With deep reverence, the devotee approaches the Lord, offering arghya with tulasi leaves and always accompanied by a conch, praying, “O God, accept this offering. Obeisance to you, Lord of gods.” After worshipping Janardana, the Lord of gods, together with Lakshmi, the devotee prays earnestly for the fulfillment and completion of the vow. With humility and sincerity, they declare, “O Lord of gods, I have fasted, free from desire and anger; by this vow, you alone are my refuge.” Acknowledging human imperfection, the devotee continues, “O God, whatever has been left incomplete by me in this vow, may all that be fulfilled by your grace, O Janardana.” With folded hands, they offer obeisance to the lotus-eyed one, to the Lord who lies upon the waters, and express gratitude: “This vow has been performed by me through your favor, O Keshava.” Seeking wisdom, the devotee prays, “O Keshava, destroyer of the darkness of ignorance, by this vow, may you become gracious and bestow the vision of knowledge.” As night descends, the devotee remains awake, singing and reading scriptures, accompanied by music and dance performed by those skilled in the arts, and listening to auspicious stories of merit. When the night passes and the pure sun rises, the devotee, with devotion, invites Brahmins and performs a Vaishnava śrāddha. The Brahmins are fed as desired with rice pudding and ghee, along with betel, flowers, fragrance, and other gifts, all offered appropriately. Sacred threads, garments, garlands, and sandalwood are given, and three married couples are fed, along with clothes, ornaments, and saffron. To the best of their ability, the devotee fills bamboo vessels with sprouted grains, coconuts, cooked food, garments, and various fruits. The teacher and his wife are clothed and worshipped with divine ornaments, fragrance, and garlands. A cow, adorned with all necessary ornaments and yielding milk, is gifted along with proper gifts and clothing. The merit gained from bathing at all sacred fords is obtained through the grace of the Lord of gods. After enjoying abundant pleasures and all delightful desires, by the grace of Vishnu, the devotee ultimately attains the Vaiṣṇava abode. Seeking further wisdom, Nārada approaches Brahmā and asks, “O Brahmā, tell me the supreme method of the lamp vow called Saṃvatsara, which is foremost among all vows, and its greatness—by which all vows are accomplished, all desires fulfilled, and all sins destroyed.” Mahādeva responds, “O divine sage, I will tell you the secret that destroys sin; by hearing this, even those who have committed the gravest offenses attain eternal liberation, uplifting a hundred generations, and go to Viṣṇu’s world.” Mahādeva continues, “Therefore, I shall explain the unsurpassed lamp vow, its procedure for a year, and its greatness. In the first month of winter, upon the auspicious Ekādaśī, one should rise at Brāhma Muhūrta, free from desire and anger. At the confluences of rivers, sacred fords, ponds, or streams, one should bathe with self-control—or at home if necessary. After bathing at all sacred fords, pray, ‘Grant me always that merit of bathing.’” Reciting the bathing mantra, the devotee satisfies the gods and ancestors, performs japa with controlled senses, and then worships Lord Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, bathing him with the five nectars and fragrant water. Praying, “You are bathed, O Lord of gods, accompanied by Lakṣmī, Lord of the universe; deliver me from the terrible bondage of worldly existence,” the devotee proceeds to worship Janārdana and Lakṣmī with Vedic and Purāṇic mantras, with devotion. With sandal and other offerings, or with heartfelt words, the devotee salutes the divine incarnations: “Salutations to the god Matsya, salutations to Kūrma, Vārāha, Narasiṃha, Buddha, Kalki, Rāma, and to you, Viṣṇu, the soul of all.” Thus, Hari is worshipped with names beginning with Keśava. Offering incense, the devotee prays, “This incense, divine, fragrant, pure, and sweet-scented, O Lord of gods, please accept it.” Recognizing the lamp’s power to dispel darkness and bestow radiance, they offer the lamp with the prayer, “May Janardana be pleased with me.” Food is offered, “O Lord of gods, Lord of the universe, please accept this food offering, together with Lakshmi, as the highest nectar.” Meditating on Janardana with devotion, arghya is offered, using water with a fruit in hand or with a conch. The devotee prays, “Whatever sin I have committed over thousands of lifetimes, let all that be destroyed by Your grace, O Keshava.” With a new, spotless pot filled with ghee or oil, placed before Lakshmi-Narayana, a vessel of copper or clay is set atop it, and a wick made of ninety threads is placed within. The lamp is kindled, the pot set firmly, and worshipped with flowers, fragrance, and other offerings. With purity, the devotee makes a resolve: “In dwellings where there is no wind, the one sovereign lord of what has been and what will be shines forth.” The lamp, arranged for a year, is like an unbroken fire-offering, and the devotee prays, “May Keshava be pleased with me.” Mastering the senses and devoting oneself to the knowledge of the scriptures, the devotee avoids conversing with fallen sinners or heretical men, thus completing the sacred observance with unwavering devotion and purity.