Adhyaya 96

The sages praise Sūta and ask for further instruction. Sūta then presents an ancient dialogue ascribed to the Lord who rules the world, turning to the sanctity of sacred time: among all months, Vaiśākha—called Mādhava—is proclaimed supreme. Worship, holy bathing, dāna, and śrāddha performed in this month are said to surpass even the rewards of sacrificial rites. The chapter then shifts to a moral and theological exemplum: a dialogue between Yama (Dharmarāja) and the brāhmaṇa Yajñadatta. Yama explains the law of karmic recompense, listing deeds that lead to hell—especially neglect of Viṣṇu-bhakti and breaches of dharma. He also sets forth virtues that lead to heaven, culminating in strong praise of Ekādaśī vows and the allied observances of Dvādaśī, along with the merits of tīrthas and of dying in a holy place.