Once, there was a wise woman who wished to fulfill a sacred observance. She carefully prepared a bed, complete with all its accessories—a pillow, neatly arranged, a fine and auspicious cover—everything in order. She gave this bed to a Brahmin, as prescribed. Along with the bed, she offered a lamp, sandals, an umbrella, a footstool, and a seat. In the company of her co-wife, she adorned herself with golden rings, fine garments, bracelets, incense, garlands, and ointments. Together, they presented an image of Kamadeva with his consort, setting it above a pot of sweet jaggery as an offering. Seated upon a copper vessel draped with a golden cloth, and accompanied by a good bronze vessel and a sugarcane stick, she also gave a milch cow, reciting the appropriate mantra. Throughout, she maintained the vision that there is no separation between Kama and Keshava. She prayed, “May all my desires always be fulfilled in this way, O Brahmin.” The Brahmin accepted the golden image, as was proper. Reciting the Vedic mantra, “Kodātkāmodā,” she circumambulated the Brahmin, then respectfully dismissed him, honoring him as the foremost among Brahmins. All the items—the bed, seat, and other gifts—were sent to the Brahmin’s house. Thereafter, whenever another man came to her house seeking pleasure, she would honor and worship him in the same manner, especially on Sundays, for thirteen months. Having satisfied him according to his wishes, she would send him back to his home. With his permission, she could accept another handsome man, as long as the previous one had not yet returned. If, however, any obstacle arose—be it pregnancy, childbirth, a command from the king, fate, human cause, or even an eclipse—she was to offer, according to her ability, fifty coins, even if she had to do so with difficulty or at a loss. This was the rule, clearly explained for all. This, it was taught, is the prescribed duty for courtesans at all times. The bed must never be abandoned, just as the Lord Himself never abandons it. She prayed, “May my bed also never be empty—so be it, O Madhusudana.” She arranged for the sounds of singing and musical instruments to delight the Lord of gods. All these observances—the entire code of conduct for courtesans—were thus revealed, as once spoken by Puruhuta and by the sage among the women of the Danavas. These teachings apply to all, for they destroy all sins and bestow endless rewards. This difficult vow was described for virtuous women: she who performs it fully and with zeal becomes a virtuous woman, established among the followers of Madhava. She is worshipped by all the hosts of gods and attains a place of joy with Vishnu. The sage, having declared this vow for women, assured that those who bestow ornaments too, will reach their own abode, performing this vow as prescribed. At this, Brahma approached and asked, “O Blessed One, tell me of that which grants boons to men and women here, by which there is no grief, disease, fear, or suffering.” Shankara replied, “On the second day of the dark fortnight of Shravana, Madhusudana with his consort always dwells in the ocean of milk, O Keshava. By worshipping Govinda on that day, one attains all desires, and the merit of giving cows, land, and gold for seven hundred aeons. “Begin the worship as before, invoking the Lord. This is called the vow of ‘Ashunyashayana,’ the Unsleeping Bed, to be observed on the second day. On that day, worship Vishnu with these mantras, following the proper method: ‘Bearer of the Shrivatsa, Beloved of Shri, Lord of Shri, Holder of Shri, the Imperishable.’ “Pray thus: ‘May my household never perish; may it bring righteousness, wealth, and desire. May the sacred fires never perish, O Supreme Person, nor the deities. May my ancestors not fall away because of discord in my marriage. Just as the Lord is never separated from Lakshmi, so may it be for me, O Hari. Likewise, O Lord, may my connection with my wife never be sundered; O Bestower of boons, may my bed never be empty of Lakshmi, just as yours always is. May my bed also never be empty, O Madhusudana. Arrange for the sounds of singing and musical instruments for the Lord of gods.’ “If one lacks the means for musicians, a bell may be rung, for it contains all instruments in itself. After worshipping Govinda in this way, one should eat food devoid of oil at night—unsalted and without alkaline substances, up to four times. When morning arrives, accompanied by the Lord of Lakshmi, one should give a special bed adorned with vessels for food and lamps, furnished with footwear, sandals, umbrella, fan, and seat. “The bed should be equipped with all desired articles, covered with white flowers and cloth, and given to a faultless Brahmin, a devotee of Vishnu, who has a family. It should be given to a knower of the Vedas, never to a man whose wife is barren. Having seated the couple there, adorn them according to the proper rite. Give the wife a vessel filled with food and delicacies, and to the Brahmin a golden vessel with necessary items. Offer an image of the Lord of gods, together with a water pot. “Whoever performs the ‘Unempty Bed’ rite for Hari, free from miserliness and devoted to Narayana, never experiences separation from his wife. Nor does a woman become a widow, O Brahmin, as long as the moon, sun, and stars endure. The couple never become deformed or afflicted by sorrow. Their sons, cattle, and jewels never perish, O Ancestor. For seven thousand kalpas and seven hundred kalpas, by performing the ‘Unempty Bed’ rite, one is honored in the world of Vishnu.” Brahma then asked, “How does health, prosperity, steadfastness of mind, and constancy in dharma always arise? How does one attain faultlessness and supreme devotion to Vishnu as well?” Ishvara replied, “Well asked, O Brahma! Now I shall tell you: There was a conversation between Virocana and the wise Bhargava. Having seen Prahlada’s son for sixteen years, this was his form, O Brahman, the illustrious son of Bhrigu. ‘Well done, well done, mighty-armed Virocana, may you have auspiciousness!’” Thus, the sacred observances, their procedures, and their fruits were revealed, bringing blessings, fulfillment, and joy to all who undertake them with devotion.