Durvasa spoke, saying: In the sacred month of Jyeshtha, one should make a firm resolve and, following the proper rites, worship the Supreme Lord with a variety of auspicious flowers. The worship begins at the Lord’s feet, offering homage with the words, “Homage to Rama, the delight of Rama.” Then, one honors the waist with the name “Trivikrama,” and the abdomen with “Holder of the universe.” The chest is worshipped as “Year,” the neck as “Samvartaka,” the arms as “Bearer of all weapons,” and the two lotus-chariot-armed ones by their own names. After worshipping the thousand-headed great soul’s head in this manner, as prescribed, one should place the previously mentioned pot. As before, the devotee covers the pot and the golden images of Rama and Lakshmana with a pair of cloths. Having worshipped these images according to the proper rites, in the morning, one who earnestly desires a boon should give them to a Brahmin with a devoted mind. Once, long ago, King Dasharatha, who was without a son, sought this very rite. Desiring offspring, he approached the sage Vasistha with deep reverence. The twice-born sage explained this sacred observance, and, knowing the proper procedure, Dasharatha performed it faithfully. In due time, a powerful son was born to him—Rama—by his own merit. Vishnu, the imperishable one, was pleased and manifested in fourfold form. Such is the fruit of this rite in this world. In the next world, the performer enjoys heavenly pleasures for as long as ten Indras, twice over, reign. When this time concludes, he is reborn as a mortal and becomes a king who performs a hundred sacrifices. All his sins are destroyed, and he ultimately attains eternal liberation. Durvasa continued: In the month of Ashadha, in the same manner, one should resolve and, by the prescribed rites, worship the Supreme Lord many times with fragrant flowers. To Vasudeva, offer worship at the feet; to Sankarshana, at the hips; to Pradyumna, at the abdomen; and to Aniruddha, at the chest. The arms are offered to the wielder of the discus, the neck to the lord of the earth, the conch and discus by their own names, and the head to the Purusha. Having worshipped in this way, the wise one should, as before, place a pot covered with cloth before him, and above it set a golden image of Vasudeva in his eternal fourfold form. After worshipping him with fragrance, flowers, and other offerings in the proper order, the image should be given to a Brahmin learned in the Vedas and of virtuous conduct. Now, hear the merit of this observance. Vasudeva, the enhancer of the Yadu lineage, became king, and his wife was Devaki, who held the same vows. Though virtuous and devoted to her husband’s duty, she was without children. After a long time, the sage Narada visited their home. Vasudeva worshipped Narada with devotion, and the sage spoke: “Vasudeva, listen to my divine purpose; having heard this story, I have come quickly to you. O best of the Yadus, I saw the earth in the assembly of the gods. The gods, unable to bear her burden, had gathered there. Saubha, Kamsa, Jarasandha, Naraka, and the powerful Kurus, Panchalas, Bhojas, and Danavas—all these, united, oppress the earth. O best of gods, relieve her suffering by slaying them.” Thus addressed, the gods went to Narayana, and the Lord of the gods appeared before them by his will. He declared, “This task, O gods, I will accomplish without doubt. I shall take human form and go among mortals. In the bright fortnight of Ashadha, whichever woman, together with her husband, observes a fast, in her womb I shall be born.” After saying this, the god departed, and I, Durvasa, have come here. Know that by this observance, especially for those without a son, a man and his wife will surely obtain a son. Vasudeva, having performed this sacred Dvadashi, was blessed with sons and grandsons—a great fortune. After enjoying royal prosperity, he attained the highest state. This, O sage, is the rite prescribed for the month of Ashadha. Durvasa further instructed: In the bright fortnight of the month of Shravana, one should worship the Supreme God Janardana with fragrance and flowers. To Damodara, offer worship at the feet; to Hrishikesha, at the hips; to Sanatana, at the abdomen; and to the bearer of the Srivatsa, at the chest. The arms are offered to the wielder of the discus, the neck to Hari, the head to Munjakesha, and the crest to Bhadra. After worshipping in this way and establishing the pot as before, one should place a pair of cloths upon it and set the golden image of the Lord of gods, called Damodara, above it. This image should be worshipped with sandal, flowers, and other offerings in proper order. Then, as before, the image is to be given to a Brahmin learned in the Vedas and Vedangas. Hear now the power of this observance, which destroys sin. Long ago, in the Krita Yuga, there lived a mighty king named Nriga. One day, as he wandered in a terrible forest, his mind absorbed in hunting, he was carried far away on his horse. He entered a vast forest teeming with tigers, lions, elephants, bandits, and serpents. Alone, the king released his horse beneath a tree, spread out some kusa grass, and, weary, fell asleep. That night, fourteen thousand hunters arrived, surrounding the king, intent on killing animals. There, they found the king sleeping, adorned with gold and jewels—King Nriga, formidable and radiant. The hunters quickly informed their leader, who, desiring the jewels and gold, prepared to slay the king. Armed with swords, the forest-dwellers approached, intent on capturing him. But then, from the king’s body, a woman adorned with white ornaments, garlands, and sandal paste arose. She seized a discus and struck down those barbarians, protecting the king from harm.