Long ago, the ancient and sacred vow was observed by Nala, the best of kings, during his stay in the realm of Ṛtuparṇa. Through the steadfast practice of this vow, Nala sought success. In the same way, many other eminent kings who had lost their kingdoms also undertook this venerable observance, hoping to regain fortune and victory. Agastya, the wise sage, then spoke to the assembled king: “Now, O great king, I will describe another vow—the Ārogya-vrata, a supremely meritorious observance that destroys all sins and grants health.” He explained that on the seventh day of the month of Māgha, one should fast and worship the god Bhāskara, who is the eternal form of Viṣṇu. The Sun should be worshiped by his many names—Āditya, Bhāskara, Ravi, Bhānu, Sūrya, Divākara, Prabhākara—honoring him in this way. Agastya instructed further: “On the sixth day, one may take food; on the seventh, worship Bhānu; and on the eighth day, one may eat again—this is the proper order.” Whoever worships the Sun in this manner for a full year, faithfully following the prescribed rules, will gain health, wealth, and abundance in this very life, and, in the next, attain an auspicious realm from which there is no return. He recounted how, in ancient times, the universal emperor Anaraṇya, mighty and renowned, performed this vow to worship the Sun. The pleased deity granted him the boon of supreme health. Bhadrāśva, another king present, asked, “Was Anaraṇya afflicted by disease, that he obtained health? How did disease arise for such a powerful emperor?” Agastya replied, “Anaraṇya was indeed a universal emperor, famed for his beauty and strength. Once, accompanied by hosts of gods, he visited the divine lake of the mind. There, in the center of the lake, he saw a great white lotus. Within the lotus stood a supreme person, no larger than a thumb, clothed in red garments, with two arms and glowing with intense brilliance. Upon seeing this, the king instructed his charioteer, ‘Bring me this lotus. If I carry it upon my head before all the worlds, I shall be praiseworthy. Fetch it quickly.’ The charioteer entered the water and attempted to seize the lotus. But as soon as he touched it, a loud sound erupted; frightened by the noise, the charioteer fell and died. At that very moment, the king himself was struck by leprosy, losing his color, strength, and vigor. Overcome with grief and confusion, he pondered, ‘What is this affliction?’ As he stood reflecting, the wise ascetic Vasiṣṭha, son of Brahmā, arrived and questioned him: ‘How has this condition come upon your body, O tiger among kings? What should be done now?’ The king recounted the entire story of the lotus. Hearing this, Vasiṣṭha said, ‘O king, had you acted rightly, you would have remained unharmed; but because you did not, leprosy has come upon you.’ The trembling king, with joined palms, asked, ‘O virtuous one, how did I act rightly or wrongly? How has this leprosy arisen in me? Please tell me.’ Vasiṣṭha explained, ‘This lotus, known as Brahmodbhava, is renowned throughout the three worlds. By merely seeing it, all the gods are seen. It appears here once every six months. Upon seeing it, if a man enters the water, he is freed from all sins and attains supreme liberation. The form of Brahmā in his prior state is established in these waters. Seeing this and immersing oneself, one is released from worldly existence. Your charioteer entered the water upon seeing it, but you, O king, entered again with the intent to possess it. Therefore, O misguided one, you have incurred leprosy. Because you fell into delusion, I said you are not virtuous. I am the son of Brahmā, and I see this supreme Lord daily. Even the gods declare this lotus to be the highest golden one. By seeing the Brahma-lotus in the Mānasa lake and Hari present there, we attain the supreme Brahman, from which there is no return. Hear another cause of your affliction: the Sun himself is established within this lotus womb. Having seen him, the eternal Supreme Self, I bear him upon my head as an ornament amidst the world. Thus, your sin has been revealed by the god; now, O wise one, worship him alone.’ Agastya continued: “Having spoken thus, Vasiṣṭha described the very vow—the divine worship of the Sun, known as the vow for health. The king performed this vow with devotion and soon attained success, becoming free from disease in an instant.” Agastya then said, “Now, O great king, I will briefly tell you the auspicious vow for obtaining a son. Listen as I declare it. In the month of Bhādrapada, during the dark fortnight, on the eighth day, one should fast—this is the vow for obtaining a son. On the sixth day, resolve to undertake the vow; on the seventh, worship Hari, the god resting in Devakī’s lap, surrounded by mothers. On the pure morning of the eighth day, worship Hari with devotion. After worshipping Govinda according to the prescribed method, offer oblations of barley and black sesame mixed with ghee and curd. Feed brāhmaṇas with devotion, giving gifts as able. Afterwards, eat first the finest bilva fruit, then partake of food as desired, with all flavors and oils.” Thus, Agastya revealed the ancient and meritorious vows, their observances, and the blessings they bestow, guiding the king and all listeners towards health, prosperity, and fulfillment.