O Narada, hear of those considered great sinners: one who kills women, cows, or Brahmins, one who is ungrateful or violates the teacher’s bed, one who neglects the sacred Ekadashi vow, omits twilight worship, or is an atheist. So too are those who live by violence or by cleverness in writing, those who run messages for gain, and Shudras who perform sacrifices. Betrayers of trust, destroyers of friendship, false witnesses, those overwhelmed by debt, usurers, adulterers, and husbands of promiscuous women—all are counted among the great sinners. Likewise, cooks for Shudras, temple priests, and village priests for sacrifices; those who destroy the sacred fig tree, or who revile My devotees; those who fail to support their mother, father, wife, brother, son, daughter, or even their in-laws; and those who steal offerings meant for the gods or Brahmins, or who cremate the dead among the Shudras. Yet, O sage, Lakshmi declares: even by seeing or touching such people, the lowest of men are instantly purified. Even those devoid of devotion to Hari, filled with pride, purify all sacred places simply by bathing or immersing themselves there. The gods in Bharata long for the sight and touch of such people, for the sanctity of places is not mine alone, nor are the gods bound to clay or stone. Then Sauti spoke: The foremost sage began to reveal the hidden truth. Sri Narayana said: This truth is the very nature of virtue; it destroys sin, brings happiness, and grants both worldly enjoyment and liberation. It is the secret essence and must not be spoken among the wicked. When the excellent Vishnu mantra enters the ear from the guru’s lips, a hundred previous births are instantly purified, no matter where or in what form one has been born. One who is devoted to Me, engaged in My worship, and adorned with My qualities—when they hear of My glories with joyful, trembling hearts—they desire neither happiness, nor liberation, nor even the rarest proximity to Me. Not even the exalted status of Indra, Manu, or the gods tempts them, though universes and gods—including Brahma—perish in time. Such devotees, having obtained the exceedingly rare birth in Bharata, wander the land as living blessings. Thus, all has been spoken as appropriate in the Padma. Now, Narayana continued: By the curse of Ganga, she herself remained at the feet of Hari in the age of Kali. Bharati went to Bharata, and Brahmi, beloved of Brahma, pervaded the universe, appearing as a sacred stream. That Sarasvati became a river, a supremely purifying tirtha. Then, brought by Bhagiratha’s great effort, the auspicious Bhagirathi descended to earth, and at that very moment, Shiva received her upon his head. Padma departed in her own form and became the river Padmavati, and by another form, she took birth again in Bharata. Long ago, Sarasvati was cursed, and later by Hari’s curse, she remained in Bharata for five thousand years of Kali. After that time, all the sacred places—save only Kashi and Vrindavana—were affected by her absence.