O Nārada, even today, there exist three sacred sacrificial pits, each a form of Viṣṇu, the lord of sacrifice and wielder of the discus. From the time these were established, the worship of my deity has been proclaimed there, and it is said that even a mere worm or insect living in that sacred place ultimately becomes eligible for liberation. The Daṇḍaka forest, O sage, is renowned as the very seed of righteousness and liberation, and especially the region embraced by the holy Gautamī river has become supremely sanctified. Whoever bathes, gives charity, or performs any rite at the confluence of these sacred streams—or even offers a simple blade of kuśa grass there—attains the highest state. Reciting, studying, or even listening with devotion to the sacred texts at this place is known to grant all desires, bestowing both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation. The wise declare that on both banks of the river, there are eighty-six thousand sacred fords, each a source of great merit as described in ancient lore. Among all the holy places, even in Vārāṇasī, the Kuśatarpaṇa is celebrated as supreme; there is no other ford like it among all beings, moving or unmoving. Simply remembering this ford destroys even the gravest sins, such as the slaying of a brāhmaṇa. Indeed, this ford is said to be the very gateway to heaven upon earth. This place is known as Manyutīrtha, the destroyer of all sins. By remembering it, all people have their desires fulfilled, and their sins are washed away. Now, O sage, listen attentively as I recount its greatness. Once, a fierce battle erupted between the gods and the demons. In that conflict, the gods did not prevail; instead, the demons emerged victorious. Defeated and shaken, the hosts of gods turned away from the battlefield and approached me, seeking a means of safety. I instructed them, “Go to the Gaṅgā.” Obeying my words, the gods went to the banks of the Gautamī and there praised the god Maheśvara—Śiva—who is ever-blissful, beyond decline and effort, and supremely beautiful. I assured them that by worshipping Maheśvara, they would obtain the cause of victory. Accepting this, the gods began to praise Śiva with great devotion. Some performed austerities, others danced, some bathed in the river, and others worshipped with offerings. Pleased by their devotion, the blessed Maheśvara, wielder of the trident, appeared before them and said, “Choose whatever you desire.” The gods replied, “O lord of gods, grant us a most praiseworthy man—a leader who shall stand at the forefront in battle, relying on whose strength we may attain happiness and victory.” Śiva replied, “So be it.” By his own divine energy, the Supreme Lord fashioned a being named Manyu, exceedingly fierce, to lead the divine army. The gods bowed to Manyu, then to Śiva, and returned to their own abode, now ready for battle with Manyu at their side. Taking their stand against the mighty Danujas and Daityas, the gods, fully armed, addressed Manyu: “We wish to see your power. Reveal yourself to us before we engage the enemy, for we are eager for battle.” Hearing their words, Manyu smiled and replied, “My creator is the Lord of the gods, the all-knowing and all-seeing master, who knows every being, every abode, and all that dwells in the mind. None can know him, yet he knows all at all times. Though formless, he takes form; he is the doer and pervades the universe. He is the supreme Lord, manifest and divine, moving through the heavens. Who can know his form? Who can create him, who is the universe itself? From such a one am I born; how, then, can you truly know me? Yet, if you wish to see me, behold me as I am.” Having spoken thus, Manyu revealed his immense form, arisen from the third eye of the supreme Lord Bhava. That form, radiant and awe-inspiring, is known as the very essence of manliness among men, and the sense of ego among all beings. He is the terrible wrath that brings about destruction, the blazing representative of Śaṅkara, shining with his own energy. Seeing him bearing all weapons, the gods bowed down in reverence, while the Daityas and Danujas were stricken with terror. The gods, with joined palms, spoke: “You be our commander, O Lord. With the kingdom granted by you, O Manyu, we shall enjoy rulership. In all our undertakings, you are the conqueror, the increaser of victory; you are Indra, you are Varuṇa, you are indeed the guardians of all the worlds. Enter into all of us, O Manyu, for victory.” Manyu replied, “Without me, there is nothing. I have entered into all, yet none know me. That very Lord is Manyu, who then appears separately in each. He takes the form of Rudra; Rudra is Manyu, who became Śiva. All that is moving and unmoving is pervaded by Manyu.” Having gained Manyu, the gods attained victory in battle; from Manyu arose their courage, their victory, and the very power of the Lord. With Manyu’s strength, the gods overcame the Daityas and returned victorious, protected by him. It was there, on the bank of the Gautamī, that the gods worshipped Śiva and attained both righteous anger and victory. For this reason, that place is called Manyutīrtha. Whoever, with pure heart, remembers the origin of Manyu at that sacred spot, gains victory and is never overcome by any foe.