Where the son of Sumitra, Lakshmana, bathed and worshipped Lord Shankara, that place became known as Lakshmana's Ford—a spot sanctified not only by his devotion, but also as the site of Sita’s emergence. By the touch of Lakshmana’s feet, the sacred river Ganga gained the power to uproot all manner of countless sins, purifying the three worlds. The greatness of the place where he bathed is beyond description; nowhere is there a ford equal to Rama’s Ford. This holy ford is renowned as Putra-tirtha. Its sanctity is celebrated in the scriptures, for by its greatness, one’s desires are fulfilled. O Nārada, let me tell you its true nature. Listen carefully. There was a time when the sons of Diti, the Dānavas, diminished in number and strength, while the sons of Aditi, the eldest, flourished in every way. Diti lamented to her sister, Danu, “Our children have dwindled, gentle one. What can we do? In this world, action is most esteemed. See the unbroken, excellent lineage of Aditi, endowed with sovereignty, fame, and the glory of victory. Their enemies are conquered, their virtue and fame are exalted, and they dispel the sorrow of my heart. Though we are equal in husband, conduct, lineage, and even form, I cannot endure their prosperity and rise. I am worn out, seeing the sons born of Aditi. I follow some wretched state, having witnessed Aditi’s supreme abundance.” As Diti spoke, her face was exceedingly dejected, and she sighed deeply. The son of Brahmā, honored her and, free from fatigue, comforted her with pleasing words: “Do not be distressed, gentle one. What is desired is attained only through merit. The means for that is known by the great-souled Prajāpati; he will tell you.” Virtuous and humble, Diti bowed with all her heart. Danu then spoke to Diti, saying, “Gentle one, please your husband Kaśyapa with your own virtues. If the husband is pleased, then you will obtain your desires.” Diti replied, “So be it,” and pleased Kaśyapa with all her heart. The venerable Prajāpati Kaśyapa then spoke to Diti: “What shall I give you? Speak your wish, O Diti, choose, O virtuous one.” Diti said to her husband, “A son endowed with many virtues, a conqueror of all worlds, honored by all beings. By whose birth in this world I may become the mother of a heroic son—such a boon I choose, O lord of the gods,” she said, full of humility. Kaśyapa replied, “I shall instruct you in a supreme vow, yielding the fruit of twelve years. After that, I will come and place in you the child you desire. When one is born free from sin, all wishes are fulfilled.” Delighted by her husband’s words, Diti, with wide eyes, performed the vow as instructed, following the proper method. Those who neglect service at sacred places, giving to the worthy, and the practice of vows—how can living beings here attain their desires? When the vow was completed, Kaśyapa placed the embryo in Diti. Again, in private, Kaśyapa spoke to his beloved Diti: “Even sages devoted to austerity do not obtain their desires, O fair-smiling one, when prescribed duties are neglected with disregard. One must not perform censured acts at either of the twilights; one must neither sleep nor go out, and one must not 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, either 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,” to her husband, honored by the world. Kaśyapa, O Brahman, departed from there, his mind directed toward the gods. The embryo of Diti grew, powerful and born of merit. All this, the demon Maya knew truly by his magic. A friendship arose between Indra and Maya, with affection. Maya, having gone in secret, spoke to Indra with humility. He revealed to Indra Diti’s intention, her vow, the growth of the embryo, and its various powers, all with goodwill. A friend who is a single abode of trust, free from fear of harm, gained through good deeds of many kinds, is indeed attained. Maya, the mighty demon, was the beloved brother of Namuci. O lord of gods, how could there be friendship for Maya with the slayer of his brother? Namuci, once the powerful lord of the demons, had a terrible, hair-raising enmity with Indra. Once, after ceasing battle, the valiant demon lord Namuci followed Indra, the hundred-slain, from behind as he was departing. Seeing him approaching, Indra, husband of Śacī, terrified, abandoned Airāvata the elephant and entered into foam. Wielding the thunderbolt, he struck his enemy swiftly with foam alone; Namuci met his destruction, and his brother Maya was the younger. To destroy his brother’s killer, Maya performed great austerity and obtained various terrifying magical powers over the gods. Having obtained boons through austerity from Viṣṇu, the refuge of the worlds, Maya became skilled in giving and pleasing speech.