Once, by the power of a curse, two celestial apsaras—resplendent in their divine forms—came upon the sacred Ganga. In that instant, the curse transformed them, and they became rivers themselves, flowing upon the earth. These two rivers, born of the apsaras, are remembered for their mutual union, a confluence that brought them together with the holy Ganga and Asu. Amidst these sacred waters, the presence of Shiva is renowned throughout all the worlds. He is celebrated as the bestower of both worldly enjoyment and final liberation. At this very place, Shiva resides, visible to devotees and ever granting all spiritual attainments to those who seek him. Simply by bathing in these holy waters or by beholding Shiva, one is freed from every bond, released from the fetters of worldly existence. On the southern bank of the Ganga lies a most auspicious place known as Koṭitīrtha. Such is its power that even the remembrance of Koṭitīrtha is enough to absolve one of all sins. Here, the deity Koṭīśvara is ever-present, and everything offered or performed at this holy place is multiplied a crore-fold. Indeed, two crores are manifest among the auspicious benefactors of holy places here. Now, O wise Nārada, listen attentively as I recount a sacred tale. Among the illustrious lineage of Kaṇva, his eldest son, known as Bāhlīka, was famed. Kaṇva himself was celebrated among people for his mastery of the Vedas and their branches. With his wife, who was also learned in the Vedas, Kaṇva performed countless rituals and sacrifices. They made their home on the bank of the Gautamī, honored by the world for their piety. Each morning, with focused devotion, Kaṇva and his wife would offer oblations into the sacrificial fire. One day, as he completed an offering and prepared for the next, taking the sacrificial material in his hand, the fire suddenly extinguished. Kaṇva was troubled. He pondered deeply what should be done, feeling great distress. The fire had gone out between two oblations—a grave matter, both by Vedic law and worldly custom. Where should he offer the next oblation, and how could he rekindle the sacred fire? As he deliberated, a divine voice spoke to him: “You must not seek another fire here. Whatever fragments of firewood remain nearby will suffice.” The voice continued, “When the wood is half-burnt, O king of Brahmins, offer the oblation.” Kaṇva hesitated, but the divine voice reassured him: “The son of Agni is Hiraṇya; the father is also the son. What is given to the son, for the beloved, is pleasing to the father. One should give to the father, and the son should give as well; all will be multiplied a crore-fold in delight.” The sages, hearing this, determined the path of righteousness and acted accordingly. Thus, in this world, what is given to the son becomes the father’s, and the affection of parents arises through the merit of offspring and similar acts—not by any other means. This truth is established and honored in all realms. Whatever is given here—bathing, charity, or any other act—yields merit multiplied a hundred million times. Relief from mental fatigue and great happiness arise for those who act in this way. Thus, at this very Koṭitīrtha, the divine voice was heard, and the place became a great ford, surpassing all others in the three worlds in merit. Whatever is performed here with devotion and concentration—be it bathing, giving, or any sacred act—bestows the full fruit, multiplied a hundred million times. For this reason, the place is called the Hundred Million Ford, or Koṭitīrtha. Here occurred the sacred event involving Agneya, Kaṇva, and the golden grandson named Vani, granting the merit of a hundred million fords. The greatness of Koṭitīrtha cannot be fully described, not even by Vachaspati or other gods. Whatever is done here, in any manner, is multiplied a hundred million times by the grace of the Godavari. Whoever gives a single cow here to a worthy Brahmin attains the merit of giving a hundred million cows. Whoever, purified at this ford, donates land with faith receives a result multiplied a hundred million times. Throughout the banks of the Gautami, the best offering to the ancestors is made especially at the Hundred Million Ford, for it grants infinite fruit. The sages know there are forty-nine fords here, each just one short of perfection, but Koṭitīrtha stands supreme. Now, on the northern bank of the Ganga lies another sacred place, known as Narasimha. Let me describe its wondrous influence, for it provides all protection. In times past, Hiranyakashipu was the mightiest among the powerful, undefeated by gods through his austerity and valor. Yet, his mind was poisoned by hatred towards his son, a devoted worshiper of Hari. Then, from a pillar in the assembly, the all-pervading Lord manifested in the form of Narasimha—half-man, half-lion. With this terrible form, he slew Hiranyakashipu and scattered his army. One by one, all the great demons fell to the might of Narasimha, the great beast. Having conquered the enemies of the netherworld, Narasimha ascended to the world of the gods, then descended to earth to destroy the demons dwelling on the mountains. In his fierce form, the Lord slew demons hiding in the ocean, rivers, villages, and forests, even those who assumed many shapes. With claws more powerful than thunderbolts and a mane bristling in fury, he struck down those who moved through the sky, those abiding in the wind, and those who had entered the realm of light. His mighty roars, like the thunder of creation’s end, shattered the rakshasas and echoed through the worlds. With slaps and violent movements, he crushed the asuras, and thus, having destroyed countless foes, Hari in the form of Narasimha went to the sacred Gautami.