bhādrapada, on the pure twelfth day joined with the star Śravaṇa, having bathed again at the confluence and worshipped Vāmana, and having given a hundred tawny cows adorned with golden vessels, the soul is freed.” He explained, “One who observes the vow of Śravaṇa-Dvādaśī does not attain a demonic birth. Then, a Brahmin, even if fallen from heaven yet learned in the Vedas, by means of a mind absorbed in meditation, is liberated and does not return to rebirth. According to one’s means, a golden image of Vāmana is made.” The Brahmin then invoked the Lord: “Come, O endless giver of boons, Lord of Śrī, by my favor.” He continued, “You, who in the form of a constellation, remain in the sky on the twelfth day—salutations to you, lotus-naveled, abode of lotuses, Keśava. Salutations to you, all-pervading, source of the universe, imperishable one composed of all. This incense, O Lord of gods, bearer of conch, discus, and mace, is for you. By your radiance, may all the worlds be revealed and remain imperishable.” He praised Vāmana, “Having assumed the embryo of Aditi and the form of Vairocaniśa, you are approved by the gods and are the supreme goal of yogis. 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—these are present. 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. I receive Vāmana; Vāmana grants to me. The fourteen worlds abide in the limbs of Kapila.” With reverence, the Brahmin declared, “To you, O divine-born, highly honored, I give this for the destruction of my sins. Thus, whoever, endowed with faith, performs this on the twelfth day, being learned—the merit of him who acts according to this rule is a hundredfold. I too, with faith, have served this holy place at the proper time. By this, you sinful ones are unable to trouble me.” He advised, “The vow must be observed until a single cycle is completed. By hearing from you, liberation is attained directly; now I shall surely perceive it.” As the Brahmin spoke these words, a sound of drums echoed in the sky. From all directions, the aerial chariots of the departed arrived, signifying the souls’ liberation and the fulfillment of the sacred rites.