He who follows this sacred observance becomes radiant, all-knowing, and pleasing to behold in this world. All this is granted by your grace, O Nārāyaṇa, who appears in the form of Soma. To you, obeisance is offered. If one, with self-control and devotion, offers this observance to a brāhmaṇa, reciting the prescribed mantra, that very moment the giver shines with radiance. This was done in ancient times as well: Soma, the son of Atri, once performed this vow. At the conclusion of his austerities, Janārdana himself, pleased with Soma’s devotion, quickly removed his affliction and granted him the immortal portion known as nectar. Through his austerity, King Soma obtained this portion and thus attained the exalted state of Soma, becoming the lord of all herbs. On the second day, the Aśvins, those divine twins who partake of Soma, are especially honored. They are renowned as Śeṣa and Viṣṇu, the chief wings, without doubt. There is, in truth, no deity apart from Viṣṇu, O best of kings. The supreme Lord exists everywhere, manifesting under many different names. Agastya now spoke, “O King, listen as I describe a vow that brings good fortune and swiftly brings prosperity to both women and men. On the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, one should undertake this vow, fasting at night, maintaining purity and truthfulness. Afterwards, worship Hari together with Lakshmi, or Rudra together with Uma. Know that Shri is Girija, and Hari is the three-eyed one; thus, the scriptures and all the Purāṇas teach. Whoever explains the scriptures otherwise, separating these deities, speaks in error. If anyone claims Rudra is not the author of the scriptures or poetry for mortals, or that Vishnu is not created by Rudra, or that Shri is not Gauri, know, O King, that such words are the speech of non-believers, recognized as such by the wise. Understanding this, one should devoutly worship Hari with Lakshmi, reciting the appropriate mantras, and then worship the Supreme Lord. The mantra is recited as follows: ‘To the deep one’ at the feet, ‘to the auspicious one’ at the waist, ‘to the god of gods’ at the belly, ‘to the three-eyed one’ at the face, ‘to the lord of speech’ at the head, and ‘to Rudra’ everywhere. The wise should thus worship Vishnu with Lakshmi, or Hara with Gauri, in proper order, offering sandalwood, flowers, and other auspicious items. In their presence, one should perform a fire offering with honey and ghee, together with sesame seeds, reciting ‘for the lord of prosperity.’ Afterwards, the devotee should eat wheat-based food, without salt, alkaline, or oily substances, placed upon the ground. The same rule applies during Krishna Paksha. On the second day from Ashadha onwards, the fast may be broken and food taken. Then, in Karttika and the following months, one should eat barley or shyamaka grain for three months, maintaining discipline and purity. On the third day of the bright fortnight in Magha, the wise should make a golden image of Gauri and Rudra together. According to one’s ability and with a cheerful mind, an image of Hari with Lakshmi should also be fashioned and given to a discerning and worthy Brahmin. If one lacks food, the gift should be given to a Brahmin learned in the Vedas and of good conduct, or at least to one of righteous behavior, especially if one’s means are small. Six vessels should be offered to the Brahmin: one filled with honey, a second with ghee, a third with sesame oil, a fourth with jaggery, a fifth with salt, and a sixth with cow’s milk. By giving these vessels, for seven lifetimes, whether woman or man, the giver becomes fortunate and attractive. Agastya continued, “O King, now I will tell you the means to remove obstacles, so that no hindrance will arise when performing these observances. This vow is to be undertaken on the fourth day in the month of Phalguna. One should eat only at night, breaking the fast with sesame rice, which should also be offered into the fire and given to a Brahmin. Having performed this four-month vow five times, one should have a golden image of the elephant-faced one made and give it to a Brahmin, together with five vessels of milk-rice and sesame seeds. Thus, by performing this vow, one becomes freed from all obstacles. Long ago, when an obstacle arose during Sagara’s horse sacrifice, this very vow enabled him to complete the ritual. Likewise, when Rudra destroyed Tripura, he too performed this vow and succeeded. When I drank the ocean, I also observed this vow. Many other kings in ancient times, seekers of austerity and knowledge, have performed this vow for the removal of obstacles. On the prescribed day, one should worship the heroic, steadfast, elephant-faced, large-bellied, and single-tusked one, and again perform a fire offering for the destruction of obstacles. By simply performing this observance, one is freed from all hindrances; by the grace of Vinayaka, a person becomes accomplished. Agastya then said, “O King, I will now explain to you the Shanti vow, by whose observance householders always attain peace. On the fifth day of the bright fortnight in Karttika, begin this vow for one year, consuming only food without sourness. At night, after worshipping Hari who rests upon Shesha, worship his feet as Ananta, his waist as Vasuki, his abdomen as Takshaka, his chest as Karkotaka, his neck as Padma, and his two arms as Mahapadma. His face should be worshipped as Shankhapala and his head as Kutila. After worshipping Vishnu in these forms, worship each separately as well. Bathe these forms with milk, and again bathe Hari. In their presence, offer milk with sesame seeds into the fire. At the end of the year, arrange a meal for Brahmins and present a golden serpent to a Brahmin. Whoever performs this vow with devotion will always have peace and will never have fear from serpents, O King.