Within the very heart of the earth lies the Dandaka forest, and in its midst flows the Ganga, the river that sustains the world. It is there, O master, that one should worship the Lord. In that sacred place, worship Vishnu, the Lord of all worlds, who lifts the sorrow of the afflicted and suffering, who is mighty and compassionate towards those who are helpless and drowning in the ocean of grief. Nowhere else is there refuge but in Hara, Hari, or the Ganga herself. Therefore, with unwavering effort and concentration, strive to please these divine beings. Join me in worship, with devotion, hymns, and austerities, and together we shall seek the auspiciousness that flows from the grace of Shiva and Vishnu. Know this: when deeds are performed without knowledge, their fruits are ordinary; but with knowledge, their reward is multiplied a hundredfold. And when performed with one’s wife, the fruit becomes inexhaustible. In all endeavors, the wife is a man’s true companion; even in the smallest task, success cannot be achieved without her. Actions done alone yield only half their reward, but when undertaken with the wife, abundant fruit is gained. Thus, let it be well understood: the wife is one’s half, as taught in wisdom. In the Dandaka forest, the best river, Gautami, is known to exist. Gautami removes all sins and grants every desired blessing. Therefore, come with me to this sacred place and perform meritorious acts of great reward. By doing so, you shall vanquish your enemies in battle and attain great happiness. Having listened to his teacher and replied, “So be it,” Shatakratu, together with his wife, journeyed to the Ganga, the sustainer of the world, renowned as Gautami. Hari, joyful and resolute, entered the heart of the Dandaka forest, determined to perform austerity for Shambhu, the lord of the gods. First, he bowed to the Ganga and bathed in her waters. Standing with joined palms, he took refuge in Shiva alone and began to recite a hymn: “May Pinakapani, who by his own power creates, protects, and consumes all that moves and is still, yet remains unattached, who is one, independent, non-dual, and blissful by nature, be gracious to us. Even Sanaka and the other sages, knowers of Vedānta’s secrets, do not comprehend his true nature. May that Lord of Parvati, giver of all desires, be gracious to me and dispel my darkness. He created the self-born god, the blessed Vishvakarman, and saw his terrifying head. With the tips of his nails, he severed it and cast it away; from that act, the threefold aims of life arose. Yet, sin, poverty, greed, delusion, and suffering also arose endlessly, manifesting as worldly sorrow and pervading the world. Seeing this, the Lord of gods became fearful and addressed the Goddess: ‘The world is sinking; protect it, O Lady of the worlds, Mother of all, Uma, refuge of all, auspicious and gracious one. O foundation of the universe, bestower of boons, be victorious! You are enjoyment, concentration, supreme liberation, the sacred syllables svāhā and svadhā, well-being, primordial perfection, speech, wisdom, blessings; you are ageless and immortal. In the form of knowledge and more, you protect the three worlds by my command. By you alone are the three worlds created, and by your very nature, their wondrous diversity.’ Thus addressed by Hari, his beloved, absorbed in intimate union and conversation, became weary and clung closely to half the body of Bhava, sprinkling sweat-water from her fingertips. From that arose Dharma, then Lakshmi, then charity, then good rainfall, virtue endowed with excellence, waters, grains, flowers, and fruits. Auspicious objects, beauty, fine attire, things of love, great medicines, dances, songs, nectar, ancient lore, the Vedas and Smritis, ethics, food and drink—all came forth. Weapons, sciences, household implements, missiles, sacred places, forests, sacrifices, charitable works, auspicious rites, vehicles, pure ornaments, and seats appeared. Through joyful union with the body of Bhava, through sweet conversation and gentle laughter, all moving and unmoving beings were born, O Goddess, and from that, sinless things came into being. Happiness, abundance, and everlasting good arose, shining forth from your nature, O Goddess. Therefore, protect me, Mother of the world, for I am fearful of the dangers that threaten all beings. Some are bewildered by arguments and others become absorbed in them; I praise that beautiful, non-dual form of Shiva and Shakti.” As Hari thus praised, Shiva appeared before him and said, “Speak, Hari, what boon do you desire? Tell me your supreme wish.” Hari replied, “My enemy was powerful and, like Saturn with his gaze, bound me and cast me down, humiliating me in many ways. I was wounded by his words and weapons. For his destruction, this act is undertaken. For that purpose, O Lord of the worlds, grant me victory over my enemy. Grant me strength that destroys enemies and whatever else brings about their end. Since I have been defeated, I desire that, upon their destruction, I may regain fame and the glory of victory.” Shiva said to Indra, “Your enemy cannot be slain by me alone. Therefore, you too, along with Vishnu, the imperishable Hari, must worship, together with Paulomi, the god Janardana, Narayana, the sole refuge of the three worlds, with an undistracted mind. Then, from that, you will obtain what is dear to you from me and from Hari as well.” Again, the blessed Maheshvara, the prime creator, spoke: “The practice of mantras, austerity, or even yoga—wherever these are performed at a confluence, sages know them to grant success. How much more so, O brahmana, at the confluence of the Gautami and Sindhu rivers, in the caves of mountains, or at the meeting of rivers? A brahmana, with intellect fixed on Mukunda’s feet, becomes so. On the southern bank of the Ganga, Apastamba, the lord of sages, dwelt there. I too attained satisfaction, O slayer of enemies. Therefore, you also, together with your wife, please Gadadhara.” Together with Apastamba, on the southern bank of the Ganga, having bathed with devotion at the sacred confluence, Hari praised the god.