Adhyaya 48

The chapter names the Ekādaśī of the dark fortnight of Vaiśākha as Varūthinī and praises it as a vow that grants prosperity and the supreme goal, mokṣa. In phalaśruti fashion it declares that this observance alone destroys sins and uproots deep, saṃskāra-like impurities, citing royal exemplars such as Māndhātā and Dhuṃdhumāra, and even Śiva’s release from the skull-affliction motif. Varūthinī’s merit is equated with severe austerities and with eclipse-time dāna. The text then offers a graded teaching on gifts—food, sesame, and knowledge—and on social dharma, warning against exploiting a maiden’s wealth while praising kanyā-dāna. It prescribes disciplines and restrictions across Daśamī, Ekādaśī, and Dvādaśī, culminating in night vigil and worship of Madhusūdana. Hearing or reciting the account is said to bestow great merit and an imperishable destination.