The king’s priest was unaware of the king’s extraordinary actions. When the guru had departed, King Śaryāti, steadfast in his resolve, approached the great-souled sage Viśvāmitra. Having first dispatched all his royal forces, the king went to the bank of the sacred Gaṅgā and, with a heart full of purpose, entered the fire. There, he proclaimed before the Gaṅgā, the radiant Sun, and all the gods: “If I have been generous in giving, if I have offered the proper oblations, if I have protected my people as a true king—by the truth of these deeds, may this virtuous woman share my own lifespan.” With these words, the noble Śaryāti entered the fire. At that very moment, as if in answer to his sacrifice and truth, the wife of the king’s priest—who had died—was brought back to life. News of this miraculous event quickly spread: the king had entered the fire, and his priest’s devoted wife, who had perished, had been restored. This wondrous occurrence, and especially the king’s self-sacrifice, awakened the priest’s guru to his own remaining duties. He reflected, “I too, having seen the fire, must either join my beloved in the next world or undertake austerities here. This is my resolve.” Determined, the twice-born sage made up his mind. He thought, “This alone is my proper duty—a truly virtuous act: to support the king, and then to be reunited with my beloved. This alone would bring me auspiciousness.” With this in his heart, he praised the Sun, recognizing that among all the gods, none but the Sun grants every desire. He offered his salutations: “Homage to that Sun, the liberator, of immeasurable brilliance, the very embodiment of the Vedic meters, whose essence is Om—salutations to you. Salutations to the formless and the beautiful, to the one of three qualities and triple form, the cause of creation, preservation, and destruction, the mighty Lord.” Pleased by his devotion, the Sun spoke: “Ask for a boon.” The sage replied, “O Lord of gods, grant the king back to us, give me a wife who speaks kindly, virtuous sons for myself, and auspicious boons for the king as well.” The Lord of the universe then bestowed upon Śaryāti—adorned with jewels—his beloved wife, other blessings, and all prosperity. Filled with love for his restored wife, the king departed with the priest, returning joyfully to his own land. That sacred place, sanctified by these events, has ever since been remembered as a holy site. There, three thousand holy places endowed with virtue are said to exist. From that time forward, the site became known as Bhānu-tīrtha. It is also renowned as Mṛtasaṃjīvana and Śāryāta, and as Mādhucchandasamākhyāta. Simply remembering it, O sage, dispels sins. Bathing and giving gifts there grant the fruits of all sacrifices; Mṛtasaṃjīvana, in particular, is known to increase lifespan and health. Another sacred place is known as Khaḍga-tīrtha, situated on the northern bank of the Gautamī. Bathing and giving gifts there lead a person to liberation. Now, listen carefully, O Nārada, to the story of that place. There lived a twice-born named Pailūṣa, son of Kavaṣa. Burdened by family responsibilities and seeking wealth, he wandered everywhere, but fortune eluded him. At last, he embraced detachment, realizing that when destiny turns utterly adverse and every effort fails, the wise have no refuge but renunciation. He pondered deeply, sighing, “No wealth comes to me, yet I have so many dependents.” Yet his prideful nature was unfit for hardship—alas, the workings of ill fate! Sometimes, he managed to scrape by through various occupations, but true wealth never came, nor did he achieve lasting detachment. Every service he tried was denied him, and severe austerities seemed too difficult. He lamented, “This craving drags me everywhere, pushing me toward wrongdoing. Out of ignorance, I have caused harm—therefore, O craving, I bow to you.” Thus reflecting, the wise Pailūṣa, seeking a way to cut off desire, spoke to his father: “With the sword of knowledge, O father, how can one cut off anger and greed, and the exceedingly difficult cycle of rebirth? Tell me the method, O master.” His father replied, “The Vedas teach: ‘One should seek knowledge from the Lord.’ Therefore, worship the Lord, and you will obtain knowledge.” Accepting this, Pailūṣa worshipped the Lord for knowledge. The great Lord, pleased, granted him wisdom. Having attained this knowledge, Pailūṣa spoke verses that bestow liberation: “Anger is the first enemy—fruitless and destructive to the body. Cut it off with the sword of knowledge to attain supreme happiness. Craving is manifold, an illusion, binding and the cause of sin. Cutting it off with knowledge, one abides in happiness. Attachment is the greatest unrighteousness, so says scripture; for the unattached self, attachment is the enemy. Cutting this with knowledge, one attains unity with Śiva. Doubt is the greatest destruction, the ruin of righteousness and prosperity. Cutting off doubt, one attains the highest goal. Hope, like a demoness, burns up all happiness; cutting it with the sword of selflessness, one attains liberation while living.” Having thus obtained knowledge, Pailūṣa took refuge on the bank of the Gaṅgā. Freed from delusion by the sword of knowledge, he attained liberation. From that time, the sacred place became known as Khaḍgatīrtha, and also as Jñānatīrtha, Kavaṣa, and Pailūṣa—the fulfiller of all desires. The sages declare that there are six thousand such holy places, which remove all sins and suffering and grant every blessing desired. Another sacred site is Ātreya, renowned as Anvindra, supreme among holy places. Let me describe its power, which can restore lost kingdoms. On the northern bank of the Gautamī, the venerable sage Ātreya performed sacrifices, surrounded by priests and sages. Thus are the glories of these holy places revealed, each sanctified by the deeds of the great and by the wisdom that leads to liberation.