I offer my reverent salutations to the Supreme Lord, whose lotus feet are adored by Indra—the sovereign of the celestial city—and by all gods and demons alike. I bow to Him who, longing to behold the radiant faces of the goddesses, desired the three imperishable eyes. Again, I bow to Soma, who is honored with offerings of the five nectars, fragrant ointments, incense, lamps, a profusion of beautiful flowers, diverse sacred mantras, food, and every form of devoted service. At this sacred moment, the blessed Lord Shambhu spoke to Rama, who stood with Lakshmana by his side: “Choose your boons, O Rama. May all good be yours.” Rama, with deep respect, addressed the bull-bannered Lord, saying, “O great Lord, may all those who worship you with devotion through this hymn find success in all their endeavors. And, O Shambhu, if someone’s ancestors have fallen into the ocean of hell, may the offerings of rice-balls and other rites purify them and guide them to heaven. “From birth onward, whatever sins are committed by mind, speech, or body—here, by merely bathing, they are instantly destroyed. And here, O Shambhu, whatever even the smallest thing is given with devotion to those in need, that offering becomes inexhaustible and bestows abundant fruit upon the giver.” Pleased by these words, Shankara joyfully replied to Rama, “Let it be so.” When the illustrious god had departed, Rama, accompanied by his companions, slowly journeyed onward until they reached the sacred place where the Gautami river arises. From that time, this holy spot became known as Rama’s Ford. It was there, moved by compassion, that an arrow slipped from Lakshmana’s hand and fell to the earth. That place became known as the Arrow-Ford, famed for its power to remove all calamities. Where the son of Sumitra bathed and offered worship to Shankara, that spot became Lakshmana’s Ford, and it was also the place of Sita’s emergence. So great was Rama’s sanctity that even the Ganga, by contact with his feet, gained the power to uproot countless sins and purify the three worlds. Where Rama bathed—what need is there to speak of its greatness? Nowhere is there a ford to equal Rama’s Ford. This sacred ford came to be known as Putra-tirtha, renowned as a holy place. By its greatness, as declared in the scriptures, all desires are fulfilled there. Now, O Nārada, listen as I describe the true nature of this tirtha. In ancient times, when the sons of Diti—the Dānavas—were diminished, and the sons of Aditi, the eldest, flourished in every way, Diti was filled with sorrow. She lamented, “Our children have dwindled, gentle one. What can we do? In this world, action is most esteemed. Behold the unbroken, excellent lineage of Aditi, blessed with sovereignty, fame, and the glory of victory. “Their enemies are conquered, their fame and virtue are exalted, and they are skilled in dispelling the sorrow of my heart. Though we are equal in husband, conduct, lineage, and even in form, I cannot endure their prosperity and rise. I am worn out, seeing the sons born to Aditi. My heart is heavy at the sight of her supreme abundance.” As Diti spoke thus, her face downcast and sighing deeply, the son of Brahmā—honoring her and free from fatigue—consoled her with gentle words: “Do not be distressed, gentle one. What is desired is attained only through merit. The great-souled Prajāpati knows the means for this; he will tell you.” Virtuous and humble, Diti bowed with all her heart. Then Danu spoke to her, saying, “O gentle one, please your husband Kaśyapa with your own virtues. If the husband is pleased, you will obtain your desires.” Diti agreed, saying, “So be it,” and devoted herself wholeheartedly to pleasing Kaśyapa. The venerable Prajāpati Kaśyapa, thus pleased, spoke to her, “What shall I give you? Speak your wish, O Diti, and choose your boon, virtuous one.” Diti replied to her husband, “Grant me a son endowed with many virtues, a conqueror of all worlds, honored by all beings—by whose birth I may be the mother of a heroic son. This, O lord of the gods, is the boon I seek,” she said, full of humility. Kaśyapa responded, “I shall instruct you in a supreme vow, which yields its fruit after twelve years. Then I will come and place within you the child you desire. When one is born free from sin, all wishes are fulfilled.” Delighted by her husband’s words, Diti, her eyes wide with hope, performed the vow as he had instructed, following the proper method. For, indeed, those who neglect service at sacred places, giving to the worthy, and the practice of vows—how can such beings hope to attain their desires? When the vow was completed, Kaśyapa placed the embryo in Diti. Once again, in private, Kaśyapa spoke to his beloved: “Even sages devoted to austerity do not obtain their desires, O fair-smiling one, if they neglect the prescribed duties. At twilight, one must not perform censured acts; one must neither sleep nor go out, nor let the hair be unbound. One must not eat, yawn, or stretch at twilight, especially when spirits and beings are gathered. “Concealment should always be practiced, especially laughter; one must never remain inside the house during the twilights. Mortar, pestle, winnowing basket, seat, and coverings must never be crossed over, by day or night, dear one. One must not sleep with the head to the north, especially at twilight; one must not speak falsehood, nor wander to another’s house. A man must never look at another woman besides his own, with great care. If you follow such rules, then you shall have a son who will be the vessel of sovereignty over the three worlds.” Diti agreed, saying, “So be it,” honoring her husband, who was revered by the world. Kaśyapa then departed, his mind turned toward the gods. The embryo within Diti grew, powerful and born of merit. All this, the demon Maya knew truly by his magical insight.