By associating with wicked heretics, I too became one who followed their misguided ways. Harassed and pressured by such people, I completely abandoned the path of the Vedas, turning away from the sacred traditions. Seeing me thus engaged in unrighteous acts, the sons of Mahesha took notice. Always given over to sinful conduct and addicted to various vices, I wandered astray. With my army, I entered the forest, where I killed many kinds of animals, my heart hardened by violence. Exhausted by the fierce heat of the sun, I sought relief and bathed in the cooling waters of the Reva river. But soon, I found myself alone, separated from my army and tormented by great hunger. As night began to fall, I saw a woman deeply devoted to the vow of Ekadashi, faithfully observing her fast. Even without the company of my army, I too remained awake throughout the night, keeping vigil. There, at the end of that long vigil, O dear one, I met my death. In that moment, I saw before me a being with a terrifying face and protruding fangs, drawing near. I pleaded, “O learned one, tell me truly what discipline is prescribed for someone like me.” He pondered for a long time, and then a thought arose within him: “On Ekadashi, by fasting, one is freed from all sins. By keeping vigil and fasting, one attains sinlessness.” Indeed, all my sins were destroyed by the power of that fast. Moved by compassion, that fearsome being bowed to the ground before me. Then he summoned all his attendants and spoke to them, saying, “Bring before me those mortals who are devoted to the path of righteousness. Release at once those who always say, ‘Narayana, Achyuta, Hari, be our refuge,’ for the peaceful ones utter this constantly. Those who are always peaceful and speak for the good of all the world—let my attendants stay far from them; I have no authority over such as these. Abandon at once those who are always engaged in giving to worthy recipients, who are truly destitute, and who are devoted to the name of Hari. Likewise, abandon those messengers who regard Shiva and Hari with equal mind, and those intent on helping others among men. But bring to my house those sinners who are not gladdened by the sprinkling of water from the feet of the wise. Messengers, bring here those who delight in deceiving the gods, who destroy people, and who are devoted to wrongdoing. Bring here the one who destroys the village, who is utterly hostile, and who is greedy for the wealth of Brahmins. Also, bring here by force those extremely wicked fools who never go to Vishnu’s temple.” I remembered then how my condemned acts had been burned away by my repentance. There itself, all my sins, without exception, were destroyed. Yama, shining like a thousand suns, bowed before him, and when Yama spoke, all his attendants placed their highest trust in him. Immediately, he sent me to the supreme abode of Vishnu. By that deed, O best of sages, I dwelled in Vishnu’s world. After remaining there for a time, I later went to Indra’s world. Having stayed in heaven, I eventually returned to earth. Because I possess memory of my past births, O foremost of sages, I know all of this. Formerly, I did not understand that this was the vow of Ekadashi. Now I see that whatever actions one performs, their fruit is certain. Therefore, O foremost of Brahmins, I shall observe the auspicious vow of Ekadashi. Those men who faithfully observe the vow of Ekadashi—blessed indeed are they.