With a heart full of devotion, the devotee first fashions an image of Lakshmi-Narayana and reverently places it atop the prepared altar. He then offers food, various delicacies, and oblations with sincere devotion and mastery over his senses. On the following morning, he rises early and, as prescribed, worships Vishnu once more with the same care and reverence. Desiring to please the Lord, he feeds the Brahmins according to his means, doing so with genuine respect and self-restraint. At the auspicious flag-raising ceremony, the wise one performs the sacred fire offering in the proper manner. Through these acts, he enjoys great happiness in this world, surrounded by his sons, wife, and grandsons. Ultimately, he attains the abode of Vishnu—a realm difficult even for accomplished yogis to reach. This practice is supremely meritorious, destroying all sins and delighting Vishnu Himself. So exalted is this act that even Brahma and other deities worship it; what more can be said? Its results are equal to the great merit of raising Vishnu’s banner. Alternatively, service to the sacred tulasi plant or worship of Shiva’s linga also bring immense merit, yet the act of raising the flag is particularly praised for its power to destroy all sins. Now, hear the steps of this sacred rite. One should begin by bathing thoroughly, first brushing the teeth. Dressed in clean, freshly washed garments and purified in body and mind, the Brahmana stands before Narayana. Having completed his daily duties, he then worships Vishnu with devotion. During the flag-raising ceremony, he refrains from performing the nāndīśrāddha. He proceeds to worship the Sun, Garuda, and the Moon, especially with offerings of turmeric, grapes, fragrant unguents, and white flowers. At home, he carefully places the ritual vessel and arranges the portions of ghee and other offerings in their proper order. He begins by reciting the Purusha Sukta, hymns to Vishnu, and the Iravati. Then, he offers Soma, the cow, and the dawn as prescribed. Throughout the night, he keeps vigil near the pure presence of Hari. With fragrances, flowers, and other offerings, he worships the deity in the established manner. The devotee spends the night in Vishnu’s temple, under the raised banner, filling the hours with dance, song, and sacred recitation. O Brahmin, let the banner be firmly fixed, joined to its staff, and established with due ceremony. Hari is worshipped with offerings of every kind—foods to be eaten, chewed, and enjoyed. After circumambulating the banner, the devotee recites a sacred hymn: “Salutations to you, Hrishikesha, Great Person, Ancient One. I take refuge in Keshava, in whom even dissolution itself occurs. Though the yogis do not see him, I bow to him whose form is knowledge. The earth became his foot; I bow to him, who is the very form of the universe. By him the Rig, Sama, and Yajur Vedas exist—I bow to him, who is of the form of Brahman. From his thighs the Vaishyas were born, and from his feet the Shudra arose. His nature is pure, spotless, changeless, and stainless. I bow to Vishnu, dear to true devotees, attainable through devotion. By him the subtle and the gross exist—I bow to him, who faces all directions. To the qualityless, supreme, and subtle one, I bow again and again. Him, whom the lords of yoga proclaim as the cause of all causes—may that Vishnu, the qualityless Supreme Self, be gracious to me.” Thus, the rite is completed, bringing the devotee the highest merit, purification from all sins, and the eternal grace of Vishnu.