In the sacred ritual of honoring the sages and ancestors, the devotee first prays that Marīci, Atri, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu may always be satisfied by the pure water offered. Along with them, Pracetas, Vasiṣṭha, Bhṛgu, and Nārada, and all the divine sages and brahmarṣis are invoked to receive satisfaction from this water. The devotee then makes the sacred thread apasavya—over the right shoulder—and, placing the right knee on the ground, offers water to the Agniṣvāttas, Saumyas, Haviṣmats, and Uṣmapās. With devotion and at the proper time, the Barhiṣads and those ancestors who partake of clarified butter are also honored, using water mixed with sesame and sandalwood. Next, holding darbha grass and following the prescribed rite, the devotee satisfies his own ancestors, calling them by their lineage, and includes the maternal grandfathers. After honoring them with proper devotion, he recites a mantra, invoking satisfaction for all relatives—present and past: “Those who are relatives, and those who were relatives in previous births—may all those who desire water from me attain complete satisfaction.” Having purified himself, the devotee draws a lotus in front and carefully offers arghya with real flowers, sesame, and red sandalwood, reciting the names of the Sun. He offers salutations to the One of universal form, to Viṣṇu, and to all the gods, beseeching the Sun for grace: “Salutation to you, O Divākara; salutation to you, O Prabhākara.” After saluting the Sun and circumambulating three times, he sees and touches a brāhmaṇa, a cow, or gold, then returns home to worship a meritorious image kept there. Afterwards, he arranges food, first for the brāhmaṇa, following a tradition by which all the sages attained success. Pulastya then speaks of a mighty one, a slayer of thousands of Daityas and Dānavas—foes of the gods—whose radiance dims even the moon and sun. This being, undefeated and able to assume any form at will, has a wife named Bhānumatī, renowned for her chastity and beauty, surpassing all women in the three worlds. Her form rivals Lakṣmī’s, and she is the king’s chief queen, dearer to him than life itself. Amidst ten thousand women, she shines like Śrī herself; among a hundred thousand kings, she is unmatched. Once, while seated in his court, the king asked his family priest, bowing in wonder before the eminent sage Vasiṣṭha, “Revered one, by what virtue do I possess such an incomparable wife? And why does this supreme radiance always abide in my body?” Vasiṣṭha replied: “On the fourteenth day, at Puṣkara, your wife offered Mount Lavana, along with golden trees and gods, following proper rules. At that time, a Śūdra goldsmith, a servant in Līlāvatī’s house, skillfully crafted golden trees with golden flowers, filled with devotion. He made them exceedingly beautiful and, knowing it was a righteous act, refused any wage. Those golden trees were offered by your wife, and service was performed in Līlāvatī’s house. Both, without deceit, served the twice-born and performed other acts. Līlāvatī, though a courtesan, was freed from all sin and attained the abode of Śiva; the goldsmith, though poor, was exceedingly virtuous. He did not take payment from the courtesan and now, O lord, has become the ruler of the seven islands, shining like ten thousand suns. Your wife Bhānumatī was that very woman who properly offered the golden trees. Therefore, you are undefeated among men, endowed with health, good fortune, and Lakṣmī. You too, O king, should offer mountains of grain and the like, according to rule.” Pulastya continues: “By properly offering mountains of grain and the like, the king went to the world of the enemy of Smara, honored by the gods. Whoever sees these offerings being brought, touches what is offered, hears with devotion, or gives their mind to it—even if they are free from sin—they too go to heaven. Reciting these verses, which remove the fear of worldly existence and are praised by the best of mountains, grants relief from bad dreams; what then of one who, with a peaceful mind, gives all the best mountains here completely, O foremost of kings?” Bhishma then asks, “On this earth, which brings both prosperity and impermanence, what destroys even the fear of worldly existence for a person?” Pulastya replies, “Because you are devoted, I will tell you the vow, secret among gods, demons, and humans. The auspicious Viśokadvādaśī vow is to be observed in the month of Āśvayuja. On the tenth day, the wise one should begin, eating lightly and with self-control. Facing north or east, after brushing the teeth, on the eleventh day, one should fast, properly worshiping Keśava. Having duly worshiped Śrī, one may eat the next day; thus, having observed the discipline, the person should sleep and rise in the morning. He should bathe with all medicinal herbs and the five products of the cow; wearing pure garlands and garments, he should worship Śrī with lotuses. To Viśoka, obeisance at the feet; to Varada, at the shanks; to Śrīśa, at the knees; likewise, to Jalaśāyin at the thighs. Obeisance to Kandarpa at the private parts, to Mādhava at the waist; to Dāmodara at the belly, and to Vipula at the sides.