O wise one, you have asked how the worship of the two great gods, Hari and Īśa, is to be performed. Listen as I recount the sacred observances for honoring Śarva and the wise Keśava. At the appointed time, the lord of the gods, husband of Śrī—Vishnu—reclines in slumber upon the coils of the serpent. One by one, the mothers of the gods also fall into sleep, as the cosmic order settles into peaceful rest. With all things arranged properly, the devotee should first honor Janārdana, the sustainer of the universe. On the eleventh day, it is time for the Lord of the universe to be laid to rest. The worshipper, having donned the sacred thread and having shown due respect to the twice-born, prepares for the ritual. Clad in yellow garments and having received blessings, the Lord is led to his divine sleep. A bed is prepared, adorned with fragrant kadamba flowers. Upon it are placed a golden lotus, a soft, well-spread cushion, a tiger skin, and a bundle of matted locks tied together as bedding. Thus, the night begins for the gods, marking the southern course of the sun. Vishnu sleeps upon this couch, demonstrating to all the worlds the supreme path. During these sacred days, on the fifth, Vināyaka is honored, and so too is Dharmarāja. On the eighth, Kātyāyanī receives worship, and on the ninth, the Lady of the Lotus abode is venerated. On the eleventh day of the dark fortnight, O Brahman, even the Sādhyās enter their sleep. As the gods rest, the season of rains arrives. Even the crows, heavy with young in this season, join in slumber. The second day following is auspicious and holy, known as the awakening from an unempty bed. Upon this day, seated on the couch with Lakṣmī, surrounded by fragrance and flowers, the devotee offers fragrant things and makes supplication to Madhusūdana. Prayers are offered: “May our bed never be empty here, always by your grace. By truth, O immeasurably powerful Vishnu, may the destruction of my household life not occur, O Lord.” At night, O divine sage, one should partake of food free from oil and alkaline substances. Reciting, “May Lakshmi’s bearer be pleased with me,” the devotee offers the oblation. This observance continues as long as the sun appears among heaps of scorpions. When the sun enters Libra, Hari desires; afterwards, Shiva awakens from his slumber. With bedding and coverings, according to one’s means, the ritual is performed. When this is done, separation does not occur for anyone. When the eighth lunar day is joined with Mrigashira, it is remembered as the proper time. Dwelling in the sanctuary during this period is considered inexhaustible worship. Having bathed, one should worship the three-eyed one—Shiva—with flowers of the thorn-apple. The offering is given to a Brahmin, along with gold, O best of the twice-born. Incense of sarja resin is offered, and the oblation consists of honey and sweet drinks. Prayers are made: “May Hiranyaksha be pleased with me,” and the prescribed gift is sesame. Incense of shri-vasana resin is offered, and the oblation is honey-rice pudding. The devotee prays, “May the stationary among cows be pleased with me,” speaking gently and without harshness. In the month of Margashirsha, bathing and worship with curd is remembered as auspicious. Learned devotees offer salutations, praying, “May Sharva be pleased.” Incense of honey resin is offered, and the oblation consists of honey and sweet cakes. Thus, O sage, the worship of Hari and Īśa is performed, honoring the gods in their cycle of sleep and awakening, and securing their blessings for the household and all beings.