Ravana, famed throughout the worlds and born in the illustrious lineage of Pulastya, became a conqueror of all directions. His victories led him even to the exalted realm of Soma, the Moon. As Ravana prepared to engage Soma in battle, I intervened and addressed him directly: “O ten-headed one, I will grant you a mantra; desist from this battle with Soma.” Accepting my words, Ravana received from me a sacred mantra of one hundred and eight names, all associated with Shiva, to pacify his ambition. Know, O Narada, that for those who are destitute, fallen, or afflicted by countless troubles, Shiva alone is the ultimate refuge in this world—there is no other. Empowered by the mantra, Ravana withdrew from Soma’s domain. Victorious and filled with pride, he mounted his celestial Pushpaka chariot and swiftly returned to the worlds of men and gods. From his vantage, Ravana gazed upon the gods, the vast sky, the earth, the Nagas, the mighty elephants, and the Brahmins. His eyes fell upon the great mountain Kailasa, the splendid abode of Lord Shiva and Uma. Ravana’s heart brimmed with desire as he considered, “Who among the great souls could dwell on such a mountain? I shall take this mountain away from the earth.” He believed that if Kailasa were brought to Lanka, it would surely bring unmatched beauty and prosperity to his realm. Hearing their lord’s intentions, Ravana’s two Rakshasa ministers, discerning his resolve, respectfully counseled against such a deed. “It is not proper,” they said with sincere minds. Yet Ravana, the night-wanderer, disregarded their wise counsel. Ravana quickly stationed his Pushpaka and leapt to the base of Kailasa. The ten-headed one began to swing the sacred mountain, but Shiva, aware of Ravana’s actions, responded accordingly. Having already defeated the guardians of the directions, Ravana, swollen with pride, attempted to lift Kailasa. Shiva, with but a press of his toe, sent Ravana plunging into the netherworld and other distant realms. Crushed and in agony, Ravana’s cries reached Shiva. Though angered, Shiva was also pleased by Ravana’s devotion and persistence. Laughing with the goddess Uma, Shiva granted Ravana the boon he desired, even though it was, by all measures, undeserved. Thus blessed by Shiva’s grace, Ravana departed. On his way to Lanka to worship Shiva, he approached the sacred Ganga, born from Shiva’s matted locks. There, with unwavering spirit, Ravana worshipped Shambhu using various mantras and the holy waters of the Ganga. Through his devotion, he obtained a sword adorned with a crescent and achieved all the prosperity and perfection he sought. Having perfected the mantra I had given him for the protection of the moon, and after duly worshipping Bhava, Ravana, the lord of the Rakshasas, returned once more to Lanka, fully satisfied. From that time onward, the sacred tirtha became renowned as a bestower of great accomplishments and desired blessings, a destroyer of all sin, and a place revered by the accomplished ones. Now, O listener, let me tell you of the tirtha called Paruṣṇī-saṃgama, celebrated throughout the three worlds. Hear its story, for it is a destroyer of sin. Atri, the great sage, worshipped Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara. Pleased by his devotion, they declared, “You shall become our father.” Thus, a beautiful daughter was born to Atri, and those three—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara—became his sons. Atri’s daughter was named Shubhatreyi, and from her were born Soma and Durvasa, illustrious sons of that noble lineage. From Agni, Angiras arose from the embers, and Angiras, in turn, gave the radiant Atreyi to Atri. By Agni’s power, Parusha would always speak to Atreyi, and she, in turn, remained ever devoted in service. From her, the mighty and valiant Angirasas were born, though Angiras often spoke harshly to Atreyi. The Angirasas, sons of Atreyi, would always strive to pacify their father. Yet, once, distressed by her husband’s harsh words, Atreyi, with folded hands and a heavy heart, approached her father-in-law, the revered sage. She addressed him, “O fire-bearer, I am the wife of your son Atri, ever devoted to the service of my husband and sons. Yet my husband speaks harshly and looks upon me with anger, without cause. O chief among gods, please pacify me—my husband is my deity.” Her father-in-law replied, “Your husband, Angiras the sage, was born from embers. O gentle one, let a course be prescribed so that he may become peaceful. Your husband, born of Agni, has come to you; now, by my command, you should flood him in the form of water.” Atreyi, devoted and patient, responded, “I shall endure harsh words; let my husband not enter the fire. What is the use of life for a woman opposed to her husband? I desire words of peace so that I may be united with my husband thus.” Her father-in-law spoke again, “Agni is present in water, in bodies, in all beings, both mobile and immobile. I am always regarded as the abode and progenitor of your husband. Knowing ‘I am that very self,’ you should not give way to anxiety. Consider with discernment: what are water, mothers, goddesses, fire, or even a father-in-law? Therefore, do not be disheartened, daughter-in-law.” He continued, “When you said, ‘Water is my mother,’ and, ‘I am the wife of your son, O Agni,’ how could the mother also be the wife? This is contradictory, O Lord, because of the watery form. At first, she is a wife; by supporting, she is called bharya; by giving birth, she is jaya; through her own virtues, she is kalatram. O blessed one, you bear these various forms—do as I have instructed. Whoever is born from her is indeed her son, and she is truly his mother—there is no doubt in this. Therefore, those who know the essence of the scriptures say: she is not a wife when a son has been born.” Hearing these words, Atreyi immediately assumed a fiery form and, with water, purified her husband. Husband and wife, united, took on the tranquil form of Ganges water, together becoming a harmonious couple. Just as Vishnu is united with Lakshmi, Shiva with Uma, and the Moon with Rohini, so too were Atreyi and her husband joined together. Flooding her husband, Atreyi assumed a form made of water and, united with the Ganga, became known as the river Paruṣṇī. Bathing in the Paruṣṇī bestows the merit of offering a hundred cows, and there the Angirasas performed many sacrifices with abundant gifts. Ancient texts speak of three thousand sacred fords at Paruṣṇī. On both banks of this holy river, the fruits of sacrifices are distinct and manifold, O dear one. Thus, the glory of Paruṣṇī-saṃgama is renowned throughout the worlds, a sacred place where sins are destroyed and blessings abound.