May the blessed Lord Janardana, who can assume any form at will and who is known as the joy within the hearts of all beings, be pleased here. It is by his grace that the sacred vow is observed. Each month, on the thirteenth day, one should fast and worship the imperishable Vishnu, following the prescribed method. On the twelfth day, the devotee eats only a single fruit and sleeps on the ground. Then, on the thirteenth day, accompanied by a cow, the ritual continues. At this time, one offers a bed to the bodiless one, complete with all its accessories, along with a golden image of Kamadeva and a white milking cow. A Brahmin couple is honored with garments and ornaments, according to the devotee’s ability. The bed, fragrance, and other items are given, with the prayer, “May he be pleased.” The fire offering is performed with white sesame seeds, reciting the names of desire, and likewise with ghee made from cow’s milk and rice pudding, as prescribed by those learned in dharma. Food is given to Brahmins without miserliness, and, as one is able, sugarcane sticks and garlands of flowers are offered. Whoever performs this Madana-Dvādaśī vow as prescribed becomes free from all sins and attains equality with Hari. In this world, such a person enjoys excellent sons and the fruits of good fortune. Smara, when remembered, is Vishnu himself—the essence of joy, the great Lord. One who seeks happiness should remember the Lord of Angaja in the form of desire. Hearing these teachings, Diti undertook all these acts completely. Kashyapa, delighted by the greatness of the vow, came to her and again performed austerities for Diti, who was harsh yet endowed with beauty and youth. Kashyapa prompted Diti to choose a boon, and she requested a son capable of slaying Indra, a child of immense energy. She declared, “I choose the great soul, the destroyer of all immortals.” Kashyapa replied, “The mighty slayer of Indra—I myself will grant this boon here. But let the proper rites be performed, O auspicious one. Āpastamba will conduct the sacrifice for a son today, O virtuous lady.” Kashyapa promised to arrange for the conception of the destroyer of Indra’s enemies. Āpastamba then performed the son-offering sacrifice with abundant wealth, praying in detail, “Let him be the enemy of Indra.” The gods rejoiced, the demons became hostile, and the Danavas turned away. Kashyapa then placed the embryo in Diti and spoke to her again: “O beautiful one, you must make diligent effort regarding this embryo. For one hundred years in this very hermitage, you must not count the days nor partake of food. Never stand or go near the roots of trees, nor sit upon implements such as pestles and mortars. Do not enter water, nor stay in empty houses. Avoid ant-hills, do not remain there, and keep your mind free from anxiety. Do not scratch the earth with your nails, nor with charcoal or ashes. Do not always lie down, nor engage in excessive exercise. Avoid places with husks, charcoal, ashes, bones, or pots. Steer clear of quarrels and bodily harm. Do not stand with loose hair, nor ever be unclean. Do not lie with your head to the north or south at any time. Never be without clothing, nor anxious, nor with wet feet. Speak only auspicious words and avoid excessive laughter. Always serve your teacher, remain devoted to auspiciousness, and bathe with warm water mixed with all medicinal herbs. Perform protective rites, adorn yourself well, and be devoted to worship of the house. Stand with a cheerful face, engaged in your husband’s welfare and pleasure. On the third day and on festival days, practice fasting. Thus should a woman conduct herself, especially when pregnant. The son born to you will possess virtue, long life, and growth; otherwise, miscarriage will occur without doubt. Therefore, act with diligence during this pregnancy, following this conduct. May you be well. I will depart.” Thus she was instructed. Before all creatures, Diti vanished right there and followed the procedure spoken by Kashyapa. Then, Indra, fearful, left the abode of the gods and approached Diti, remaining at her side and serving her. Desiring to find a fault in Diti, the lord of the gods became humble, undistracted, and outwardly calm. Unaware of his true purpose, Diti saw Indra acting virtuously. As the hundred years neared their end, with only three days remaining, Diti felt accomplished, her mind joyful and amazed. But, without cleansing her feet, she slept with her hair unbound. Overcome by sleep, she lay with her head to the south during the day. Seeing this opportunity, Indra, husband of Shachi, entered. With his thunderbolt, the lord of the gods divided the embryo into seven parts, and seven sons were born, radiant as the sun. These seven children, weeping, were forbidden by the mountain-dweller; yet as they continued to cry, Hari divided each one into seven. Then the slayer of Vṛtra cut them again, while they were still in the womb, and thus, becoming forty-nine, they wept intensely. Indra tried to restrain them, saying, “Do not cry again and again.” Yet he wondered, “What is this?” He thought, “By the greatness of what dharma have these been revived?” Realizing through meditation, Indra understood that it was the fruit of the Madanadvādaśī vow.