Once, a divine blessing was pronounced: “You shall become the greatest of rivers, graced with all sacred fords. Wherever holy fords exist—be it in heaven, on earth, or the netherworld—they will come to bathe in you when I reside in Siṃha, O Mother.” Among these sacred fords, one stood out above all: Ānanda. This ford brings happiness, renown, long life, robust health, prosperity, and abundant fortune. It was at this place that the sage Gautama proclaimed the existence of five thousand fords. Merely remembering or reciting their names would always unite a person with their heart’s desires. Here, too, where Lord Śiva himself abides, Nandī ever roams along the banks of the Gaṅgā. For this reason, the place is called Nandītaṭa, and the ford is named Ānanda, for it truly increases all joy. This sacred site is also known as Bhavatirtha, the ford of Bhava—Śiva himself, the soul present in all beings and pervading the entire universe, whose very nature is existence, consciousness, and bliss. Now, listen to a most auspicious and meritorious tale. There was once a celebrated scion of the Solar dynasty, a mighty Kshatriya king named Pracinabarhi, who was accomplished in all duties and ruled for thirty-five million years. He followed a noble vow: “When my youth fades—whether through separation from my beloved wife, sons, or dear possessions—then I shall renounce my kingdom. Of this, there is no doubt, for such conduct is fitting for the wise and discerning.” Even while ruling, he lived in solitude and dispassion, for in his realm there was never any affliction, disease, famine, or quarrel among relatives. No one was ever parted from another. Desiring a son, the wise king performed a great sacrifice. The blessed Lord, pleased with his devotion, granted him a boon. On the banks of the Gautami river, the god Maheshvara appeared to the king, who, together with his wife, requested a son from Bhava. Bhava, delighted, said, “Behold my third eye.” The king gazed upon it, and from its radiance, a son was born—Mahima, renowned for composing the celebrated Mahimna Stotra. For those who win the favor of Tripurāntaka, what is unattainable? Even Hari, Brahma, and all the gods ever follow him. Having received a son, Pracinabarhi beseeched for supremacy of the tirtha, so that those afflicted by grievous sins, diseases, and calamities might find relief there. Bhava granted his wish, making it the foremost tirtha for the fulfillment of every desire and the alleviation of all misfortunes. Thus, it became known as Bhavatirtha, where bathing and giving gifts fulfill all desires. By Bhava’s grace, Pracinabarhi obtained his son Mahima, who was born on the Gautami’s bank. This is Bhavatirtha, home to seventy sacred bathing places, each bestowing abundant blessings. Among these, the learned speak of Sahasrakunda, a tirtha so powerful that even remembering it brings happiness. In ancient times, Rāma, son of Dasharatha, built a bridge across the great ocean, burned Lanka, and with his arrows, slew his enemies—Ravana and others. After his victory, Rāma approached Sita, watched by the guardians of the worlds and her teacher standing before her. In Lakshmana’s presence, he addressed Sita, who had proven her purity in fire: “Come, Vaidehi, you are pure; you are worthy to sit upon my lap.” But Angada and Hanuman spoke up, “No, let us return to Ayodhya together with Vaidehi and our friends.” And so, as brothers, mothers, and all people watched, Sita was declared pure. On an auspicious day in Ayodhya, she was invited to ascend Rāma’s lap; who could doubt her conduct? Yet, rumors among the people persisted, and even the words of their own could not be disregarded. Lakshmana, together with Vibhishana, acted accordingly. Rāma and Jambavan called the princess; the gods blessed her, and she ascended the king’s lap. Joyful, they all departed swiftly in the splendid Pushpaka, returning to Ayodhya and reclaiming their kingdom. All were ever joyful, devoted to Rāma. Yet, after some days, a slanderous word arose from the ignoble. Hearing this heavy, false accusation against Sita—who was not born of a womb—Rāma abandoned her, for noble families do not tolerate even false reproach. Near the hermitage of the great sage Valmiki, Lakshmana left Sita, innocent and weeping, and he too wept, compelled by fear and the unbreakable command of elders. After some days, Rāma and Saumitri (Lakshmana) were initiated for the horse sacrifice. There, the illustrious sons of Rāma—Lava and Kusha—arrived. Renowned like the singing sage Narada, they sang the entire Ramayana, their voices as melodious as the Gandharvas. As they sang all the deeds of Rāma, they approached the sacrificial ground, their virtues shining forth. These heroic sons, known as Vaidehi’s children, were brought forward and consecrated in due order. Rāma lovingly placed them on his lap, embracing them again and again. For those afflicted by the sorrows of existence, for the lost among embodied beings, the embrace of one’s children is the greatest solace. Rāma, overjoyed, repeatedly embraced, caressed, and kissed his sons, finding the highest rest in their loving presence.