Having satisfied the twice-born with excellent meals prepared from his own food, great joy arose for Rāma, whose actions are ever pure and untainted. At the same time, a grand festival was held to honor the noble Śatrughna. On the eleventh day, after observing a fast and bathing at the sacred place called Viśrānti, the rituals continued. There, Śatrughna gratified the brāhmaṇas according to their wishes. Freed from all sins by these acts of devotion, he rejoiced together with his ancestors. Thus concludes the account of Śatrughna’s pilgrimage to Rāmatīrtha, as described in the section on the greatness of Mathurā and the slaying of Lavaṇa, in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Then, Earth herself spoke, saying: “A man is born both with and without faults, but he becomes blameworthy only through his actions.” In response, Śrī Varāha explained, “There are many actions that bring impurity: eating with a tooth-stick, partaking of the king’s food, engaging in sexual union, touching a corpse, and the act of defecation. Speaking without being addressed, eating oil-cake, insisting on eating a teacher’s food, or consuming food that has fallen—these too are faults. Not giving green or uncooked food to the poor or to those trapped in misfortune, offering forbidden flowers in worship, drinking liquor even if for a deity, or awakening in darkness—all these are among thirty-three offenses I have described, O Earth. “Moreover, if one fails to offer salutations from afar, the worship becomes demonic. Wearing soiled garments in succession or consuming the five products of the cow without due ritual also bring impurity. Purification for these is achieved through the prājāpatya rite or by wearing blue garments. For the gravest offense against one’s teacher, two cāndrāyaṇa penances should be performed. Other penances include cāndrāyaṇa, parāka, and prājāpatya, as well as fasting for five days and purification by taking the five products of the cow. If there are no flowers, one should still perform worship, bathe, and touch the deity with reverence. “For drinking liquor, four cāndrāyaṇa penances are prescribed for the twice-born. Purification can also be achieved by the brahmakūrcca rite or by giving three cows. Another means of absolution is to recite a hymn to Viṣṇu. Time and again, the god of gods, Janārdana, has spoken these truths.” At that moment, the Earth goddess, regaining consciousness, asked, “Many acts of atonement have always been performed by people. Is there any means by which you are especially pleased with them?” Śrī Varāha replied, “One who has fasted and bathed in the Gaṅgā attains purification. Yet, even so, in Mathurā, one remains pure despite any offense. There, one is freed from sins committed over a thousand lifetimes. By hearing, reflecting, and seeing, all sin departs. Mathurā and the Boar are both dear to you, O Earth. “Tell me truly, O Lord of the gods, which is superior between these two? What are the holiest places and lakes on earth, even up to the ocean?” Earth asked. Śrī Varāha said, “Those devoted to my nature always praise Kubjāmra. On a single day in Mārgaśīrṣa, on the twelfth lunar day sacred to Viṣṇu, my Māthura region is a merit more secret than the most secret. Having visited all the holy places, including Kubjāmra and others, continually—one finds that from resting comes true repose; thus, the name ‘Varā’ is mine. Of all destinations sought, Mathurā is the supreme goal.