O noble king, hear now of the sacred vows and their fruits, as revealed in the ancient tradition. If a person observes the vow as prescribed, ensuring it remains unbroken, and over time completes twelve Dvadashi observances, great merit accrues. According to one’s capacity, it is proper to offer gifts to the gods and Brahmins: the highest gift is a cow, the next is land, and the least is gold. Even the simplest offering of gold is considered proper, for these three gifts are pleasing to the three supreme deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra—who are established within them. Whoever recites or listens to these teachings with devotion destroys the sins of many, attains wisdom, and resides in the world of the gods for as many years as there are hairs upon the body. Now, listen as I declare the supreme vow among vows, as spoken by Rudra, the destroyer of great sins. A householder who observes the vow of night-fasting for a year gains half the merit of gifting a cow. At the end, one should present a golden discus and trident, along with garments, to a worthy Brahmin. Such a meritorious soul rejoices in Shiva’s world. This vow is renowned as the destroyer of great sins, especially when one gives a cow accompanied by a bull with single-minded devotion. Even the gift of a cow fashioned from sesame seeds leads one to Shiva’s abode; this is the Rudra vow, which removes fear and sorrow. If, at the year’s end, a person gives a blue lotus made of gold, together with a vessel of sugar and a bull, while observing alternate-day night-fasting, he attains the Vaishnava abode. This is called the Nila vow. During the four months beginning with Ashadha, one should avoid oil-bathing. Whoever offers dining utensils during this period is granted the abode of Hari; this is the vow of delight, bringing joy to all. In spring, if one avoids curd, milk, ghee, and sugarcane, and gives fine garments with a vessel for liquids, and worships a pair of Brahmins, praying, “May Gauri be pleased with me,” this is known as the Gauri vow, which grants the world of Bhavani. At the start of Pushya, on the thirteenth day, after fasting at night, if one gives an ashoka tree of gold, ten fingers in length, with sugar and garments to a Brahmin, saying, “May Pradyumna be pleased,” he dwells for an age in Vishnu’s city, freed from sorrow. This is the Kama vow, ever destroying grief. During the vow beginning with Ashadha, whoever avoids eating fruits and, upon completing the four-month vow, offers a pot filled with ghee and jaggery, and in Kartika gives gold to a Brahmin, attains the world of Rudra. This is known as the Shiva vow. If one avoids flowers during Hemanta and Shishira, and in Phalguna gives three kinds of flowers and as much gold as possible at the two daily junctures, both Shiva and Keshava are pleased. Thus, the giver attains the supreme abode—this is the Saumya vow. From Phalguna onwards, on the third day, if one avoids salt and, at the year’s end, gives a bed and house furnished with utensils, worshipping a pair of Brahmins and praying, “May Bhavani be pleased,” he dwells for an age in the world of Gauri. This is the Saubhagya vow. One who observes silence at twilight and, at the year’s end, offers a pot of ghee, a pair of garments, sesame, and a bell to a Brahmin attains the Sarasvata world, which is difficult to return from. This is the Sarasvata rite, bestowing knowledge of forms. After worshipping Lakshmi on the fifth day, a man should fast. At the conclusion, he should give a golden lotus and a cow, thereby attaining Vishnu’s abode, with Lakshmi accompanying him in every birth. This is called the Lakshmi vow, which destroys sorrow and grief. Having anointed Shambhu and Keshava, for a year he should again give a cow and a water pot, thereby becoming a king for ten thousand births before reaching Shiva’s city. This is the Ayu-vrata, the vow of longevity, bestowing all desires. With mind focused, one should bow to the Ashvattha tree, the Sun, and the Ganga, eating only once a day for a year, free from envy. At the vow’s end, worship a pair of Brahmins with three cows, give a golden tree, and obtain the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. This is the Kirti-vrata, bestowing prosperity and fame. After bathing Shambhu or Keshava with ghee and making a circle of cow dung adorned with unbroken rice and flowers, at the conclusion, give a golden lotus with a sesame-cow and a trident eight fingers long. Such a devotee is honored in Shiva’s world. The vow called Sāma, accompanied by singing Sāma hymns, is also described: on the ninth day, eat only once, and honor girls as able. After feeding them equally, give golden garments and a golden lion to the Brahmins; by this, one attains Shiva’s abode and is handsome and undefeated for a hundred million births. This is the Vira-vrata, bringing happiness to men. With compassion, one should give a handful during the four months beginning with Chaitra; at the end, offer a jewel with food and clothing, and a vessel of sesame and gold, thus being honored in Brahma’s world. At the end of the kalpa, this is the Bhutijanana-mānanda vow. Bathing the Lord for a year with the five nectars, one should, at the year’s end, give a cow endowed with the five nectars. Offering a conch to a Brahmin, one attains Shiva’s abode and, at the end of the kalpa, becomes a king. This is the Dhriti-vrata, the vow of steadfastness. Thus, O king, are the vows and their fruits, as revealed by the great ones. Whoever observes them with faith and devotion is freed from sin, attains wisdom, and reaches the blessed worlds.