By the grace of her merit, the courtesan was freed from all sin and released from the punishment imposed by Yama; she was now destined for Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of Vishnu. Upon hearing this, both Yama and his messengers, as well as the courtesan herself, turned their attention elsewhere, letting go of the past. Mounted upon a divine chariot drawn by majestic royal swans and surrounded by Vishnu’s radiant attendants, she journeyed to Vishnu’s realm. There, by Lord Vishnu’s command, she dwelled in a splendid palace, enjoying countless pleasures with innumerable kin. O revered brahmin, such is the power of devotion: if someone offers even a simple powder in the house of Hari with care and faith, there is no merit that remains unattainable for him. Whoever recites or listens reverently to this devotional teaching is freed from all sins and attains the abode of Hari. At this point, Śaunaka, ever eager for wisdom, asked Sūta: “O wise one, by what action can a person of good mind cross the difficult ocean of worldly existence and reach Goloka? Tell me also of the supreme greatness of Rādhā’s Aṣṭamī.” Sūta replied, “In ancient times, Nārada approached Brahmā with this very question. Listen now, O twice-born, to what he asked.” Nārada said, “O Grandfather, most wise and foremost among those who know all scriptures, please tell me about Rādhā’s birth on the eighth day, right here before me. What is the merit of observing that day? Who performed it in ancient times, and what sins are destroyed for those who undertake it? By what method should the vow be performed, and when? Why was Rādhā born? Tell me everything from the beginning.” Brahmā answered, “O child, listen attentively to the account of Rādhā’s birth on the eighth day. I will tell you all, except for what pertains to Hari, for even I cannot fully describe the merit and fruit of that observance. The Rādhāṣṭamī vow destroys even the gravest sins accumulated over millions of births, including the killing of a Brāhmaṇa. Those who perform it even once with devotion have their sins destroyed at that very moment; the merit gained equals that of performing a thousand Ekādaśī fasts. Indeed, the merit of Rādhā’s birth-eighth observance is a hundred times greater; it matches the fruit of giving gold equal to Mount Meru. By performing Rādhā’s Aṣṭamī even once, one attains a hundred times the merit of giving away a thousand maidens in marriage. Observing the eighth day of Vṛṣabhānu’s daughter’s birth bestows the merit of bathing at holy places like the Gaṅgā. Whether a sinner observes this vow carelessly or with faith, he attains Viṣṇu’s abode, accompanied by countless generations. Long ago, in the Kṛta age, there lived a most beautiful and excellent woman named Līlāvatī. She had a slender waist, eyes like a doe, auspicious limbs, a lovely smile, beautiful hair, and charming ears. Though she had committed many strong sins, she yearned for spiritual accomplishment and left her home to seek it. Journeying to another city, she saw many wise people devoted to the observance of Rādhā’s Aṣṭamī in a beautiful temple. They worshipped the excellent image of Rādhā with fragrant flowers, incense, lamps, garments, fruits, and deep devotion. Some sang, some danced, some recited supreme hymns, while others joyfully played cymbals, flutes, and drums. Filled with curiosity, Līlāvatī approached them and respectfully asked, “O virtuous souls, what are you doing so joyfully? Please tell me, you who are blessed, and also to me who approaches with humility.” Hearing her words, those devoted to the welfare of others, the Vaiṣṇavas, began to speak: “On the bright eighth day of Bhādra month, Śrī Rādhikā was born; now that the eighth day has arrived, we perform this observance with effort. Sin arising from cow-slaughter, theft, killing a Brāhmaṇa, abducting another’s wife, violating the teacher’s bed, betrayal of trust, and killing a woman—these are quickly destroyed for those who perform the eighth day observance.” Hearing their words, which destroy all sins, Līlāvatī resolved repeatedly, “I will perform it.” There, together with the observers, she performed that excellent vow. By fate, she died, purified by snakebite. Then, by Yama’s command, messengers arrived—holding nooses and clubs—to take her away, binding her with great difficulty. As they prepared to lead her to Yama’s abode, the messengers of Viṣṇu arrived, bearing conch, discus, and mace. With a golden chariot adorned with royal swans, they swiftly cut the noose with streams from the discus and acted with urgency. They placed the sinless Līlāvatī on the chariot and led her to Viṣṇu’s city, Goloka, enchanting to behold. There, by the grace of the vow, she remained with Kṛṣṇa and Rādhā. O child, whoever does not perform the Rādhāṣṭamī vow, being dull-minded, finds no deliverance from hell—even after hundreds of thousands of aeons. Women who do not perform this auspicious vow, which brings delight and destroys all sins, after reaching Yama’s city, fall into hell for a long time.