O sinless sage, you have spoken of the ancient and supremely sacred place known as Purushottama. My heart is eager to hear more about it from you, revered master, foremost among those who know Brahman. The sage replied, “Listen, O best of the twice-born, to this supreme tale that destroys all sin. Simply by hearing it, even the gravest of sins are washed away. Long ago, Ramānātha, surrounded by his attendants—Sanaka and other great sages—sat in assembly. These companions were endowed with the qualities of true seers and possessed the powers rooted in the great elements and principles of creation. The gathering was honored by the melodious singing of Kinnaras and the graceful dances of groups of Apsaras. There, beneath the soothing shade of a wish-fulfilling tree, sat Ramānātha, the foe of Mura, radiant and serene. In that divine congregation, the highest words were spoken to the Lord of Lotuses. ‘You are all-knowing and supremely wise; if it pleases you, let this be revealed to us,’ the assembly entreated him. He replied, ‘Whatever is attained through prescribed means becomes imperishable—whether it is in a sacred place, at an auspicious time, during a festival, at a holy site, temple, or abode. On days such as the full moon, new moon, solstice, or during an eclipse; on the banks of the Ganges, at the field of the Sun, at Kurukshetra, at Pushkara, or in Avanti—whatever is offered or given in these places becomes everlasting. Consider those who are clad in rags, unfortunate, foolish, dull-witted, or afflicted by disease—what practices should the virtuous perform, and what especially should be observed? When the impure month arrives, some neglect their observances—when does this time come? Tell me in detail. During the impure month, rites for the gods and ancestors should still be performed with proper procedure. However, shaving, donning the sacred grass girdle, marriage, vows, and fasting should be avoided at this time. The extra month, known as the impure month, arrives at the end of every three years. I am always the lord of this extra month, O Supreme Person, and my abode, called Purushottama, is ever established here. In the great forest of Time, where my sacred ford is known, offerings to me are not to be received except as prescribed. Even if the extra month has not yet arrived, when it does, one should undertake a vow in my honor. Bathing, charity, recitation, offerings, self-study, and ancestor rites performed at this time become inexhaustible in merit, O Kamalā. Poverty, grief, and disease may trouble my devotees, but out of affection, I bestow upon them my endless grace, O lovely one; all this is assured by my blessing. The greatness of this month bestows all desired boons upon the worlds. Therefore, at this time, those who seek their own welfare should celebrate a great festival. O Queen of the gods, on the fourteenth or ninth day of the dark fortnight, with whatever offerings are available—even in the month of Malimluca—one should first adopt a vow, remembering Vāsudeva in the heart. With firm resolve, let him invite the Brāhmaṇas and, at midday, worship the eternal Lord adorned with Lakṣmī, together with the ancestors and grandfathers of his lineage. He should offer nine kinds of sweet foods, incense, lamps, and other offerings, all accompanied by the sounds of bells and drums, with music and resonant tones filling the air. Thus, the observance of these rites, with devotion and proper intent, brings inexhaustible merit and the blessings of Purushottama to all who undertake them.