O great sage, among all sacred places, none is as purifying as Manyutīrtha, where Śaṃkara himself abides eternally in the form of Manyu. Those who bathe, give offerings, or simply remember this holy site find all their desires fulfilled. There is another revered tirtha called Sārasvata, famed for granting every wish. It is auspicious, bestowing both worldly enjoyment and liberation, and able to destroy all sins. This sacred place removes diseases and grants every accomplishment. Now, O Nārada, listen closely to its story. To the east of Puṣpotkaṭa lies the mountain Śubhra, celebrated throughout the world as the best of mountains, standing on the southern bank of the Gautamī. Upon this holy and auspicious mountain, the sage Śākalya, renowned for his supreme renunciation, undertook extraordinary austerities. All the hosts of beings—seers, gandharvas, and divine spirits—constantly bow to and praise this eminent twice-born sage, who dwells on the Gautamī’s bank, devoted to serving fire and studying the Vedas. Yet, on this most sacred mountain, there lived a demon named Paraśu, terrifying to gods and the twice-born. He hated sacrifice and was a slayer of Brahmins. Paraśu roamed the forests, taking on various forms at will: sometimes appearing as a Brahmin, sometimes as a tiger, sometimes as a god, an animal, a woman, a deer, or even a child. In these disguises, this evildoer wandered near the residence of the learned Brahmin, Śākalya. Again and again, Paraśu, the most wicked of demons, approached Śākalya, pure and excellent among Brahmins, intent on capturing or killing him. Yet, despite his efforts, Paraśu could not succeed. Once, after Śākalya had worshipped the gods with care, Paraśu, desiring food, came to him. He took the form of a feeble, gray-haired Brahmin, bringing a maiden with him, and spoke to Śākalya: “Know me, O Brahmin, as one in need of food, and this maiden as well. We have arrived at your door seeking hospitality; you are accomplished, O giver of honor. Blessed are those whose guests leave their house with fulfilled desires, whether living or dead. When someone is seated for a meal, whatever is set aside for oneself—if that is given to guests, it is as if the earth itself is given.” Hearing these words, Śākalya replied, “I will give.” He then seated the supposed Brahmin as instructed and gave him the axe. After honoring Śākalya properly, Paraśu received food. Once he had washed his hands, Paraśu spoke further: “The gods follow one who comes from afar, weary. When he is satisfied, they are satisfied; if not, the opposite occurs. The guest and the slanderer—these two are kin to all; the slanderer takes away sin, the guest brings passage to heaven. Whoever looks upon a weary traveler with contempt destroys their righteousness, fame, and prosperity in that very moment.” “Therefore, O best of twice-born, I am weary and have come to you. I ask you—if you grant my wish, I will eat; otherwise, I will not.” Śākalya said, “Given,” and the Rakshasa replied, “Eat.” Then Paraśu revealed his true nature: “I am the foremost of Rakshasas. I am not a twice-born, nor your enemy, nor old, nor gray, nor emaciated. Many years have I watched you. My limbs are drying up, like in summer with little water. Therefore, I will take you and your followers and eat you, O best of twice-born.” Hearing Paraśu’s words, Śākalya spoke calmly: “Those born in great families, who know the scriptures, always fulfill their promises; there is never any deviation in this. Do as is proper, friend; yet listen to my words: even when one is about to be killed, the wise must speak what is beneficial.” He continued, invoking divine protection: “I am a Brahmin, with a body like a thunderbolt; Hari protects me on all sides. May Vishnu guard my feet, Janardana my head, Varaha my arms, the king of turtles my back, Krishna my heart, and the deer my fingers. May Vagisha guard my mouth, the bird-god my eyes, the lord of wealth my ears, and Shiva protect me everywhere. In all dangers, Narayana himself is my sole refuge.” Having spoken thus, Śākalya said, “Lead me away or eat me as you wish, O lord of Rakshasas Paraśu, without delay.” At his words, Paraśu prepared to eat him, for there is not even a drop of compassion in the hearts of the wicked. With a fierce face and protruding fangs, Paraśu approached. Seeing the Brahmin, he was struck and spoke: “O best of twice-born, I see you holding the conch, discus, and mace, possessing a thousand feet, heads, eyes, and hands, O Lord. Today, I behold you as the sole abode of all beings, of Vedic form, pervading the universe; you have no previous body.” Overcome, Paraśu implored, “Therefore, I seek refuge in you, O Brahmin. Grant me knowledge, O great-minded one, and tell me the sacred means for removing sin. The sight of the great is never fruitless; whether by hatred, ignorance, association, or carelessness, it brings results. Even contact with iron, through touch, leads to its becoming gold.” Thus, the demon who came with evil intent was transformed by the vision of Śākalya’s divine form, seeking wisdom and the means to purify himself.