When the inquiry into dharma arises, Bhimasena, son of Pandu, will step forward—not only as the questioner but also as the practitioner of the teachings revealed. Within Bhimasena resides the fierce fire named Vriko, the consumer of offerings, and it is he who will initiate this dharma. Though Bhimasena is famed for his immense appetite and the strength of ten thousand elephants, he remains steadfast in righteousness, engaging in conversation about dharma with wisdom and might. Even for those who are righteous but unable to endure the rigors of severe austerity, this particular vow shines above all others for its excellence. Vasudeva, the soul of the universe and revered teacher of the world, will explain its significance—a vow that bestows the fruit of all sacrifices and eradicates all sins. It destroys all evil, is worshipped by the gods, the purest of the pure, most auspicious among all auspicious acts, and the most ancient of vows. Vasudeva addresses Bharata, saying, “If you are unable to fast on the eighth, fourteenth, or twelfth lunar days, or on other auspicious occasions, then, Bhima, observe this supreme, sin-destroying lunar day with the prescribed method and thus attain the supreme abode of Vishnu.” When the bright tenth day of the month of Magha arrives, one should anoint oneself with ghee and bathe with sesame seeds. In the same way, one should worship Vishnu, offering obeisance to Narayana, and after worshipping Krishna’s feet, bow the head and utter, “You are Krishna, the Self.” One should worship Vaikuntha’s chest, bearing the Srivatsa mark, and offer homage to the wielder of the conch, the mace, the discus, and the bestower of boons. Following the order of invocation, worship Narayana fully: to Damodara, the belly; to Panchajanya, the waist; to the Lord of Fortune, the thighs; to the bearer of beings, the knees; to the dark one, the shanks; and again, to the all-supporting one, the feet. Obeisance should be offered again and again to the goddess, to peace, to Lakshmi, to prosperity, to contentment, to nourishment, to steadfastness, and to fulfillment. One should also offer homage to Garuḍa, the lord of birds, the swift-winged one, the bird who subdues poison. In this way, worship Govinda, Umāpati, and Vināyaka with fragrances, garlands, incense, and many kinds of food offerings. Afterward, one should eat rice cooked with cow’s milk, or sweet rice pudding mixed with ghee, and then retire to another place. Taking a twig from a fig tree, or khadira wood, and facing east or north, one should clean the teeth after rinsing the mouth. As evening falls, perform the twilight ritual, saying, “Homage to Narayana; I have taken refuge in you.” On the eleventh day, fast and worship Keśava, remaining awake throughout the night, lying on the ground or on a simple bed. At dawn, offer ghee into the universal fire with eminent Brahmanas, and on the twelfth day, eat food prepared with milk, together with worship of Puṇḍarīkākṣa. Declare, “I will perform this as best I can; may it be without obstacles for me,” and sleep on the ground, listening once more to stories of ancient times. At daybreak, go joyfully to the river, bathe as before, and avoid heretics. Perform the twilight worship and offerings to the ancestors, bowing to Hṛṣīkeśa, who reclines upon the serpent-bed. With devotion, construct a pavilion before the house, four cubits in size, and make an auspicious altar. Place a gateway measuring four cubits, and in the center, a pot filled with black gram. Through a hole filled with water, set upon a black antelope skin below, let the stream fall upon your head for the entire night. Those learned in the Vedas know that the more streams there are, the greater the fruit; therefore, a devoted Brahmana should arrange them. On the south, make a half-moon shape; on the west, a circle; and on the north, a shape like a peepal leaf. In the center, a Vaishnava Brahmana should create a lotus shape; on the east and south, refrain from constructing altars. Absorbed in Vishnu, let the stream of water fall upon your head; on the second altar for the deity, there should be a lotus with a pericarp. In the center of that, establish the supreme person, making the altar the size of a hand. With three enclosures and a yoni-shaped mouth, Brahmanas should offer barley and ghee, and sesame with mantras dedicated to Vishnu into the fire. Having performed the Vaishnava sacrifice properly, arrange the offering with care, pouring a continuous stream of ghee into the center of the fire-pit. Pour a stream of milk over the Lord of gods, upon the image representing the water-essence, and a stream of ghee, measuring half a niṣpāva. According to your wish, maintain an unbroken stream of milk and water throughout the night; after placing thirteen water-jars of great potency, furnished with various kinds of food, adorned with white cloths, and set on platforms with udumbara wood vessels, accompanied by the five gems. The fire-offering should be performed with four Bahvṛca priests facing north, and recitation to Rudra by four devoted to the Yajur Veda. The Vaishnava Sāman hymns should be recited by four Sāma Veda experts; thus, twelve priests should be honored with garments, garlands, and ointments. Worship them with finger-rings, bracelets, and gold-threaded ornaments, with garments and bedding, free from any miserliness. Let the night be passed with auspicious songs and music; and for the preceptor, everything should be given in double measure, ensuring the fulfillment of this sacred vow.