In the ancient days, it was said that a gambler who seeks nothing but worldly pleasure finds happiness in neither this world nor the next. Such a person, consumed by shame and stripped of virtue, wanders joylessly, his pride diminished and his mind burned by regret. For the twice-born, occupations free from deceit—such as agriculture, cattle-keeping, and honest trade—are esteemed. But those who pursue wealth through dishonest means are themselves deprived of virtue, prosperity, happiness, and noble lineage. Even the Vedas condemn deceit, and the wise follow the path ordained by the Creator, as did the ancestors. When these words were spoken by the priest, Sumati asked, "Father, what should Pramati do to regain his kingdom?" After reflecting, Madhuchhanda advised Sumati, "Go to Gautami, worship Śaṃkara, Aditi, Varuṇa, and Viṣṇu. By doing so, you will be freed from your bonds." Sumati agreed and hastened to the sacred Ganges. There, he bowed to Janārdana, worshipped Śaṃbhu, and undertook austerities with disciplined vows. For a thousand years, through his efforts, he freed his father from bondage and reclaimed the kingdom. Released by Śiva and Īśa, he received his kingdom from his son, gained Gandharva wisdom, and became dear to Indra. From that time onward, the Śaṃbhu, Vaiṣṇava, and Urvaśī tīrthas became known as the Kaitava tīrtha. By the grace of Śiva, Viṣṇu, and the mother of rivers, anything could be attained there. Bathing and giving at that sacred site bestowed abundant merit, freed one from sinful bonds, and destroyed all misfortune. Now, the Samudra tīrtha is proclaimed as granting the fruit of all tīrthas. Its nature was described to Nārada, who listened with focused mind. Released by Gautama, the sin-destroying Ganges flowed toward the eastern ocean for the benefit of the worlds. The divine river, held in a water-pot, was carried on the heads of both the narrator and Śaṃbhu, the supreme soul. Born from Viṣṇu’s feet, she was brought to the mortal realm by a great-souled brāhmaṇa, and mere remembrance of her destroys sins. Upon seeing the venerable ocean, the teacher pondered what should be done, for the Ganges is worthy of worship by the lords of the world, honored by Brahma and Īśa. He thought, “If I do not go to her, it would violate righteousness. One who, out of delusion, does not attend upon a great soul who comes is at fault. Such a sinner finds no protector in either world.” Thus, the Lord of Jewels, humble and embodied, addressed Gaṅgā, queen of rivers, with joined palms: “Let your waters, whether from netherworld, earth, or sky, enter me alone here; I will not ask further. Within me are jewels, nectar, mountains, Rākṣasas, and Asuras; I bear all these and more. Viṣṇu, joined with Lakṣmī, always sleeps within me. For me, nothing is impossible among moving or unmoving things. But one who, out of pride, does not rise to greet a great one who has arrived falls from righteousness and attains hell. I do not feel fatigue from bearing them, except for defeat by Agastya; but you, in your greatness, surpass even these, as do I. Come to me in equality and union, O goddess Gaṅgā; I cannot join with you in many forms. You shall unite with me, but not otherwise. If you come in many forms, consider this.” To him, the Lord of Waters, Gaṅgā replied, “Do as I say. Bring here all the wives of the Seven Sages, led by Arundhatī, together with their husbands; then I will do so. I will become small, and then I shall unite with you.” Having spoken, she was surrounded by the wives of the Seven Sages and the sages themselves. The goddess divided herself into seven streams, and the Gautamī Gaṅgā, now sevenfold, flowed to the ocean. By the names of the Seven Sages, seven Gaṅgās arose. Bathing, giving, hearing, and reciting there are all auspicious. Remembering with devotion whatever is done at that holy place grants all desires. There is no greater tīrtha in the three worlds for removing sin, attaining enjoyment and liberation, and bringing joy to the mind. At Ṛṣisattram, the gathering of sages, the Seven Sages and Nārada practiced austerities, and Bhīmeśvara Śiva was present. There, the event praised by gods, sages, and ancestors was recounted. The Seven Sages, O Nārada, divided the Gaṅgā into seven streams: Vāsiṣṭhī, Dākṣiṇeyī, Vaiśvāmitrī, Vāmadevī, Gautamī (the auspicious one in the middle), Bhāradvājī, Ātreyī, and Jāmadagnī. Thus, the seven streams were designated. All these great-souled sages performed sacrifices there with their chosen offerings, sanctifying the place for all time.