On the sacred banks of rivers and within the temples of the gods, a devotee bows in reverence and recites the Lord’s name. By this simple yet profound act, he attains the supreme goal. Now, the sages gathered and asked, “Tell us of the greatness of Prayāga, O virtuous one. Speak, O Sūta, you who know all meanings—what is the glory of Prayāga, where Brahmā, the Grandfather of all, resides?” Sūta replied, “As it was once told to Yudhiṣṭhira, so I shall relate it to you now.” Yudhiṣṭhira, overwhelmed by sorrow, had fainted, but soon reached Hastināpura and stood at the royal gate. There, the wise sage Markandeya was waiting, desiring to see him. Yudhiṣṭhira welcomed him warmly, saying, “Welcome, O greatly wise one! Welcome, O great sage! Today my ancestors are satisfied, for you, O great sage, are pleased with me.” Yudhiṣṭhira honored Markandeya, the noble sage, and Markandeya gently asked, “Why are you troubled, O learned one? I have come knowing all things.” Yudhiṣṭhira beseeched him, “Tell me briefly, by what means can one be freed from sins? Together with us Kauravas, O foremost of sages, in various situations, how can we be freed from this burden of sin? Declare this to us.” Markandeya replied, “The journey to Prayāga is the supreme path for men; it destroys all sins. There, the blessed Brahmā, the self-born, abides with the gods. What is the destiny of those who die there? What is the fruit for those who bathe in its waters? This is known to you, O sage; please tell me, and salutations to you. I have heard this properly narrated by great sages before.” Markandeya explained, “Those who die there, having bathed in Prayāga, go to heaven and are not born again. There are many other holy places that remove all sins, but I shall briefly declare the praise of Prayāga here. The Sun, with his seven steeds, always protects the Yamuna. Hari protects the Mandala, which is revered by all the gods. The gods themselves protect this place, which is auspicious and removes all sins.” He continued, “For one who remembers Prayāga, all sins are destroyed. Even by merely touching its sacred mud, a person is freed from sin. The moment one enters Prayāga, his sins are destroyed—even one who has performed evil deeds attains the highest state. In the same way, O king, by bathing there, one is honored in heaven.” Markandeya described, “When a person reaches the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā and, with effort, gives up life there, he attains his desired wishes, so say the foremost sages. He is adorned with auspicious marks and delights among beautiful women. As long as he does not remember his birth, he is honored in heaven. He is born in a prosperous family filled with gold and jewels.” He concluded, “Whether he is in his own land, in the forest, in a foreign country, or at home, he attains the world of Brahmā, so declare the foremost sages. He goes to that world where seers, sages, and perfected beings dwell.” Thus, the greatness of Prayāga was revealed, shining as the supreme path to liberation and heavenly joy.