From the withdrawal of tastes, good fortune arises; when one restrains the senses from indulgence, auspiciousness follows. Indeed, by refraining from perfumes and garlands, a person’s form becomes radiant and abundant. Generosity, too, grants its own rewards: by giving a parasol, one attains an excellent house; by gifting sandals or a chariot, the same result is achieved. The gift of water brings lasting satisfaction, and whoever touches a tree bearing the scent of flowers or fruits for a twice-born one accrues merit. By offering cloth, food, water, or tasty drinks, one receives those very things in return; the giving of such tastes bestows them upon the giver. When one gives to the twice-born, he becomes handsome and is spared from certain diseases. Such a benefactor attains the most excellent abode, filled with women, elephants, and horses. The gift of an elephant or a bull is said to grant eternal happiness in heaven. By giving honey, one gains satisfaction with various tastes; by the gift of a lamp, one attains radiance. Milk pudding bestows bodily nourishment, while rice cooked with ghee brings gentleness and pleasantness. By gifting chariots, a man attains a divine aerial car, and also a palanquin. Most wondrously, by granting fearlessness, one obtains all desires. Thus concludes the two hundred and seventh chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, named "The Delusion of Men in the Cycle of Samsara." Now begins the narration of the devoted wife. At that moment, adorned with divine ornaments, brahmanas—accomplished through austerity—gathered together with their wives and relatives. Among them stood the king, his face pale, his radiance and splendor faded. Seeing him thus, devoid of luster, an ascetic beheld this king of righteousness and addressed him. "You shine forth," the ascetic said, "like another lord of cattle. Why do you sigh like a serpent and grieve so?" Yama, the god of death, replied, "O great sage, listen to what I have seen. There are brahmins who wander, devoted to a life of gleaning, who delight in welcoming guests, ever engaged and self-controlled. These brahmins do not approach me, nor are they under my power. Their bodies are anointed with divine fragrances, adorned with garlands and fine garments." The ascetic inquired, "O Death, for whose sake do you stand here? Who is death, and how does it arise? You always slay those attached to greed, the most sinful, devoid of righteousness. I am not able to punish or favor the great-souled." As they spoke, a radiant being arrived in a celestial chariot. She was pleasing to behold, accompanied by the resounding of great instruments. Standing in the chariot, this auspicious woman with beautiful limbs spoke. The devoted wife said, "Do not harbor jealousy toward brahmins engaged in austerity; brahmins who have mastered the Vedas are beyond comprehension for all beings. Brahmins are always to be revered; brahmins are all the deities. By you, good and bad deeds are always offered to the wise." Having spoken, she was seen departing in the sky, like a flash of lightning. There, Nārada spoke to Dharmarāja, who had arrived. "O King," Nārada said, "she whom you worshipped, who spoke what was beneficial and then departed—I wish to know about this; I am extremely curious." Yama replied, "My dear, even though I worshipped her fully—in ancient times, during the Kṛta Yuga, there was a king named Nimi, renowned for his great fame.