198 - Vows performed in different months

Agni said:

1-2. Ishall describe vows (to be performed) in different months, that would yield enjoyment and emancipation. A wise manshould avoid bathing with oil for four months commencing with asādha. One who abstains (froin using) flower and salt and gives a cow (as a gift) in vaišākha would become a king. One who gives a cow and lasts a month is said to practise a terrible vow and is deemed to be lord Hari. 

3-4. One who bathes (daily) early in the morning for four months commencing with asādha would reach lord Vishņu. One who gives molasses and cow in the month of magha or chairtra on the third day would be the great performer of the gudavrata (vow of giving away molasses) and he would get (an identical forin of) consort of Gauri. One who eats food only in the night in the months of margasirsha etc. would attain the world of lord Vishnu. 

5-7. So also one who eats only once a day and observes the twelfth day vow would do. One who rejects fruit for four months commencing with srāvana and gives (the fruits) as gift would get everything. Oneshould fast on the eleventh day in the bright fortnight in åsädha and prepare to do the vows lasting for four months. Oneshould worship lord Hari in the ashadha at the entry of the Sun (into a constellation) in karkata. 

8-10. “O lord! This vow has been undertaken by me in your presence. O Keśava! When you are pleased let it be accomplished without impediment. O lord! If I die after taking this vow and the vow becomes incomplete, let it become completed by your grace, O Janardana!" Oneshould avoid eating flesh and a brahminshould refrain from the use of) oil and worship lord Hari. One who fasts on alternate days and for three nights would reach the world of lord Vishņu. 

11. One who practises the chandrāyana would reach the world of Vishņu, the vow of silence would be fit for liberation, the vow of prājāpatya eating the flour of barley would reach heaven. 

12-15. One who takes milk etc. and one who takes five things got from a cow would reach heaven. A person eating vegetables, roots and fruits would reach the world of Vishnu. One who avoids flesh and tasty food and takes barley would reach lord Hari. Ishall describe the Kaumudavrata. Having observed a fast on the twelfth day in kārtlika oneshould besmear lord Vishņu (with sandal) and worship (him) with lotuses and blue lotuses and ofler a lamp lit by ghee and sesamum oil. “Om obeisance to Vasudeva.” Oneshould worship him with a garland of malati (flowers). One who practises the kaumudavrata would get piety, pleasure, wealth and liberation. One who practises the vow of fasting in the nionths (specified) and worships lord Hari would get everything.