Listen, O Shaunaka, as the sacred narrative unfolds. In this world, what is produced elsewhere is not always held as the highest; rather, its true value depends upon the excellence of its craftsmanship. Such is the case with the knowledge of crystals and coral gems—a wisdom that brings wealth and grain, removes the fear of poison and affliction, and bestows many blessings upon those who possess it. Thus concludes the chapter on the examination of coral, a part of the Conduct Section in the first portion of the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. Now, let me declare to you all the sacred fords, those holy places of pilgrimage where the waters themselves are sanctified. Among all these, the fords of the Ganga are the most excellent. Especially revered are the places at Gangadvara, at Prayaga, and where the Ganga meets the ocean. By serving at these sites and offering ancestral cakes, one’s desires are fulfilled and the burden of sin is lifted. Kurukshetra stands as the supreme ford, granting both enjoyment and liberation to those who perform gifts and sacred rites there. Likewise, the beautiful city of Dvaraka bestows the dual blessings of worldly joy and ultimate release. Kedara is known to destroy all sins, and the village of Shambhala is praised for its excellence. There are other great and holy places: Shvetadvipa, the city of Maya, Naimisha, and the supreme Pushkara. Vainayaka is a revered site, as is the hermitage of Ramagiri. Rameshvara is the highest pilgrimage, and Karttikeya the most excellent among them. In Ujjayini, Mahakala is worshipped; in Kubjaka, Shri Dhara Hari is honored. Mahakeshi and the sacred rivers Kaveri, Chandrabhaga, and Vipasha are also celebrated. Mathura, the delightful city, and the great river Shona are revered places where the Sun, Shiva, Gana, Devi, and Hari themselves are present. Here, acts of worship, ancestral rites, and the offering of rice-balls become imperishable. Other sacred sites include Kokamukha, Varaha, and Bhundira—known as Swami. Kamarupa is a great tirtha where Kamakhya abides; Viraja and the holy site of Shri Purushottama are equally sanctified. The Godavari river is famed for its holiness, as is the boon-bestowing Payoshni. Gokarna is the supreme pilgrimage, and Mahishmati is a holy city. In the Krita age, purity itself grants liberation, and nearby lies Sharngadhara. Nanditirtha is another sacred site, granting liberation and the fruit of a crore of pilgrimages. The rivers Krishnaveni, Bhimarathi, Gandaki, and Iravati are all sanctified. Yet, above all, meditation on Brahman is the supreme pilgrimage, and self-control is the highest holy place. In the lake of knowledge, purified by 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,” do not understand the truth. For the one who knows that all is Brahman, there is no pilgrimage higher than that realization. All rivers, all mountains, and all holy places worshipped by gods and others are sanctified. The seven fords of Godavari are holy, and Konagiri is a supreme tirtha. On Mount Sahya, the Lord of gods, Ekavira, and Sureshvari reside. Bathing at the holy place Kanakhala frees one from rebirth. Having heard this, Brahma spoke to Vyasa, in the company of Daksha and others, and declared Gayā to be imperishable—the giver of the world of Brahman to all. Thus ends the chapter on the greatness of all holy places. Now begins the account of the supreme greatness of Gayā. Vyasa, the most excellent sage, recited the very essence of the essence, revealing Gayā’s supreme sanctity. In ancient times, there was a mighty and powerful demon named Gayasura. The gods, afflicted by the force of his austerities, approached Hari, seeking his destruction. The gods explained to Hari that Gayasura’s great body must be cast down. So, they brought him to the land of Kikata and there made him lie down. Thus, the sacred history continues, revealing the profound holiness of Gayā and the blessings bestowed upon those who seek its sanctity.