Assuming the form of fire, the demon acts according to his own will. In that place, there appears a remarkable gem: it is adorned with indragopa insects, its color is like the vivid beak of a parrot, and its shape is full and well-formed, plump in its perfection. The middle of this gem shines with a moon-white radiance, exceedingly pure in hue, and the layer within resembles the deep blue of a sapphire. Thus concludes the examination of bloodstone gems as described in the Conduct Section of the First Branch of the Purva Khanda of the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. In distant regions—Kaveri, Vindhya, Yavana, China, and Nepal—there arises another precious stone: crystal, known as ‘taila,’ pure and transparent as the sky itself. Though this crystal does not equal other gems in brilliance or value, it possesses its own greatness, for it is known to destroy sin. Thus ends the account of the crystal’s nature. Turning next to coral, the scripture tells how, in Kerala and other regions, coral is obtained by taking the remnant of its entrails, which are strong and full of vitality. The foremost coral is prescribed as resembling the blood of a rabbit or bearing the color of the guñjā seed or the vibrant jaba flower. Coral produced elsewhere is not considered the best; its value depends upon the special skill of the craftsman who shapes it. This gem is praised for bringing wealth and grain to the world, and for removing the fear of poison and affliction. Such is the knowledge, O Shaunaka, of crystal and coral gems. Now, let us turn to the sacred fords and holy places, for I shall declare all those that are celebrated. Among them, the fords of the Ganga are the most excellent. At Gangadvara, at Prayaga, and at the place where the Ganga meets the ocean, those who serve and offer ancestral cakes attain the fulfillment of their desires and the conquest of sin. Kurukshetra stands as the supreme ford, granting both enjoyment and liberation through gifts and other rites, while Dvaraka, the beautiful city, bestows these same blessings. Kedara is known to destroy all sins, and Shambhala village is renowned for its excellence. There are other sacred places, too: Shvetadvipa, the city of Maya, Naimisha, and the supreme Pushkara; Vainayaka, the great sacred place, and the supreme hermitage of Ramagiri; Rameshvara, the highest pilgrimage, and Karttikeya, the most excellent. In Ujjayini, Mahakala is venerated, while in Kubjaka, Shri Dhara Hari is worshipped. Mahakeshi and Kaveri, Chandrabhaga with Vipasha, and Mathura, the delightful city, are all counted among the holy, as is the great river Shona. At these places, the Sun, Shiva, Gana, Devi, and Hari themselves reside. Worship, ancestral rites, and the offering of rice-balls performed here become imperishable. Other revered sites include Kokamukha, Varaha, Bhundira known as Swami, and Kamarupa, the great sacred place where Kamakhya abides. Viraja, the great sacred place, and the holy site of Shri Purushottama are also named, as are the sacred rivers Godavari and Payoshni, bestowers of boons. Gokarna is celebrated as the supreme pilgrimage, and Mahishmati as a holy city. In the Krita age, purity itself grants liberation, and Sharngadhara lies nearby. Nanditirtha is praised for granting liberation and bestowing the fruit of a crore of pilgrimages. Other sacred rivers include Krishnaveni, Bhimarathi, Gandaki, and Iravati. Yet, above all, meditation on Brahman is the supreme pilgrimage, and self-control is the greatest holy place. In the lake of knowledge, through the waters of meditation, the stains of passion and hatred are washed away. Those who see difference, saying, “This is a sacred place, this is not,” remain limited. But whoever knows that all is Brahman finds that there is no sacred place beyond that realization. All rivers, all mountains, and all holy places worshipped by gods and others are, in truth, one in their essence.