Among all the sacred fords, there is one that shines above the rest, just as Arundhatī stands supreme among virtuous women. This holy place, known as Puruṣottama, is the highest, just as the knowledge of liberation is esteemed above all forms of knowledge. As a king is foremost among men, and Kāmadhenu among cows, so too is Puruṣottama the most eminent of all sacred fords. Its excellence is likened to gold among all gems and to Vāsuki among serpents. As Prahlāda is foremost among the Daityas and Rāma among wielders of weapons, so does Puruṣottama surpass all other fords. Among aquatic creatures, the makara is chief, and among beasts, the lion reigns; in the same way, Puruṣottama is the most excellent among sacred places. Just as the ocean of milk is the best among seas, and the lord among rivers, so is Puruṣottama the most eminent among sacred fords. Varuṇa is chief among aquatic beings, and Yama among controllers; likewise, Puruṣottama stands above all sacred waters. Nārada is foremost among divine sages, and so is Puruṣottama among holy fords. Gold is the highest among metals, and the sacrificial fee among purifications; in the same way, Puruṣottama is the most excellent among sacred fords. Dakṣa is the lord among progenitors, and Kaśyapa among seers—so too is Puruṣottama the most eminent. The sun is chief among planets, and praṇava (the sacred syllable Om) among mantras; Puruṣottama is likewise supreme among all sacred fords. Just as the Aśvamedha is declared the highest among sacrifices, so too is this holy field most eminent among all sacred places. Grain is the best among herbs, and the lord of grasses among all grasses; in this way, Puruṣottama is the highest among all sacred fords. The righteousness of all the sacred waters can carry one across the ocean of worldly existence, and among all sacred places, the Supreme Person—Puruṣottama—is the highest. O best of the twice-born, let me now share with you the fruits of all sacred waters, holy places, recitations, sacrifices, vows, austerities, and gifts. O Brahmins, I see nothing on earth that can compare to this holy place; why speak at length, repeating the same again and again? Truly, truly, and again truly, this field is supremely great. Simply by seeing the place called the Supreme Person even once, one is purified as if immersed in the ocean itself. Once the knowledge of Brahman is realized—there is no return to the womb. In that supreme abode, where Hari is ever present, in the place of the Supreme Person, liberation is assured. One should worship there for a year, or even for just a month; whatever is recited, whatever is offered, or any great austerity performed there—its fruit is immense. He who worships there attains the supreme abode where Hari, the lord of yogis, resides, enjoying celestial pleasures with heavenly maidens. At the end of an age, such a soul may return to the world of mortals, born in the house of yogis and Brahmins, devoted to knowledge and its pursuit. Having attained Vaishnava yoga, he attains the freedom of Hari, together with the wish-fulfilling tree, with Rama, Krishna, and the blessed one. The greatness of Markandeya and Indradyumna, the glory of Madhava, the gateway to heaven, and the ordinance of the ocean—all these have been revealed. I have declared to you the proper time for purification, the meeting with the Bhagirathi, and whatever supreme thing you wished to hear. The greatness of Indradyumna has been told, all the wonders described, and the secret of the Supreme Person—ancient, most secret, blessed, and liberating from worldly existence—has been revealed. Yet, we are not satisfied, for the expanse of the sacred places is vast and wondrous. You should again speak in full the supreme secret, the highest glory of the supreme sacred place, surpassing all others. This very question was asked of me long ago by Nārada, O best of Brahmins, and then I spoke to him as well. Of austerity, sacrifice, and gifts, the sacred waters are remembered as purifying; all this has been heard by me from you, O source and lord of the world. How many sacred places are there in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld? Among all these, which is always the most distinguished? There are four kinds of sacred places in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld: divine, demonic, those of reddish hue, and those founded by sages. Among the three worlds, the human sacred places are renowned by the gods and others; and among these, the sage-founded one is unsurpassed. From sages and sacred fords arise the demonic ones, which bestow much merit; and from the demonic, the divine, which fulfills all desires. That which is established by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva is called divine; whatever is born from these three together—nothing is known beyond that. Among all the three worlds, the sacred ford is declared pure; and among them, the Jambudvipa ford is renowned for its many virtues. In Jambudvipa, the land of Bharata is the sacred ford, famed throughout the three worlds, for it is the field of action; therefore, it is called the sacred ford. There, the sacred fords I have mentioned to you, situated between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas, and the six rivers of divine origin—these are especially holy. Likewise, O Brahman, the rivers born of the gods between the southern ocean and the Vindhyas—these twelve rivers are proclaimed as foremost. Because Bharata, the land of great merit, is honored and is the field of action by the gods, it is renowned as the land. The sacred fords of the sages and those born of the gods, in some places, were overtaken by the demons; those are called demonic. Thus, the glory of the supreme sacred place, Puruṣottama, and the land of Bharata, is revealed—ever the highest among all holy places, sanctified by the presence of the Supreme Person.