O best of sages, hear now of a sacred observance. When one wishes to offer a gift, it should be given to a Brahmin who knows the Self, for such an offering is most worthy. O Mādhava, be pleased by the supreme gift of food offered with devotion. Then, to the best of one’s ability, together with one’s relatives, one should partake of the meal oneself, maintaining a reverent silence throughout. Such is the power of this observance that the one who performs it does not return again from the world of Brahmā. Indeed, O twice-born, this act burns away all accumulated sins like a raging forest fire. This, then, is the fruit gained by men through this practice of fasting: they are freed from the most terrible afflictions, even those numbering in the millions. This vow destroys all sins, brings great merit, and benefits all the worlds. Therefore, in the holy month of Ashvina, a twice-born should especially undertake this observance. He should ritually consume Panchagavya and sleep near the image of Vishnu. With faith and self-control, free from anger, he should worship Vishnu with a pure heart. Afterward, he should make a firm resolve, reciting the vow: “At the end of the month, O Lord of gods, I will break my fast at your command. Grant me what I desire and remove all obstacles from my path.” From that time until the month’s end, he should dwell in the temple of Hari, keeping a lamp burning continuously in the house of Hari as an offering of devotion. When the observance concludes, he should bathe according to the prescribed method, his mind devoted to Narayana. With humility and devotion, he should feed Brahmins to the best of his ability. In this manner, the vow-holder should observe thirteen monthly fasts. According to his capacity, he should give gifts and ornaments as offerings. By doing so, he attains twice the merit of the Atirātra sacrifice, and merit equal to that of the eightfold Ishtoma. Indeed, he gains twice the merit of the superior Ishtoma, and eight times the fruit of the Jyotishtoma and other sacrifices. The reward is even greater: eight times that of the Aśvamedha sacrifice, five times that of the Naramedha, three times that of the Gomedha, and three times the merit of the Brahmamedha sacrifice. Ultimately, the devotee attains a form resembling Hari, endowed with all enjoyments, and reaches the supreme bliss where, having arrived, there is no further grief. Those who expound this dharma are themselves liberated, without doubt. Especially for those dwelling in the forest, a month-long fast should be observed. Having performed this, one attains liberation—a state difficult even for yogis to achieve. Whether one is foolish or learned, simply by hearing of this observance, one becomes eligible for liberation. Whoever listens to or recites this account is freed from all sins. This vow removes all sins and grants the fruits of all desires. For those who perform it with devotion, it bestows liberation and is most dear to Viṣṇu, O twice-born one. It must always be performed, for it brings delight to both the brāhmaṇas and Viṣṇu. However, let this be known: whoever partakes of food during the prescribed fasting period is more sinful and will go to hell in the next world. On the days before and after the fast, one may eat, but not during the middle day and night, which are set aside for the sacred observance.