On that auspicious day, a sense of deep satisfaction filled the heart of the noble Yudhishthira. He felt that his ancestors, too, were pleased, for the great sage had graced them with his presence and favor. Yudhishthira, ever reverent and wise, honored the sage with utmost respect. Yet, a question lingered in his mind. The sage, perceiving Yudhishthira’s confusion, spoke kindly: “Why are you troubled, O learned one? I have come here knowing all that you seek. Tell me briefly, by what means can one be freed from sins?” Yudhishthira, joined by the Kauravas, addressed the sage, “O foremost among sages, please declare to us the way by which one is freed from sin. In various circumstances, together with us, reveal the means of liberation.” The sage replied with warmth and clarity, “The pilgrimage to Prayaga is supreme for men. It destroys all sins. There, the blessed Brahma, the self-born, abides with the gods.” Yudhishthira, eager to know more, asked, “What is the destiny of those who die at Prayaga? What is the fruit for those who bathe there? This knowledge rests with you; please share it. Salutations to you.” The sage nodded, recalling the teachings he had heard from the great sages of old. “Those who die at Prayaga, having bathed, ascend 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 Prayaga here.” He continued, “The Sun, riding his seven steeds, always protects the Yamuna. Hari, revered by all the gods, protects the Mandala. The gods themselves safeguard this sacred place, which is auspicious and removes all sins. For one who remembers Prayaga, all sins are destroyed. Even by merely touching its mud, a person is freed from sin. The moment a person enters Prayaga, his sin is destroyed. Even one who has committed evil deeds attains the highest state. In the same way, O king, by bathing there, one is honored in heaven.” The sage spoke of the sacred confluence: “Reaching the meeting point of the Ganga and Yamuna, if one gives up life with effort, he attains his heart’s desires, so say the foremost sages. He, adorned with auspicious marks, 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 explained further, “Whether one is in his own land, in the forest, in a foreign country, or at home, he attains the world of Brahma, as declared by the sages. He reaches that world where seers, sages, and perfected beings dwell, and rejoices there with them, as a result of his actions here. Then, having fallen from heaven, he becomes a lord of Jambudvipa. Established in truth and righteousness through deed, mind, and speech, he is blessed.” The sage added, “Gold, pearls, or other gifts given likewise—if the pilgrimage is undertaken, it remains fruitless until its result is attained. In all occasions, a twice-born should remain vigilant.” He described a special offering: “A cow with golden horns, silver hooves, a cloth around its neck, and yielding milk—such a gift earns honor in Rudra’s realm for as many thousands of years.” Finally, the sage spoke of the tradition, “But according to the sage’s ordinance, as seen and as heard, mounted upon a bull, listen to the result of that as well.” Thus, the sage revealed the sacred glory of Prayaga and the fruits of pilgrimage, gifts, and virtue, guiding the noble Yudhishthira and the Kauravas toward the path of liberation and righteousness.