After carefully considering the scriptures, the supreme authority of Hara, and the vastness of the universe through all valid means, she devoted herself to righteous deeds and enjoyed the pleasures of life—this is the glory of Sadāśiva. Among all actions, agents, instruments, and means—whether prescribed by the Vedas or arising from worldly pursuits—the highest, most excellent, and most beloved is known as the accomplishment of the beginningless doer. Meditating upon the supreme Brahman, the highest principle and essence worthy of worship, the true yogis attain liberation and do not return. This supreme being is Umāpati, the giver of liberation. Just as Śambhu, whose māyā is immeasurable, takes on various forms for the welfare of the world, so too, O Mother, you assume the state of fidelity in accordance with his union with you. As these praises were being spoken, the illustrious Bull-bannered One appeared before him, accompanied by Umā and surrounded by Gaṇeśa and other divine hosts. Śambhu himself, having come directly, graciously addressed Gautama, saying, “What shall I grant you, Gautama? Your devotion, praise, and auspicious vows have pleased me. Ask for whatever you desire—even that which is difficult for the gods to bestow.” Hearing the words of the Lord of the universe, Gautama, skilled in speech and overwhelmed with tears of joy, reflected deeply within himself, marveling, “Oh, what destiny! Oh, what righteousness! Oh, indeed, the worship of the Brāhmaṇas! Oh, how wondrous is the course of the world! Oh, Creator, I bow to you!” He then made his request: “Grant me the auspicious Gaṅgā, who abides in your matted locks and is worshipped by the gods. If you are pleased, O Lord of the gods, abode of the three Vedas, I bow to you!” Śiva responded, “You have asked this for the benefit of the three worlds; now, for your own sake, ask for a boon without fear. Those devotees who praise you, O Goddess, with this hymn, will attain all desired prosperity—this boon I grant.” Encouraged, Gautama, filled with joy, spoke to Śaṅkara, “O Lord of the universe, release this Goddess, dwelling in your matted locks, purifier of the worlds and your beloved, upon the mountain of Brahmā. As long as she, who is the essence of all sacred waters, flows to the ocean, let sins such as brahminicide, whether of mind, speech, or body, be destroyed entirely by the mere act of bathing, O Śaṅkara, especially during lunar and solar eclipses, solstices, and equinoxes. Whatever merit is gained at holy fords during transitions or at other sacred places, may that same merit arise simply by remembering her, O Hara. In the Kṛta age, austerity is praised; in the Tretā, sacrifice; in the Dvāpara, sacrifice and charity; but in the Kali age, charity alone. All the duties of the ages and regions are established; the duty appropriate to each place and time is to be followed. Whatever merit is gained elsewhere through bathing, charity, and other restraints, may that merit arise here simply by remembering her, O Hara. Wherever this river flows on her way to the ocean, there you must be present; let this be the boon granted. For ten yojanas above her, and for all within that distance, even the greatest sinners, and their ancestors, O Śiva, who come to bathe, and even those who die between baths, may they attain liberation. All the sacred fords in heaven, earth, and the netherworld together—this one surpasses them all; enough, O Śambhu, homage to you.” Hearing Gautama’s words, Śiva replied, “So be it. There has never been, nor will there be, a ford greater than this. Truly, truly, and again truly, as established in the Veda, the Gautamī is the most sacred of all.” So saying, he vanished. After the revered Lord worshipped by the worlds had departed, Gautama, empowered by her command, took up the sacred river from the matted locks and, surrounded by the gods, entered Brahmagiri. When Gautama arrived and Nārada had taken up his matted locks, a shower of flowers fell, and the lords of the gods assembled. The great and fortunate sages, Brāhmaṇas, and Kṣatriyas honored Gautama with joyful cries of victory. Having taken Gaṅgā from the matted locks of Maheśvara, Gautama came to the sacred place of Brahmā. There, what did he do on the mountain? Taking Gaṅgā, pure and with concentrated mind, Gautama was worshipped by the gods, Gandharvas, and those dwelling on the mountain. Placing the matted locks on the summit, remembering the three-eyed god, that best of twice-born spoke to Gaṅgā with joined palms, “O giver of all desires, born from the matted locks of the three-eyed one, forgive, O Mother! You are peaceful—go happily, do what is beneficial.” Thus addressed by Gautama, Gaṅgā, assuming a divine form adorned with heavenly garlands and unguents, spoke to him, “Should I go to the abode of the gods, or into the water-pot, or should I descend to the netherworld? You have been born; you are one who speaks the truth. For the benefit of the three worlds, I was requested by Śaṃbhu and thus given, O goddess—let it not be otherwise.” Hearing Gautama’s words, Gaṅgā accepted his statement, and dividing herself threefold, she went to heaven, earth, and the netherworld. In heaven she became fourfold, on earth sevenfold, and in the netherworld fourfold—thus she assumed fifteen forms. Everywhere, she is the essence of all beings, the destroyer of all sins, the giver of all desires, eternal—thus she is praised in the Veda.