In that sacred place, one should begin by feeding the Brāhmaṇas and honoring the guru with the proper mantra. With palms joined in reverence, one should offer salutations to the Brāhmaṇas as well as to one’s own family and companions. Afterward, the guru is to be worshipped with gifts, respect, and all due honors, recognizing the presence of the Lord within him. At the close of the meal, the drops of water that are offered hold special significance, for they complete the sacred rite. Whoever, wise and devoted, worships in this prescribed manner receives great merit. By following this rite, O goddess, the installation of my silver image is accomplished, and the same procedure applies for a golden image as well. The spiritual fruits attained from worshipping images made of wood, stone, bronze, or silver are equally profound. O beautiful one, such worship is so powerful that it delivers twenty-one thousand families from suffering. O Earth, all this I have explained to you as you requested. Hearing this, Earth addressed the Lord, saying, “You dwell in all these images, and especially in the Śālagrāma stone. But tell me, how many such images should be worshipped in a household, and is there any distinction in their worship? What are the specific rules for worshipping Shiva and other deities?” The Lord replied, “In a household, two Shiva lingas should not be worshipped, nor should there be three Śālagrāma stones. Similarly, two chakra stones from Dwaraka or two images of Surya should not be worshipped together. While it is permissible to worship a pair of Śālagrāma stones, two identical ones should not be placed together. O Earth, images that have been burned by fire or broken within the house must never be worshipped. However, a broken Śālagrāma stone with its chakra still intact remains fit for worship; even if it is fractured or cracked, the auspicious Śālagrāma stone may still be revered. O Devi, there are twelve types of stones that arise from the Śālagrāma. By worshipping twelve crore lingas with golden lotuses, one attains immense merit. Similarly, anyone who worships a hundred Śālagrāma stones with devotion achieves great spiritual benefit. The images of all deities are to be worshipped by people of all castes, O Earth, but the Śālagrāma stones should not be touched by those of inferior caste. If, out of ignorance, a Śūdra or a woman touches the Śālagrāma stone, but does so with true devotion, then, O Earth, that devotion is what truly matters. By merely drinking the water that has washed the feet of the Śālagrāma, all sins are destroyed. Purification always arises from association with the Śālagrāma stone. Now, hear from me the merit that comes when the Śālagrāma is accompanied by gold. O Earth, if the ocean itself were to be given to a worthy recipient, the fruit of such worship would be beyond description, even in a hundred years. This secret concerning the installation of images has now been revealed to you, along with the procedures at the beginning of worship. What else do you wish to know?” Thus concludes the one hundred and eighty-sixth chapter, entitled "The Number and Details of Installing Silver, Gold, and Other Liṅgas," from the ancient and divine Śrī Varāha Purāṇa. After hearing these profound instructions from Nārāyaṇa, the steadfast Earth, true to her vow, spoke once more. She said, “There is one supreme secret I long to know, and you alone are worthy to reveal it to me. What is the greatness of the ancestral sacrifice, O king Somadatta? What merit does the ancestral sacrifice yield, and how exactly is it to be performed? I earnestly desire to hear this in detail.” The Lord replied, “O blessed Earth, your question is well asked. Yet, O beautiful one, weighed down by burdens, you are still deluded about this matter. Listen, and I shall explain to you the origin and purpose of the Śrāddha rite. In the beginning, when all was void of light, when there was no radiance and darkness prevailed everywhere, I alone reclined upon the serpent couch, facing away from creation.