With a heart content in devotion, one should dedicate the observance of fasting to the Lord. This sacred act is to be accompanied by melodious songs, the music of instruments, joyful dancing, and attentive listening to the Purāṇas and similar holy recitations. After bathing in the prescribed manner and restraining the senses, one should worship Viṣṇu with utmost reverence. On the twelfth day, O wise one, by partaking only of milk, a devotee attains a likeness to Hari himself. One should approach this day with graciousness and a pleasant countenance, seeking to receive the vision of knowledge. It is also fitting to feed Brahmins according to one’s means and to offer them gifts sincerely. Having completed the five great sacrifices, one should then eat oneself, maintaining restraint in speech. Such a person, steadfast in devotion, reaches the abode of Viṣṇu—a place from which return is exceedingly rare. Throughout this observance, one must avoid even glancing upon outcastes and sinners. Those devoted to fasting and vows should refrain from idle conversation, especially with those who do not perform sacrifices or who conduct them improperly. Likewise, one should not converse with physicians, poets, or those who oppose the gods and the twice-born, nor should one even verbally honor such individuals. Through steadfast devotion to fasting, a person achieves the highest accomplishment and becomes purified. There is no deity equal to Viṣṇu, nor any austerity greater than fasting. Knowledge is the greatest gain, and righteousness is the greatest good; indeed, there is no father like righteousness. In this context, an ancient legend is told. Long ago, there was a sage named Gālava, steadfast in truth. He resided in a forest thick with trees, where elephants and deer roamed, and where roots, tubers, and fruits abounded. This forest was home to many groups of sages. Gālava had a son, Bhadraśīla, who was renowned for his self-control. Even as a child, Bhadraśīla, endowed with great intelligence, would instruct his companions that Viṣṇu should always be worshipped by all. Thus, even in their youthful play, these children received his guidance. Inspired by his teachings, these noble souls worshipped Viṣṇu with deep faith. Bhadraśīla would pray, “May all the worlds be well.” He undertook the vow of Ekādaśī and dedicated it to Keśava. Observing his extraordinary conduct, the sage—storehouse of austerity—embraced Bhadraśīla in wonder and asked, “Your actions are auspicious and rare, even among yogis. Free from dualities, without possessiveness, peaceful, and devoted to meditation on Hari—such devotion to Hari is difficult to obtain, even without serving the great souls. O child, how did such extraordinary resolve arise within you? Your devotion to the Blessed Lord fills me with wonder.” Thus questioned, Bhadraśīla, the best among sages, carefully recounted to his father all that he had undertaken, describing every detail of his observance. Gālava, remembering his own past births and what had once been spoken by Yama, listened with pleasure and addressed Bhadraśīla, who was full of wisdom. He said, “Of whom, or for what reason, all this has come to be—you must tell me. In a former birth, I was known as Dharmakīrti, and by the command of Dattātreya, I was instructed in these matters. In that life, I performed both unrighteous and righteous acts in great number.