In the sacred tradition, it is said that during the month of Jyeshtha, the offering of mandara flowers and bilva leaves is considered pure and auspicious. When Shravana arrives, curd is prescribed as the food to be consumed, while in Bhadrapada, one should partake of water sanctified with kusa grass. With the coming of Ashvina, milk is to be taken; in Kartika, clarified butter made from curds; in Margashirsha, cow’s urine is recommended; and in Pausha, one should consume ghee. As the months turn, in Magha, black sesame seeds are to be taken, and in Phalguna, the five sacred products of the cow. During the observance of these vows, the names of the divine goddesses—Lalita, Vijaya, Bhadra, Bhavani, Kumuda, Shiva, Vasudevi, Gauri, Mangala, Kamala, Sati, and Uma—are to be recited at the time of giving, invoking their blessings with the prayer, “May she be pleased.” In the twelfth month, on the twelfth day, one should worship Krishna with devotion, and likewise, Lakshmi together with her divine consort. On the full moon day, the wise who wish to be free from all fear should worship the Grandsire, Brahma, along with his consort. For those who desire prosperity, the Eight Auspicious Substances are to be given: jasmine, ashoka, lotus, kadamba, utpala, and champaka flowers, as well as kubjaka, karavira, baṇa, fresh lotus, and sinduvāra—all these flowers are suitable in every month. Flowers such as hibiscus, safflower, jasmine, lotus, and oleander are always commendable and may be offered whenever available. Thus, throughout a full year, whether man, woman, or maiden, one should observe the vow with devotion, worshipping Shiva at night according to the prescribed method. At the conclusion of this year-long vow, a bed complete with all accessories is to be given away, along with golden images of Uma and Maheshvara, a bull, and cows. After arranging the bed, it should be presented to a Brahmin on the twelfth day, together with the worship of Mahalakshmi and Keshava for the duration of a year. In this very place, after worshipping Brahma and Savitri, all the desires cherished in the mind are fulfilled. According to one’s means, other pairs—accompanied by garments, grain, ornaments, cows, and other forms of wealth—should also be gifted. This is to be done with a generous heart, free from miserliness and without hesitation. Whoever observes the vow of the Auspicious Bed in this manner, with proper devotion, will attain all their desires or enjoy an eternal state. Even so, the performer should renounce the fruits of a single act, offering them up selflessly. Each month, such a devotee attains fame, good fortune, health, beauty, garments, ornaments, and jewels. One who gives the Auspicious Bed is never deprived, and those who observe this vow for twelve years—or even for seven or eight years—are honored in the world of Brahma, dwelling there worshipped for as many as ten thousand aeons. Having attained the worlds of Vishnu and Shiva, women and maidens too receive these blessings by the grace of the goddess. Even one who merely hears or contemplates this account becomes a Vidyadhara and dwells long in heaven. This vow was established in ancient times by Madana, accomplished by Shatadhanu, and practiced by many. If even Pavana and Nandina performed it, what wonder is there in its greatness, O lord of men? At this point, Bhishma, full of curiosity, asked, “When Vishnu reached the sacrificial ground, he placed his steps here. For what purpose was this arrangement of steps made? It was done by the god of gods—tell me, O wise one, which demon did Vishnu subdue here? Having made these steps, tell me about Vishnu’s residence in heaven, in Vaikuntha, the abode of the great soul. How did he set foot in the world of men? In the worlds of the gods, it is said the abode of Śrī Varāha is in Maharloka, that of Nṛsiṃha is in Janaloka, and Trivikrama is renowned in Tapoloka. Abandoning these worlds, how did he place two feet upon the earth, in this ancestral field at Pushkara, on the mountain of sacrifice? O Brahman, tell me in detail how he made his steps here, for by hearing this, all sins are destroyed.” To this, Pulastya replied, “You have asked well, O best of men. Listen attentively as I recount how, in the ancient Kṛta Yuga, Vishnu set his steps. Long ago, for the accomplishment of the gods’ purpose, Vishnu approached Yajña Mountain, on the slope of the stony mountain. At that time, all of heaven had been seized by the powerful Dānavas. Having conquered the gods and Indra, the Dānavas brought the three worlds under their control, and they became the enjoyers of sacrifice. All this was accomplished by Bāṣkali, the mighty Dānava. Thus, in the three worlds with all their beings, Indra fell into deep distress and despair, thinking, ‘This Bāṣkali, lord of the Dānavas, is invincible to me in battle. By the boon granted by Brahma to all the dwellers of heaven, I am now beset by all the gods in the world of Brahma. I have no other recourse but to seek refuge in the Lord.’ Thus resolved, the lord of the gods, surrounded by all the immortals, quickly went to the abode of Brahma, the Grandfather, seeking his help and guidance.