As the sacred Gaṅgā is revered among all holy places, and the merchant stands out among people, so too does the practice of fasting for an entire month shine as the highest of all vows. The merit that one gains from all other vows, from pilgrimages to every holy site, and from all acts of charity, is equaled by the merit of a single month-long fast. Even the most elaborate and generous sacrifices, such as the Agniṣṭoma, do not grant the same spiritual benefit as this sustained observance. Indeed, whatever is recited, offered, given, or performed as austerity, and every act of svadhā, all these are accomplished by one who properly observes the month-long vow. The devotee, having worshipped Janārdana—another name for Viṣṇu—with a Vaiṣṇava sacrifice and having received the command of the guru, should embark upon this fast. After performing all the prescribed Vaiṣṇava vows, including observances on the auspicious twelfth day and others, one should undertake the month-long fast. If one has already completed the severe pārāka and cāndrāyaṇa penances, then, as instructed by the guru or a learned Brahmin, the month-long fast should follow. In the pure fortnight of Āśvina, after fasting on the eleventh day, the devotee should begin this vow, maintaining it for thirty days. Throughout the entire month of Kārtika, worshipping Vāsudeva with devotion, whoever observes this fast attains the fruit of liberation. Day and night, in the abode of Acyuta, the devotee should worship with auspicious kumuda flowers, mālatī, nīlotpala, and fragrant lotuses. The worship is performed with offerings of flowers, uśīra, camphor, and the finest sandalwood, presenting food, water, lamps, and more to Janārdana. With mind, action, and speech, whether man, woman, or widow, the devotee worships the bearer of the Garuḍa banner with great devotion and self-control. The names and praises of Viṣṇu are to be uttered day and night, accompanied by the recitation of hymns, always with a heart free from falsehood. Filled with compassion for all beings, peaceful in conduct, and nonviolent, the devotee should constantly glorify Vāsudeva, whether lying down or seated. During the fast, one must avoid the enjoyment of food—not even remembering, seeing, smelling, tasting, or describing it, nor releasing morsels of food. The devotee abstains from body and head massages, from betel with ointments, and from all that is prohibited. One should not touch or disturb anything impure, and while staying in the temple of the deity, the householder should remain steadfast. Having completed the month-long fast as prescribed, whether man, woman, or virtuous widow, the devotee should worship Vāsudeva. The vow should be observed for thirty days, whether the observance is less or more, with self-control in mind and senses. Then, on the auspicious twelfth day, the devotee worships the bearer of the Garuḍa banner with garlands, fragrant substances, incense, and ointments. With garments, ornaments, and musical instruments, Acyuta is pleased; Hari is bathed with sacred sandalwood water in devotion. The limbs of the Lord are anointed with sandalwood, adorned with incense and flowers, and after giving garments and other gifts, the foremost Brahmins are fed. The devotee offers donations, bows down, and asks forgiveness, having worshipped Janārdana at the culmination of the month-long fast. After feeding the Brahmins, the devotee is honored in the realm of Viṣṇu, having especially honored thirteen Brahmins at the fast’s end. The proper method continues: after fasting on the eleventh day, the devotee performs a Vaiṣṇava sacrifice, worshipping Hari with the permission of the teacher, offering worship to the best of their ability, and bowing to the guru. With reverence, the devotee feeds Brahmins of pure lineage and conduct, devoted to Viṣṇu’s worship. Thirteen Brahmins are honored in this way, receiving betel, pairs of garments, food, and coverings. Yoga-belts, sacred threads, and brahma-threads are also given to the foremost twice-born, after worship and reverent bows. According to one’s means, the devotee further honors them with a bed, well-prepared and adorned with bedding, pillows, and auspicious decorations. A golden image of oneself is made as possible, placed upon the bed, and worshipped with garlands and the like. The bed is further arranged with a seat, sandals, an umbrella, garments, shoes, sacred threads, flowers, and other offerings. Having thus resolved regarding the bed and bowed to the Brahmins, the devotee requests their approval, saying, “I am going to Viṣṇu’s world.” Thus, that best of men or women attains the flawless abode of Viṣṇu; it is repeatedly declared that the Brahmins in the pavilion are to be praised. Even if there is a lack of mantras, rites, or anything else, all becomes complete by the grace of the Brahmins’ words. Thus, the proper procedure for the month-long fast is described. So concludes, in the glorious Padma Mahāpurāṇa, Uttarakhaṇḍa, in the section on the greatness of Kārtika, in the dialogue between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Satyabhāmā, the one hundred and nineteenth chapter, named “The Account of the Month’s Fast.” Afterward, Sūta continued: Having heard these words, Pāvaka asked once more; listen, O ascetics, to the detailed account of the worship of Śālagrāma. Kārtikeya addressed Īśvara, saying, “O Lord, best of yogins, I have heard of all these dharmas; now please tell me in detail about the worship of Śālagrāma, O master.” Īśvara replied, “Excellent, excellent, O wise one, that you ask me. Therefore, listen as I explain this to you, O affectionate one. In the Śālagrāma stone, O great-hearted Mahāsena, the entire universe, with all that moves and does not move, always abides together.