In the sacred tradition outlined by the sages, a devotee begins his observance with offerings of milk or clarified butter, measured carefully in an āḍhaka. With reverence, he prepares one hundred and eight oblations, blending sesame with honey and ghee, and offers these in devotion. At dawn, he worships the deity with lotus flowers, their beauty and fragrance pleasing to the divine. Filled with devotion, he prepares food accompanied by five kinds of edibles, and offers this to a brāhmaṇa, praying: “Protect me with compassion, O Lord, guardian of those who seek refuge.” He continues by feeding brāhmaṇas and giving gifts according to his means, understanding that such acts bring merit greater than a thousand aśvamedha sacrifices. The wise are assured that within a year, such devotion leads the practitioner to the supreme abode, granting every promised fruit and ultimately, the dwelling of Hari. On the twelfth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Mārgaśīrṣa, the devotee dresses in white garments and garlands, adorning himself with white unguents. He surrounds himself with the sound of bells and fly-whisks, and the tinkling of ornaments, creating a resplendent atmosphere. The ritual space is covered with a white cloth, illuminated by rows of lamps. Above this, twelve pots filled with water are placed, each covered and furnished with five kinds of gems—whether gold, silver, or copper, or their value in gold as one is able. Deviating from these prescriptions diminishes both lifespan and wealth. With devotion, the devotee bathes the image with the five nectars, and at night keeps vigil, listening to the Purāṇas and similar sacred texts. The deity is worshipped three times daily, as capacity allows. A thousand sesame oblations are performed with the Vyāhṛtis, together with the twice-born. In front of the deity, the recitation of the Purāṇas is arranged, and offerings of ten cakes, ghee, and proper gifts are made. The devotee prays: “Accept this offering, O Kṛṣṇa; grant all desired blessings.” Kneeling humbly, he bows and says, “Grant me the full fruit of this today; obeisance to you, O Supreme Person.” He offers arghya to the deity, accompanied by Mahālakṣmī, praying: “O Lord of the gods, accept this arghya along with Lakshmi.” Whatever is lacking in the ritual becomes complete at once, as he bows to the infallible one. The image, together with the prescribed gift, is offered to the teacher. Afterwards, maintaining control of speech, the devotee eats, surrounded by pure people. Whoever observes the Dvadashi vow in this manner, as a human being, attains the abode of Vishnu, where grief is unknown. Even the recitation of this account grants the fruit of a Vajapeya sacrifice. This observance destroys all sins, is meritorious, and removes suffering. It fulfills all desires and bestows the results of all vows; even vast heaps of sins are pacified by its performance. To begin, one should bathe properly, clean the teeth as prescribed, wash the feet, rinse the mouth, and remember Lord Narayana, thus preparing oneself for this sacred observance.