Adhyaya 53

The chapter proclaims the bright-fortnight Ekādaśī of Āṣāḍha as the supreme Śayanī (Devaśayanī) observance. It repeatedly praises its power to destroy sin and grant heaven and liberation, even to one who merely hears of it. The vrata is linked with worship of Vāmana, and the Vāmana–Bali episode is recounted. Bali’s devotion is shown, and Viṣṇu’s three strides encompass the worlds; the final step is placed upon Bali’s back, sending him to Rasātala while still granting him divine favor. The text then explains Hari’s “sleep” during the Cāturmāsya period (from Śayanī to Kārtikī/Bodhinī), prescribing vigil, worship, and month-wise food restraints: in Śrāvaṇa leafy greens, in Bhādrapada curd, in Āśvayuja milk, and in Kārtika pulses. Ekādaśī is affirmed as a universal purifier.