O Lord, those men who are entangled in sinful acts of many kinds, and others like them, what is their fate? To this, Śrī Varāha, desiring the welfare of all the worlds, spoke a profound secret. He revealed that those who are weighed down by great sins and bereft of virtue are not without hope, for there exists a supreme, unmanifest, and multiform power of Viṣṇu that can redeem even the most fallen. “Blessed Earth,” said Varāha, “those who are deeply devoted to sinful ways must observe this power, for in truth, there is no other means for their deliverance. Just as both the bright and dark fortnights must be observed with diligence, so too should the vow of Dvādaśī be performed with unwavering effort. Through what is acquired by mind, speech, and deed, this vow again and again burns away ancient sins in this world.” He continued, “O beautiful-faced one, if men wish to attain the supreme abode of Viṣṇu, let them hear my words, which I declare with arms raised in earnestness. There are acts to be avoided: one must not drink water from a conch, nor kill fish or boars. For those who commit grave sins—murderers of brāhmaṇas, drinkers of liquor, thieves, or those who approach their teacher’s wife—what sin is left uncommitted by such a self-destroyer? And for those who are unable to observe even the sacred bright Ekādaśī, let them perform the vow of Dvādaśī with a single meal and with charity.” “Those who neglect these observances become partakers of great sins and never find a good destination in all the worlds. But that one Dvādaśī, observed as Prabodhinī, is supremely meritorious. By observing it, one obtains the fruits of all twelve Dvādaśīs, and whatever is done on that day becomes exceedingly great and imperishable. The merit earned is multiplied a crore-fold, and the reward is beloved of Keśava.” Varāha further explained, “Just as the holy Prabodhinī is sacred, so too is the night on which Hari sleeps. Whether in lying down, awakening, or even turning over, all these moments are connected to Hari. Therefore, one should observe the Dvādaśī fast with all effort.” He spoke of the special Ekādaśī that falls when the moon is in the month of Kārttika: “O beautiful one, 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. After bathing Him with the five nectars and anointing with saffron, the self-controlled devotee should worship the goddess with lotuses.” The worship should include the names of Rāma, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, Buddha, and Kalkin, offering flowers, incense, lamps, and various foods. At night, the awakening of the Lord of gods should be performed with flowers, incense, offerings, and auspicious fruits, as well as gifts of ornaments, garments, and other items according to one’s means. For He is the origin of the world, the form of the world, the beginningless origin of creation itself. Even if there were thousands upon thousands of mouths, the glories of this vow could not be fully spoken, yet Varāha declared, “I will speak of it briefly, to the extent of my power—listen well to this, for it is the path to grace and liberation.