In ancient times, Hari, the Supreme Lord, took on the form of a hunchback and arrived at a sacred spot. As soon as he appeared, a mango tree nearby also became hunchbacked, a transformation that astonished the king who was steadfast in his vow. The king, witnessing this great wonder, was absorbed in contemplation, pondering how the mango tree had taken on this peculiar shape. As he reflected, insight dawned upon him: it was the arrival of the Brahmin—none other than Hari himself—that had caused this marvel. Recognizing the divinity before him, the king concluded, “This Brahmin must be the blessed Supreme Person.” With reverence, he bowed to Hari and addressed him, “O Blessed One, truly you are the Supreme Person, come to grant your grace. Please reveal your true form to me, O Hari.” In response, Hari manifested his divine form, gentle and resplendent, bearing the conch, discus, and mace. He spoke kindly to the king, “O king of kings, choose a boon—whatever your heart desires. With me pleased, even a sesame seed’s worth of anything in the three worlds is yours.” The king’s eyes bloomed with joy, and he replied, “Grant me liberation, O Lord of gods.” He asked for nothing else. Hari, the Blessed One, said, “When I arrived, this mango tree became hunchbacked. Therefore, this place shall be known as Kubjakamra Tirtha. Here, even those born as animals or Brahmins, if they relinquish their bodies, will receive five hundred celestial vehicles, and yogis will attain liberation.” Having spoken thus, Lord Janardana touched the king with the tip of his conch. Instantly, the king attained supreme liberation. Hari continued, “Therefore, O king of kings, you too should seek refuge in that Lord, by whom you will never again tread the path of sorrow. Whoever, rising in the morning, listens to or recites the deeds of these two will obtain the rewards of liberation, righteousness, and wealth. Whoever performs this auspicious and virtuous vow will enjoy all prosperity here and, having enjoyed it, will ultimately attain dissolution.” Then, the sage Agastya spoke: “Next, I will declare the supreme vow of fortune, by which even the unfortunate become fortunate at once. On the bright fortnight of Mārgashīrsha, on the first lunar day, one should fast at night and worship Vishnu and Agni. Offer the feet to Vaiśvānara, the abdomen to Agni, the chest to Havirbhuj, and the arms to Dravinoda. Offer the head to Samvartta, and all around to Jvalana. Thus, worship Lord Janardana, the Lord of Lords, by this method.” Agastya instructed, “Construct a fire pit with care before the deity, and perform the fire offering with the prescribed mantras. Afterwards, eat barley mixed with ghee; during the dark fortnight, this is to be done for four months. In the months beginning with Chaitra, eat rice pudding with ghee; in Shrāvaṇa, saktu flour; then, the vow is concluded.” “When the vow is completed,” Agastya continued, “make a fire out of gold, covered with a pair of red garments and adorned with red flowers. Anoint it with saffron, and also anoint a Brahmin and the Lord of Lords, making the Brahmin pleasing in appearance and complete in all limbs. Worship them according to the prescribed method with a pair of red garments, and then give the gift to the Brahmin with this mantra: ‘I am fortunate, my actions are fortunate, my deeds are fortunate, I am fortunate; by this vow performed, may I always be happy.’” “Having spoken thus and placing the treasure before the noble Brahmin, one immediately attains fortune—even if previously deprived of luck. In this life, abundant good fortune, wealth, and grain arise from performing this; there is no doubt. The fire burns up the sin accumulated from previous births; when the sin is burned, the soul is freed, and becomes so in this very life. Whoever listens to this daily, and the twice-born who recite it with devotion, will immediately become blessed in this world. It is heard that this vow was performed in ancient times by the great-souled Kubera, who was then situated in a śūdra birth in a previous age.” Agastya then said, “Now I shall declare the supreme Kānti vow, by performing which Soma, the moon, once regained his radiance. Long ago, the moon was afflicted by consumption due to Dakṣa’s curse; by performing this vow, he immediately regained his radiance. On the bright second day of Kārttika, one should observe a fast at night with effort, worshipping Balakeśava. Worship the feet of Baladeva and the head of Keśava; thus, the wise one honors the supreme Vaiṣṇava form.” “On that day,” Agastya continued, “the wise one should offer arghya to the supreme lord with the mantra, to the twofold form called Soma, which is the supreme form: ‘Obeisance to you, who are of the form of nectar, lord of all herbs, ruler of the world of sacrifice, Soma, the supreme self.’ Having offered arghya to the supreme lord in this manner, at night, the man, together with a Brahmin, should eat barley food with ghee. In the four months beginning with Phālguna, serve rice pudding; in Kārttika, perform a rice offering with barley as well. In the four months beginning with Āṣāḍha, perform a sesame offering, and eat sesame food as prescribed.” “Then, at the completion of a year, worship the moon made of silver, covered with a pair of white garments and anointed with white flowers, and then give it to a Brahmin.” Thus, Agastya revealed the sacred vows and their profound results—bestowing fortune, radiance, and liberation—guiding all who listen or perform them towards prosperity, blessedness, and ultimate freedom.