Listen now to the sacred unfolding as spoken in the Varāha Purāṇa. The Lord, in his divine form as Varāha, instructed that the śrāddha, the ancestral rite, must be offered according to proper rules to brāhmaṇas who are excellent in knowledge. For if a twice-born performs śrāddha without the correct mantras or rites, or if a brāhmaṇa lacking wisdom lifts the vessel, the rite loses its merit. Thus, O blessed one, the unsurpassed ritual for honoring the ancestors was described, and Varāha gently asked the Earth, “What else do you wish to hear?” With the conclusion of this chapter, the Purāṇa transitioned to a new teaching: the origin, offering, and mixing of madhuparka. Having heard many dharmas, carefully ascertained from the treatises, the Earth spoke once more. Despite hearing much and often, she confessed she was not yet satisfied. For her own benefit, she requested the Lord to reveal the secret—what substances are to be given, and to whom. The Lord Varāha replied, revealing the mystery of madhuparka. He spoke of its origin and offering, and the diminishment that happens thereby. He explained that he, along with Brahma and Rudra, brings about the dissolution of the world. From the southern part of Varāha’s body, a person emerged, and Brahma, arising from Varāha, questioned him: “O god, this is subtle and light; it does not suit you.” Thus was Brahma born from Varāha, established in all actions, and the Lord resolved the matter for both Brahma and Rudra. Varāha then spoke of the origin of madhuparka and its certainty as self-born. The Earth asked what should be done with madhuparka, seeking a complete answer—the reason for its giving, its purpose, and its mixing. The Lord explained that one who gives madhuparka attains the highest state, where no grief remains. Those who perform this rite follow the divine path of the Lord himself. When taking the madhuparka, one should recite a sacred mantra: “Om, this indeed, O divine Lord, is the essence of your body, the madhuparka, which brings liberation from worldly existence.” Varāha continued, instructing the Earth to listen further. Honey, curd, and ghee are to be prepared in equal measure. Having obtained these together, one should perform actions dedicated to the Lord. With this, the chapter on the origin, giving, and mixing of madhuparka concluded, and the Purāṇa moved forward to the description of universal peace. After hearing the teachings on madhuparka, the Earth, steadfast in her vows, was filled with supreme wonder. She asked the Lord, “By conduct befitting the righteous, whatever is dearest to your mind—what is the highest and greatest in that matter?” The Lord replied, “O blessed and noble Earth, I shall explain all of that, including the liberation from the suffering of worldly existence. Afterwards, perform for me the rite of peace, O Earth, which brings happiness to the realm.” He instructed that one should recite the mantra, “Salutations to Nārāyaṇa,” expressing refuge in the Lord who carries souls across the ocean of worldly existence. The Lord advised to look in all directions and below, always protecting from diseases. He spoke of blessings for pregnant women, the elderly, rice fields, and cows. The Lord asked for food, good rainfall, abundant harvests, and safety for all. Thus, the teachings flowed from the Lord to the Earth, guiding her—and all beings—toward righteousness, prosperity, and peace.