Listen, O Nārada, to the sacred story of Nandītaṭa and the greatness of the holy Gautamī river, as known to the wise and learned in the Vedas. Bathing and giving gifts at this holy place bestow the fruit of all sacrifices; and those who, after bathing where the river’s channel divides, behold the resident gods, for them there is no decline—whether here or hereafter. Having attained all exaltation, they rejoice in heaven like mighty Indra himself. Now, hear of the exalted son of Atri, Candramas, the Moon, who studied all the Vedas and the science of archery as prescribed. Having learned all knowledge from his teacher Jīva, Candramas wished to honor his guru, as is proper. At that time, Bṛhaspati, pleased with his disciple, spoke of his beloved wife, Tārā, radiant as Rati herself. Candramas, entering Bṛhaspati’s house, saw Tārā—her face shining like a star—and, overcome by desire, took her by the hand and drew her towards his own abode. Though wise, intelligent, and self-controlled, Candramas became ensnared by passion, for so long as a man is not caught in the net of a woman’s desirous glances, he does not seek out a woman in secret. But upon seeing such beauty, whose mind does not become subject to desire? Therefore, a virtuous woman should never look upon another man, and a woman of good family, fearing the loss of her virtue, should conduct herself with care, departing if discovered. Bṛhaspati, seeing this wrongful deed, was filled with anger and cursed Candramas, reproaching him harshly. For who, upon seeing his beloved taken by another, could endure it, even if he were a lord? Even the god Candra, out of anger, fought for her. Yet the Moon could not be destroyed—neither by curses, nor weapons, nor the spells or mantras of the gods or Bṛhaspati himself. Thus, Candramas kept Tārā in his palace for many years, enjoying her company, as well as that of Rohiṇī, without fear. At this time, he could not be overcome by gods, sages, kings, or any means—whether anger, curses, spells, conciliation, division, or punishment. When Bṛhaspati found he could not regain his wife despite every effort, he remembered the path of policy. A wise person, setting aside honor and accepting humiliation, must pursue his own interest, for neglecting one’s own welfare is folly. Those who are wise accomplish their goals by any means, while the vain and deluded come to ruin. Resolving thus, Bṛhaspati went to Śukra and informed him of his plight. Śukra, the poet and guru of the Daityas, welcomed him with honor and, after proper hospitality, inquired about the reason for his coming. Even an enemy who comes as a guest should not be treated with hostility. So Bṛhaspati recounted in detail the abduction of his wife. Hearing these words, Śukra became angry. Nārada, too, upon hearing of Candra’s transgression, was incensed. Śukra, burning with rage, declared, “I shall not eat, drink, sleep, or speak until your beloved wife is restored to you. Bring her here, honor her, curse Candra for betraying his teacher, and only then, O lord of the planets, will I eat.” Having spoken thus, Śukra departed and worshipped Śiva with great effort, thereby attaining supreme power. By the grace of Śiva, what indeed is unattainable for embodied beings? Śukra then went with Jīva to the abode of the Moon and, in a loud voice, cursed Candra: “Because you, out of sinful arrogance, have committed a deed more wicked than sin itself, be afflicted with leprosy!” Struck by the sage’s curse, the Moon was immediately marked by a deer’s shape—a sign of his downfall. Indeed, who does not meet ruin after betraying teacher, master, or friend? The Moon, now afflicted, abandoned Tārā, and the sage took her back. Śukra then summoned the gods, seers, and hosts of ancestors, and began to question the rivers, river-gods, and healing herbs, seeking a way to resolve the matter of Tārā’s purity. A revelation came to the gods: “If Tārā bathes with devotion in the Gautamī river, she will be purified.” This was a supreme secret, for in all circumstances, Gautamī is the refuge of people. So Tārā, with her husband, performed the prescribed bath in the river. At that moment, flowers rained from the sky and cries of victory arose. The gods, humans, and righteous kings restored the wife of Brahmā, giving her back once more. Purified by the gods, all was well, and thus that place became a sacred ford. That ford became the destroyer of all sin, the fulfiller of all desires, and the source of joy and welfare for gods and their allies. Especially for Bṛhaspati, Śukra, and Tārā, supreme bliss was attained. The guru then spoke to the Gaṅgā: “O Gautamī, you are always worthy of worship, the giver of liberation to all. Especially when I am in Siṃha, you purify the three worlds.” Thus is the greatness of Nandītaṭa and the sanctity of Gautamī revealed—a place where the gods themselves found resolution, and where all who seek refuge are blessed.