Puru, weighed down by the burden of old age, spoke to his father with humility, saying, “No, father, I am worn down by age. The transformations that come to embodied beings are hard to resist.” He reflected on the inevitability of aging, remarking, “Old age, which arrives in its proper time, must be endured by all. But if it comes for the sake of serving elders, how can it be abandoned?” For Puru, the prospect of accepting and then abandoning this fate felt sinful; he declared that for embodied beings, death was preferable to such dishonor. Yet, he resolved, “Or else, O king, I shall destroy old age through austerity.” With this determination, Puru left his father and journeyed to the sacred river Ganga, settling on the southern bank of the Gautami. There, he undertook severe austerities. After a long period of penance, Lord Shiva, adorned with virtues that transcend all worlds, was pleased by Puru’s devotion. The great god appeared before him and asked, “What shall I give you?” Puru humbly requested, “O lord of gods, please destroy the old age that came upon me by my father’s curse. And, O revered god, also free my brothers from the curses placed upon them in anger.” Shiva, the lord of the universe, granted his request, saying, “So be it.” He destroyed the old age born of the curse and liberated Puru’s brothers from their afflictions. From that moment, the place where Puru had performed his austerities became renowned as the destroyer of old age and disease. Even by remembering it, premature aging and similar ailments could be dispelled. The sacred site became known by many names: Kalanjara, Yayata, Nahusha, Paura, Shaukra, and Sharmishtha. There, one hundred and eight holy places existed, each bestowing every accomplishment. Bathing, giving gifts, listening, and reciting at these sites removed all sins and granted both enjoyment and liberation. The tale of the pair of Apsaras and their union at this holy place was recounted. On the southern bank, simply remembering the site brought fortune. There was no doubt that liberation awaited those who bathed and performed rites there, whether man or virtuous woman—especially when the woman bathed after her period. Even a barren woman, abiding with her husband, bathing and giving gifts, would bear a son within three months; otherwise, the promise would not hold true. The place was called the Apsaras-pair Tīrtha. Its name and significance were explained to Nārada. A great rivalry had arisen between Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha; Viśvāmitra, the son of Gādhi, was deeply engaged in austerities, observing vows for the sake of attaining Brahminhood. At the gateway of the Ganges, Indra sent Menakā, instructing her, “Go to him, O blessed one, and by my command, cause him to fall from his austerity.” Menakā obeyed, and through her allure, caused Viśvāmitra to abandon his penance, giving him a daughter before returning to Indra’s city. When she departed, Viśvāmitra recalled all that had transpired and left that place, seeking another tīrtha beloved by the gods. He journeyed to the southern Ganges, where Kālañjara and Hara were performing austerities. Indra, the thousand-eyed, spoke to him again, and summoned Urvaśī, Menā, Rambhā, and Tilottamā. Frightened and trembling, they hesitated, but Indra pressed them. Proud and profound, the apsarases replied together to Indra, “We will go to the son of Gādhi, radiant in austerity, and cause him to fall by dance, song, beauty, and the power of youth. In our glance, smile, speech, and playful charm, the god of love always dwells—who could resist us?” With Indra’s agreement, they approached the great river and saw Viśvāmitra, the sage, steeped in austerity. He stood unassailable, like death itself, unwavering as Dhūrjaṭi. For a thousand years, the apsarases could not even look at him. Absorbed in dance, song, and flattery from a distance, their efforts only angered the sage. He laughed at Indra’s attempt, despite being free from desire, and cursed the thousand-eyed god: “You shall become of a liquid form. Because you came here to make me run, you shall become light.” Yet, appeased by the apsarases, Viśvāmitra granted release from the curse. When the two, with divine forms, met the Ganga, by the curse they instantly became river-forms. Thus, the pair of apsaras became known as two rivers. From their union came the meeting with the Ganga and Asu. Throughout all worlds, Shiva is renowned as the bestower of enjoyment and liberation, residing there and visibly granting all attainments. Bathing and seeing him at this place frees one from all bonds. On the southern bank of the Ganga lies Koṭitīrtha. Merely remembering it releases one from all sins. Where the deity Koṭīśvara exists, everything is multiplied a crore-fold; two crores are fully present among the auspicious bestowers of holy places. Here begins the story of Bāhlīka, the eldest son of Kaṇva. Kaṇva, renowned among people, mastered the Vedas and their branches. With his wife, accomplished in the Vedas, he performed rituals and sacrifices. Dwelling on the bank of the Gautamī, honored by the world, Kaṇva performed morning offerings with his wife, focused and sacrificing into the fire. He always remained there, sometimes preparing for sacrifice, and having offered one oblation into the kindled sacrificial fire, continued his devout practices. Thus, the sacred banks of the Gautamī and Ganga became the stage for divine events, holy austerities, and the granting of boons, their glory celebrated through the ages.