O Brahmin, it is always proclaimed that those who perform sacrifices gain supreme merit—but know that the same merit is attained by those who observe the sacred vow of living a thousand years. This vow, so meritorious, is said to bestow all happiness upon its follower. On the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight, and likewise on the full moon day, one should purify oneself by bathing and brushing the teeth, and then perform the worship of the Moon. Before this, the Mothers must be worshipped in proper order, beginning with Gauri. With sincere effort, one should fashion an image that resembles the luminous disc of the Moon, using whatever means are available—be it in full, or even with half or a quarter of those resources, always according to one’s faith and capacity. After preparing the image, worship of the Moon should be carried out according to the prescribed rituals of the scriptures. A fire offering is to be made with the Soma mantra, again according to one’s means. With care and devotion, one should recite the hymn of Soma’s origin and the Soma Sūkta. The placement of the Moon and its phases within a mandala is to be performed using water, and a mandala resembling the orb of the Moon should be created with auspicious rice grains. At each of the four corners outside the mandala, full pots should be placed. With reverence, salutations are offered to the Moon—the widower, the friend of the water-lily; to the nectar-rayed one, to Soma, the lord of plants; to the lord of the stars, and the master of the night. In this way, the Moon is to be praised with sixteen sacred names in their proper order. Thereafter, with devotion, one should make offerings according to ritual, each accompanied by the appropriate mantras. One must also offer salutations to the Moon, who is born again and again at the end of each month. Having thus worshipped the Moon properly, one should bow in deep reverence. Clothing and coverings should be given to the twice-born for the sake of peace, and the satisfaction of the priests should be ensured by considering their needs. The twice-born couple should be honored with effort and with garments. Images, preceded by the gift of a cow, should be presented to the Brahmins, and further gifts made to the twice-born for the delight of the Moon, all with joy and generosity. The wise person should spend the remainder of the day in fasting, and may later partake of food with relatives, thus concluding the observance. This is the excellent vow of a thousand moons; by performing it, the pure-hearted one attains the world of the Moon and becomes as dear to Narayana as any beloved devotee. In this sacred time, the god known as Dharma-Hari, who destroys the impurities of the Kali age, appeared. He is one who knows the essence of the Vedas and their branches, and is accomplished in his own duties. Having arrived, Dharma-Hari performed a grand and reverent procession. Lifting both his arms in joy, the Brahmin exclaimed, “No other city is seen that is equal to Ayodhya! Hari himself dwells here; with what can it be compared? Ah, Vishnu! Ah, the holy place! Ah, Ayodhya! Ah, the great city!” Overwhelmed with joy, he repeated these praises many times and danced ecstatically. Witnessing Dharma’s joyous dance, Dharma himself, moved by compassion, bowed to him and then praised Hari with deep reverence. “Salutations to Vishnu, whose divine feet are touched by Shankara. Salutations to you, whose feet are worshipped with devotion, beloved of Brahma and the other gods. Salutations to the lotus feet, to Padmanabha—indeed, salutations. Om, reverence to Yoga-Nidra, whose soul is contemplated by the luminaries of yoga. Salutations to the one with beautiful hair, a fine nose, a lovely forehead, and the bearer of the discus.” Thus, the scene was filled with devotion, praise, and the sanctity of Ayodhya, where the glory of vows and the worship of the Moon merged with the timeless reverence for Hari himself.