O noble Partha, listen closely to the sacred observances prescribed for Ekadashi, the day beloved by Vishnu. First, understand that for householders, "eating at night" does not simply mean partaking of food after sunset; rather, it is permitted when the stars are visible in the sky. For ascetics, however, eating during the eighth portion of the day is forbidden at night; they must wait until dawn to fulfill their vows and perform prescribed observances. At midday, the pure-hearted devotee should bathe. Bathing in a well is considered inferior, in a pond is middling, but bathing in a lake is superior, and in a river—where creatures press together in the waters—even higher. When one bathes in such sacred rivers, O Partha, sin and merit are balanced. Bathing at home is also excellent, provided the water is purified. Therefore, O best of the Pandavas, one should bathe at home, choosing earth trodden by horses, chariots, and by the feet of Vishnu himself. As you bathe, pray: "O clay, remove my sins accumulated from the past; abandoning anger and greed, let me be single-minded and firm in resolve." Avoid the company of those who speak falsely, imposters, those devoted to untruth, and those who revile Brahmanas. Also shun those of bad conduct, those engaged in forbidden relations, those who steal the property of others, and those who approach another’s wife. After worshipping Kesava, offer food and give a lamp in your house, your mind filled with devotion. On this day, O Partha, avoid sleep and sexual intercourse; instead, spend the entire day immersed in the enjoyment and study of Dharmaśāstra. At night, remain awake with devotion, O best of kings, giving gifts to Brahmanas, bowing down and seeking their forgiveness. Just as on the dark fortnight, so also on the bright, the observance must be performed in this manner; a twice-born should not distinguish between the two Ekadashis, O Partha. Now hear the fruits attained by one who follows these practices: after bathing at sunrise, hearing the conch, and beholding the Lord who holds the mace, even sixteen parts of the merit gained from fasting on Ekadashi far exceed the merit earned by giving four hundred thousand gifts at the solstices, O king. The merit of Ekadashi fasting is greater than that acquired at Prabhāsa Kṣetra or during lunar and solar eclipses. Such is the fruit gained by those who fast on Ekadashi: having drunk water in a field, they are freed from rebirth. In the same way, O Partha, Ekadashi destroys all lingering karma; whatever fruit is obtained on earth from the grand Ashvamedha sacrifice, the merit of Ekadashi fasting is a hundred times greater—especially in the house where ascetics and noble twice-borns are fed. This is the fruit gained by Ekadashi fasting: it surpasses even the merit of gifting a thousand cows to a Vedic scholar. The merit is a hundred times greater; indeed, in the body of the observer dwell the three gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara. Those who fast on Ekadashi are equal to them; men of virtuous deeds, devoted worshippers of Hari. Even the measure of merit from the Ekadashi vow cannot be fathomed; it accrues to the devotee and is difficult even for the gods to obtain. Eating only at night yields half that merit, and eating once a day grants half again. Pilgrimages, gifts, and vows echo only so long as one does not observe the day dear to Vishnu. Therefore, O best of the Pandavas, you should observe this vow; I cannot measure its merit, though you ask, O Pandava. This, O Partha, is the supreme vow, to be kept secret; nothing equals Ekadashi, not even a thousand sacrifices. Yudhishthira then asked: "How did this holy Ekadashi day arise, O Lord? How is it pure in this world, and why is it so dear to the gods?" The Blessed Lord replied: "In ancient times, O Partha, during the Krita age, there lived a demon named Mura—exceedingly wondrous, fierce, and terrifying to all the gods. Even Indra was defeated by him, as were all the gods, O king, by that great demon, death incarnate and evil-minded. Driven from heaven, the gods wandered the earth, filled with doubt and fear, and approached Maheshvara. Indra narrated everything before the Lord, explaining how they had been deprived of the heavenly realm and now wandered among mortals, unable to shine. They pleaded, 'O Maheshvara, show us a means by which the immortals may regain their state.' Mahadeva answered: 'Where the king of the gods and the foremost demons gather, there too is the one whose banner bears Garuda—the refuge of all, the Lord of the universe, the savior, the supreme goal. Go there, O best of the gods; he will provide you protection.' Having heard these words, the wise king of the gods, accompanied by the other deities, went to that place, O Yudhishthira. There, in the midst of the waters, they beheld the god bearing the mace, lying asleep. Indra, with hands joined in reverence, began to recite a hymn: 'Om, obeisance to the Lord of gods, revered by gods and demons; enemy of the Daityas, lotus-eyed one, slayer of Madhu, protect us. All the gods have come, terrified by the demon; O Lord of the universe, we seek your refuge—protect me, O lover of devotees. Protect us, O Lord of gods, protect, protect, O Janardana; truly protect, O lotus-eyed one, destroyer of the demons.' Thus, O Partha, arose the observance of Ekadashi, its purity cherished by gods and its merit beyond compare.