O King, listen to this tale of devotion and virtue. In days past, golden trees were crafted with great care and according to sacred rule. At that time, a Śūdra goldsmith, though of humble birth and a servant in Līlāvatī’s house, was entrusted with this holy work. He skillfully fashioned golden trees adorned with golden flowers, pouring his devotion into every detail. These trees, exceedingly beautiful and expertly wrought, were made not for profit or reward. The goldsmith, recognizing the righteousness of his task, refused any payment, content to serve for the sake of dharma alone. The trees were then offered by your own wife, Bhānumatī, and in Līlāvatī’s house, service was rendered with purity of heart. Both Līlāvatī and the goldsmith, without deceit or selfishness, served the twice-born and performed other virtuous acts. Though Līlāvatī was a courtesan, her sincere service freed her from all sin, and in time, she attained the abode of Śiva. The goldsmith, though poor, was truly virtuous, and because he would not accept payment from the courtesan, he was rewarded beyond measure—now, he rules over the seven islands, shining with the radiance of ten thousand suns. Know, O King, that it was your wife Bhānumatī who offered those golden trees so properly. Thus, you enjoy undefeated strength among men, blessed with health, good fortune, and the favor of Lakṣmī. Therefore, you too should make offerings—mountains of grain and other gifts—according to sacred rule. Pulastya continued: By offering such gifts properly, this king ascended to the world of the enemy of Smara—Śiva himself—honored by the gods. Indeed, whoever even sees these offerings being brought, touches what is given, hears of it with devotion, or sets their mind upon it, even if already pure, attains heaven. Reciting these acts, 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, offers all the best mountains in their entirety, O foremost of kings? Bhīṣma then asked: On this earth, both prosperous and transient, what truly destroys even the fear of worldly existence for a person? Pulastya replied: Because you are devoted, I will reveal to you the vow, secret among gods, demons, and humans—the auspicious Viśokadvādaśī vow. This vow is to be observed in the month of Āśvayuja. On the tenth day, the wise should begin, eating lightly and practicing self-control. On the eleventh day, after brushing the teeth and facing north or east, one should fast and worship Keśava with proper reverence. After duly worshiping Śrī, one may eat on the next day; thus, after observing the discipline, sleep and rise in the morning. At dawn, one should bathe with all medicinal herbs and the five sacred products of the cow, then don pure garlands and garments, and worship Śrī with lotuses. The worship proceeds with obeisance offered to the many forms of the Lord: at the feet to Viśoka, at the shanks to Varada, at the knees to Śrīśa, at the thighs to Jalaśāyin, at the private parts to Kandarpa, at the waist to Mādhava, at the belly to Dāmodara, at the sides to Vipula, at the navel to Padmanābha, at the heart to Manmatha, at the chest to Śrīdhara, at the hands to Madhubhid, at the neck to Vaikuṇṭha, at the face to Padmamukha, at the nose to Aśokanidhi, at the eyes to Vāsudeva, at the forehead to Vāmana, at the brows to Hari, at the hair to Mādhava, at the crown to Viśvarūpin, and at the head to the all-pervading soul. Thus, Govinda is worshiped with incense, garlands, and ointments. Next, a circle is marked and a square, raised platform of clay is prepared, measuring a ratni on each side and surrounded by water. This platform, smooth and pleasing, is encircled by three embankments, each three fingers high and two fingers wide. Upon it, with river sand, an image of Lakṣmī is placed, facing the sun. In the center of this platform, with Lakṣmī at the heart of the sun, the wise worshipper offers salutations: "Obeisance to the goddess, to Peace, to Lakṣmī, to Śrī." Further salutations are offered to Tuṣṭi, Puṣṭi, Creation, and Vision, with repeated obeisance. The devotee prays: "May you, Viśokā, destroyer of sorrow and bestower of boons, grant freedom from grief. Let there be freedom from sorrow for prosperity and for all accomplishments." Then, with pure white garments, the Sun is enwrapped and worshiped with offerings of fruits. Various foods and a golden lotus are offered, and in silver vessels, water with darbha grass is placed. Throughout the night, dancing and singing are arranged. When three watches of the night have passed, the devotee rises and approaches Brahmins and their wives, worshiping them. According to one’s means, garments, garlands, and ointments are offered to the women, or at least to one. Those who are lying down are to be honored, with obeisance to the one who lies upon the waters. The vigil is kept through the night with music and song. At dawn, after bathing, one worships a married couple and, to the best of one’s ability, feeds them generously, avoiding miserliness. With devotion, the devotee listens to the Purāṇas, passing the day in this manner, and continues the observance month after month. At the conclusion of the vow, a bed furnished with a lump of jaggery and a cow is to be given, complete with pillow, place for rest, and a fine covering. The devotee prays: "Just as fortune never abandons you, O king, so may beauty, health, and freedom from sorrow always be mine. Just as fortune is never born anywhere without the god, so may I have freedom from sorrow and unwavering devotion to Keśava." With this mantra, the bed, jaggery, and cow are given, along with Lakṣmī and the Sun, to one who desires prosperity. And as offerings, a blue lotus, oleander, fresh saffron, ketaka, sindhuvāra, jasmine, and pāṭalā flowers are also presented. Thus is the sacred vow performed, bringing fortune, health, and freedom from sorrow to all who observe it with faith and devotion.