With unwavering faith, a devotee should approach the worship of Lord Vishnu, cultivating self-control and remaining free from anger. With a pure heart, he begins by making a sacred resolve, reciting the vow with humility and intention. He prays, “At the end of this month, O Lord of gods, by your command I will break my fast. Grant me my heart’s desire and remove all obstacles from my path.” From that moment until the month’s end, the devotee takes up residence in the temple of Hari, immersing himself in the Lord’s presence. Throughout the entire month, he ensures that a lamp burns without ceasing in the house of Hari, symbolizing his unwavering devotion. When the month concludes, he bathes according to prescribed rites, his mind and heart devoted to Narayana. With humility and devotion, he feeds Brahmins to the best of his ability, honoring them with respect and care. In this manner, the observer of the vow completes thirteen monthly fasts, each one performed with diligence and faith. According to his capacity, he gives gifts and ornaments, offering with a generous spirit. Such devotion yields abundant rewards. The merit he gains is twice that of the renowned Atirātra sacrifice, and equal to the supreme merit of the eightfold Ishtoma. Indeed, he attains twice the merit of the superior Ishtoma, and eight times the fruit of the Jyotishtoma and other great sacrifices. His reward is eightfold that of the Aśvamedha sacrifice, five times greater than the Naramedha, three times greater than the Gomedha, and three times greater than the Brahmamedha. Through this observance, he comes to resemble Hari himself, endowed with all enjoyments. He attains supreme bliss, reaching a state where sorrow cannot touch him. Those who teach this dharma are themselves liberated, without any doubt. This month-long fast is especially recommended for those dwelling in the forest. By performing it, one attains liberation—a state difficult even for accomplished yogis to reach. Whether a person is foolish or learned, simply by hearing this teaching, he becomes eligible for liberation. Whoever listens to or recites these sacred instructions is freed from all sins. This vow removes all sins and grants the fulfillment of all desires. For those who undertake it with devotion, it bestows liberation and is most dear to Vishnu himself. Therefore, it should always be performed, for it brings delight to both the Brahmins and to Vishnu. Yet, there are cautions: whoever partakes of food on the sacred day of the fast incurs great sin and will suffer in the next world. On the day before and the day after, eating is permitted, but not during the middle day and night of the fast. One who desires to eat on that day certainly invites all sins upon himself. On Ekādaśī, the eleventh day, one who seeks liberation should fast completely. Indeed, if liberation is your goal, then fast on the eleventh day—this is emphasized again and again. O Brahmin, while all beings are sustained by food on this day of Hari, whoever eats on the eleventh day finds no expiation for their act. But by fasting on this sacred day, one attains the supreme path. Therefore, it should always be observed by those Brahmins who wish to cut off worldly existence and seek the highest goal. On this day, one should bathe and worship Vishnu according to the proper method, keeping the senses under control. With devotion to Narayana, one should lie down in the presence of Vishnu, and offer him fragrance, flowers, and other appropriate offerings. Finally, with humility, the devotee prays, “O Lotus-eyed One, I will eat; O Achyuta, be my refuge.” Thus, the vow is fulfilled, bringing the devotee ever closer to the Lord and to liberation itself.