O sage, hear now the wondrous account of the Trispṛśā vow, a sacred observance whose mere sight destroys the burden of ten thousand acts of killing, as well as the sins associated with the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth lunar days that remain in the night. This Trispṛśā, however, must always be joined with the tenth lunar day—never otherwise. If one commits an offense, atonement is the path to freedom, yet know this: the fault that arises from the tenth lunar day is not forgiven lightly. Consuming or observing the vow when it is tainted by the tenth is as if one has taken poison, akin to the dreadful halāhala. If a person, mistaking the time, observes Ekādaśī mixed with the tenth lunar day, thinking it is appropriate, such an error is grave. The merit amassed over millions of births is destroyed in a moment; one’s lineage is imperiled, and the soul is cast down from heaven to hells such as Raurava. Therefore, after purifying one’s own body, the sacred day should be observed properly; if there is any increase or doubt, one must abandon it unless the right conjunctions, such as hearing the scriptures, are present. Fasting on Ekādaśī at the wrong time, especially when confusion arises, diminishes the merit of one’s birth. By my command, the Dvādaśī, so dear to me, must also be observed. Hearing these words, Jāhnavī, the goddess Ganga, humbly replied, “O Lord of the world, I will observe the Trispṛśā as you have instructed. By your command, I shall be freed from all sins.” Śrī Krishna then blessed her, saying, “Return to your own abode, O best of rivers, and be ever fearless. No sin shall ever touch you. Those who bathe in the waters of Sarasvatī, worship Mādhava, and bow to the Lord of the universe, surely attain the highest state.” Yearning for perfection, Jāhnavī asked, “O Brahman, instruct me in the proper procedure. I wish to perform it completely and gain the favor of the flawless Lord Damodara.” Prācīmādhava then explained, “Listen well, O goddess, as I reveal the rite of Trispṛśā. By hearing and performing it, one is freed from all sins. According to one’s means, a golden image of me should be fashioned—whether of a weight, half, or even a quarter. Prepare a copper vessel filled with sesame seeds, and a pure water pot adorned with five kinds of gems. Wrap it with garlands of fresh flowers and scent it with camphor and aguru. Then, after bathing Damodara and anointing him, place him with reverence. Offer a pair of garments, and worship with mantras from the Purāṇas, using fresh, white seasonal flowers and tender tulasi leaves. Present an umbrella to Viṣṇu, along with sandals and many delightful fruits. Gift a sacred thread, a new and sturdy upper garment, and a tall, beautiful Vaiṣṇava staff. To Damodara, offer worship at the feet; to Mādhava, at the knees; to Vāmana, at the waist as the fulfiller of desires; to Padmanābha, at the navel; to Viśvayoni, at the abdomen; to the Lord attainable by knowledge, at the heart; and to the one who goes to Vaikuṇṭha, at the throat. Worship the thousand-armed at the arms, and the yogic form at the eyes. With true devotion, offer arghya according to the proper rite. Take a pure coconut, place it on a conch, wrap it with sacred threads, and offer it with both hands. Remembering Janārdana at all times destroys sins, bad dreams, evil omens, and troubling thoughts. Whatever fear of hell, misfortune, or calamity may arise—whether in this world or the next—may the Lord protect and accept this arghya. Bow down and pray for his compassionate gaze to always rest upon you. Next, offer incense, a lamp, and food, then perform the waving of lights. Circle a lotus above the head for Hari, O best of rivers. After completing this rite, worship your own guru with gifts of gold, garments, a turban, and a tunic. Also present sandals, an umbrella, a ring, a water pot, food, betel, seven kinds of grains, and other gifts. Having worshipped both the guru and the Lord of gods, keep vigil for Hari through singing, dancing, and recitation of scriptures. At night’s end, offer arghya to the deity as prescribed, perform bathing and other cleansing acts, and then eat together with the Brahmins. Shiva himself declared, “O twice-born, this account of the Trispṛśā is marvelous and awe-inspiring. Merely hearing it grants the merit of bathing in the Ganga. By observing the Trispṛśā fast even once, one gains the fruit of a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices and a hundred Vājapeya sacrifices. Not only oneself, but one’s paternal line, maternal line, and descendants are liberated and honored in Viṣṇu’s realm. The merit acquired at ten million holy places and the fruit of ten million sacred fields—all this is attained by observing the Trispṛśā fast. Brahmins, Kṣatriyas with pure minds, Vaiśyas, Śūdras, and people of all castes—everyone who observes this vow attains liberation after leaving the earth, just as the twelve-syllabled mantra is supreme among mantras. This is the foremost of vows, first established by Brahmā and later upheld by royal sages. What more need be said? The Trispṛśā itself grants liberation. Thus, O Brahmin, is the vow of Trispṛśā established. Whoever observes it with devotion attains the same merit as bathing in the Ganga or at Vārāṇasī.