The playful and radiant Apsaras, celestial maidens of great beauty, once beheld an extraordinary figure before them: Narada, the divine sage, son of Brahma. His form was striking—his hair matted in a crown, his body lean with only skin and bones, and in his hands he carried a staff, an umbrella, and a skull. Drawn by curiosity and reverence, they approached him, eager to see the famed son of Brahma himself—Narada, the ascetic who delighted in spirited debates and whose wisdom was sought by gods, demons, and humans alike. With longing in their hearts, the Apsaras addressed Narada, "O revered one, son of Brahma, we seek worthy husbands. O twice-born sage, tell us by what means Narayana might become our husband." Narada, perceiving their pride and youthful arrogance, replied, "A question, when preceded by a reverent greeting, brings auspiciousness everywhere. Yet, in your pride, you neglected this custom. Nevertheless, since you have uttered the name of the supreme Lord Vishnu, so shall it be—Hari will become your husband. Simply by speaking his name, all is accomplished, without doubt." He continued, "Now I shall tell you the vow by which Hari himself grants boons and bestows the status of husband. In the spring, on the auspicious twelfth day of the bright fortnight, observe a fast as prescribed and worship Hari at night. Prepare a bed adorned with various designs, and place upon it a silver image of Hari with Lakshmi. Build a pavilion over it with flowers and keep a vigil with dance and musical instruments. "Mark your body with sacred intent: 'for the mind-born' on your head, 'for Ananga' on your waist, 'for Kama' at the base of your arms, and 'for the good scriptures' on your abdomen; 'for Manmatha' on your feet, 'for Hari' everywhere. Worship the Lord of gods with flowers, especially jasmine. Then, take four beautiful sugarcane stalks and place them in the four directions around the deity, bowing in reverence. "In the morning, offer these stalks to a learned Brahmin who knows the Vedas and Vedangas, whose limbs are perfect and who is wise. Honor the Brahmins and complete this vow. By doing so, Vishnu will certainly become your husband." Yet, Narada added, "Because you did not greet me respectfully but asked out of pride, you will face a consequence. In this very lake, the great sage Ashtavakra, whom you will mock, will curse you. Even after you have obtained the Lord of gods as your husband by this vow, your pride will lead to disrespect and your abduction by cowherds. The god who was once the thief of maidens will become your husband." Having spoken thus, the divine sage Narada departed. The Apsaras, following his instructions, performed the vow faithfully, and Hari himself was pleased with them. Agastya, the great sage, then continued his narration: "Listen, O fortunate king, to the supreme vow among vows, by which Vishnu is attained through auspiciousness—there is no doubt. In the month of Margashirsha, begin from the first day, taking only one meal during the bright fortnight until the tenth lunar day arrives. On the tenth day, after bathing at midday and worshipping Vishnu, resolve as before for the twelfth day of the fortnight. "After observing the vow, give barley to a Brahmin, saying 'for Krishna,' whether in giving, in sacrifice, or in worship. After completing this for four months, begin again from Chaitra, and offer bowls of flour with gold to Brahmins. In the months beginning with Shravana, give rice for three months until Kartika arrives. "Having thus completed the observances, on the tenth day, with purity and devotion, after worshipping Hari, name the month and resolve on the twelfth day as before, restraining the senses. On the eleventh day, prepare the ground as prescribed. Establish an image of the earth with golden limbs, adorned with mountains and the netherworld, before Hari. Cover it with a pair of white garments containing all seeds, and worship it as 'Priyadatta' with five gems. "Keep vigil there, and at dawn, invite Brahmins—up to twenty-four in number. To each, give a cow and a draught animal, a pair of garments, and a ring. Also bestow bracelets and golden earrings, and to each, give a village. The foremost among them, with the pair, should receive all the best items; ornaments should be given to the poor according to one's capacity. According to one's ability, make the earth golden, and likewise give a pair of cows, garments, and ornaments. "Offer a cow, a pair of ornaments, and all gifts with gold; thus, observe both the dark and bright twelfth days. Make an offering of the earth in silver, according to your means, and give it to Brahmins with food. Also offer sandals, shoes, and umbrellas as you are able. Having given these, pray: 'May Krishna, Damodara, always be pleased with me; may Hari, the Lord of all forms, be ever favorable to me.' "The merit obtained from such giving and feeding cannot be described even in a thousand years. Yet, O sinless one, I will tell you briefly some of the results. In the first age, there was a king, steadfast in vows and learned in Brahman. Desiring a son, he asked Brahma, the supreme lord, and Brahma revealed this vow to him and performed it likewise. At the end of his vow, the Soul of the Universe appeared before him in person and, pleased, said: 'O king, choose a boon from me.'" Thus, the supreme power of devotion and the performance of sacred vows was revealed, bringing the grace and presence of the Lord himself to those who followed with faith and humility.