O Narada, let me tell you of the sacred places where the divine presence is always felt. At the seven famous confluences, and where the holy Ganga meets the ocean, the two gods—Vishnu and Shiva—are ever present. There is a place called Gautameshvara, where the great Maheshvara resides perpetually; there, too, Madhava remains with Rama. At Brahmeshvara, Shiva was established by me for the benefit of the worlds and for another purpose of my own. In that place, Vishnu is known as Chakrapani, praised by the gods alongside myself, and is present with the hosts of Maruts. This sacred site is also called Indra Tirtha, known as Hayamurdhaka, where Vishnu is worshipped on the horse’s head, surrounded by the gods. It is also Soma Tirtha, where Shiva is revered as Someshvara. At the request of Indra, Soma, Shravas, the gods, and sages, Soma was first entreated: “O Soma, flow forth for Indra.” The seven directions, each with its own sun, the seven officiating priests, and the seven Adityas, all invoked Soma for protection. With the clarified offering received, they prayed, “Protect us, O Soma; may our enemies not overcome us, may nothing harm us.” Through hymns composed by the seers, Kashyapa increased the praises, and all bowed to Soma, the king born as lord of plants. Declaring himself poet and healer, he gathered the healing herbs, and with various thoughts, seeking prosperity, all stood together like cows. Having spoken thus and obtained Soma from the sages, they gave it to the wielder of the thunderbolt, Indra, and thus the sacrifice of Shatakratu was completed. That place is called Soma Tirtha; in front of it is Agneya. After worshipping Agni with great sacrifices and fulfilling my desires, by my grace, I have always remained there, established eternally for the benefit of the world; likewise, Vishnu and Shiva are present there. Therefore, it is called Agneya; next comes Aditya, where the sun, composed of the Vedas, is always to be worshipped. At midday, in another form, I, Shankara, and Hari are to be seen; thus, at midday, all people should offer their salutations there. Because there is uncertainty about which form Savitri arrives in, it is named Aditya, and next comes Barhaspatya. At that tirtha, Brihaspati received worship from the gods and performed various sacrifices, so it is known as Barhaspatya. By merely remembering this tirtha, the pacification of planets occurs; therefore, another tirtha is present at Indragopa in the excellent mountain. There, a great linga was established by Himalaya for another reason, and that tirtha is called Adritirtha. Bathing and giving gifts there bestow all desired results and auspiciousness. Thus, the Gautami Ganga flowed forth from Brahmadri. As long as that divine river flows to the ocean, I have briefly described some tirthas there, which are secret and auspicious. The Gautami, renowned in the Vedas, Puranas, and by sages, and revered by the world—Narada, who can fully describe her extraordinary greatness? For one who proceeds with devotion, there is certainly no fault; therefore, only a brief indication has been given for the benefit of the world, without excessive elaboration. Who indeed is capable of describing the power of each of her tirthas? Even Vishnu, the Lord of Lakshmi, and Shiva, the Lord of Soma, are not sufficient. At certain times and places, tirthas arise, O wise one, possessing virtues; but the Gautami is always beneficial for people. She is holy everywhere and at all times—who indeed is able to recount her virtues? Therefore, it is fitting simply to offer salutations to her. Narada then asked, “O Lord of the gods, tell me about Ganga, the sacred river of the three deities, brought by a brahmana, purifying and auspicious for the world.” She pervades both banks at the beginning, middle, and end, by the power of Vishnu, Ishvara, and you, O best of the gods. Again, tell me briefly, for I am not yet satisfied. Formerly, she was contained in a water pot, then followed the footsteps of Vishnu, and, having been honored, resided in the matted locks of Maheshvara. By the power of Brahma’s splendor, she diligently worshipped Shiva, then reached the sacred mountain, and from there proceeded towards the eastern ocean. Having arrived, the goddess, composed of all sacred waters, grants to people their desired wishes; her power is especially distinguished. I do not consider any other pilgrimage in the three worlds to be greater than this; whatever is conceived in the mind is accomplished by her power. Even today, her greatness cannot be fully spoken by anyone; it is always declared with devotion, for she is truly the supreme Brahman. My conviction is that there is no pilgrimage higher than hers; it can never be equated in any way with other pilgrimages. Hearing the praise of Ganga’s virtues, sweet as nectar, from my words, it is strange to me, O sage, that in all three worlds, everyone’s mind ceases only there. You are the knower and instructor of dharma, wealth, desire, and liberation; you know the Vedas, their secrets, and the Puranas and Smritis as well. Whatever other dharma scriptures are established in your words, and likewise those concerning pilgrimages, gifts, sacrifices, and austerities. Tell me, O lord, what is superior among the worship of deities, mantras, and services; whatever you declare, O blessed one, should be practiced with devotion and not otherwise. O Brahman, you ought to resolve this doubt of mine by your words; having heard what is desired and held in my mind, I have become amazed. Listen, O Narada, I will declare the supreme secret of dharma: there are four kinds of pilgrimages, and just so many ages.