In that most sacred place, the wise always attain the fruits gained by austerity, celibacy, and the renunciation of attachment. Whatever merit is proclaimed to arise from bathing and giving gifts at all holy sites, the wise obtain it there as well. Each day, one who is pure and devoted receives the reward that comes from proper pilgrimage, vows, and disciplined practice. There, a person with controlled senses gains daily the same results that others obtain only through various sacrifices. Those who surrender their bodies in that supreme abode of Purushottama reach liberation, attaining the wish-fulfilling tree without any doubt. Even those who depart from life between the Banyan and the Ocean secure the rarest and highest liberation—this is certain. If a man, free from desire, gives up his life there, he becomes free from suffering and attains the difficult-to-reach liberation. Even creatures born in lower wombs—worms, insects, moths, and others—upon dying there, attain the highest state. O twice-born, see the delusion of people regarding other holy places; whatever is obtained elsewhere in the name of Purusha is surpassed here. Anyone who, even once, beholds Purushottama with faith becomes the best among thousands of men. Because he is beyond nature and even superior to Purusha, in the Vedas, the Puranas, and in this world, he is called Purushottama. He who is spoken of in the Purana and Vedanta as the Supreme Self abides for the benefit of the universe; thus, he is Purushottama. Wherever a person, willingly or unwillingly, gives up the body in that field—be it on a sacred path, cremation ground, house, or crossroads—he attains liberation. Therefore, O best of the twice-born, those who desire liberation should strive to abandon the body in that field. The greatness of the place called Purusha has never been and will never be equaled; abandoning the body there, a man attains the rare liberation. I have described only a portion of the virtues of this field; who could declare all its qualities, even in a hundred years? If you, O best of sages, desire eternal liberation, dwell diligently in that excellent and holy field. Hearing Brahma’s words, the one of unmanifest birth, they resided there and attained the supreme state. Therefore, O best of twice-born, reside there with all effort, in the excellent field called Purusha, if you desire liberation. In that field, O best of sages, which brings happiness to all beings, Purushottama is the giver of the fruits of righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation. There was once a sage named Kaṇḍu, of great brilliance and supreme righteousness, ever truthful, pure, self-controlled, and devoted to the welfare of all beings. Mastering his senses and anger, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, he attained the highest perfection by worshipping the Supreme Person. There were also other accomplished sages there, steadfast in their vows, devoted to the good of all, self-restrained, conquerors of anger, and free from envy. Curious, the sages asked, "Who is this Kaṇḍu, and how did he attain the supreme state there? We wish to hear his story—please tell it, O noble one." The answer came: "Listen, O best of sages, to the delightful tale of his deeds, which I shall briefly relate. On the pure and charming bank of the river Gomati, in a secluded and beautiful place abundant with roots, fruits, and flowers, supplied with sacred sticks and kusa grass, adorned with various trees and creepers, resplendent with many kinds of flowers, delightful with the calls of diverse birds, and inhabited by many groups of animals, there was the hermitage of Kaṇḍu. It was rich with fruits and flowers of all seasons, decorated with clusters of banana trees. There, the sage performed very great and wondrous austerities—through vows, fasts, disciplines, bathing, silence, and strict self-control. During summer, he practiced the fivefold fire austerity; in the rainy season, he lay on the bare ground; in winter, wearing wet garments, he performed intense penance. Witnessing the power of his austerity, the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Vidyādharas were greatly astonished. By the force of his penance, Kaṇḍu caused the earth, sky, and heaven to become heated, affecting all three worlds. Beholding his steadfastness, the gods exclaimed, 'Ah, what supreme endurance! Ah, what supreme austerity!' Then, together with Indra, the gods, anxious and fearful of his power, deliberated, wishing to obstruct his austerity. Perceiving their intention, Indra, lord of the three worlds, summoned Pramlocā, of lovely form, proud of her beauty and youth. She was slender-waisted, graceful in limb, with full hips and breasts, endowed with all auspicious marks. To her, the fruit-destroyer spoke: 'Pramlocā, go quickly while that sage is engaged in austerity; for the sake of disturbing his penance, O radiant one, agitate him.' Pramlocā replied, 'O best of gods, I shall always do your bidding, lord; yet I have some fear here, and a doubt about my very life. I fear that sage, steadfast in the vow of celibacy, exceedingly fierce, ablaze with austerity, radiant like fire and the sun. If he realizes I have come to hinder him out of anger, that supremely powerful sage Kaṇḍu will utter a curse that is unbearable.