O Lord, source of all compassion, what should be done for one who, out of delusion or pride, seeks another man’s wife? What is the expiation for such a person? And tell me, O Lord, what should be done so that, for any man or woman in this world, there may be no grief, disease, fear, or suffering from separation. Listen then: On the second day of the dark fortnight in the month of Śrāvaṇa, O Madhusūdana, Keśava always resides in the ocean of milk with his beloved consort. On this auspicious day, by worshipping Govinda, one attains the fulfillment of all desires, along with the immense merit of giving cows, land, and gold for seven hundred aeons. This day is known as Aśūnyaśayana. On Aśūnyaśayana, Viṣṇu should be worshipped with devotion, using the prescribed mantras: “O bearer of Śrīvatsa, beloved of Lakṣmī, holder of fortune, imperishable Lord, do not let my household life perish; may it grant me righteousness, wealth, and desire. O Supreme Person, may the sacred fires of my home never be extinguished, may the deities not perish, may the ancestors never be lost, and may there be no discord between husband and wife. Just as you, O Lord, are never separated from Lakṣmī, so too, may the bond with my wife never be broken. O Giver of boons, when you go to your bed, it is never devoid of Lakṣmī; in the same way, O Madhusūdana, may my bed also never be empty.” The Lord of gods should be praised with singing and the music of instruments; and if one is unable, even the ringing of a bell is enough, for it serves as all instruments. After worshipping Govinda, one should partake of food free from oil, eaten at night, without grains or salt, as long as those four things remain. Then, at dawn, a special bed should be offered, adorned with lamps and vessels of food, accompanied by the Lord of Lakṣmī. This bed should be furnished with a footstool, sandals, umbrella, fan, and seat, equipped with all desired items, and covered with white flowers and cloth. It should have a pillow for resting, be adorned with various fruits, ornaments, and grains, according to one’s ability. This offering should be presented to a Brahmin who is free from defects, devoted to Viṣṇu, a householder, learned in the Vedas, and of good character. After seating him and adorning the couple properly, the wife should be given a vessel filled with food and delicacies. To the Brahmin, a golden image of the Lord of gods should be offered, furnished with necessary items and accompanied by a water pot. Whoever performs the Aśūnyaśayana rite for Hari, with a generous heart and devoted to Nārāyaṇa, will never be separated from his wife, O Brahman. No woman will become a widow as long as the moon, sun, and stars endure; the couple will never be deformed or afflicted by sorrow. His sons, cattle, and jewels will not perish, O ancestor; for seven thousand kalpas and seven hundred kalpas, one who performs this rite is honored in the world of Viṣṇu. Now, hear of another event that bestows beauty and prosperity. At the end of the Dvāpara age, there will be a great conversation between Pippalāda and the leaders of men, with Yudhishthira at their head. While residing in the sacred Naimisha forest, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and embodiment of righteousness, will approach the sage Pippalāda and ask: “How does one attain health, prosperity, a mind fixed in righteousness, progress, freedom from defects, and devotion to Shiva or to Viṣṇu?” Listen, O Brahman, to the wise answer of Pippalāda, which he will give to the righteous son of Dharma: “Well asked, O fortunate one. I shall tell you of the Aṅgāra vow. There is also an ancient tale, the conversation between Virocana and the wise Bhārgava. Seeing Prahlāda’s son Virocana, after sixteen years, unmatched in form and radiance, the descendant of Bhṛgu laughed and said, ‘Excellent, excellent, mighty-armed Virocana! Blessings to you!’ Thus, as he laughed, the slayer of gods questioned him: ‘O Brāhmaṇa, why did you laugh so suddenly, saying “excellent, excellent” to me? Tell me the reason.’ To him, Śukra, foremost of speakers, replied, ‘Out of wonder at the greatness of the vow, I laughed. Long ago, when the trident-bearer Shiva was enraged at the destruction of Dakṣa, a drop of sweat fell from his terrible brow. That drop pierced the seven netherworlds and burned the seven oceans, taking a form with countless faces and eyes, blazing and dreadful with fire. This being, known as Vīrabhadra, endowed with ten thousand arms and legs, destroyed the sacrifice, was born again on earth, and as he burned the three worlds, he was restrained by Śiva. Śiva said, “You have accomplished, O Vīrabhadra, the destruction of Dakṣa’s sacrifice; now, by this act of burning the worlds, enough has been done. Be the first among all planets to grant peace; people will see and worship you, receiving boons from me. You will become known as Aṅgāraka, O son of the earth; in the world of the gods, your form will be without equal. Those men who worship you on the fourth day, your day, will receive endless beauty, health, and prosperity.” Thus addressed, Vīrabhadra attained peace, assuming any form at will; and at that very moment, O king, he became a planet again. Once, you saw his excellent worship and offerings being performed by a Śūdra, as you stood by. Because of that, you became handsome, O best of the gods’ enemies; many kinds of beauty arose in you, surpassing all others.’ Thus, the ways of worship, the rites, and the ancient stories all show the power of devotion and the blessings that flow from honoring the Lord and his forms, for the welfare, unity, and prosperity of all beings.