By the divine command, even the gravest sins of those who come to this sacred place are destroyed. Whoever approaches with self-control, bathes in its holy waters, performs the prescribed rites, and gives even a little in charity, finds their burdens lifted. When one offers oblations for the ancestors and bows to the gods present there, they are blessed with wealth, grain, fame, strength, a long life, and abundant health. Such a pilgrim gains sons and grandsons, a beloved wife, and whatever else their heart desires. They remain united with their dear ones, honored by their kin, their heart filled with contentment. Moreover, they rescue even ancestors who dwell in hell, purifying their lineage. Joined with loved ones, at the end of their earthly journey, they remember Viṣṇu or Śiva and thus attain liberation, just as the gods have declared. There is a sacred place known as Yakṣiṇīsaṃgama, famed for bestowing all rewards. By bathing and giving charity there, every desire is fulfilled. At this spot, the lord of the Yakṣas grants enjoyment and liberation with his very presence; merely bathing there grants the fruit of a great sacrificial rite. The tale of Yakṣiṇīsaṃgama begins with Pippalā, the sister of Viśvāvasu, who lived with her teacher. She once visited the assembly of sages residing on the banks of the Gautamī river. Seeing the sages emaciated, Pippalā laughed arrogantly and loudly proclaimed, “Let it be heard! Let it be heard! Let it be firm!” Her discordant voice angered the sages, who cursed her: “Become one who causes flow!” Thus, she was transformed into a river at that spot, renowned as Yakṣiṇī. Viśvāvasu, honoring both the sages and the three-eyed god, joined Yakṣiṇī with the Gautamī, making her a sacred river. From that time, the place became known as Yakṣiṇīsaṃgama; bathing and giving charity there grants all desires. Where Śaṃbhu, accompanied by Śivā, was pleased with Viśvāvasu, that supreme Śaiva sacred place is also famed as Durgātīrtha. This holy spot removes all heaps of sin and destroys misfortune. Among all sacred places, it is truly the essence, renowned among sages, granting every accomplishment to those who visit. It is also called Śuklatīrtha, the sacred place that grants all attainments; even by merely remembering it, one’s desires are fulfilled. A sage named Bharadvāja, renowned for his supreme righteousness, lived with his virtuous wife Paiṭhīnasī on the bank of the Gautamī. Devoted to her husband, Paiṭhīnasī prepared sacrificial cakes for Agni and Soma, and for Indra and Agni. As the cake was being cooked, a terrifying being emerged from the smoke, having eaten the offering. Bharadvāja, the great sage, swiftly and angrily demanded, “Who are you, who out of anger destroys my sacrifice here?” The demon replied, “Know me, Bharadvāja, as Havyaghna, so renowned. I was born at twilight, the eldest son of Pracīnabarhis. Brahmā granted me a boon: ‘Devour sacrifices as you please.’ My younger brother is Kali, powerful and fearsome. I am black, my father is black, my mother is black, and so is my younger brother. I will destroy the sacrifice, I will cut down the sacrificial post, I am the ender of rites. Protect my sacrifice, you for whom dharma is dear. I know you as a true twice-born, a destroyer of sacrifice—protect my rite.” Havyaghna continued, “Hear my words, Bharadvāja: Long ago, in the presence of gods and demons, Brahmā cursed me. When I propitiated him, he said: ‘When the best of sages anoint you with nectar, the curse will end for you, and not otherwise.’ When you do thus, all will come to pass.” Bharadvāja replied, “You are my friend, O wise one. Tell me by what means I may protect the sacrifice; I will do that.” Havyaghna explained, “The gods and Daityas churned the ocean of milk but did not easily obtain nectar—how then can it be easy for us? If you are pleased with me in friendship, tell me what is easy to obtain.” The demon joyfully replied, “Nectar is water from the Gautamī, nectar is gold, nectar is clarified butter from cows, and nectar is also Soma. Anoint me with these, or with water from the Gaṅgā, clarified butter, and gold. Of all, the divine water from the Gautamī is the highest nectar.” Hearing this, Bharadvāja was greatly pleased. With reverence, he took the nectar-like water of the Gaṅgā in his hand and anointed the demon in the midst of the sacrifice, as well as the sacrificial post, the animals, the priests, and the sacrificial ground. All became pure white from the anointing; even the demon, once black, became white in an instant and was reborn with great strength. Bharadvāja completed the entire sacrifice with splendor. The priests, having been dismissed, cast the sacrificial post into the waters of the Ganges, where it remains to this day. It was consecrated with ambrosia, and its identity is great. At that sacred site, the demon again addressed Bharadvāja: “I depart, O Bharadvāja; the rite has been completed by you once more. Therefore, at this sacred site, those who perform bathing, giving, and worship will obtain whatever fruits they desire from the sacrifice; even by remembrance, sins are always destroyed.” From that time onward, the site has been known as Śuklatīrtha. In the Gautamī river, within the Dandaka forest, the gateway to heaven stands open. On both banks, O tiger among sages, there are seven thousand other sacred sites, each bestowing all accomplishments to the faithful.