With the mighty Śārṅga bow in hand, Viṣṇu unleashed a torrent of arrows—swift, thunderous, and unerring—which utterly destroyed the enemies of the gods. In the aftermath of this divine victory, the gods recovered their beloved cows at that very site, which came to be known as Bāṇatīrtha. This sacred place, celebrated among people, is also called Vaiṣṇava and Gotīrtha. For the protection of the cattle, the cows were settled on the southern bank of the Gaṅgā. All the gods hurried there and established the cows within the river itself. In the midst of the sacred waters, they created an island as a sanctuary for the cows, and there, with the cows present, the gods performed a great sacrifice. This island, situated in the heart of the Gaṅgā, became known as Yajñatīrtha—the island of cows—revered as a site of divine worship, auspicious and fulfilling all desires. It was here that the very power of Gaṅgā herself, taking a manifest form, became the boat that carries devotees across the boundless and unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. At this holy place, Viśveśvarī, the divine yogamāyā and bestower of fearlessness to true devotees, established the sacred Gorakṣa Tīrtha on the southern bank of the Gaṅgā. At this time, the two four-eyed dogs, sons of Saramā and dear to Yama, came forward. They recounted in detail to Yama their mother’s curse upon them and all their misdeeds, seeking a way to remove the curse and attain happiness. Compassionately, Sauri (Yama) brought them before his father, Sūrya, and explained their plight. Sūrya, radiant among gods, addressed his son at the banks of the Gaṅgā, instructing him: “O child, bathe with utmost devotion and concentration in the sacred Gautamī river, the sole purifier of the three worlds, within the Dandaka forest. Praise Brahmā, Viṣṇu, myself, and Śiva in proper order, with all your heart. By doing so, you will win the favor of us, your masters.” Hearing his father’s words, Yama’s heart filled with joy. For the happiness of his companions, he proceeded to offer oblations to the gods, his mind firmly composed. He pleased the foremost deities in both the sanctifying waters of the Gautamī and the Gaṅgā. Accompanied by his two faithful dogs, Yama, the illustrious lord of the southern region, worshipped Brahmā on the southern bank, while on the northern bank, Dharma himself pleased Īśāna and Viṣṇu. There, Sarama, the remover of poison, was granted the best of boons, and Dharma requested many blessings for the welfare of the worlds. These sacred places hold immense merit. Bathing there, invoking Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara, grants all auspicious desires, whether for oneself or for others. Those who bathe at Bāṇatīrtha and remember Śārṅgapāṇi (Viṣṇu) are forever free from poverty and suffering, age after age. Whoever bathes at Go Tīrtha or Brahma Tīrtha, observes vows, reverently salutes Brahmā, and circumambulates the island, is as though he has circumambulated the entire earth with its seven continents. Even a small gift to a Brahmin there brings inexhaustible merit. Offering just a little oblation into the sacred fire at this divine place yields the fruit of the Aśvamedha and other great sacrifices. Reciting the Gāyatrī mantra—the mother of the Vedas—even once at this spot is equivalent to studying the Vedas, and the devotee becomes eligible for liberation, free from all desires. Bathing on the southern bank and worshipping the goddess Śakti with devotion and proper rites fulfills all wishes. The great Mother, who is the very power of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara and is composed of the three Vedas, grants children, wealth, and all desires to her devotees. With discipline and devotion, whoever bathes and beholds Āditya (the Sun) on the southern bank has, in effect, performed all desired sacrifices. Bathing on the northern bank and beholding and saluting Daityasūdana (Viṣṇu) leads the devotee to Viṣṇu’s supreme abode. Bathing at Yama Tīrtha and worshipping Yameśvara with a focused mind quickly fulfills one’s purpose. For the ancestors, these places grant inexhaustible merit, abundance, and fame. Through bathing, giving, reciting, and praising at these tīrthas, even ancestors burdened with sin attain liberation. O Nārada, there are eight thousand sacred tīrthas grouped in three, and bathing and giving charity at these sites brings endless merit. Simply remembering these holy places destroys the sins of many births. Hearing or reciting their glories with one’s family and ancestors erases even the gravest sins by divine command. Whoever, self-controlled, bathes there, performs rites, and gives even a little, gains wealth, grain, fame, strength, long life, and abundant health. Such a devotee is blessed with sons, grandsons, a beloved wife, and whatever else he desires. United with dear ones and honored by kin, his heart is content. He rescues even ancestors dwelling in hell, purifies his lineage, and, surrounded by loved ones, remembers Viṣṇu or Śiva at the end and attains liberation, just as the gods have declared. There is also a sacred place called Yakṣiṇīsaṃgama, which bestows all rewards. Bathing and giving charity there fulfills every desire. At this spot, the lord of the Yakṣas grants both enjoyment and liberation by his very presence, and mere bathing there yields the fruit of a great sacrificial rite. In the days of old, Pippalā, the sister of Viśvāvasu, who lived with her teacher, came to the assembly of sages dwelling on the banks of the Gautamī. Seeing the sages emaciated, she laughed arrogantly and proclaimed loudly, “Let it be heard! Let it be heard! Let it be firm!” Offended by her discordant voice, the sages cursed her: “Become one who causes flow!” Thus, she was transformed into a river at that very place, and became known as Yakṣiṇī. Viśvāvasu, honoring the sages and the three-eyed god, joined with the Gautamī and consecrated her as a sacred river, thus sanctifying the land and fulfilling the will of the gods.