At the outset, it was declared that whatever is destined by the Supreme Lord for each soul at birth cannot unfold otherwise; thus, all creatures endure their lot, often suffering in vain, unable to alter what has been ordained. Recognizing this truth, a wise one suggested, “Let us, then, seek a boon that brings welfare to all worlds—something auspicious, that bestows virtue upon all beings. May you both, illustrious ones, agree to this request.” In response, the two divine birds, famed throughout the worlds, spoke together: “For the glory of dharma and the welfare of all beings, let us ask this: May we both have hermitages at this sacred place, on both banks of the holy Ganga. Let us become the guardians of the worlds; this is the highest boon we desire.” They continued, “Let it be so: here, whether it is bathing, giving gifts, reciting sacred words, offering oblations, or worshipping the ancestors—whether performed by the virtuous or the sinful, however it is done—all such acts here yield inexhaustible merit. This is the supreme boon we seek.” Their wish was granted: “So be it. And now, let further blessings be spoken, for we are well pleased.” It was then proclaimed, “Those who recite the hymn to Yama on the northern bank of the Gautamī—within their lineage, for seven generations, none will suffer an untimely death. Whoever, with self-control, continually recites this hymn to Death becomes a vessel of all prosperity, untouched by the eighty-eight thousand diseases that afflict mortals.” The blessings of this holy place extended even further: “Here, if a pregnant woman in her third month, or a woman who was previously barren after six months, bathes for seven days, she will bear a heroic son who will live a hundred years, possessing wealth, wisdom, and courage, and who will increase the lineage with sons and grandsons. By offering rice-balls and gifts to the ancestors here, they attain liberation; and by bathing, a person is freed from sins of thought, word, and deed.” Having spoken thus, and following Yama’s words, Agni, the fire-god, addressed the two birds: “Those who, with disciplined vows, recite my hymn on the southern bank—I grant them health, wealth, fortune, and beauty. Whoever recites this hymn anywhere, or even keeps it written in their home, will never fear fire. Whoever, pure in body, bathes and gives gifts at my bank attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice, without doubt.” From that time, the sacred place became known as Yāmyam and Āgneyam, and the wise recognized the presence of the pigeon, the owl, and the fierce owl there. In that region, there are three thousand, three hundred, and ninety holy places—each a vessel of liberation. By bathing and giving there, even those who have become departed spirits are purified and attain heaven, blessed with sons and wealth. This place is renowned as Tapas Tīrtha—the great place that increases austerity, fulfills all desires, brings merit, and enhances the satisfaction of the ancestors. Now, listen to what transpired at this holy place, which destroys sin: there was a conversation between the waters and the fire, and a discourse among the sages. Some sages considered the waters to be supreme, while others argued that fire was greater. Thus, they discussed the merits of fire and water. Those who favored fire declared, “Where would life be without fire? Fire is the very essence of life; all things are born from fire, which is both self and the recipient of offerings. The world is sustained by fire; fire is the light of the universe. There is no purifier, no deity, greater than fire. Fire is the inner light and the supreme brilliance; nothing exists whose radiance encompasses the three worlds without fire. Therefore, nothing is greater than fire, the most exalted among beings. Just as a seed is placed in the field of a woman, so is fire’s role in creation. Its power, beginning with the body, belongs only to fire. Fire is indeed the mouth of the gods; nothing is known beyond this.” But others, learned in the Vedas, held water to be preeminent: “Food is produced by water, and purity arises from water. All things are sustained by water; waters are remembered as mothers. Those who know ancient lore say water is the life of the three worlds. Immortality arises from water, and from water comes the origin of plants. Some say fire is the eldest, but others claim water is the most ancient.” Thus, the sages, well-versed and holding opposing views, approached the lord of the three worlds and asked, “Tell us, O Lord, is fire or water superior?” He replied to all the assembled seers, steadfast in their vows: “Both are most worthy of reverence in the world; from both, the universe arises. From both come offerings to the gods and ancestors, as well as immortality itself. From both comes life and the support of the body. There is no distinction between the two; their preeminence is equal. Thus, preeminence belongs to neither alone.” Yet, the eminent seers, unsatisfied, still believed preeminence belonged to one or the other. Seeking a final answer, the ascetics went to Vāyu, the wind-god, saying, “Whose preeminence is it, O Vāyu? Life-breath, the truth abides in you.” Vāyu replied, “Fire is the eldest; everything is established in fire.” But the seers, unconvinced, went to the earth and asked, “O Earth, speak the truth: whose preeminence is it? You support all that moves and does not move.” The earth, with humility, answered, “Even I have the eternal goddesses, the waters, as my support. Everything is born from water; preeminence is established in water.” Thus, the sages beheld the intertwined greatness of fire and water, and the mystery of their mutual preeminence at the sacred Tapas Tīrtha.