O best of sages, listen to the rare and celebrated practice of the fivefold worship of Hari, which is renowned throughout all the worlds. This noble observance is the very source of dharma, desire, wealth, and liberation. In the bright fortnight of Mārgaśīrṣa, on the tenth day, the devotee, with senses well restrained, begins the sacred rites. Having properly honored the gods and performed the five great sacrifices, he prepares himself for the next day. Rising early on the eleventh day, the devotee bathes the Lord of lords with the five nectars, following the prescribed rite. He offers incense, lamps, betel leaves, and makes circumambulations, all with reverence. With folded hands, he salutes the Lord, saying, “Salutations to you, whose form is knowledge itself, giver of knowledge—salutations to you!” Thus bowing to Vāsudeva, the remover of all distress, he proclaims, “From today onward, O Keśava, I will undertake the Pañcarātra fast, renouncing food.” Completing the fast for the Lord, with senses restrained, the devotee continues his discipline on the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth days as well, always maintaining self-control. On the eleventh day and on the full moon, he keeps vigil through the night. He performs offerings of sesame seeds into the sacred fire and gives sesame in charity. After ritually sipping pañcagavya, he worships Hari according to the proper procedures. Then, together with his relatives, he partakes of food in silence, observing the sacredness of the moment. In the bright fortnight, he repeats this vow as before, strictly adhering to the rules. On the twelfth day, with concentrated mind, he again consumes pañcagavya. After worship, having mastered the senses, he presents a gift to the priest—a full water-pot, adorned with fragrant substances and accompanied by a worthy fee. This is offered to a Brahmin who knows the Self, as tradition prescribes. “O Mādhava, be well-pleased by the supreme gift of food,” the devotee prays. To the best of his ability, he shares a silent meal with his relatives. One who observes this vow never returns from the world of Brahmā; it is as if all his accumulated sins are consumed in a forest fire. Such is the fruit gained by men from this observance: they are freed from even the most terrible afflictions, numbering in the millions. This fast destroys all sins, brings merit, and benefits all the worlds. Likewise, in the month of Ashvina, a twice-born should perform this observance. He should take pañcagavya and sleep near Vishnu, worshipping Him with faith, self-control, and freedom from anger. Then, with a firm resolve, he recites the vow: “At the end of the month, O Lord of gods, I will break my fast at your command. Grant me my desire, remove all obstacles.” From that day until the month’s end, he resides in the temple of Hari, keeping a lamp burning continuously in the house of the Lord. Afterwards, he bathes according to the prescribed method, his heart devoted to Nārāyaṇa. With humility and devotion, he feeds Brahmins to the best of his ability. In this way, the vow-holder should observe thirteen monthly fasts, each time giving gifts and ornaments according to his means. Thus, by faithfully following these sacred observances, the devotee attains great merit and the blessings of Hari.