In the sacred tradition, it is taught that one should, to the best of one's ability, fill bamboo vessels with sprouted grains, coconuts, cooked food, garments, and a variety of fruits, offering them with reverence. At such a gathering, the teacher and his wife should be clothed and honored, worshipped with divine ornaments, fragrant scents, and garlands. It is also prescribed to give a cow, adorned with all necessary ornaments and yielding milk, together with appropriate gifts and clothing. By performing these acts, one attains the merit equal to that gained by bathing at all the sacred fords, receiving the entire fruit of such merit through the grace of the Lord of gods. Blessed by Viṣṇu, the devotee enjoys abundant pleasures and fulfills all delightful desires, ultimately attaining the Vaiṣṇava abode. Once, the sage Nārada approached Brahmā and asked, “O Brahmā, please tell me the supreme method of the lamp vow called Saṃvatsara, the foremost among all vows, and its greatness. By which, surely, all vows are as if accomplished, all desires fulfilled, and all sins destroyed.” Mahādeva replied, “O divine sage, I will reveal to you the secret that destroys sin. By hearing this, even those burdened with the gravest sins—such as a slayer of a Brahmin, a killer of cows, a betrayer of friends, or one who violates the teacher’s bed, a betrayer of trust, or one of cruel mind—can attain eternal liberation, uplifting a hundred generations, and reach Viṣṇu’s world. Therefore, listen as I explain the unsurpassed lamp vow, its procedure for a year, and its greatness. “In the first month of winter, upon the auspicious day of Ekādaśī, one should rise at the Brāhma Muhūrta, free from desire and anger. At the confluences of rivers, sacred fords, ponds, or streams, one should bathe—or, if unable, bathe at home—with self-control and purity, praying for the merit of bathing in all sacred fords. “After bathing, having satisfied the gods and ancestors and performed japa with controlled senses, one should worship Lord Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, bathing Him with the five nectars and then with 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.’ “Then, worship Janārdana together with Lakṣmī, using Vedic and Purāṇic mantras, with devotion. Offer sandal and other fragrant offerings, reciting, ‘Salutations to Matsya, salutations to Kūrma, salutations to Vārāha, and to Narasiṃha; salutations to Buddha, and again to Kalki; salutations to Rāma, salutations to you, Viṣṇu, the soul of all.’ Thus, worship Hari with the names beginning with Keśava. “Present incense, divine, fragrant, pure, and sweet-scented, praying, ‘O Lord of gods, please accept it.’ Offer the lamp, which dispels darkness and bestows radiance, saying, ‘May Janārdana be pleased with me.’ Present the food offering, saying, ‘O Lord of gods, Lord of the universe, please accept this, together with Lakṣmī, as the highest nectar.’ “After meditating on Janārdana with devotion, offer arghya with water and a fruit or a conch, praying, ‘Whatever sin I have committed over thousands of lifetimes, let all of that be destroyed by Your grace, O Keśava.’ “Next, bring a new, spotless pot filled with ghee or oil before Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa. Place a copper or clay vessel upon it, and in that vessel set a wick made of ninety threads. After kindling the lamp and setting the pot firmly, worship it with flowers, fragrance, and other offerings, making a pure resolve. “In the dwellings where there is no wind, the one sovereign lord of what has been and what will be shines forth through this lamp, which is arranged for a year like an unbroken fire-offering. May Keśava be pleased. “Throughout the year, master the senses and devote yourself to scriptural knowledge, avoiding conversation with fallen sinners or heretical men. At night, keep vigil with singing, dancing, musical instruments, recitations of sacred texts, stories of dharma, and observances. At dawn, perform the morning rites, feed Brahmins with devotion, and honor them according to your means. After breaking your fast, bow and take leave. In this way, with firm resolve, observe day and night for a year. “The lamp should be made of a pala of gold, or half, or a quarter, and the wick of silver, or half or a quarter of two palas. The pot should be filled with ghee and accompanied by a copper vessel; the image of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa should be made of gold, as per one’s means. This is to be done by a devoted person who desires the gateway to liberation. “A learned man should invite excellent and virtuous Brahmins. In the bright half of the month, twelve Brahmins; in the middle, six; otherwise three or even one Brahmin may be engaged for the rite. Choose a peaceful Brahmin with his wife, skilled in rituals, learned in history and Purāṇa, knowledgeable in dharma, and gentle. One who is devoted to ancestors, honors the teacher, and worships gods and Brahmins, should, with the prescribed offering of water for the feet, garments, and ornaments, worship, together with his wife, with devotion as before, the god Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, accompanied by a lamp and wick.” Thus, the greatness and procedure of the Saṃvatsara lamp vow are revealed, promising the destruction of sins and the attainment of Viṣṇu’s world for those who observe it with faith and devotion.