In the sacred land where the Maheśvarī stream gently flows, any person who performs the rite of śrāddha there becomes freed from all debts owed to their ancestors. By honoring the departed in this way, one gains the merit equal to that of the great Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and is assured a place in heaven. When offerings of piṇḍa are made at the very foot of the sun, even those ancestors who have fallen from higher realms are rescued and uplifted. The ancestors themselves, fearful of the torments of hell, long for sons to be born in their lineage, for it is through a son’s devotion that they are redeemed. When a son arrives at Gaya, a festival of joy erupts among the ancestors, their hopes fulfilled. Indeed, whenever a son or even another relative stands at the holy well of Gaya, their presence brings delight to those who have passed on. To bathe at the sacred Koṭitīrtha is to attain the blessed world of Puṇḍarīka and to reach the realm of Viṣṇu himself. It is said that the divine river descended into the field of Gaya for the very purpose of delivering the ancestors. By these sacred acts, one can deliver twenty-one generations—there is no doubt about this blessing. At Gaya, it is prescribed that one should feed the Brahmins who have been appointed by Brahma himself, for both the place and its Brahmins are sanctified by Brahma’s establishment. Satisfying the Brahmins of Gaya with offerings and food, according to the sacred method, brings great merit. Whoever performs the ritual of releasing a bull in this most excellent field of Gaya gains immense spiritual benefit. Even a person of great wisdom, if they neglect to offer sesame seeds at Gaya, misses a vital part of the rite. As many relatives, ancestors, kinsmen, and friends as one can remember—all are uplifted by these sacred offerings. A man who bathes at the holy Rama Tirtha receives the merit of giving a hundred cows in charity. Bathing at the confluence of the Nishcira river leads one’s ancestors to the world of Brahma. By residing at Mahakaushya, one gains the fruit of performing an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Nearby lies the celebrated place called Agnidha, known also as the famous Kapila. If a śrāddha is performed at Kumāradhārā, the merit equals that of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Bathing in the Soma Kunda transports the soul to the world of Soma. One who, purified of sin, gives offerings at Preta Kunda departs peacefully from this world. In all these holy places, offerings made with devotion bring deliverance to one’s ancestors. Thus concludes the eighty-third chapter, “The Greatness of Gaya,” from the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. Now, one who sets out for Gaya, having performed the śrāddha according to the prescribed method, should, upon reaching another village, partake of the remainder of the śrāddha meal. The very moment one leaves home with the intention of journeying to Gaya, the sacred work begins. Shaving the head and observing a fast are prescribed at all holy places as acts of purification. At Gaya, śrāddha may be performed at any time—day or night—such is the sanctity of the place. By repeatedly performing śrāddha at the great river, one leads their ancestors again and again to heaven. There, one should complete both the śrāddha and the ritual bath as prescribed. At the southern Mānasa, one should maintain silence and offer piṇḍa and other rites with devotion. Such acts bring joy to the perfected beings and instill fear in the sinful. Among these sacred places, Kanakhala is renowned throughout the three worlds. Bathing there assures heaven, and the śrāddha performed becomes imperishable. Invoking the presence of the illustrious Kavyavāha, Soma, Yama, and Aryaman, the pilgrim prays that these deities, protected by all, may come to receive the offerings. It is for the purpose of giving piṇḍa to them that the devotee has come to Gaya. After these rites, one should behold Gadādhara—Viṣṇu himself—for by this vision, all debts to the ancestors are dissolved. In that very moment, the pilgrim liberates himself and ensures the release of ten generations before and ten generations after, securing the spiritual welfare of his entire lineage.