VIṢṆUVRATA A Vrata (fast or vow) taken thinking of Viṣṇu in mind. By taking this vow, one could get what one desires for. Worship Viṣṇu, after bathing his image on the first day of the vow of four days, beginning with the second day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Pauṣa, with mustard; on the next day with gingelly seeds; on the third day with Orris root and on the fourth day with all the medicinal herbs. ‘All the medicinal herbs’, means medicine such as Māñcī, Oris root, Costus, Bitumen (stone juice), Saffron, Curcuma, bulb of Kaccūri, Flower of Michelia Champaca and bulb of Cyperus grass. After bathing the image as given above, Viṣṇu must be exalted on the first day by the name Kṛṣṇa, on the second day by the name Acyuta, on the third day, by the name Ananta and on the fourth day, by the name Hṛṣīkeśa. The worship should be performed by offering flower, on the feet on the first day, on the navel on the second day, on the eyes on the third day and on the head on the fourth day, and Candra should be given oblations and exalted by names such as Śaśī on the first day, Candra on the second day, Śaśāṅka on the third day and Indu on the fourth day. It is ordained in
[Chapter 177, of Agni Purāṇa] , that the worship of Viṣṇuvrata should be conducted in this way. This is a form of worship observed by Kings, women and Devas (gods).