Wherever the sacred Ganga flows, where her glories and the divine qualities of the Lord are sung, there too gather the best of rivers—Sarasvati and others—joining in auspicious presence. Such is the sanctity of Ganga that even the touch of her dust purifies the gravest sinner. Those who, with true knowledge and devotion to her, remember the Lord’s name become, in time, the foremost attendants of Hari, dwelling in his service for ages. When a meritorious soul departs from the world, their body is laid upon the banks of the Ganga, and after performing the proper rites, if even an ignorant person gives up life while touching her waters, or if, elsewhere, one leaves the body remembering her name or the Lord’s name, there is no distinction in merit between dying at a holy place or anywhere else. Such is the power of devotion and remembrance that it effortlessly purifies the three worlds. O auspicious one, even the relatives of the Lord’s devotees are blessed with virtuous minds. Wherever they may die—knowingly or unknowingly, in whatever condition—they are sanctified. Having declared these truths, Shri Hari addressed the goddess Ganga and also spoke to Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha, in turn, praised and worshipped the goddess with heartfelt devotion. He bowed to Shri Krishna, the Supreme Soul and Lord of all. Narada, the sage, narrates that the king performed this worship with great reverence, as befits one learned in the Vedas. Shri Narayana explained: After washing his feet and performing the necessary purifications, the king acted with restraint and devotion. He worshipped Ganesha to remove obstacles, honored the radiant Sun, offered homage to Fire, and bowed to Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati. Each deity was invoked for their unique blessings—Ganesha for clearing the path, the sinless Sun for brilliance, Shiva for knowledge, and Parvati for wisdom’s increase. With deep meditation, the king contemplated these deities. Listen, O Narada, to this truth: he visualized Ganga, radiant as white champaka flowers, destroyer of all sins. She appeared before his mind’s eye clad in garments purified by fire, adorned with precious jewels, her face bright with a gentle, ever-youthful smile. Her hair was a lustrous mass, decorated with garlands of jasmine and marked with musk on her cheeks in intricate designs. Her teeth shone like rows of pearls, and her form was adorned with firm, coconut-shaped breasts. Her lotus feet glowed with the radiance of land-born lotuses, tinged red by the pollen from the coral tree that crowns Indra. Her head was adorned with lines of bees drawn to the flowers placed there by ascetics. She stood as the best among the excellent, ever eager to grant boons and favor her devotees. Having thus meditated upon the auspicious goddess of the threefold path, one should offer her a seat, water for washing the feet, water for welcoming, water for bathing, and ointments. Garments, ornaments, garlands, fragrance, and water for sipping should be presented with devotion. After these offerings, one should bow with folded hands and praise her with hymns. It is right to recite the sacred hymn spoken by Kauthuma and the dialogue between Vishnu and Brahma. For, as Brahma said to Vishnu, “O Vishnu, the hymn to your feet destroys all sin and bestows great merit.