O illustrious one, the sacred acts prescribed for the twelfth day are performed in this manner. Thus, the entire autumnal rite has been fully described, and with its completion, the rite of awakening concludes. The actions performed by devoted men during these observances lead them to the supreme state. Those who, despite being afflicted by cold and wind, remain steadfast in their devotion to me are specially blessed. In winter, as trees blossom and the season grows harsh, the devotee should stand with hands joined in reverence and recite this mantra: “O Lord of winter, O Sustainer, O Lord of the worlds, this frost, this difficult and hard-to-enter season—carry me across this worldly existence, O Upholder, Lord of the three worlds.” Whoever performs winter acts with this mantra receives great merit. Now, O Earth, listen further, for I shall declare the results of offering flowers and other gifts. Whoever gives with steadfastness remains in the world of Viṣṇu. Wise and resolute, the devotee should offer fragrant flowers. Whoever offers on the twelfth day, with concentration, for three months, and in the month of Vaiśākha presents a garland from the forest, richly blossomed, is considered to have worshipped for twelve years. In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa, O fortunate one, flowers mixed with lotuses should be offered. Upon hearing these words, Mādhavī responded with humility, saying, “O Lord, there are twelve months and three hundred sixty-two days. O Lord of the gods, you always praise the Dvādaśī for my sake.” Smiling, the Lord replied, speaking words grounded in righteousness: “Among lunar days, Dvādaśī surpasses all in yielding the fruits of sacrifice. By performing a single act on Dvādaśī, one attains the results of all sacrifices. This day is a great remover of obstacles, O Earth, and its power arises from yoga.” With a fragrant leaf in hand, one should recite the mantra: “Accept these fragrant leaves and let righteousness increase.” Now, I declare the virtue and result of flowers: having said ‘Om, obeisance to Vāsudeva,’ the devotee should recite this mantra: “O Lord, permit me to offer these good flowers; make my mind auspicious; accept, O God, this flower with fragrance; obeisance to you.” One who, devoted to my service, offers thus, attains the result and dwells in my worlds for a divine thousand years. As for the fragrance of flowers, which you previously inquired about, its greatness has been explained. Thus ends the one hundred twenty-third chapter, entitled ‘The Greatness of Fragrant Flowers,’ in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now, the ritual for the season: On the Dvādaśī of the bright fortnight of the month of Phālguna, one should use white, pale, fragrant, beautiful, and abundant flowers. Having performed the procedure in this way, the devotee, pure in heart, should complete all acts for the Lord, following the prescribed rites. At that time, he performs actions according to the sacred instructions. In springtime, when the tree is in full bloom and the fragrance is carried by the wind, whoever performs the rite in the month of Phālguna by this method attains merit. And as for your question, O fair-hipped one, about the excellent month of Vaiśākha, know that performing my auspicious and fresh rites at this time is highly beneficial. Having said, “Salutations to Narayana,” the devotee should recite the mantra: “Salutations to you, Lord of the worlds, O mighty one, salutations to you.” Thus, the sacred acts and their results are revealed, guiding the devotee to righteousness and the supreme state.