When the sun is eclipsed by Rāhu at the sacred land of Kurukṣetra, the act of giving a tulāpuruṣa there is said to yield remarkable spiritual merit. Yet, this merit increases tenfold if such a gift is made at Kāśī, a hundredfold at Veṇī, and a thousandfold at the confluence where the Gaṅgā meets the ocean. At the holy site of Śūkara, within the temple of Hari, the fruits of such giving are understood to be infinite. Elsewhere, if one gives a hundred thousand with proper observance during the month of Kārtika, the reward is great, but even a single offering at Śūkara is considered equal to all these, as is the case with offerings at Veṇī and at the Gaṅgā-ocean confluence. It is said that by bathing just once at Śūkara, a person is freed from the terrible sin of killing a Brahmin. In ancient times, King Alarka, upon hearing of the greatness of the Śūkara field, was blessed with dominion over the earth of seven continents, O Six-faced Kārttikeya. On the twelfth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Mārgasīrṣa, one should go to these holy places, my son. Hearing this, Kārttikeya addressed Lord Maheśvara: “O Lord, I wish to learn about the supreme vow among all vows—the method of its observance, and the true fruit of fasting for a month.” Lord Maheśvara replied, “This vow should be observed by men exactly as prescribed, beginning and ending in the proper manner. Tell me, O Maheśvara, how many times this vow should be performed? For this vow brings happiness and prosperity—please explain it to me in detail, O sinless one.” Śrī Rudra answered: “O virtuous one, I shall tell you all that you have asked. Listen attentively as I speak with devotion. Among the gods, Viṣṇu is supreme; among ascetics, the sun is foremost; among mountains, Meru stands unrivaled; and among birds, Garuḍa soars above all. Just so, among holy places, Gaṅgā is the best; among people, the merchant stands out. Similarly, fasting for a month is the greatest among all vows. Whatever merit is gained from all other vows, from pilgrimages to holy places, or from acts of charity, is attained by one who fasts for a month. Not even by performing various grand sacrifices, such as the Agniṣṭoma with abundant gifts, can one attain the merit that comes from observing the month-long vow. Every act of recitation, offering, charity, austerity, and the rituals of svadhā are all fulfilled by one who observes the month-long vow according to the rules. After worshipping me, Janārdana, with a Vaiṣṇava sacrifice and receiving the command of the guru, one should undertake this fast. All the Vaiṣṇava vows should be performed as prescribed, including the auspicious twelfth and other sacred days, before undertaking the month-long fast. After performing the severe pārāka and cāndrāyaṇa penances, one should then observe the month-long fast, as instructed by the guru or a learned Brahmin. On the pure fortnight of Āśvina, having fasted on the eleventh day, one should take up this vow for thirty days. Throughout the entire month of Kārtika, one should worship Vāsudeva; whoever observes this month-long fast attains the fruit of liberation. In the abode of Acyuta, with devotion, one should worship three times daily using auspicious flowers—kumuda, mālatī, nīlotpala, and fragrant lotuses. One should anoint the Lord with these flowers, uśīra, camphor, and excellent sandalwood, and offer food, water, lamps, and other offerings to Janārdana. With mind, action, and speech, whether man, woman, or widow, one should worship the bearer of the Garuḍa banner with great devotion and self-control. Day and night, one should utter the names and praises of Viṣṇu, reciting hymns to Him with a sincere heart, free from falsehood. One should be compassionate to all beings, peaceful in conduct, nonviolent, and whether lying down or seated, should constantly glorify Vāsudeva. During the vow, one must avoid even the thought, sight, smell, taste, or description of food, and refrain from releasing morsels of food. It is also forbidden to indulge in body or head massages, betel with ointments, or any other prohibited acts during this time. The observer of the vow should not touch or disturb anything impure, and, while residing in the temple of the deity, a householder should remain steadfast in observance. Having completed the month-long fast as prescribed, whether man, woman, or virtuous widow, one should worship Vāsudeva with devotion. The vow is to be observed for thirty days, whether the observance is strict or moderate; after completing the fast, with mind and senses controlled, one should proceed to the next rites. On the auspicious twelfth day, one should worship the bearer of the Garuḍa banner, offering garlands of flowers, fragrant substances, incense, and ointments. With garments, ornaments, and musical instruments, one should please Acyuta, bathing Hari with sacred sandalwood water in devotion. After anointing the Lord’s limbs with sandalwood and adorning Him with incense and flowers, one should give garments and other gifts, and then feed the foremost Brahmins. With humility, one should offer them donations, bowing down and seeking their forgiveness. Thus, having worshipped Janārdana after the month-long fast, and having fed the Brahmins, one is honored in the realm of Viṣṇu. In this way, at the conclusion of the vow, thirteen Brahmins should be honored. Now listen to the proper method for conducting these Brahmins forth: having fasted on the eleventh day, one should perform a Vaiṣṇava sacrifice. After worshipping Hari, Lord of the gods, with the teacher’s permission and offering worship to the best of one’s ability, the devotee should bow to the guru. With reverence, one should then feed Brahmins of pure lineage and conduct, devoted to the worship of Viṣṇu. After worshipping and feeding thirteen Brahmins, the devotee should give betel, pairs of garments, food, and coverings. Further, yoga-belts, sacred threads, and brahma-threads should be given to the foremost twice-born, after worshipping and bowing to them. Finally, according to one’s means, one should honor them with a bed—well-prepared with bedding, auspicious and excellent, complete with pillows and adorned. Thus is the supreme vow described, its method and fruits revealed—a path of devotion, discipline, and generosity, leading the sincere soul toward liberation and honor in the presence of Lord Viṣṇu.