For the gods, for the brāhmaṇas, for the devoted, and for maidens as well, there exists a sacred rite of peace. When one, devoted to my service, recites this rite with sincerity, it brings forth blessings. The rite begins with a mantra, calling upon the One who is the source of all worlds, the witness to every action in sacrifice and among the gods. Through this invocation, success and fame are attained, and by his power, great strength is bestowed. By reciting this rite truly, one attains my peace—a peace that brings deep happiness. When the rite of peace is thus recited, it is proper to offer the madhuparka. This offering too is accompanied by a mantra, honoring the One born from the best of the gods, the One worthy of worship, called Madhuparka. The madhuparka itself is a mixture: ghee, curds, and honey, each in equal measure, placed in a vessel made of udumbara wood. If ghee is not available, O beautiful-hipped one, it may be mixed with parched rice instead. The curd, honey, and ghee must always be in equal parts. If none of these ingredients are available, the devotee, ever intent on my actions, should still perform the rite, reciting the mantra: He who is born from your navel, through sacrifices and secret mantras. She who gives, O most fortunate one, what I have prescribed and in the proper manner, acts in accordance with my will. Moreover, I shall tell you further, O Vasundhara, that the offering must always be accompanied by the mantra and follow the prescribed procedure. It should be given by my devotee, seeking liberation from all worldly existence. After preparing the madhuparka, one should recite the appropriate mantra: He who abides in every body, Narayana, the chief of all worlds. With this mantra, the madhuparka should be offered. This, O highly fortunate one, is the course of the madhuparka as it has been described. Thus, those who desire accomplishment should offer the madhuparka. Whoever gives this offering attains the highest state. It should be given to one who is initiated, and to a disciple dear to the teacher. Even hearing the account of the madhuparka destroys sin. This, O auspicious one, is the explanation of the madhuparka that I have given you. At the royal gate, in the cremation ground, in moments of fear, and in times of adversity, this rite has great power. A man without a son shall obtain a son, and one without a wife will gain a beloved wife. O Earth, this great rite of peace, which brings happiness, has now been described to you. Whoever performs this supreme rite according to the procedure attains its highest blessings. Thus concludes the ninety-second chapter, called ‘The Means of All-Peace,’ in the sacred scripture of the Varaha Purana. Now begins the account of the journey of Nachiketas, the wise disciple of Vyasa, one accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. After the horse sacrifice had been performed, King Janamejaya, seeking expiation, arrived at Gajasāhvaya. There, he approached the sage Vaiśampāyana, who was supremely accomplished. The last king of the Kurus, Janamejaya, was afflicted by remorse. He asked, “In which place do humans experience the fruits of their actions? I wish to know about this—what is the abode of Yama like? And, O Brahmin, how may I avoid going to the dwelling of the lord of the dead?” Sūta said: The sage spoke sweetly to King Janamejaya. Vaiśampāyana replied, “Hear, O King, the ancient tale—supremely beautiful—which ever increases righteousness, fame, and glory.