In the sacred month of Kārtika, there arises a most auspicious occasion—the bright fortnight’s eleventh lunar day, known as Ekādaśī. This day is proclaimed in the scriptures as the supreme, unmanifest, and multiform embodiment of Viṣṇu, the Lord of all. It is a time when those devoted to Nārāyaṇa, who observe Ekādaśī with proper discipline and reverence, find their accumulated sins destroyed in an instant. Indeed, it is said that bathing three times on this day frees a person from all sins. Long ago, having taken refuge in the merit of Ekādaśī, Mahādeva was approached by the Earth, who asked about the fate of those burdened with grievous sins—those who steal Brahman’s wealth, who kill Brāhmaṇas, betray their teachers or friends, take the property of others, act as hypocrites, transgress boundaries, or deny the existence of justice. The Earth wondered what hope there was for men engaged in such wickedness. Śrī Varāha, desiring the welfare of the worlds, revealed a secret: Even those associated with great sins and devoid of merit are not beyond redemption. For Ekādaśī is the supreme, unmanifest, and multiform power of Viṣṇu. Those greatly devoted to sin should observe it, for, O Earth, there is truly no other means besides this. Both the bright and the dark fortnights should be observed with equal effort, and the sacred vow of Dvādaśī must be performed diligently. Whatever sins are acquired by mind, speech, or deed, Ekādaśī burns them away, again and again, in this world. If men wish to reach the supreme abode of Viṣṇu, they must listen closely: With arms raised, Śrī Varāha declared these instructions. On this day, one must not drink water from a conch, nor kill fish or boars, for such acts are gravely sinful. The one who murders a brāhmaṇa, drinks liquor, steals, or approaches his teacher’s wife is a self-destroyer, guilty of every sin. If one is unable to observe the bright Ekādaśī, he becomes one who partakes of great sins and never attains a good destination anywhere. Therefore, the vow of Dvādaśī should be performed with a single meal and with acts of charity. Among all Dvādaśīs, the Prabodhinī Dvādaśī is especially meritorious. By observing it, one obtains all the fruits of the twelve Dvādaśīs. Whatever is done on this day becomes exceedingly great and imperishable, yielding merit a crore-fold and the reward beloved of Keśava. Just as the holy Prabodhinī is sacred, so too is the night on which Hari sleeps, and indeed, all actions—lying down, awakening, or even turning over—are connected to Hari. Therefore, one should observe the Dvādaśī fast with all effort. O beautiful one, the Ekādaśī that falls with the moon in the month of Kārttika is especially potent. Whatever is performed on that day is remembered as having infinite merit. After bathing and worshipping the deity, one attains the highest reward. The wise should place a water-filled pot and, upon it, install Janārdana in the form of a fish, honoring Him with devotion and reverence. Thus, the observance of Ekādaśī and Dvādaśī in Kārtika brings liberation from sin, infinite merit, and the grace of Viṣṇu, guiding the devotee toward the supreme abode.