Hear now the sacred narrative as revealed in the Śrīmad Bhāgavata, a tale whose power is especially extolled for women burdened by sorrow—those who have not conceived, whose children have died, who are barren, who have lost a child, or who have suffered miscarriage. Such souls are advised to listen with care to this story, for when it is heard according to the prescribed method, it grants inexhaustible merit. This divine and most excellent tale bestows the fruit of millions of sacrifices, surpassing worldly rituals. After undertaking the vow of hearing this story, one should complete its conclusion, just as those seeking results perform the Janmāṣṭamī vow. Yet, for the destitute who are devoted, there is generally no insistence on the concluding rites; desireless Vaiṣṇavas are purified simply by hearing, without elaborate ceremonies. When the sacrifice of narrating the Bhāgavata is finished, the listeners should worship both the book and the speaker with great devotion. Garlands of sacred basil should be given to the audience, and melodious kīrtana should resound, accompanied by mṛdaṅga and cymbals. Shouts of victory, words of reverence, and the sound of conch shells should fill the air. Wealth and food are to be distributed among brāhmaṇas and beggars. If the listener is detached from worldly life, singing and instrumental music should be performed the following day. If a householder, a fire sacrifice should be conducted for purification of actions. For each verse of the Bhāgavata, one should offer, in the proper manner, sweet rice, honey, ghee, and sesame mixed with other ingredients—especially when reciting the Tenth Canto. Alternatively, one may perform the fire offering with the Gāyatrī mantra, with full concentration, recognizing the Purāṇa as being of the same essence as the Supreme. If unable to perform the fire offering, a wise person should give the materials for it to others, thus attaining its result and removing various obstacles and deficiencies or excesses. To pacify faults, one should recite the thousand names of the Lord, for by this act, everything becomes fruitful—there is nothing greater. Afterwards, twelve brāhmaṇas should be fed with sweet rice and honey, and gold and a cow should be given to complete the vow. If able, one should fashion a lion of gold weighing three palas, and place the book, written in beautiful script, upon it. The teacher or speaker of the Bhāgavata should be honored with proper offerings, beginning with an invitation and including all attendant rites, gifts, clothing, ornaments, and fragrances, as befits one who is self-controlled and worthy of worship. If a wise person gives this to the teacher, he is freed from the bonds of worldly existence; thus, by performing the prescribed rites, all sins are removed. This auspicious Purāṇa, the Śrīmad Bhāgavata, bestows results; it is certainly the means for attaining righteousness, desire, wealth, and liberation—there is no doubt. The Kumāras said, “Thus, everything has been told to you; what more do you wish to hear? The Śrīmad Bhāgavata itself grants both enjoyment and liberation.” Sūta then narrated: Having spoken thus, those great souls recited the Bhāgavata narrative, which destroys all sins, is meritorious, and bestows both enjoyment and liberation. For seven days, all beings with controlled minds listened as prescribed, and then they praised the Supreme Person, the best among the gods. At the end of this sacred recitation, the strength of knowledge, detachment, and devotion became supreme; a youthful vigor arose, enchanting all beings. Nārada, having achieved his purpose and fulfilled his own desire, was overwhelmed with supreme bliss, his whole body thrilled. Having attentively heard the narrative, Nārada, beloved of the Lord, with hands joined and voice choked with love, addressed the assembly: “I am blessed, I am favored by you, who are full of boundless compassion; today I have attained the Lord, Hari, the remover of all sins. Among all religious practices, I consider hearing to be the best, O ascetics, for by hearing alone, one attains Kṛṣṇa, who dwells in Vaikuṇṭha.” As Nārada spoke, the eminent Vaiṣṇava, Śuka—the lord of yogis—arrived there, wandering freely. At that time, the sixteen-year-old son of Vyāsa, the moon of the great ocean of knowledge, entered the assembly. At the end of the discourse, fulfilled in his own attainment, he began to recite the Bhāgavata with love, slowly and gently. Seeing him, the assembly, perceiving his supreme brilliance, immediately rose and offered him the great seat. The sage among the gods honored him with affection, and, seated comfortably, Śuka spoke: “Listen to my pure words.” Śuka said, “The Bhāgavata is the ripened fruit of the wish-fulfilling tree of the Vedas, imbued with nectar flowing from the mouth of Śuka. O connoisseurs and sensitive souls on earth, repeatedly drink the essence of the Bhāgavata. “In this Śrīmad Bhāgavata composed by the great sage, all deceitful religion is cast aside; it is meant for the pure-hearted, free from envy. The true, beneficial reality is revealed here, uprooting the threefold miseries. What need is there for other scriptures? Here, the Lord is immediately bound in the hearts of the sincere, eager to listen. “The Śrīmad Bhāgavata, the crest-jewel of Purāṇas, is the treasure of the Vaiṣṇavas; in it, the supreme, spotless knowledge of the paramahaṃsas is sung. Here, actionless knowledge, together with wisdom, detachment, and devotion, is revealed; by hearing, reciting, and deeply contemplating it with devotion, a person is liberated. “In heaven, in Satya-loka, on Kailāsa, or in Vaikuṇṭha, this taste is not found; therefore, O fortunate ones, always drink it—never let it go.” Sūta continued: As Bādarāyaṇa (Vyāsa) was thus speaking in the assembly, Hari appeared there, surrounded by Prahlāda, Bali, Uddhava, Arjuna, and others. The sage among the gods, Nārada, honored him and his companions. Seeing Hari, radiant and seated on the exalted seat, the assembly began to sing his praises at the forefront. Then Śiva with Pārvatī, and Brahmā on his lotus seat, also arrived to witness the glorification. Prahlāda held cymbals, Uddhava played the bell with lively movement, Nārada took up the vīṇā, skilled in melody, and Arjuna became the leader of the tune. Indra played the mṛdaṅga, exclaiming, “Victory! Victory! How skillful you are, O Kumāras, in this praise!” At the front, Vyāsa’s son, Śuka, recited with flowing composition. In the midst, Hari, Śiva, and Brahmā danced together, shining like actors among the most radiant devotees. Witnessing this extraordinary glorification, Hari, though pleased, spoke these words: “Ask from me a boon, according to your heart’s devotion; I am pleased by your narration and praise at this very moment.” Hearing these words, the assembly, deeply moved with love, joyfully addressed Hari: “In all the songs of the mountains and serpents, and by all devotees, may you be remembered with effort—this is our wish, which must be fulfilled.” Saying “So be it,” Acyuta disappeared. Then Nārada bowed at his feet, as did Śuka and the other ascetics. Rejoicing, their delusion dispelled, all departed, having drunk the nectar of the divine story. That devotion, protected along with his sons, was preserved by Śuka even in his own scripture. Thus, by serving the Bhāgavata, the mind of the Vaiṣṇavas is drawn to Hari.