Listen, O wise one, to the sacred observances that lead the devoted toward union with Śiva and the Divine Mother. The monthly vow of Śiva is marked by a life of nonviolence, truthfulness, abstaining from theft, celibacy, forbearance, compassion, bathing three times a day, offering fire oblations, sleeping upon the ground, and eating only at night. Along with these, the devotee fasts during the two lunar fortnights, as well as on the fourteenth and eighth days of the moon. These practices, faithfully observed, form the monthly vow dedicated to Śiva. A Brahmin who follows this discipline for an entire year, whether consecutively or in alternate months, attains union with Śiva Himself, and is blessed with knowledge and the perfection of yoga. Now, hear the vow of Umā and Maheśvara, as spoken by the Lord for the benefit of all—men, women, and all beings. On each full moon, new moon, and on the fourteenth and eighth days of the lunar month, one should observe a fast at night for a year and worship Bhava with consecrated offerings. At the year’s end, the devotee should fashion a beautiful image of Umā and Maheśa from gold or silver, and install it with the prescribed rites. After feeding Brahmins and giving gifts according to one’s capacity, the devotee should take the image of the Lord to Rudra’s temple, perhaps with a chariot and all due honors. With splendid umbrellas, fans, and ornaments, the vow is offered to Śiva, the Supreme Lord. Such devotion leads a man to union with Śiva, and a woman to union with Devī. On the eighth and fourteenth days, the woman should be especially disciplined and celibate. A maiden or widow who fasts in this way for a year, and at its conclusion creates and installs an image as described, delights in the presence of Bhavānī after feeding the Brahmins once more. Any woman who, for a year, observes the vow on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, and at the end fashions an image by whatever means possible, will, after performing all the rites, rejoice with Bhavānī. If she observes the vow on the new moon, remaining disciplined and fasting for a year, she should then craft a trident as prescribed and offer it at the year’s end. Bathing the Lord, she should worship Him with a thousand white lotuses, offering a silver lotus and a golden earring to Bhava and the Brahmins, along with other suitable gifts. By the gift of the trident, all sins are destroyed—even those committed intentionally, including the most grievous acts. There is no doubt that such a woman is freed from all faults. In this way, she attains union with Bhavānī; and if a man performs the vow, he attains union with Rudra. On each full moon and new moon for a year, a woman or man devoted to fasting should observe this practice, but for women, it is to be undertaken only with the husband’s instruction, for women are not independent in recitation, giving, or austerities. At the year’s end, she should offer an image adorned with all fragrances, and such a woman of good vows attains union and resemblance with Bhavānī—this is certain. Furthermore, during the sacred month of Kārtika, a woman who observes the vow with single-minded devotion, practicing forgiveness, nonviolence, and celibacy, should give a measure of black sesame seeds, and offer rice cooked with ghee and sugar to the Supreme Lord and the Brahmins, according to her means. On the eighth and fourteenth days, devoted to fasting, she rejoices with Bhavānī, attaining resemblance to the Goddess through steadfastness. Forgiveness, truth, compassion, charity, purity, and self-control—these virtues are the foundation of all vows and the worship of Rudra. Now, hear the sequence of sacred images and observances to be performed from the month of Mārgaśīrṣa through Kārtika. In Mārgaśīrṣa, the great vow described by Nandin should be observed, and an excellent, full-bodied bull, properly adorned, is to be offered to Śiva, bringing joy with Bhavānī. In Puṣya, a trident is to be established and offered, with all the rituals as before, again rejoicing with Bhavānī. In Māgha, a chariot adorned with auspicious marks should be constructed and offered to the Lord of gods, and the Brahmins should be fed. In Phālguna, the Goddess is greatly pleased when an image is made according to rule from gold—or, according to one’s means, from silver or copper—and installed in Śaṅkara’s temple. This brings joy with the great Goddess. In Chaitra, images of Bhava, Kumāra, and Bhavānī should be fashioned according to rule from copper and other metals, and, after proper installation, offered to Rudra, the Auspicious One, bringing joy with Bhavānī. Then, a house in the style of Kubera should be constructed from silver, with the Lord united with Umā and surrounded by Gaṇeśas, adorned with all kinds of jewels, and installed in the auspicious abode of the Supreme Lord Bhava. In Vaiśākha, the supreme vow called Kailāsa should be performed, and by reaching Mount Kailāsa, the devotee rejoices with Bhavānī. In Jyeṣṭha, the great god, in the form of the liṅga and the Lord of Umā, is to be worshipped with joined palms by Brahmā and Viṣṇu. In the center, united with Bhava in the liṅga form, with a swan and a boar, the image is to be made auspiciously from copper and other metals. Thus, by faithfully performing these sacred vows and offerings throughout the year, the devotee—man or woman—attains the blessed union with Śiva or Bhavānī, their sins destroyed, their hearts purified, and their lives filled with divine joy.