In the sacred month of Caitra, during the bright fortnight on the twelfth day, a devotee observing the prescribed vow would begin by placing a spotless vessel, filled to the brim with pure white rice. This pot was then beautifully adorned with an array of fruits and a stalk of sugarcane, covered with two white cloths, and gently smeared with fragrant white sandalwood paste. Accompanying the pot were various foods and, according to one's means, some gold. Upon the pot, a copper vessel filled with sweet jaggery was set, and above that, a fresh banana leaf was placed. To the left of this arrangement, as desired, an image of Rati crafted from sugar was added. The devotee would then offer sweet fragrances and incense, and arrange for music and singing; if these were not possible, stories of Kama and Keshava would be recited instead. Worship was offered to Hari under the name of Kama, bathing Him with scented water and presenting white flowers, rice grains, and sesame seeds to Madhusudana. Each part of the divine form was honored with devotion: the feet for Kama, the thighs for the bestower of good fortune, the hips for Smara and Manmatha, the abdomen for the one with a pure belly, the chest for Ananga, the face for the lotus-faced Lord, and the arms for the five-arrowed deity. With reverence, salutations were offered to the all-pervading One, and the head was worshipped as Keshava. When dawn arrived, the pot was offered to a Brahmin with respect. Brahmins were fed with devotion, and the devotee partook of food without salt, then gave the prescribed donation, reciting a sacred mantra: “May the blessed Lord Janardana, who takes any form at will, be pleased here—He who is called the joy within the hearts of all beings.” This vow was to be observed each month in this manner. On the thirteenth day, after fasting, the devotee would worship the imperishable Vishnu. On the twelfth day, after eating only a single fruit, one would sleep upon the ground; then, on the thirteenth, accompanied by a cow, one would give a bed to the bodiless one, complete with all accessories, along with a golden image of Kamadeva and a white milking cow. A Brahmin couple was to be honored with garments and ornaments, as one was able, and the bed, fragrance, and other items were offered with the words, “May he be pleased.” A fire offering was performed with white sesame seeds, reciting the names of desire, and likewise with ghee from cow’s milk and rice pudding, as prescribed by the wise. Food was given to Brahmins generously, and, according to one’s means, sugarcane sticks and garlands of flowers were also offered. Whoever performed this Madana-Dvādaśī vow as prescribed would be freed from all sins and attain equality with Hari. In this very world, such a person would enjoy excellent sons and the fruits of good fortune. Smara—when remembered—is Vishnu Himself, the very essence of joy, the Great Lord. One seeking happiness should remember the Lord of Angaja in the form of desire. Hearing these instructions, Diti performed all these acts with care and devotion. Kashyapa, delighted by the greatness of the vow, came to her and, pleased, performed austerities for her—she who was stern yet endowed with beauty and youth. He encouraged her to choose a boon, and she asked for a son who would be capable of slaying Indra, possessing immense energy. She declared, “I choose the great soul, the destroyer of all immortals.” Kashyapa replied, “So be it—the mighty slayer of Indra. I myself will grant it here. But let this be done, O auspicious one: Āpastamba will perform the sacrifice for a son today, O virtuous lady. Then I will arrange for the conception of the destroyer of Indra’s enemies.” Āpastamba then performed the son-offering sacrifice with abundant wealth, offering, “Let him be the enemy of Indra,” in detail. The gods rejoiced, the demons became hostile, and the Danavas turned away. Kashyapa then placed the embryo in Diti and spoke to her again: “You must make effort, O beautiful one, regarding this embryo. For one hundred years in this very hermitage, O fair one, the pregnant woman must not count the days nor partake of food. One should never stand or go near the roots of trees, nor sit upon implements such as pestles, mortars, and the like. One should not enter water, nor stay in empty houses; one should avoid ant-hills, not remain there, and should not be anxious in mind. One should not scratch the earth with nails, nor with charcoal or ashes; one should not always lie down, and should avoid excessive exercise. One should not enter places with husks, charcoal, ashes, bones, or pots; one should avoid quarrels with people and bodily harm likewise. One should not stand with loose hair, nor ever be unclean; one should not lie with the head to the north or to the south at any time. One should not be without clothing, nor anxious, nor with wet feet; one should not speak inauspicious words, nor be excessively given to laughter. One should always serve the teacher, be devoted to auspiciousness, and bathe with warm water mixed with all medicinal herbs. Having performed protective rites and adorned herself well, devoted to worship of the house, she should stand with a cheerful face, engaged in her husband’s welfare and pleasure. On the third day and on festival days, she should practice fasting; thus a woman should conduct herself, especially when pregnant. The son born to her will possess virtue, long life, and growth; otherwise, miscarriage will occur, without doubt. Therefore, you should act with diligence in this pregnancy, following this conduct; may you be well. I will depart.” Having spoken thus, Kashyapa vanished before all creatures. Diti then faithfully followed the procedure he had prescribed.